Written By:
Louise Howells
Partner
Blake Morgan
As a partner at Blake Morgan, I have seen first-hand the transformative impact apprenticeships can have on both the apprentices themselves and our business.
Apprenticeships offer an invaluable opportunity to harness and develop talent and improve diversity. They do this by ensuring that entry into the profession is accessible to all and remains relevant and relatable to future generations.
At Blake Morgan, we have long championed alternative routes into law, including the appointment of Legal Apprentices. We are proud that our commitment has been recognised with the Employer of the Year Award at the Cardiff and Vale College (CAVC) Apprenticeship Awards 2025.
Why apprenticeships matter
For years, university has been seen as the default pathway into the legal profession. However, there are now alternative routes into law, with apprenticeships offering an excellent alternative for students seeking practical experience whilst studying. Apprentices “earn while they learn” by applying their legal knowledge and developing their professional networks and hands-on skills.
At Blake Morgan, our apprentices work alongside experienced legal professionals. They handle real cases, develop key legal skills, and gain exposure to client work from day one. This approach benefits the apprentice and strengthens our firm by bringing fresh perspectives, enthusiasm, and new ideas, often energising the team they join.
Apprenticeships are one of the best ways to break down barriers to the legal profession. By offering alternative entry routes, we can support social mobility and create a more diverse workforce that better represents the communities we serve.
The apprentice experience at Blake Morgan
Hearing from our apprentices reinforces just how valuable these opportunities can be.
Lee-Angel Bennett, one of our legal apprentices, reflects:
“I was drawn to the legal apprenticeship route to gain real-world experience while studying. Every day brings something new, from assisting with transactions or preparing legal documents to attending client meetings. The apprenticeship has accelerated my professional growth and given me confidence in my abilities.”
Similarly, Georgia Edwards shares:
“An apprenticeship provides a head start in the legal profession. By the time I qualify, I’ll have years of practical experience. I’ve also had the chance to build strong professional networks early in my career.”
Lee-Angel and Georgia played a key role in organising the Social Value in Business Conference in 2024. This event brought together industry leaders to discuss corporate responsibility and community impact. They contributed to logistical planning, coordinated attendee engagement, and ensured the smooth running of key sessions on the day. Their hands-on involvement demonstrated how apprenticeships can provide apprentices exposure to high-profile projects, networking opportunities, and practical learning that benefits all involved.
Supporting apprentices for success
A strong apprenticeship programme requires structured support. At Blake Morgan, we provide:
- A dedicated supervisor and mentor
- Regular training and development sessions
- Opportunities to work across different legal departments
- Study and exam leave to support academic progress
We also encourage apprentices to take part in networking events, internal initiatives, and industry-wide discussions, helping them build essential soft skills such as communication, organisation, and teamwork.
Practical advice for businesses considering apprenticeships
Here are my key recommendations for businesses thinking about starting an apprenticeship programme:
Ensure buy-in across the organisation
A successful apprenticeship programme requires support from the entire business. Educating existing teams about the benefits and expectations of apprenticeships helps create a positive learning environment. It is essential to communicate how apprentices can add value in the long term and their day-to-day contributions. Encouraging managers to become mentors can help build a strong support system, ensuring apprentices feel integrated and valued within the organisation.
Provide structured training and mentorship
Apprentices often join straight from school or college, meaning they may need additional guidance as they transition into a professional setting. A well-structured onboarding programme can help them understand workplace expectations and develop professional behaviours early on. Assigning each apprentice a mentor or supervisor ensures they have a go-to person for support. This allows them to navigate challenges and develop their skills confidently.
Create opportunities for real-world learning
Giving apprentices responsibility from the outset helps them build confidence and develop essential skills. Real-world learning should go beyond shadowing; apprentices should be actively involved in projects, client interactions, and team discussions. Encouraging them to contribute to firm-wide initiatives and cross-functional teams provides valuable exposure to different aspects of the business and helps them develop a well-rounded skill set.
As we have found, apprentices can also be fantastic ambassadors for your organisation and naturally develop into mentors for your next intake of future talent.
Recognise and celebrate achievements
Apprenticeships are a long-term investment. Celebrating successes—whether big or small—helps apprentices feel valued and motivated. Internally, sharing their contributions through company updates, team meetings, or intranet stories helps to reinforce the positive impact they bring. Externally, showcasing their success through awards, press coverage, and social media raises the profile of your apprenticeship programme and strengthens your employer brand. Recognising progress through milestone celebrations, certificates, or even informal shout-outs in team meetings can go a long way in maintaining enthusiasm and engagement.
The future of apprenticeships in law
I am passionate about seeing apprenticeships expand across the legal sector. However, challenges remain. Funding and clear progression routes must be addressed at the policy level to make apprenticeships a more mainstream option.
At Blake Morgan, we are committed to developing and refining our apprenticeship programme to ensure our apprentices thrive. Investing in apprenticeships is so much more than a recruitment strategy; it’s a way to future-proof the business, nurture talent, and make the legal profession more accessible.
If your business is considering apprenticeships, my advice is simple: go for it. With the right support, apprenticeships can deliver enormous benefits for the apprentices and your organisation as a whole.
