Meet the apprentice: Edie Janaszek

What’s it like being a graduate solicitor apprentice?

I’ve been at Hill Dickinson since December 2021 and recently began my training contract via the firm’s new Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship Programme, introduced in 2022.

The two-year programme gives me valuable hands-on experience of a training contract combined with one day a week working towards the Solicitors’ Qualifying Examination (SQE). The fact that it incorporates both aspects means that I haven’t had to take a career break or extend the period and cost of study required to become a qualified solicitor. It’s a great example of how pathways into the law are becoming more accessible to a wider range of entrants.

I’ll spend the first year of the apprenticeship experiencing two different areas of the law and studying towards my qualification. The second year will give me the opportunity to move into two further areas, while sitting my SQE 1 and SQE 2 exams.

My previous work experience was in a very different area of law, but I’m really happy that my first proper apprenticeship seat is as part of the Shipping team in Liverpool under the guidance of Colin Lavelle - it’s great to see how incredibly vibrant and diverse the maritime sector in Liverpool is.

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Why did you apply to Hill Dickinson?

The ‘authenticity’ of the firm played a large part in my desire to work at Hill Dickinson. The firm is known to many for its illustrious maritime credentials, of course (Titanic, anyone?), but maritime is just one part of the services we offer as a full-service commercial law firm. I was attracted by the firm’s great reputation, its client base, the fact that it has an international presence and by its deeply embedded work-life balance culture.

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Tell us about a typical day as a graduate solicitor apprentice

The tasks I work on vary every day (perks of the profession); one day I could be drafting a long and complex advice note for a client or conducting research on a particularly convoluted point of law and the next I’ll be focusing on a disclosure exercise or helping with the planning and organisation of a business development event.

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What’s been the highlight of your first two weeks in Maritime at Hill Dickinson?

Exposure to a (shockingly broad) variety of cases and legal issues, but also multiple jurisdictions and international laws.

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What’s the most interesting/astonishing fact about Maritime you’ve learnt so far?

I had absolutely no idea until now how influential the maritime sector is on our lives and that seaborne trade is so vast.

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Tell us a little bit about you: how do you spend your downtime/weekends?

I like to be active and to travel whenever I can. I try to visit places every month or so that I’ve never been to before. So much to see, so little time!

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Where is your dream holiday destination?

This isn’t necessarily a holiday destination, but I would absolutely love to volunteer in one of the African nature reserves for 2-4 weeks.?