Thinking About an Apprenticeship at Attwells? Here’s What We Look For

Every year, one of the questions we’re asked most often by aspiring legal apprentices is:

“What are you looking for in an applicant?”

The answer may surprise you. We’re not looking for applicants with extensive legal knowledge or years of experience. Instead, we’re looking for people with the right mindset, enthusiasm, and potential to succeed.

A legal apprenticeship is a fantastic opportunity to build your career while earning and learning. Every applicant brings something different, but there are a handful of qualities that consistently stand out. Here’s what we look for and how you can demonstrate these qualities throughout your application and interview.

Motivation

Why it matters

Our legal apprenticeships typically last between four and six years, making them a significant commitment. The apprentices who gain the most from the experience are those who are genuinely motivated to build a long-term career in law and are committed to developing their knowledge and skills over time.

How to show it

Tell us your story. What first sparked your interest in law? Have your studies, work experience, volunteering, or personal research influenced your career ambitions?

There isn’t a right or wrong answer, we simply want to understand why you’ve chosen this path and why an apprenticeship at Attwells feels like the right next step for you.

Communication

Why it matters

Communication is at the heart of working in law. Whether you’re supporting clients, working alongside colleagues, or explaining complex information, strong communication helps people make informed decisions and builds trust.

How to show it

Think of examples where you’ve communicated effectively with others. This could include:

• Explaining an idea clearly.
• Listening carefully and responding thoughtfully.
• Adapting your communication style to suit different audiences.

Remember, your CV and covering letter are your first opportunity to demonstrate your written communication skills, so make sure they’re clear, well-structured, and free from errors.

Organisation

Why it matters

Balancing work and study is one of the defining features of a legal apprenticeship. You’ll often be managing multiple priorities and deadlines, so good organisation will help you stay on top of your responsibilities throughout your apprenticeship and beyond.

How to show it

Share an example of when you’ve successfully balanced competing commitments, such as:

• School or college alongside a part-time job.
• Studying while participating in sports or extracurricular activities.
• Managing multiple coursework deadlines.

Rather than simply listing everything you were involved in, explain how you prioritised your time, planned your workload, and stayed organised.

Collaboration

Why it matters

Legal work is rarely done alone. Success comes from working closely with colleagues, sharing knowledge, and supporting one another to deliver the best possible outcomes for clients.

The people who thrive at Attwells recognise the importance of learning from others while making a positive contribution to the team.

How to show it

Tell us about a time you worked with others towards a shared goal.

This could come from:

• School or college projects.
• Volunteering.
• Sports teams.
• Part-time work.
• Clubs or societies.

Focus on the role you played, how you contributed, what you learned, and how your teamwork helped achieve the overall result.

Curiosity

Why it matters

The legal profession is constantly evolving, so curiosity is one of the most valuable qualities an apprentice can have.

The best legal professionals don’t stop at the first answer. They ask questions, explore different perspectives, and actively seek opportunities to learn and improve.

How to show it

Tell us about a time you went beyond what was expected to learn something new.

This doesn’t have to be law-related. We’re interested in seeing evidence that you’re naturally curious, willing to ask questions, and eager to develop your knowledge over time.

Ready to Apply?

If you’re considering a legal apprenticeship, remember that we don’t expect applicants to have all the answers from day one.

An apprenticeship is designed to help you develop professionally, build your legal knowledge, and gain practical experience in a supportive environment.

If you’re motivated, curious, organised, and ready to learn, we’d love to hear from you.

Find out more about our apprenticeship opportunities and keep an eye on our careers page for future vacancies.