Bristows

A day in the life of… Ciara Redican, 1st seat 1st year Solicitor Apprentice

Once I decided that a degree apprenticeship was the right path, choosing the right firm became crucial; it would be the environment where I would be growing for the next six years. I wanted a place where learning felt safe and inspiring. Bristows stood out for the genuine enthusiasm everyone brings to their work. From attending the open evening to listening to firm podcasts, it was clear that everyone is not only knowledgeable, but also curious and eager to discuss and facilitate learning. Since starting, that curiosity and support have made learning on the job exciting; it is clear that my development matters to everyone, just as much as it matters to me. Coupled with Bristows’ focus on life sciences and technology, where a desire to learn and be challenged extends beyond the legal sphere, it was the firm’s culture of shared curiosity that made Bristows stand out as a place where learning is exciting.

Initially, I did worry that my lack of formal legal experience might be a barrier, both during the application process and once I joined the firm. It soon became clear, however, that an apprenticeship is designed to cultivate understanding from the ground up, and that curiosity and the ability to learn from all experiences are equally valuable. I also questioned whether I would fit my preconceived image of a law firm environment. At Bristows, it quickly became evident that different perspectives are valued, and that what unites everyone is genuine friendliness and enthusiasm. At every stage, people are genuinely interested in who you are and want to see you succeed. My advice to prospective applicants is to emphasise your own unique experiences and the lessons you have taken from them, rather than measuring yourself against others. The application stages may appear daunting; however, the process is a fantastic opportunity to learn about law firms, so it is important to enjoy it and to take away as much as possible from the experience.

My day-to-day continues to evolve week by week as I settle into the firm, but I have already been entrusted with significant responsibility. I begin each day by checking in with my supervisors to understand ongoing matters and to receive support in prioritising my tasks. So far, this has included preparing tribunal documents, joining client calls, emailing clients, and drafting settlement agreements, as I currently sit in the Employment team. Working alongside my supervisor allows me to ask questions and receive immediate feedback, which has accelerated my learning. Being immersed in legal language and surrounded by experienced lawyers has already provided substantial exposure. I also take part in training sessions with fellow apprentices, ranging from soft skills to insights into the firm’s operations, and I participate in know-how sessions, where trainees and I share legal updates and engage in open discussion with the team. My team also ensures that I have time to develop my legal understanding through watching seminars and reading practice notes, which enables me to pair theory with the practical application of what I am doing.

About the firm

Senior partner: Matthew Warren

Managing partner: Adrian Sim and Steve Smith

Other offices: Brussels, Dublin

Who we are: 

Bristows is the world’s leading specialist law firm for clients that innovate. Bristows is a European headquartered hub for litigation, transactions and advice throughout the world. Bristows does not work to billing targets and aims to recruit inquisitive minds, many with science and technology backgrounds.

What we do: 

Bristows focuses on dynamic, IP-rich sectors and has the expertise to solve a broad range of litigation, transactional and advisory challenges. The firm has a true cross-disciplinary practice encompassing its renowned IP, competition, regulatory, corporate and commercial, dispute resolution, IT, and data protection teams. The strength of each individual practice complements the others to provide a fully integrated and comprehensive service.

What we’re looking for: 

Bristows is looking for solicitor apprentices who are intellectually curious, analytical, detail-oriented and strong communicators. We value people who can work well in teams, think independently, take responsibility and show genuine enthusiasm for learning. We hope to find applicants who can demonstrate why Bristows specifically interests them, particularly our work in technology, intellectual property and commercial law.

What you’ll do: 

During the first four years of the apprenticeship, apprentices will rotate to different practice areas including Commercial IP/IT/DCL, Patent Litigation, Corporate, Tax, Employment and Competition. There may also be an opportunity to complete a client secondment to one of our many valued and well known clients. Your working week will consist of a day of study, provided by BPP, and four days working with the guidance of our expert lawyers, enabling you to put legal concepts you have learnt into practice straight away.

For the final two years, apprentices will join the trainee solicitor rotation and will be able to experience additional practice areas or return to one previously enjoyed, with the view to potential qualification.

Our apprentices often attend know how sessions and have monthly meetings with trainees from different departments to gain further knowledge on a wide range of topics, from basic skills up to interesting case studies and general advice.

Perks: 

Trainees receive the same full benefits package as full-time staff, which includes private medical insurance, life insurance, travel insurance, gymflex deals and access to our full suite of other lifestyle and wellbeing benefits.

Sponsorship

All tuition fees are funded by the firm and you will also earn a salary whilst working towards your qualification as a solicitor.

Seat options

IP litigation; Brands, design and copyright; Real estate; Corporate, tax and employment; Commercial disputes; Commercial IP/Commercial IT&AI/Data Cyber & Libel; Competition; Regulatory.

Diversity/inclusion