In Year 13, George Hannah faced the same choice many aspiring lawyers do: attending university, doing an apprenticeship, or going straight into work. He chose the solicitor apprenticeship route because it offered hands-on legal experience alongside academic study, unlike the traditional path with the burden of university debt. 

Today, George is a solicitor apprentice at Lewis Silkin, and his journey offers a clear picture of what this route actually builds, not just in theory, but in practice. 

What the apprenticeship looks like day to day 

George’s apprenticeship combines structured study with real legal work. He has a dedicated study day each week for his undergraduate law degree, with lectures, pre-reading, and group work. Alongside this, he spends three days a week in the office. 

He currently works in the firm’s immigration team, supporting clients who want to work in the UK such as on skilled worker, or the international spokesperson visa route, to name a few. . His role involves drafting visa application forms, responding to client emails, and finding information clients request, while working closely with paralegals and associates across different offices. 

No two days look the same and that variety is where the learning accelerates. 

The skills he’s building (and why they matter) 

The biggest takeaway from George’s experience isn’t the job title. It’s the skills he’s developing early. 

First, written communication and attention to detail. Immigration work demands accuracy. Drafting application forms and client emails requires clarity and precision, where small mistakes can have real consequences. 

Second, research and process awareness. George learned primarily by shadowing colleagues and working with firm precedents and templates. Rather than blindly copying, he focused on understanding why documents are drafted a certain way, thereby building pattern recognition over time. 

Third, communication in modern law firms. George regularly works with colleagues based across the UK which has sharpened his ability to communicate clearly, respond promptly, and set expectations, especially when working remotely. 

He also emphasised curiosity as a skill in itself. Asking questions, taking notes, and keeping mental checklists. Those habits, more than formal training alone, helped him progress quickly.

For students reading this, the point is reassuring asmany of these skills can be built early, through part-time work, school responsibilities, volunteering, or online projects. 

Curiosity and legal AI 

Alongside his legal work, George developed a strong interest in legal AI, particularly how automation might affect junior roles that often involve repetitive tasks. He began posting on LinkedIn about his apprenticeship experience, then shifted his focus to how AI is being adopted across law firms. 

For George, legal AI sits at the intersection of two fast-changing worlds -  law and technology. As a junior lawyer, he sees both the risks and the opportunities clearly. 

He doesn’t believe AI will replace lawyers entirely. While firms such as Clifford Chance and Freshfields have reduced some junior roles, George argues that judgment remains irreplaceable. Clients pay for straightforward advice and direction - something AI still struggles to provide. Firms also need to protect their talent pipeline, or risk having no future leaders. 

Advice for Year 12 and 13 students 

If you’re considering a solicitor apprenticeship, George’s advice is practical: 

● Research firms properly. Go beyond surface-level information. Look at deals, podcasts, LinkedIn pages, and recent work. 

● Build a clear argument. Two or three strong reasons for applying are better than ten weak ones. 

● Use AI responsibly. Check firm policies and never submit raw outputs — AI should support your thinking, not replace it. 

● Don’t worry about legal experience. Use what you have. Make sure to quantify your impact and focus on what value YOU brought, instead of focusing on the team.

Final thought 

George’s journey shows that solicitor apprenticeships aren’t about being behind. They’re about building skills early, learning by doing, and recognising value in experience you already have. 

For students unsure whether the traditional route is right for them, this path offers a practical, credible alternative that lets them step into the profession without waiting years.