Legal apprenticeships are increasingly important in public law firms, offering a route into the profession that combines practical experience with formal study. At Invicta Law, apprentices are fully involved in casework from the start, learning by doing while being supported by experienced colleagues.
To mark National Apprenticeship Week (9-15 February 2026), we spoke to four of our current apprentices about their experiences – what motivates them, how they build confidence and what it’s like to grow as part of a specialist public law team.
Starting with real work
Apprentices at Invicta Law are quickly involved in live matters, handling documents, supporting case preparation, attending meetings and observing professional discussions with clients.
Kefa Reid, a Solicitor Apprentice currently training in the Community Care team, recalls a first experience that felt intimidating but taught her a great deal:
“I was contacted by a senior manager at a local authority about suggestions I’d made on a social work document. At first, it felt quite daunting, but it showed me that sometimes it’s clearer and easier to talk things through rather than rely on emails. It also made me realise that managers and social workers are just people who want assistance and clarification. Having a colleague attend with me helped me feel more confident, and the whole experience taught me that it’s okay to be learning on the job.”
Administrative Assistant Apprentice, Neve Cornford, also highlights how hands on work and feedback build confidence:
“The continuous feedback I receive from fee earners and my line manager has been hugely beneficial. Everyone is so willing to teach and mentor me, which helps me grow and really understand the processes we follow. Working across the Employment Team and the Practice Support Team has also helped, both are encouraging and supportive when things feel overwhelming.”
Growing responsibility
As apprentices progress, so do their responsibilities. They take on more complex tasks, often contributing to significant pieces of work while being supported by their teams.
For Senior Legal Assistant and Advocate Apprentice, Kelly Smith, the apprenticeship offered a way to move beyond theory and develop practical skills:
“For a long time, I’ve wanted to qualify as a Family Lawyer. I didn’t just want theoretical knowledge, I wanted skills I could apply, experience I could build on, and a clear sense that what I’m doing has real value. This apprenticeship is allowing me to grow and develop my skills alongside experienced professionals and understand my chosen field inside out.”
Flynn Silby, a Solicitor Apprentice training in the Employment, Privacy and Governance team, has seen his technical skills develop quickly, particularly in drafting detailed legal documents:
“Since starting, I’m particularly proud of my drafting skills. In my current seat I’ve been working on a detailed Scott Schedule-style document with supplementary papers, and I’ve been told several times that the work is impressive.”
Neve adds an example of taking on new responsibilities outside her core role:
“I’m particularly proud of being given the opportunity to trial new bundling software and provide insight into how it could benefit Invicta Law. It allowed me to use communication and organisational skills I’ve developed during my apprenticeship.”
Support that makes progression possible
All apprentices emphasise the importance of mentorship and team support. Kelly reflects on colleagues who encouraged her to believe in herself:
“The amazing support of Mikal Anderson and Pam McFarland gave me the confidence to pursue my dream. They invested time in building my confidence, and I will be forever grateful.”
Neve sums up the everyday impact of that support:
“Having great colleagues, like Kim, who have taught me so much, has made a real difference to my confidence. The continuous feedback and encouragement make all the difference.”
Kefa adds that being able to reach out for help whenever she needs it has strengthened her confidence and made day to day learning easier.
A route for different career stages
Apprenticeships at Invicta Law suit a variety of professional journeys. Some, like Kelly, are building on years of experience and using the apprenticeship to achieve further qualification; others, like Neve, are starting their legal careers and learning on the job from day one.
Both Kefa and Neve highlight how structured support and day‑to‑day learning help early‑career apprentices grow quickly.
“I can’t overstate the benefits of studying while working, because you’re able to apply what you have learned practically. It also helps you understand whether the career path you’ve chosen is the right one for you,” says Kefa.
Kelly reflects on the challenge of balancing work and study:
“Studying while working full time isn’t easy, especially in Child Protection, but I’ve embraced every moment and learned so much along the way.”
Flynn adds: “Balancing such in depth course material, anticipating mocks and assessed exams, as well as undertaking qualifying work experience can be very daunting, but with each day I grow in confidence.”
Apprenticeships that strengthen capability
From an organisational perspective, apprenticeships help develop capability in specialist areas of public law. Apprentices bring curiosity, practical thinking and digital confidence to their teams. Their involvement not only supports complex casework but also helps the firm plan and build a strong workforce for the future.
Flynn sums up the positive culture that underpins this development:
“Everyone has been so welcoming and helpful – I couldn’t have wished for a better group around me.”
Conclusion
Apprenticeships at Invicta Law combined structured study with practical, day to day legal work. They allow colleagues to develop technical skills, build confidence and take on real responsibility while being supported by experienced teams.
For the firm, apprenticeships strengthen capability in specialist areas of public law and support long term workforce development. For individuals, they provide a practical and accessible way to enter the legal profession and progress through it.
