Harith joined Dentons as a Solicitor Apprentice in 2020.

Being the world’s largest law firm, Dentons offered me with a plethora of opportunities and types of work I can get involved in. This is especially important to me as an apprentice, because it allows me to get a variety of experiences, and work with colleagues and clients across the globe.

Dentons also has a significant focus on Diversity and Inclusion, which is important to me as a member of an ethnic minority group.

The Solicitor Apprenticeship, in my eyes, offers a number of advantages over the traditional university-qualification route.

Not only does it allow me to get first-hand experience in a commercial workspace whilst studying the law, and ‘get my foot in the door’ (with the highly-competitive and limited spaces for training contracts); but it also provides me with financial independence at such an early stage.

I would have to say being able to independently manage a key due diligence process for a client over a number of months; dealing with a large number of queries and interacting with a number of colleagues and clients in various jurisdictions, was certainly a professional highlight of my apprenticeship thus far.

I have, at times, found managing Dentons work, the degree and my personal life quite difficult.

However, Dentons do appreciate that apprentices are studying whilst working and do respect the allocated 20% off-the-job time (amounting to a four-day working week). Time management is a skill which is certainly vital when completing a Solicitor Apprenticeship, and one that I am continuing to develop myself.

Give it your all. For your application you should certainly spend the time to ensure it is the best reflection of you and what you bring to Dentons.

The same applies for your interview, where in my opinion confidence is the most important factor, and can be assisted through preparation. And once you get the role, continue to seek out and get involved in as many opportunities as you can.