Provenio Litigation LLP has launched a new law graduate solicitor apprenticeship programme in order to attract the very best legal talent to the firm.
From August 2022, rather than the more traditional trainee intake, Provenio’s future joiners will join a law graduate solicitor apprenticeship programme to study for the Solicitors Qualifying Examinations (SQE 1 and SQE 2) with The University of Law (ULaw).
During the programme, ULaw will provide subject-specialist support to the apprentices with supervised tuition, guidance and feedback from the university’s team of qualified solicitor tutors. One-to-one guidance and support will also be given by skills coaches with regular visits by the coaches to the workplace.
Provenio’s first graduate solicitor apprentices are Jack Enright, who studied law at the University of Liverpool and Lucy Baker who achieved a first-class Undergraduate Law (International) Degree from the University of Leeds, which included a year studying abroad in Melbourne, Australia.
Commenting on his new role Jack, who currently works as a paralegal at Provenio Litigation LLP, said:
“I had really positive experiences whilst studying of both experiential learning through the university, and through various placements in different environment. I knew quite early at university that I wanted to qualify in law. The question fell to whether to pursue a career as a barrister, or a solicitor. Whilst working after university, I realised that I really enjoyed having a clear structure and routine, and believe that this is easier to achieve as a solicitor.
“The new way of qualifying promises to be so much more accessible to both employers and future solicitors than the traditional route. The SQE offers opportunities for graduates to gain recognition for experience in a more flexible and realistic way. Studying for the SQE as a graduate solicitor apprentice means that firms are able to work with trainees straight away - rather than waiting sometimes 18 months to collaborate with their incoming LPC graduates. Practically, it means that I will be qualified in two years, rather than three, and will learn alongside working and earning, which are of course important considerations for many.”
Added Jack:
“I am really looking forward to getting into the cases, and I am excited to return to university to consolidate the practical skills I have been developing working part-time as a paralegal. I’ve really enjoyed being part of the team so far, and I am looking forward to being able to convert that into a full-time position.
“Provenio is a great fit for me. I’ve felt welcomed, valued and useful whilst working here. The niche nature of firm means that I am exposed to interesting and challenging work. I am supported in these endeavours by approachable, helpful supervisors and mentors, who are industry leaders. I look forward to continuing to expand my experience, and developing my skills whilst gaining further responsibilities at Provenio.”
Talking about her aspirations as a graduate solicitor apprentice, Lucy Baker said:
“I was confident that I wanted to work as a solicitor whilst at university. I really enjoyed the problem-solving aspects of the degree and I realised that I worked best in client facing roles after participating in pro bono work at the Leeds Welfare Rights Clinic. I also began to lean towards contentious law after taking a dispute resolution module during my year abroad, where I had opportunity to study the different pathways to resolving disputes, which also added to my interest of cross-border legal work.
“During my final year at university I was offered the position to join Provenio as a paralegal, initially to be working on the Business Interruption Claims process. Since then, my involvement at Provenio has been far larger than I initially thought, and I have had the opportunity to take on a variety of tasks in various high-value litigation cases. I have really enjoyed working in litigation as every day is different and there are always new things to learn and new challenges to face as we work with a variety of clients from different professional backgrounds. I couldn’t see myself working in any other area other than litigation!”
Continued Lucy:
“After receiving a traditional training contract offer from another law firm, I opted to take the graduate solicitor apprenticeship program with Provenio as it means that I can qualify earlier and receive a competitive salary alongside studying.
“I am excited to continue my legal career with Provenio as I have already gained invaluable experience and I am confident that continuing with the firm will allow me to gain quality legal expertise to climb to the top of the litigation career ladder.”
Commenting on the launch of Provenio’s graduate solicitor apprenticeship programme, founder and managing partner, Mark Goodwin said:
“We are excited to launch our new graduate solicitor apprenticeship programme.
“Lucy and Jack will have the opportunity to learn on the job, working on complex and high value dispute work alongside some of the country’s leading litigators who will support them in developing their skills and experience.
“From day one of their apprenticeship at Provenio, they will take on a high degree of responsibility whilst receiving extensive support. It is an exciting new route which will see them qualify as a solicitor in two years.”
Provenio Litigation LLP was launched in 2019 by a team of senior lawyers from DLA Piper to advise on high value and complex business litigation. Led by Mark Goodwin (Hall of Fame, Legal 500) the team has a proven track record for delivering outstanding results and is top ranked by the Legal 500.