Gracie-Mae

Legal Solicitor Apprentice at TLT LLP – Bristol

About Gracie-Mae

My name is Gracie-Mae and I’m a Legal Solicitor Apprentice based in Bristol, currently working towards my Level 7 Solicitor Apprenticeship. At A-Level, I studied English Literature, Politics, Law and the EPQ.

1. What’s the #1 thing you love about your job?

I love getting real, hands-on experience alongside my studies. Instead of learning the law purely in theory, I see how it works in practice every day on live matters, with real clients, and alongside experienced lawyers.

2. What was the biggest challenge shifting from school to work?

The biggest challenge was taking on real responsibility — but that’s exactly what helped me grow the most!

3. How do you handle exams while working?

It’s not easy balancing work and exams, but if you’re organised and proactive, it’s achievable and it quickly shows you that you can handle more than you think.

4. What does your week actually look like?

Usually, I’m in the office 2–3 days a week and work from home for the rest, with one of those days being my study day. I really value that flexibility — it helps me balance work and exams, but I also love being in the office, surrounded by experienced professionals who support me, answer questions, and help me grow.

5. Why did you choose this over university?

I chose an apprenticeship because I wanted to learn in a practical way, not just through lectures and exams. I don’t have student debt, I earn a salary, and I gain real legal experience from day one. Being in the workplace means I can actually see how the law works in practice and physically try different areas of law before deciding what I enjoy most. For me, it felt like a more hands-on, flexible route that helped me grow in confidence while still working towards the same qualification.

6. What’s your go-to office lunch?

Most days it’s a meal deal or a soup from home, but we sometimes treat ourselves to the café across the road — their toasties are hard to beat!

7. What are you binge-watching or doing to relax right now?

I was loving The Traitors, so I’m a bit sad it’s finished, but I’m very excited for the new series of Bridgerton — sofa and cup of tea ready.

Top Tip

8. What’s one thing you wish you knew when you were 17?

Don’t feel like you have to have everything figured out at 17. I wish I’d known that it’s completely okay not to have a fixed plan and that university isn’t the only route to success. There are so many different paths you can take, and it’s fine to choose something that suits how you learn. Taking a different route, learning as you go, and even changing your mind along the way is all part of the process. What really matters is being open to opportunities, willing to give things a go, and trusting that you’ll grow and figure things out with experience.