Attracting and retaining the best people is a top priority for organisations, and in traditional sectors such as law, this has meant taking a fresh approach to recruiting and developing future talent.
Pioneering this talent acquisition revolution is corporate law firm Addleshaw Goddard, whose approach has been to create new routes into the firm that previously didn’t exist. These include apprenticeships, for those interested in a legal career who didn’t think one was possible, and new pathways for women who left law careers to have families and subsequently struggled to return.
Mike Potter is head of Addleshaw Goddard’s Transaction Services Team (TST) of paralegals, managers and apprentices that has been the catalyst for the new talent pipeline. He says: “If we want to increase our talent pool we need additional pathways bringing people from diverse backgrounds into the profession. Our approach is proving hugely beneficial, both for the individuals and the firm.”
A key milestone was the launch of a legal apprenticeship programme in 2013 as an attractive alternative to university for talented young people who want a career in law via a vocational training route. To date 22 apprentices have joined the TST, with the first group of ten qualifying last year. One of them is Jamie- Lee Harris. At college she was unsure about her career plans, but as she watched her fellow students head to university she had no desire to join them. Among the various career options she considered were apprenticeships.
She says: “I specifically looked at law apprenticeships, and while most were business and admin focused Addleshaw Goddard’s programme focused much more on the legal side.”
Throughout the two-year programme Jamie-Lee gained valuable experience in various divisions within the firm, including helping with preparations for a major case. Since completing her
apprenticeship she has joined the TST’s newly formed technology team, looking at making best use out of existing and new technologies. In this role she has performed at a very high level, hosting meetings with a key client, without the presence of other lawyers.
My apprenticeship and my current role have provided amazing opportunities that I wouldn’t have had elsewhere… I love what I’m doing and my prospects with the firm are excellent
“My apprenticeship and my current role have provided amazing opportunities that I wouldn’t have had elsewhere. I have friends who’ve graduated from university, struggled to find jobs, and have a lot of student debt. I have had none of that. I love what I’m doing and my prospects with the firm are excellent.”
Marcus Lunt also completed his apprenticeship last year. He also found the traditional university route, with the fees and time without a salary, similarly off-putting. “The route I’ve chosen minimises the cost of training and the time to start earning, whilst giving me recognised qualifications and hands-on experience. This is a win-win situation in my eyes,” he says.
The first cohort of graduate apprentices from Addleshaw Goddard
Addleshaw Goddard is achieving impressive results in facilitating a return to law for women who’ve been away for several years. Through their innovative Returner Programme, they can re-experience life in a commercial law firm, build their network, and develop new skills. For Sue Bentham, who had spent 22 years away from the legal profession to raise her family and was keen to return, it signposted her to the route back in that she had been looking for.
She says: “After attending the programme, the firm contacted me to ask if I was interested in exploring a different career path within the TST. I was and I joined as an associate last year. It has
given me a fantastic opportunity to build up my legal knowledge, develop and use new skills, and work with young people, helping them become better paralegals. The move has also done my confidence a power of good.”
This expansion of routes into the legal profession is something that Addleshaw Goddard is developing further by recruiting apprentices into the business services team.
Mike Potter says: “Our fresh approach to recruitment and the development of talent has worked very well for us, and we see that continuing, not just across our firm, but the profession as well. It is exciting to see people join our team, whatever their background, and gain the skills and experience that are highly sought in a changing legal profession and enable them to advance their careers in our team.”
For further information please consult our website addleshawgoddard.com
