Jenna is one of our first-year solicitor apprentices. In this blog, Jenna reflects on attending City Century Live! and what it was like to find herself on the other side of the event, sharing her experience with aspiring lawyers.
Published: 9 November 2026
Author: Jenna Surridge, Solicitor Apprentice
Almost two months into my Degree Apprenticeship at Shoosmiths, I had the pleasure of representing the firm at City Century Live! Manchester, an event designed to raise awareness of the different routes into law. For the first time, I found myself on the other side of the table, answering questions from ambitious Year 12 and 13 students. It feels both like yesterday and a lifetime ago that I was in their position, preparing to begin the application process myself.
The aspiration and enthusiasm throughout the room highlights how attitudes towards entering the profession are changing. There are now multiple routes into law, and more students than ever are actively exploring apprenticeships as one of them.
A recurring question throughout the afternoon was, ’What does your day-to-day look like?’ Many students were keen to understand the level of responsibility apprentices are given and how quickly they are able to contribute. I was able to explain that, even at an early stage in my apprenticeship, I am already involved in meaningful, hands-on work, from supporting live matters to producing documents and materials that are shared directly with clients.
These conversations reflected a shift in what many aspiring solicitors are looking for at the start of their careers: practical experience, opportunities to develop professional skills and the chance to make a meaningful contribution in the workplace from day one.
The discussions I had also reinforced a piece of advice I shared with prospective applicants: research the firm, not just the role.
The experience of any early-career pathway is shaped not only by the qualification itself, but also by the culture and opportunities offered by the firm behind it. My own experience has shown me the importance of finding a firm whose values, culture and approach to development align with your own aspirations. The route itself is only one part of the equation. The environment in which you develop is equally important.
On paper, my own pathway seems textbook: submitting applications during my A-levels and joining Shoosmiths the September after I finished them. In reality, it felt anything but straightforward. Looking back, it is easy to focus on the outcome rather than the uncertainty that came with the process itself.
Not long ago, I was asking many of the same questions as the students I met in Manchester. Returning to that environment gave me a valuable opportunity to reflect both on my own journey and the ever-evolving legal profession. While there is no single route into law, it is encouraging to see so many aspiring lawyers approaching their future careers with curiosity, confidence, and an openness to the opportunities available to them.
Interested in a future career at Shoosmiths?
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