News

As Andre Cummings approaches his three-year anniversary at Duncan Lewis Solicitors, we sat down with him to reflect on his experience as a solicitor apprentice and hear more about his unique pathway into the legal profession.

What inspired you to pursue the solicitor apprenticeship route and why did you choose Duncan Lewis as the place to begin your legal career?

“I was drawn to the solicitor apprenticeship route because it offered the opportunity to gain real legal experience while working towards the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE). I’ve always been a hands-on learner, so the practical nature of this path really suited me.

“I chose to begin my legal career at Duncan Lewis because of the firm’s strong commitment to social justice and its dedication to serving diverse and underrepresented communities. Coming from a Caribbean background, issues of equality and access to justice are especially important to me. The chance to support vulnerable and marginalised individuals through meaningful legal work really resonated with my values. Working at Duncan Lewis has allowed me to grow professionally while contributing to causes I care deeply about.”

What kind of legal work are you involved in on a day-to-day basis?

“As a solicitor apprentice, my day-to-day work combines hands-on legal experience with academic learning in preparation for the SQE Some of my regular tasks include:

• Drafting legal documents such as client care letters, correspondence to local authorities, defences, and barrister briefs
• Preparing court bundles and attending hearings
• Taking part in the court duty solicitor scheme
• Meeting with clients
• Managing my own case files, which helps me strengthen key skills such as communication, ethics, and time management

“This practical experience has been invaluable in helping me grow both professionally and personally while building the foundation for qualification.”

What’s been the most rewarding part of your apprenticeship so far?

“The most rewarding part of the solicitor apprenticeship has been the ability to study the core modules in preparation for the SQE1 and SQE2 exams while gaining practical, hands-on experience. The combination of academic learning and on-the-job training means I'm constantly developing and deepening my understanding of how the legal profession works in real life, not just in theory

“Working in a legal setting while studying also puts me in a strong position when it comes to completing the required portfolio, as I have real experiences and casework to reflect on. That connection between study and practice makes the learning more meaningful and rewarding.”

How has Duncan Lewis supported your development as an apprentice?

“Duncan Lewis has been very supportive of my development throughout the apprenticeship. The firm fully complies with the day-release requirement, allowing me one day a week off the job to attend workshops, revise, and prepare for assessments. They also provide additional time off for exam days, separate from annual leave, which really helps ease the pressure.

“I’ve also benefited from regular guidance and support from my supervisor, the department director, and tutors from BPP. Each academic term, I have structured meetings with my supervisor and BPP work coach to review my progress, receive feedback, and identify areas of work that can support my portfolio. This level of support has played a key role in my professional growth and confidence as I work towards qualification.”

As Andre marks this important milestone, his journey stands as a testament to the value of alternative pathways into law and the impact of meaningful, hands-on experience. Over the past three years, Duncan Lewis has trained and supported over 110 trainee solicitors through both traditional training contracts and the SQE route, with around 45 new trainees joining in the past year alone. Since 2009, we have proudly held the Investors in People Gold Standard Accreditation, which commends our outstanding approach to developing future solicitors and offering diverse entry pathways into the profession.

We are also proud to be ranked first out of 110 top law firms across England and Wales in The Legal 500 Future Lawyers Guide for the exceptional level of client contact our trainees experience during their training. Our ongoing recognition in the guide also reflects our strong commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive working environment.

To find out more about choosing a career with Duncan Lewis Solicitors, watch our career pathway video here:

Duncan Lewis Solicitors

Duncan Lewis Solicitors, listed as one of the Times 200 Best Law Firms and regularly recognised as an ‘outstanding firm’ for diversity and inclusion, is a long-established leading law firm with multiple offices across London and throughout England and Wales. Headquartered in the City of London, the company is well-known for its excellence in people management, it holds the Investors in People Gold Standard Accreditation and is a paperless company that embraces employee hybrid-working.

For advice or assistance, get in contact today by telephone at 033 3772 0409.