MSB’s first apprentice solicitor is one step closer to qualfication after passing exams

We’re thrilled to announce that MSB’s very first apprentice solicitor, Poppy Hind, has completed her Solicitor apprenticeship, bringing her a huge step closer to full qualification.   

Poppy’s journey began at the age of thirteen when she took the initiative to reach out to MSB’s Consultant, Sean Sexton, and expressed interest in a career in law. Fast forward two years and Poppy had landed herself work experience at the North West-based full-service law firm, which catapulted her career into the position she is in today. 

The apprenticeship offering provides students with the opportunity to train whilst studying and earning a wage, streamlining the process to becoming a solicitor and eliminating the competitive nature of finding a training contract upon qualification.  

MSB offer the apprenticeship as an alternative avenue in to law, steering away from the traditional linear, educational routes. This provides the firm with the chance to broaden their recruitment processes and allow for qualified solicitors to enter the industry with a range of practical skills gained from hands-on experience. 

 

On her recent success, Poppy said: 

“I’m over the moon to have passed my exams. Throughout my apprenticeship, I’ve been incredibly grateful to get the opportunity to try new areas of law and learn from the best in the business. The support has been non-stop amazing, with every person at MSB helping me reach my full potential. 

“I hope to qualify in 2024 and to be a role model for people who may not have the resources or contacts to access the legal industry. My qualification is a testament to the success of alternative routes to law and just how achievable it really is.” 

 

Sean Sexton, Consultant at MSB, said: 

“I vividly remember getting Poppy’s letter. I could not believe that she was only thirteen years old and was so impressed with her spelling, punctuation, and the obvious thought which she had given to a future career. 

“I told her not to worry too much about which subjects she did at GCSE but to work hard at her studies and that MSB would arrange for her to have work experience as soon as she was old enough. She did exactly that and I am thrilled that the initiative shown by Poppy has been so deservedly rewarded.” 

 

Joanne Dalton ILFM, Compliance Officer for Finance and Administration, and mentor to Poppy, said: 

“As Practice Manager, I took a keen interest in her development and watched with joy when she passed her A-Levels and went on to study Law. After learning that she felt unable to pursue her goal at just University alone, I took steps to enrol her on a new and alternative route to qualification, via Solicitor Apprenticeships.  

“I am beyond proud of what Poppy has achieved so far, and I watch with pride and excitement as she closes in on fulfilling the destiny aspired to in that first, and tender, correspondence with Sean. 

“Poppy will be our first Solicitor Apprentice to qualify, and it is with thanks to her, that she shall not be our last.” 

Poppy’s next steps involve preparing for her SQE (Solicitor Qualifying Exam) early next year, after graduating at the end of the year from University of Liverpool.  

For more information on solicitor apprenticeships, head to https://www.sra.org.uk/become-solicitor/sqe/solicitor-apprenticeships/.