Horwich Farrelly doubles apprentice intake

Manchester-based firm, Horwich Farrelly, has expanded its apprentice intake to offer an alternative route to qualification.

Ten new legal apprentices have been taken on this year, highlighting the commitment shown by law firms in the North West to invest in training for the next generation of lawyers.

Lead partner Claire Fox believes the programme gives the young hopefuls the opportunity of a 'promising career' in law.

'We launched our apprentice scheme in 2013, offering young people an alternative to the traditional degree route by delivering hands-on experience, underpinned by a qualification,' commented Fox.

'This initiative aims to bring a diverse range of talent to our firm by attracting people who may not previously have considered a career in law. All of the five apprentices we took on in 2013 have now completed the two year programme and moved on to permanent fee-earning roles, putting them on the path to a promising career.'

The firm has legal apprentices in its Manchester and Liverpool offices, with plans to expand the programme to Sheffield and Cardiff as well as impeding two further apprentices in London later this year. Liam Crank, who joined the inaugural scheme said: 'The training created a firm foundation, allowing me to learn as I worked, making it a very engaging and rewarding experience.'

Among this year's intake is 18-year-old Nicola Bell, who had previously never considered herself having a legal career.

' The hands-on training is already giving me the confidence I need to think about how I want to develop my career, which is exciting and motivating,' she said.

Many of the firm's apprenticeships are run in partnership with Manchester Metropolitan University's (MMU) Law School. The legal services apprenticeship scheme combines on-the-job learning with the University's legal studies, earning Level 3 and Level 4 qualifications.

Commenting on the success of partnership with Horwich Farrelly, Liz Gorb, director of apprenticeships at MMU, said: 'It's been extremely encouraging to see how the firm's partners and those who have already completed the apprentice scheme have worked together to raise awareness of this innovative route into law to other young people and their parents.'

Matthew Rogers is an editorial assistant at Solicitors Journal matthew.rogers@solicitorsjournal.co.uk