Rutvi joined Historic Royal Palaces in August 2024 as a Paralegal Apprentice in the Procurement and Contracts Team, becoming part of HRP’s first ever apprentice cohort.
In May 2025, she progressed onto the Solicitor Apprenticeship, delivered in partnership with BPP Law School. She is working towards an LLB (Hons) in Law and Legal Practice and is preparing to sit the Solicitors Qualifying Examination, with the aim of qualifying as a solicitor upon completion of her apprenticeship.
Since joining, Rutvi has quickly become a valued member of the team and a real “breath of fresh air” at Historic Royal Palaces. She plays an active role in the charity and regularly contributes to helping shape HRP’s early careers programme. Her enthusiasm and inclusive approach have helped create a welcoming, supportive environment for fellow apprentices.
Why did you choose to do an apprenticeship?
I chose the apprenticeship route because I’ve always learned best through real experience. The chance to develop legal knowledge while applying it in practice really appealed to me, as I wanted to build strong foundations early – not just in law, but in the professional judgement and habits that develop in the workplace. After enjoying practical experiences like mooting and shadowing, an apprenticeship felt like the natural next step, offering the right balance of academic study and hands‑on legal work. Learning on the job gives me real‑time understanding and an authentic insight into the day‑to‑day realities of being a solicitor.
What have been the highlights of your apprenticeship?
One of the main highlights of my apprenticeship has been seeing the real‑world impact of my work. Early on, I supported the Lindt Gold Bunny Hunt at Hampton Court Palace, and watching it come to life for visitors was incredibly rewarding. Since then, I’ve had the chance to contribute to further public‑facing projects, including the Dress Codes exhibition at Kensington Palace and the Poppies Project at the Tower of London.
Beyond project work, another significant highlight has been being involved in organisation‑wide conversations. I was invited to take part in HRP’s strategy video on becoming a “Charity for Everyone,” which gave me the opportunity to advocate for more inclusive storytelling and greater diversity across the organisation.
Most recently, a standout milestone has been being shortlisted as a top 10 finalist for Legal Services Apprentice of the Year at the Multicultural Apprenticeship Awards 2025. As the only in‑house solicitor apprentice in the category, it was a meaningful reminder that impactful legal work can happen outside traditional law firms too.
Describe your experience doing an apprenticeship at Historic Royal Palaces.
My apprenticeship experience at Historic Royal Palaces has been incredibly positive and genuinely supportive. From the outset, I’ve felt like a valued member of the organisation rather than “just an apprentice”. HRP has built a strong, collaborative apprentice community, and the peer support – through our cohort, buddy system, and regular apprentice events – has been invaluable.
I’ve also received consistent support from my manager Camilla Beevor, our Early Careers manager David Jones, colleagues across departments, and even senior leaders. Their openness, flexibility, and willingness to mentor (including managers completing the mentorship apprenticeship themselves) have made balancing work and study truly manageable.
What makes HRP unique is how actively apprentices are included in the wider organisation. We’re encouraged to get involved in cross-departmental projects, attend organisational events, and contribute to discussions at all levels.
HRP is a forward-thinking, inclusive employer that genuinely invests in apprentices’ development, and I’m so proud to be part of the programme.
What advice would you give to someone considering the apprenticeship route?
My biggest piece of advice is to do thorough research. Look beyond company websites – explore their social media, read recent news, and, if possible, speak to current apprentices or employees. These insights give you a much clearer sense of the organisation’s culture and what day‑to‑day life is really like.
It’s also important to understand the role you’re applying for and whether you can genuinely see yourself doing that work. Take time to read about the responsibilities and how the programme is structured. This will help you choose the right path and feel more confident when it comes to interviews.
For anyone interested in law, don’t overlook in‑house roles. They offer a different perspective, giving you direct exposure to how legal advice shapes an organisation and the chance to work closely with a wide range of teams. From my own experience, the in‑house route can be incredibly rewarding.
Best of luck – and if you have any questions, feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn
