An aspiring lawyer from Coventry is among the first legal apprentices in the country.
Zareena Harris has been given the chance to qualify in her chosen profession without having to go to university by De Marco Solicitors, following the nationwide introduction of the legal apprenticeship scheme last March.
The scheme opened up an alternative route to becoming a lawyer by combining practical work experience with study.
Zareena, aged 19, is the first legal apprentice to be appointed by De Marco Solicitors, a leading employment law firm in Coventry and Warwickshire recognised in the renowned Legal 500.
Zareena, who studied A-levels at West Coventry Sixth Form, said: “For many undergraduates, the dramatic rise in university tuition fees cast doubt on being able to take the traditional route to pursue chosen careers.
“This led to me looking into alternative pathways and fortunately I found out about legal apprenticeships which allayed my concerns about not being able to follow my dream.
“The introduction of legal apprenticeships opened my eyes to the fact there are credible routes into law other than university.
“This opportunity has allowed me to gain real work experience and training in an environment where my colleagues are specialists in their areas so I am learning something new and relevant every day.”
Her role is to support the firm’s team of employment and business law specialists, from drafting employment contracts to preparing trial documents, and liaising with clients.
After completing her apprenticeship, Zareena hopes to continue her studies to achieve a qualification as a legal executive or solicitor.
Sandra Garlick, Principal of De Marco Solicitors, is planning to take on another legal apprentice early next year and hopes that during National Apprenticeship Week more bosses will be encouraged to provide similar opportunities.
She said: “There are many appealing features of this new type of apprenticeship for employers. They are able to build rapport with their apprentice and see them through their journey into the legal profession step-by-step.
“This ensures that the high standards that are required in their firm and in the general conduct of lawyers are embedded from the very beginning.
“We pride ourselves on having a modern approach to the way that we recruit our staff and run our firm, offering many the flexibility to achieve a work-life balance, and are pleased to be opening up this new route into the profession for career hopefuls.”
