Celebrating National Apprenticeship Week: Supporting the Next Generation of Legal Talent

National Apprenticeship Week is an important moment in our calendar – a chance to highlight the outstanding contribution that our apprentices make to Cartmell Shepherd and to the wider legal sector. This year, we are proud to celebrate the 12 apprentices currently developing their careers with us across a variety of roles, including six solicitor apprentices.

Apprenticeships play a vital part in widening access to the legal profession. They offer a practical, fully supported route into law, allowing individuals to earn while they learn, gain real experience and develop the professional skills needed for long‑term success. Our apprentices are valued members of the team from day one, bringing enthusiasm, new ideas and a real drive to progress.

Supporting Growth: Thanisha Sharma’s Experience

We asked Thanisha Sharma, Paralegal in our Wills, Inheritance and Probate team, to share her experience of support and development while completing her apprenticeship with Cartmell Shepherd.

“The encouraging and supportive environment I work in has greatly enhanced my learning and progression. Feeling so supported means I am never afraid to ask questions, and the extensive knowledge of those I work with is extremely helpful.”

“Claire Wilson and Claire Ackerlay have both impacted my development the most. Their experience and insight are invaluable. I sit in on almost all their client appointments and learn so much from observing them during these meetings. I couldn’t ask for more supportive mentors – they always encourage and help me to progress. I feel comfortable asking them anything and they always respond in a non‑condescending way. The feedback I receive on every task is extremely useful and has aided my development significantly.”

Thanisha’s experience perfectly reflects the culture we strive for: one where apprentices feel empowered, supported and confident to grow.

Apprentice Journeys: Laura Murphy’s Path Into Law

We also spoke to Laura Murphy, Paralegal in our Dispute Resolution team, about her decision to pursue an apprenticeship and the journey that led her into the legal profession.

“I didn’t really know what I wanted to do when I left school and I’ve always been a bit of a homebird, so the thought of going to university didn’t appeal. I studied for my Administration NVQ before getting my first job and then moving to Cartmells as a legal secretary in 2006.”

“Having my two children made me really think about my career. Being given the opportunity to continue working and earn a wage whilst learning on the job really appealed – it meant I could balance work, learning and family life.”

“Even though I had worked for Cartmells for a long time, I still felt nervous starting my apprenticeship. I did feel ‘at my age’ it wasn’t something I could do, but I passed my Paralegal Apprenticeship with a Distinction, and now that I’ve started my Legal Executive Apprenticeship I definitely feel more confident. It has really helped having the support of my department along the way.”

“I didn’t really know what I wanted to do when I left school and I’ve always been a bit of a homebird, so the thought of going to university didn’t appeal. I studied for my Administration NVQ before getting my first job and then moving to Cartmells as a legal secretary in 2006.”

“Having my two children made me really think about my career. Being given the opportunity to continue working and earn a wage whilst learning on the job really appealed – it meant I could balance work, learning and family life.”

“Even though I had worked for Cartmells for a long time, I still felt nervous starting my apprenticeship. I did feel ‘at my age’ it wasn’t something I could do, but I passed my Paralegal Apprenticeship with a Distinction, and now that I’ve started my Legal Executive Apprenticeship I definitely feel more confident. It has really helped having the support of my department along the way.”

“There’s a misconception that law firms are old‑fashioned and stuffy – but there is so much more flexibility now, and so many opportunities for learning and progressing your career. Being able to have a good work/life balance has also become much more important to me since having children.”

Laura’s story demonstrates that apprenticeships provide meaningful opportunities at any stage of life, offering development, confidence and long‑term career progression.

Our Growing Apprenticeship Community

We are proud to support apprentices across a range of roles, and currently have 12 employees working through their apprenticeships, including:

• 3 Business Administration Apprentices

• 1 Chartered Legal Executive Apprentice

• 2 Paralegal Apprentices

• 6 Solicitor Apprentices

Each apprentice plays a vital role in delivering excellent service to our clients and strengthening the future of our firm.

Our Commitment to Apprenticeships

Our commitment to apprenticeships is about more than bringing new talent into Cartmell Shepherd, it’s about shaping the future of the profession. Apprentices bring curiosity, adaptability and fresh perspectives. In return, we provide structured training, hands‑on experience, dedicated mentoring and a workplace culture built on support.

Watching our apprentices progress, build confidence and take on new challenges is one of the most rewarding parts of what we do.

Looking Ahead

As we celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, we want to recognise the hard work and achievements of all our apprentices. Their journeys demonstrate the strength of the apprenticeship pathway and the bright future of Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors.

We look forward to continuing to grow our apprenticeship programme and welcoming even more talented individuals into the legal profession.

If you are interested in starting a legal apprenticeship, please send your CV and covering letter to careers@cartmells.co.uk