Apprenticeships Introduction Welcome to our Leeds Apprenticeship Recruitment Programme. It’s an exciting time for young people considering a career in Law, as the routes into the profession expand. At Plexus Law we recognise that the traditional route into law via University is not for everyone and for that reason we were one of the early adopters of the Legal Apprenticeship route. In September 2012 we recruited seven Legal Apprentices into our Leeds office and they are currently undertaking their two year Apprenticeship at the Firm. We are looking for new recruits to start in September 2013 at our Leeds office. This website will give you an insight into our Group as a whole, our legal divisions and the type of work we undertake in a variety of locations throughout the UK. At present, our Apprenticeship Recruitment Programme is only active at our Leeds office. We hope these pages will give you a good understanding of what to expect from a Legal Apprenticeship and our recruitment process.
The Law Firm of The Future www.plexuslaw.co.uk
Training Programme Our Legal Apprentices undertake a 2 year on the job training programme. During this time we rotate them around four teams within the business to gain exposure to different aspects of our legal work, administration and business support teams, such as Finance. Along side support and management from their immediate Team Leader, each Apprentice has an external mentor who meets with them approximately once a month to provide additional guidance and support. Our Legal Apprentices also undertake an NVQ Level 2 in Legal Business Administration which provides them with the foundation for a legal career. In addition they attend in house training programmes on legal and skills topics. As they progress through the programme, subject to individual performance and business need, there may be the opportunity for them to consider further qualifications for example, a higher level NVQ or a part time law degree.
The Law Firm of The Future www.plexuslaw.co.uk
Why did you choose an Apprenticeship? Dan I wanted to be earning and gaining experience as soon as I could.
and I believed doing something like this is pretty unique as not many other law firms offer a programme like this.
Emma Due to increased fees, I didn’t consider university to be an option for myself, so the opportunity to obtain qualifications whilst gaining hands-on experience working within a business environment was ideal.
Charlotte I decided to become a Legal Apprentice because it gives me the opportunity to learn things that I can put straight into practice. For me this is a much easier way of learning and also helps me understand how the company works.
Ailish I decided to become a Legal Apprentice because the scheme seemed like a good opportunity, and an alternative to University with potentially the same outcome.
Tom Being offered a practical job in a real work environment helped me display other qualities which are not reflected in Grades or UCAS points. Being an A+ student doesn’t automatically give you these skills; they can only be learned through experience in.
Shauna I think the Apprenticeship Scheme shows the practical side of law, something which a University can’t always teach. I also liked the idea of earning money at the same time
The Law Firm of The Future www.plexuslaw.co.uk
Sophie I decided to become a Legal Apprentice after finding out more about the different career routes. This seemed like the best option to progress within a legal career.
What do you do on a day to day basis? Sophie I am currently working in the Disease team. In a typical day I do mostly administrative tasks. Mainly dealing with the post, CRU tasks and chaser tasks. I am also doing tasks relating to the master files within the team. This involves updating the files when new information comes in, making new files and re-organising them. Emma I currently work within the First Response Unit and a typical day consists of opening new files, liaising with Court and Claimant Solicitors and handling and producing legal documents. Ailish I am in the Finance team. My role varies from day to day and I move around within the team; Office, Purchase Ledger, Billing and Client side. These involve different tasks from banking to billing. Dan
speak with Court’s, Claimant Solicitor’s, client’s etc. to request or pass on information or answer questions. I also deal with new instructions and pass them onto my Team Leader. Charlotte
I am in an Auto Litigation team, working in the settlement unit. I mainly log CRU, court orders, court directions, chase CRU, and book counsel.
I am currently working in the Costs department where my average day consists of incepting files, sending out invoices, logging post and sometimes applying for applications from the Courts.
Shauna
Tom
I am currently working in the Casualty department. This team processes claims brought against their client’s insured. On a day to day bais I log post and set tasks for other fee-earner’s or myself, I complete tasks on our case management system and I
I’m currently working within the Motor department. On a typical day it will involve incepting new files onto the system, dealing with Third parties who have been involved in an incident, chasing tracker reports and driver reports and the general running of the administration side of the team.
The Law Firm of The Future www.plexuslaw.co.uk
What is the highlight of your time so far? Dan EVERYTHING (literally everything I love this place), everyday is fun and I learn new stuff everyday. Ailish Being trusted to complete tasks on my own, and making friends with people around the office as well as in my team. This made me feel more welcome and made it easier to speak out if I had an issue. Charlotte I don’t really have a particular highlight as everything that I am doing is a completely new experience to me as I have come straight from college into full time work. Emma The support available from my colleagues, mentor and fellow apprentices. This has helped my transition from college into a legal environment and I am looking forward to my progression within the firm. Shauna I don’t really have a highlight of my time so far, everyday is so different so it is hard to choose one individual highlight.
The Law Firm of The Future www.plexuslaw.co.uk
Tom My time at Plexus so far has been great. The first few days are always daunting when you start new somewhere, but this feeling soon went away. New people are always starting so you’re never the ‘new kid’ for long. You feel more respected when you’re in the workplace, as apposed to being in college, and your work is too. Sophie I don’t have a particular highlight at Plexus so far as it is all a new experience and learning opportunity.
What we are looking for? We are looking for enthusiastic individuals who want a career in law. You should have 4 GCSE’s at grade C or above (including Maths and English). Subjects and grades at A-level are less important than strong interpersonal and communication skills, a positive work ethic, a desire to learn, effective organisation skills, an eye for detail and common sense.
Meet Us We are holding an open evening for parents and students on 25th February at 5.30pm in our Leeds Office. The evening will cover information about the Firm and the scheme and will provide you with the opportunity to meet some of our employees (including our Legal Apprentices). If you wish to attend please email sue.lenkowski@plexuslaw.co.uk
Recruitment Process Our recruitment process has two stages: 1. Submission of an Application Form and covering letter, 2. An Assessment Centre consisting of; • Group exercise • Numerical test • Written exercise • One to one interview
The Law Firm of The Future www.plexuslaw.co.uk
How and when to apply We are accepting applications from 15th March 2013 to 15th April 2013. Please note applications received after 15th April 2013 will not be considered. Step 1: Complete the application form. Step 2: Attach a covering letter detailing why you wish to become a Legal Apprentice and why you would like to work at Plexus Law. Step 3: Send your covering letter and application form either by email to sue.lenkowski@plexuslaw.co.uk or by post to Sue Lenkowski (Apprentice Scheme Co Coordinator), Plexus Law, Josephs Well, Hanover Walk, Leeds, LS3 1AB. We will be holding assessment centres in May 2013 and will be making offers to successful candidates by 12th June 2013. Those selected for a Legal Apprenticeship will start at the Firm with a 5 day induction in the first week of September 2013.
Click to download an application form and apply.
A PLY NOW The Law Firm of The Future www.plexuslaw.co.uk
Plexus Law is a trading name of Parabis Law LLP, a Limited Liability Partnership. Incorporated in England & Wales. Reg No: OC315763. Registered office: 8 Bedford Park, Croydon, Surrey CR0 2AP Parabis Law LLP is authorised and regulated by the SRA.