Solicitor apprenticeship application tips: what I wish I'd known

Having completed my first year as a solicitor apprentice at Martin Tolhurst Solicitors, I have been reflecting on the application process and what I wish I had known before starting.

My biggest tips for applying for a solicitor apprenticeship? Stay organised, research each firm carefully and use real examples to explain your motivation and strengths. You do not need to have an extraordinary CV to tell a compelling story about your potential.

Balancing applications with revision, exams and everyday life can feel overwhelming. Each firm has its own recruitment process, which can make it difficult to know where to start. Here are the things that helped me, alongside a few lessons I learnt along the way.

1. Keep track of your applications and deadlines

One of the most useful things I did was create a spreadsheet to track my solicitor apprenticeship applications.

I used it to record which firms I was applying to, the stage I had reached and any upcoming deadlines. Having everything in one place made the process feel more manageable and helped me plan around revision.

Your application tracker could include:

• The firm’s name and a link to its apprenticeship information.

• Entry requirements and application deadlines.

• Your current application stage.

• Interview or assessment dates.

• Research notes and your next action.

Another small change that helped was creating a separate email address for applications. It meant I could find recruitment emails quickly without searching through my personal inbox.

Choose a professional email address and check it regularly, including the junk folder.

2. Research firms you can see yourself working for

It can be tempting to apply to every apprenticeship you find. However, sending more applications is not a substitute for taking the time to make each one thoughtful and specific.

A solicitor apprenticeship is a significant commitment. Martin Tolhurst’s programme lasts six years, so it is worth thinking carefully about the environment in which you want to learn and develop.

When researching a firm, look beyond its name. Consider:

• The areas of law it practises.

• Its approach to clients and the values it communicates.

• The training and support described in its apprenticeship information.

• Its office locations and your potential commute.

• What its people say about working there.

Ask yourself: Can I explain why this particular firm interests me?

You do not need to have your entire career mapped out. However, understanding what appeals to you about a firm will make your application more personal and help you decide whether it feels right for you.

3. Make your reasons for becoming a solicitor personal

“Why do you want to become a solicitor?” and “Why do you want to work here?” are questions worth preparing for carefully.

Broad statements such as “I want to help people” can be a starting point, but they do not tell a recruiter much about you.

Instead, explain what sparked your interest. Was it a subject you studied, an experience at work, a conversation or something you discovered while researching a legal issue?

Think about:

• What first made you curious about law.

• What you did to explore that interest.

• Why combining work with study appeals to you.

• How your interests connect with the firm you are applying to.

Your answer does not need to sound dramatic or impressive. It needs to be honest, specific and your own.

4. Show what your experience has taught you

When I started applying, I thought legal work experience would be the most important part of my application.

In my interviews, however, I was asked most about my part-time job, where I worked eight hours a week. That experience had helped me develop transferable skills and gave me plenty to talk about.

Legal work experience can be valuable, but do not overlook what you have learnt through paid work, volunteering, school responsibilities, caring responsibilities or extracurricular activities.

Rather than simply listing achievements, explain:

• What the situation involved.

• What you personally did.

• What happened as a result.

• What you learnt and how you could apply it at work.

For example, a part-time job might give you evidence of communicating with different people, managing competing tasks or staying calm when something goes wrong.

Strong grades matter where firms set academic requirements, but your examples also help recruiters understand how you work, learn and respond to challenges.

5. Give the finer details your attention

Proofreading might sound obvious, but it is easy to rush when several deadlines are approaching.

Before submitting an application, check that you have:

• Used the correct firm’s name throughout.

• Answered every part of each question.

• Checked spelling, grammar and punctuation.

• Stayed within any word limits.

• Included the requested documents.

• Followed the application instructions.

Reading your answers aloud can help you spot awkward wording or repetition. If possible, ask someone you trust to read them too, while keeping the final wording in your own voice.

Check the firm’s recruitment information for any tests or assessments so you know what to expect and can prepare.

6. Prepare for interviews without memorising a script

It is completely normal to feel nervous before a solicitor apprenticeship interview. Practising your answers can help you organise your thoughts and feel more comfortable talking about yourself.

Mock interviews are useful, particularly if you practise giving examples rather than memorising answers word for word.

I brought flashcards to my interviews with brief reminders of situations I could discuss. Short bullet points helped me remember the key details without sounding too rehearsed.

If you would like to use notes, check whether they are permitted. It is also fine to ask for a moment to think before answering a question.

For an in-person interview, plan your journey and allow time for delays. For an online interview, check your connection, camera and microphone beforehand. Follow any guidance the firm provides about dress and preparation.

Remember to prepare questions of your own. You might want to ask about study support, feedback or what a typical week looks like for an apprentice.

7. Let your personality come through

Looking back, my biggest lesson is that standing out is about more than grades or the amount of experience on your CV.

It is about showing a genuine interest in the firm, explaining what you have learnt and helping the interviewer understand the person behind the application.

You are applying for an opportunity to train. You are not expected to arrive knowing everything.

Be curious, be prepared and give yourself credit for the experience you already have. Applying felt daunting at the time, but becoming a solicitor apprentice has been one of the most rewarding things I have done.

Are you interested in a solicitor apprenticeship at Martin Tolhurst?

If you are exploring solicitor apprenticeships in Kent, Martin Tolhurst Solicitors offers a six-year programme combining practical work with academic study.

Applications for the next intake are scheduled to open on 01/01/2027 and close on 28/02/2027.

Visit our solicitor apprenticeship page for entry requirements, programme information and the latest application guidance.