Jean-Daniel

Solicitor Degree Apprentice at the University of Law

Meet Jean-Daniel

1. Hey Jean-Daniel! Can you give us a quick intro?

I'm Jean-Daniel, from London, and I’m currently in my fourth year of a Solicitor Apprenticeship.

2. Which university are you attending, and what qualification will you get at the end of your apprenticeship?

I’m studying at the University of Law and will qualify as a solicitor when I complete my apprenticeship.

Life as an Apprentice

3. What does a typical day look like for you?

I typically work around 8 hours a day, but it can sometimes stretch longer. My day-to-day involves drafting documents, doing research, presenting legal findings to fee earners, and bundling documents.

4. Do you work from home or the office?

I prefer being in the office every day, but I do have the option to work from home two days a week.

5. What’s been your favorite moment in the apprenticeship so far?

One of my favorite moments was visiting court and seeing how the legal process plays out in real life.

6. What’s the toughest part of being an apprentice?

The toughest part for me was starting during lockdown, which made it hard to settle in and build relationships. Learning new legal content remotely was especially challenging.

7. What’s the best perk of the job?

The firm has a cycle-to-work scheme that I’m excited to start using soon!

The Journey to Get Here

8. What subjects did you study in school, and how did they help you on your apprenticeship journey?

I studied Philosophy, Politics, and History in school, which helped develop my critical thinking and argumentative skills – both essential in law.

9. Why did you choose an apprenticeship over university?

I wanted to earn a salary, gain real-world experience, and build a professional network, which felt like a better fit for me than university.

10. Did anyone support you in finding your apprenticeship?

Yes, a teacher introduced me to the idea of degree apprenticeships, and I did my research from there. My parents were initially hesitant, but they supported me once they understood the benefits.

Finding an Apprenticeship

11. How many apprenticeships did you apply for?

I applied for five apprenticeships. The most difficult part was passing the Watson-Glaser tests, which required lots of practice. For the interviews, I prepared by studying strength-based and competency-based questions.

12. How did you find out about your apprenticeship?

I was lucky that my school regularly provided information about degree apprenticeships, which wasn’t common for everyone at the time.

13. What qualities helped you land your apprenticeship?

Being a passionate reader and developing strong persuasion skills through presenting ideas effectively were key qualities that helped me succeed.

14. What would you say is the hardest part about applying for apprenticeships?

For me, it was the Watson-Glaser tests. My advice to others would be to start practicing these tests at least four months before you apply.

Jean-Daniel's Top Tips for You

15. What’s the most important thing young people can do to land a top apprenticeship?

Develop your skill set early and focus on honing the necessary skills like organization, time management, and discipline. Networking is important, but you need to stand out by showcasing your unique experiences and skills.

16. What do you wish you had known before starting your apprenticeship?

I wish I had known that failure is normal and expected. It’s important to learn from setbacks rather than beating yourself up for not understanding things as quickly as others.

17. What’s one piece of advice you’d give to your younger self?

Work hard for the glory of God and those around you, and stay disciplined and persistent. The success you want won’t happen overnight, but it will come if you’re patient.

Fun Stuff!

18. What’s your favorite way to unwind after a long day?

I love going on long walks while listening to music or sermons. I’ve also recently taken up indoor bouldering, which has been a great way to relax.

19. What’s your typical lunch on the job?

Recently, I’ve been enjoying fruits and lots of water for lunch. Simple but refreshing!

20. What’s your go-to music for studying?

I enjoy a genre called Zouk, but lately, I’ve been listening to hymns while studying.