Aisha joined HFW to start her solicitor apprenticeship in September 2025. Almost a year in, she reflects on her journey and what led her to pursue this pathway.
My journey as a Solicitor Apprentice so far has been varied and rewarding. Through different seats, I have been able to build on my understanding of legal practice whilst contributing meaningfully to the teams I have worked in. I have been involved in drafting, legal research, using firm systems and applications, liaising with colleagues, as well as gaining insights into client pitching/development and fees.
I chose HFW as it is a firm known for excellence, innovation and a clear commitment to social responsibility, all of which strongly appealed to me when I was considering where to build on my legal career. I was also attracted to the firm’s strong commercial focus across sectors such as shipping, aviation and insurance, and its market-leading reputation across those key practice areas. Having previously gained experience in two commercial real estate teams, I had an informed view of the profession and knew that I wanted to join a firm where I could develop in a practical and challenging environment, that would give me exposure to high profile cases and transactions. HFW’s commitment to diversity, inclusion and social mobility, demonstrated through initiatives such as Aspiring Solicitors and PRIME, also aligned closely with my own values, as I enjoy being involved in initiatives to help others.
My apprenticeship has helped me grow both personally and professionally. It has improved my confidence, communication skills and ability to manage responsibility, while teaching me how to balance work and study effectively. I have refined my organisational skills, attention to detail and have developed a clearer understanding of what it means to work as part of a team, asking thoughtful questions to support my learning in different seats. Being exposed to professional practice at an early stage has accelerated my development and helped me connect what I learn academically with how solicitors work in practice.
I chose the apprenticeship route over the traditional route as I have always enjoyed learning. I was inspired by the chance to combine structured academic development with practical, hands-on experience. Rather than learning in isolation, my apprenticeship has allowed me to develop my legal knowledge in real time while contributing to the workplace. The route reflects my values of hard work, collaboration and continuous development, giving me the opportunity to start building the foundations of my career from day one in the office.
