Hamza

Solicitor Apprentice | Degree Apprentice at BPP University

Meet Hamza

1. Hey Hamza! Can you give us a quick intro?

I’m Hamza, a fourth-year solicitor apprentice at Norton Rose Fulbright LLP. I’m currently working in the Antitrust and Competition team and studying towards my LLB Law degree at BPP University. It's a six-year programme, so I'm in it for the long haul!

Life as an Apprentice

2. What’s life like as a solicitor apprentice?

I spend most of my week working on real legal cases. I've helped with huge deals, flown across the world for client meetings, and tackled everything from cheese markets to global airlines.

3. How much time do you spend studying?

20% of my time is spent studying – basically every Monday I go to lectures on LLB modules like contract law. But mostly I learn on the job working with colleagues.

4. What's been your proudest moment so far?

Definitely working on Ethiopia’s first-ever private telecoms licence. It was a huge project, and knowing I was part of it is mind-blowing.

5. Has anything surprised you about being an apprentice?

I’ve been able to get involved in humanitarian work, like building sustainable communities in Cambodia. I never thought I’d do something like that through my apprenticeship.

6. What's the hardest part about being an apprentice?

Balancing study and work. It’s a juggling act, but you get better at managing your time. It helps when you’re passionate about both sides – the learning and the real-world work.

7. What's one misconception people have about apprenticeships?

That they’re somehow ‘less’ than traditional degrees. Trust me, the experience and growth you get from a degree apprenticeship are fantastic. You’re learning and working at the same time – best of both worlds.

The Journey to Get Here

8. How has your apprenticeship helped you grow?

I’ve gone from starting every email with ‘Dear [Last Name]’ to advising clients at some of the biggest organisations in the world!

9. Did you have a mentor - or did you find your own way?

When I was applying, legal apprenticeships were pretty under the radar – I had no connections to the industry except those I made myself through LinkedIn.

Finding an Apprenticeship

10. How did you find out about apprenticeships?

By chance! I happened to sign up for an insight day and apprenticeships were mentioned in passing. A few months later I got an email reminder and I thought I’d start looking into what was out there.

11. How did you end up in law?

I’d never heard of legal apprenticeships until I started Googling. It was a complete pivot – I was all set for a degree in Medicine!

12. What was it like applying for an apprenticeship?

Tough! Legal apprenticeships were rare, and I didn’t have connections. But eventually, I got two offers. Persistence pays off!

Hamza's Top Tips for You

13. Why should someone consider a solicitor apprenticeship?

If you’re driven, love variety, and want to work on real-world projects while studying, it’s a no-brainer. It’s challenging, but if you enjoy it, the rewards are huge!

14. Any advice for getting an apprenticeship?

Don’t stress about having legal experience – I didn’t. Focus on the skills you’ve developed elsewhere – whether it’s from a part-time job or a hobby. It’s all about making your experiences relevant.

15. What's the best advice you've been given?

Someone once told me, ‘Everyone has their own book of business.’ Basically, everyone learns and works differently, so it’s important to figure out your own way of doing things – don’t just follow others blindly.

16. What's your proudest achievement?

Helping to create ACE Insights – an apprentice-led organisation to give students mentorship and advice if they’re thinking about applying for an apprenticeship. We’ve organised amazing events and connected with apprentices at big companies like Microsoft, Deloitte, and Cadbury’s.

17. What's one thing you wish you knew before starting?

It’s okay not to have all the answers. You’re there to learn, and everyone’s been where you are.

18. Any tips for handling pressure?

Take it one day at a time. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, especially with deadlines and exams, but focus on small wins. And don't forget to take breaks – seriously!

Fun Stuff!

19. What’s your favourite hobby outside of law?

Gaming. I’m a proud Dark Souls 3 veteran – finding the time to become a lawyer AND an Elden Lord isn’t easy!

20. Tell us something quirky about yourself?

My childhood nickname was ‘Book Hamza’ because I always had my nose in a book! I still love reading – although my Goodreads account tells me I’m behind on my goal.