Degree apprenticeships in Law in Northern Ireland

Chloe Allen, Legal Apprentice

What made you choose a LL.B Degree Apprenticeship over traditional LL.B course?

Ultimately, it was the prospect of getting a head-start on my legal career. Combining both professional experience and the opportunity to gain a degree-level education, whilst earning a salary seemed like an exciting opportunity and has allowed me to add structure and direction to my career and day-to-day life.

Can you describe a typical day in your apprenticeship?

Although cliché, no two days in the office are the same. The global nature of the work we do at Citi keeps things exciting and every day is an opportunity to learn something new. Central to my daily workflow is negotiating contract terms with clients from across the globe. This involves replying to emails, conducting research, and drafting agreements, which, paired with a few coffee breaks and chats with colleagues and friends, makes for an interesting day!

What kind of tasks or responsibilities do you handle as part of your legal training?

A key part of my role is drafting, reviewing, and negotiating legal documents to ensure all stakeholders and regulatory requirements are satisfied by the components of the contract. Often this involves communicating with various areas of the business within Citi, as well as the respective clients.

How does on-the-job learning compare to classroom-based learning?

Whilst classroom-based learning remains an essential component to upskilling, being able to see the theories and principles taught in the classroom applied to real-world scenarios provides me with a broader and incomparable understanding. On-the-job learning allows me to not only expand my legal knowledge but also teaches me how to conduct myself within the industry, something that few will experience before they graduate. I find that practical learning is a much more engaging way to learn and helps me retain information better.

To date what has been the most rewarding and most challenging part of your apprenticeship?

I think the most challenging aspect of my apprenticeship has been balancing my studies and work however, I quickly realised that time management and organisation are key skills to continually develop throughout the course. Looking back and comparing my knowledge to when I first started my job is extremely rewarding and makes me excited for how much I can grow and develop in the coming months and years.

Sameera McMullen, Legal Apprentice

What made you choose a LL.B Degree Apprenticeship over traditional LL.B course?

I choose a LLB degree apprenticeship because I wanted to gain real-world legal experience while studying. This pathway allows me to earn while I learn, avoiding the financial burden of tuition fees and student debt whilst working in a legal environment four days a week and studying one day per week. The apprenticeship helps me develop practical skills, build industry connections, and fast-track my career by gaining firsthand knowledge that a traditional LLB course might not offer. It offers an all-round beneficial experience where I can grow and develop both as a student and a legal professional.

Can you describe a typical day in your apprenticeship?

In my legal apprenticeship at Citi, I work within the Markets Legal Contract Management department, focusing on ISDA negotiations. My typical day involves reviewing agreements, participating in strategy meetings, negotiating contract terms with counterparties, handling remediation tasks, and drafting new agreements. I collaborate with legal teams to ensure compliance, refine documents, and track approvals, all while continuously learning about market trends and regulatory changes. My work is varied and interesting with new skills learnt and developed day by day.

What kind of tasks or responsibilities do you handle as part of your legal training?

As part of my legal apprenticeship, I manage a range of legal tasks that help develop my practical expertise in contract law and negotiations. My responsibilities include negotiating ISDA Agreements, Contract Management and Remediation, Legal Risk Assessment, stakeholder collaboration and much more. My overall role and responsibilities allow me to apply legal theory in real-world scenarios, enhancing my understanding of contract law while building essential negotiation skills.

How does on-the-job learning compare to classroom-based learning?

The two are incomparable. Personally, I prefer on-the-job learning because it allows me to apply legal theory in real-world situations. Unlike classroom-based learning, which is more theoretical, my apprenticeship helps me develop practical skills like negotiation, risk assessment, and stakeholder communication. I am also able to build valuable network connections and learn to adapt to real legal challenges, making my training more dynamic and career focused.

To date what has been the most rewarding and most challenging part of your apprenticeship?

The most rewarding part of my LLB apprenticeship has been the opportunity to apply legal theory in a dynamic, corporate environment within Citi's legal department. The exposure to complex financial legal matters has significantly enhanced my practical understanding of corporate law, regulatory compliance, and risk management. Working alongside seasoned legal professionals across the globe has been invaluable. Engaging with experts in different jurisdictions has broadened my perspective, deepened my legal knowledge, and refined my ability to navigate international regulatory frameworks. I have been trusted to manage important legal work from an early age which has instilled confidence and provided early exposure to the realities of high-stakes legal practice.

Furthermore, being chosen to speak at a university panel advocating for the apprenticeship pathway was a particularly fulfilling moment. It allowed me to share insights from my own journey, highlight the advantages of hands-on learning, and inspire future legal professionals to consider alternative routes into the field. This experience reinforced my belief in the value of apprenticeships and strengthened my ability to engage in legal discourse at a professional level.

Balancing rigorous study with workplace demands is challenging but extremely rewarding. The apprenticeship requires an important level of discipline, adaptability, and time management, as legal apprentices must meet academic requirements while contributing meaningfully to their firms. Publicly representing the apprenticeship model also comes with the responsibility of articulating its benefits clearly and effectively, which has pushed me to refine my advocacy and communication skills. The experience has strengthened my ability to navigate legal environments with confidence, making the apprenticeship pathway an invaluable journey.