DCB Legal, a legal practice specialising in civil and commercial litigation, and debt recovery, has welcomed two new apprentices to its highly sought-after solicitor apprenticeship scheme.  

Amongst the successful apprentices is 23-year-old Bethany Forster, who joined the company in 2019 whilst undertaking a summer job in the accounts department. After completing her first apprenticeship with the company in business administration, Bethany’s aspirations remained with a career in law. Now, DCB Legal are supporting her to fulfil this dream by guiding her through its solicitor apprenticeship.

Bethany is now halfway through the six-year course, which upon completion will see her obtain a qualifying law degree and the ability to practice as a solicitor – an achievement that would usually cost thousands of pounds in student debt.

Bethany says, “I wasn’t aware it was possible to become a solicitor through an apprenticeship, so my intention after leaving school was to take the traditional university route into law. Now that I’m immersed in a legal environment every day and have the chance to apply my study, I’m so glad that I chose this alternative route.”

The scheme combines a mixture of flexible study in person or online with practical experience. Students are also provided with a designated mentor for ongoing support and frequent feedback reviews.

A former professional footballer for Crewe Alexandra Football Club, 21-year-old solicitor apprentice Aaron Lomas shows that applicants needn’t come from a specific background to be successful at DCB Legal. Currently one year into his 5-and-a-half-year course, Aaron began his career at the practice as a legal assistant and has quickly progressed through the company to become a case manager.

He says, “It would have been very difficult for me to transition my career into law without the support of DCB Legal. Even studying a traditional law degree, it’s a rare opportunity to gain the real-world legal exposure we receive on the apprenticeship – especially amongst such a supportive team.”

Besides solicitor training, the Runcorn-based company is currently looking to expand its cohort of IT and business administration apprentices to support school leavers in the local community.

Jamie Ashford, technical director of DCB Legal, says: “Bethany and Aaron are valuable members of the team and have both excelled on their apprenticeships already. It’s been wonderful to watch their progress so far and we look forward to witnessing their legal careers thrive. We specialise in a specific type of law and by training apprentices ourselves we bypass the difficulties some have transitioning from one area to another.

“Supporting young people to fulfil their aspirations is incredibly important to the entire team at DCB Legal. Whatever their education history, personal background, or work experience, everyone should be given professional guidance and the opportunity to succeed. We’re proud that we can offer this chance to young people within our local community.”