Congratulations to our 10 Apprentice Career Excellence (ACE) Programme apprentices, who have all completed their apprenticeships at Fieldfisher this year. As a firm, we are committed to empowering the next generation of talent and creating new pathways to exciting opportunities in the legal industry.
In today's competitive market, apprenticeships have proven to be a powerful gateway to full-time employment. We are proud to share the news that 60% of our apprentices who joined our programme in 2023 have now successfully transitioned into full-time roles — a fantastic result that underscores the value and effectiveness of the ACE Programme.
About the ACE Programme
The Apprenticeship Career Excellence (ACE) Programme is an earn-while-you-learn apprenticeship with opportunities in Secretarial Services, IT, HR, Finance, Marketing, Risk and Legal Support Services with the chance to gain a professional qualification alongside learning the required skills, knowledge and behaviour to go on and have a successful career in their chosen field. It's a great opportunity for curious, ambitious, and driven individuals to leap into the world of professional services.
How we set our apprentices up for success
Several factors have contributed to the impressive outcomes achieved by our ACE Programme apprentices:
1. Mentorship and support
Each apprentice is paired with an experienced mentor who provides guidance, encouragement, and practical advice. This support is vital in helping apprentices build confidence and navigate their roles effectively.
2. Blended learning and practical experience
The ACE Programme combines structured learning with real-world application. Apprentices are empowered to apply their knowledge in live scenarios, developing both technical expertise and essential soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.
3. Clear pathways for career progression
A defining feature of the ACE Programme is its focus on genuine career development. With structured two-year pathways and clear progression routes, apprentices are supported to grow within their chosen fields.
4. Strong industry connections
Fieldfisher maintains robust relationships with leading organisations and industry bodies, offering apprentices valuable exposure to a wide professional network and future opportunities.
5. Culture of continuous growth
We champion a culture of lifelong learning. Apprentices are encouraged to take ownership of their development, bringing curiosity, energy, and a proactive mindset to their roles - benefiting both their personal growth and the wider firm.
Success stories
The impact of the ACE Programme can be seen in the diverse range of roles and industries our apprentices have moved into. From Risk to HR, our graduates have made significant contributions to their teams and the wider firm.
This year’s full-time role appointments include:
|
Apprentice |
Team |
New Role |
|
Nicholas Gannon |
Legal Support Services |
Practice Administrator |
|
Ellie Hart |
Legal Support Services |
Junior Document Production Specialist |
|
Isabella Kingsland |
Personal Injury & Medical Negligence |
Junior Legal PA |
|
Mia Scott |
HR |
Reward & Payroll Administrator |
|
Dzhan Sali |
Risk |
Junior Data Analyst |
|
Ffion Lewin |
Finance |
Legal Cashier |
A message from our Recruitment Manager
Reflecting on the achievements of this year’s apprentices, Ellie Williamson, Recruitment Manager, said:
"Celebrating our second consecutive year of strong retention and a cohort of apprentices who have all successfully completed their programmes fills me with immense pride. It’s a privilege to lead this initiative and witness the growth and achievements of such a talented group.
"We hope each of these exceptional individuals moves forward with confidence, equipped with the skills, knowledge, and behaviours needed to build rewarding and successful careers. The ACE Programme was designed to be a launchpad into the world of business services within the legal sector — and it’s delivering exactly that.
"I can’t wait to welcome our seven new apprentices who are due to join us in September 2025 for the fourth year of our scheme.
"At Fieldfisher, we are committed to broadening access to meaningful, non-fee earning roles, and this wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of our mentors, supervisors, and every colleague who contributes to the success of this scheme."
What's next for the ACE Programme?
For the fourth consecutive year, we will welcome a brand-new cohort of 7 apprentices onto our ACE Programme in September 2025 in roles across Business Development, HR, Legal Support Services, Secretarial Services and Finance.
As the job market continues to evolve, the demand for skilled professionals remains high, apprenticeships provide a viable solution to bridging the skills gap. Our commitment to delivering high-quality apprenticeship programmes will continue as we empower our next generation and equip them with the skills needed to succeed in their careers.
If you’d like to learn more about how to support or get involved with the ACE Programme, please reach out to Ellie Williamson.