Muhammad, a Level 7 Solicitor Apprentice at Shoosmiths, shares how digital tools and AI are transforming the legal profession – and why embracing technology early can help apprentices streamline tasks, boost learning and stay ahead.
Published: 19 January 2026
Author: Muhammad Ibrahim
Embarking on the path to becoming a solicitor is a demanding journey and pursuing it through an apprenticeship can bring unique challenges.
Balancing work, study, and career progression requires focus and adaptability. Today, technology is at the heart of that experience - transforming how applications are made, how learning is delivered, and how legal work is managed.
Digital innovation isn’t just streamlining processes; it’s redefining what it means to be effective in a modern law firm.
For those starting out in the profession, it is important to understand how things are changing. Becoming comfortable with new technology early on helps apprentices succeed in today’s workplace and prepares them the future of legal practice.
The application process
For aspiring solicitor apprentices, technology often plays a role well before they step into a law firm. Candidates are increasingly encouraged to use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to guide them through the application process, whether that means:
- crafting a compelling CV.
- refining a personal statement.
- or shaping confident, well-structured answers to key questions.
These tools do not just make the process easier; they help applicants present themselves with clarity, professionalism, and a competitive edge.
Early engagement with AI does more than improve chances of success. It signals the future of legal practice and gives apprentices a head start in understanding how deeply digital solutions are woven into the profession. What begins as a helpful resource for applications soon becomes a foundation for their career, reinforcing that technological fluency is no longer optional but essential for building a successful legal path.
Effective learning
Studying during a solicitor apprenticeship takes planning and discipline. Apprentices have to balance their time between responsibilities in the firm and academic studies, often managing a full workload alongside preparation for assessments. Managing both sides of the role means staying organised and finding strategies that genuinely help.
AI can make a meaningful difference here. Tools that break down complex legal texts, help structure revision notes, or generate practice questions can make learning more manageable and far more efficient. AI does not do the work for you, but it does help you focus your effort where it counts, turning study sessions into something more structured and less overwhelming.
By bringing technology into their study habits early on, apprentices reduce pressure while developing skills that reflect the realities of modern legal practice. At this point, using AI isn’t just a nice extra; it is a practical advantage that supports long-term success.
Day-to-day role
Technology is not just a study aid – it is becoming an integral part of day-to-day legal work. As an apprentice, you’re expected to navigate large volumes of information, produce clear written work, and communicate confidently with colleagues and clients. AI can make these responsibilities more manageable and efficient.
When faced with a lengthy report, AI can distil the content into a clear, accessible summary without losing nuance. When refining writing, intelligent tools can help sharpen tone, structure, and precision so messages come across with greater clarity. And as firms continue to integrate AI into tasks like document management, knowledge sharing, and workflow coordination, these tools naturally become part of how you work, not just something you use occasionally.
AI is not here to replace your judgement; it is here to enhance it. Learning when and how to use these tools builds habits that set the foundation for long-term success.
The risks
While AI offers powerful advantages, it is important to approach it with care. These tools can support your work, but they are not infallible. They can still make mistakes, and in law, accuracy is non-negotiable. Overreliance on AI can dull critical thinking and risk errors if its output is accepted uncritically.
Instead, treat AI as a partner rather than a replacement: it can help with research, drafting, or organising information, but the ultimate analysis and judgment must come from you. Every result should be carefully reviewed and verified to meet professional standards.
Used wisely, AI enhances efficiency without compromising quality. Technology is a tool, not a substitute for discernment, and the real strength comes from combining its capabilities with your expertise, ensuring work that is both accurate and authentically yours.
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