Jack Bray

Jack is an apprentice solicitor in our Leeds office. He talks about how he balances work and studying as a graduate apprentice.

Why did you choose to do an apprenticeship?

I chose to apply for the graduate solicitor apprenticeship because it offered the perfect blend of practical experience and academic learning. I wanted to immerse myself in the legal profession from day one, gaining first-hand experience while also working towards completing my SQE. As I’ll solely be in the Leeds corporate team throughout my apprenticeship, this route to qualification allows me to build upon and develop my knowledge of corporate law from my undergraduate and postgraduate law studies and put this into practice. It also enables me to build relationships with corporate colleagues and colleagues in different NSLs across the firm, meaning I’ll be able to make a valuable contribution across the offices and get involved in a variety of M&A transactions.

What does a typical day look like for you at Mills & Reeve?

A typical day as a graduate solicitor apprentice in the Leeds corporate team is dynamic and engaging. My responsibilities vary, from drafting documents and conducting legal due diligence to attending client meetings and collaborating with colleagues on ongoing M&A transactions. I also allocate time for my SQE studies in the evening, with a dedicated study day each week to focus on my coursework and exam preparation.

What’s the best part of your apprenticeship?

The best part of my apprenticeship is the opportunity to work alongside experienced colleagues who are passionate about their work. Their mentorship and guidance have been invaluable in helping me develop my legal skills and confidence since starting as a graduate solicitor apprentice in September 2024. I also enjoy cross-office working on a number of transactions; most recently, I’ve worked on M&A transactions in the health and care sector with colleagues in the Birmingham office.

What’s one of the biggest challenges that you’ve had to overcome in your apprenticeship?

One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced during my apprenticeship is balancing work and SQE study commitments. Corporate can be fast paced, especially when working towards a completion deadline. This requires effective time management and prioritisation to ensure that neither aspect is neglected. I have Monday as my “off the job” study day, but often I need to put in extra hours on weekends or evenings. However, this challenge has also been a great learning experience, teaching me resilience and managing expectations. The support from my colleagues and my supervisor has been crucial in helping me navigate these challenges.

What would you say to anyone thinking about an apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship offers a unique opportunity to gain practical experience while working towards qualification. It’s a fantastic way to learn, grow, and build a professional network from the start of your career. As a graduate solicitor apprentice, I’ll spend the entirety of my qualifying work experience within corporate. So, I would say that you should fully consider whether you want to experience different seat rotations prior to qualifying, like through the traditional training contract route. I have previous experience in commercial litigation at a different national firm, and soon realised that corporate law was where my interest lies. If you’re enthusiastic about an area of law, I would absolutely consider applying to be a graduate solicitor apprentice.

I’d also say be prepared to work hard, as studying for the SQE while working in an often-demanding environment does require study during personal time. However, know that the rewards are well worth it. The skills and experiences you gain will set you up for a fulfilling career at a great firm!

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