12 February 2026

Pursue Your Ambitions With Glaisyers’ Apprenticeship Schemes

This National Apprenticeship Week (9-15 February), we’re celebrating the role these schemes play in broadening access to careers in law, allowing people to pursue their ambitions – wherever they are in life. 

 

Our team member Amber Killeen’s journey is a great example of exactly this. Starting out as a Business Administration Apprentice back in 2015, Amber is now completing her Level 7 Solicitor Apprenticeship while working full-time in personal injury law and preparing for the SQE, all alongside being a mum. From motivations to motherhood, we asked Amber about her journey to where she is today, and how an apprenticeship made it all possible.

What first inspired you to pursue a career in law, and how did that lead you to join the firm back in 2015?

I have had a keen interest in the law and a desire to advocate for justice from an early age. I also wanted a career which allows me to help others. When I left school, I wasn’t sure whether I wanted to pursue a career in criminal or civil justice sector therefore, I looked for apprenticeship schemes which would allow an introduction into these areas and have a clear progression route if I wanted to stay in the sector.  By accepting the position at Glaisyers as a Business Administration Apprentice in 2015, it allowed the introduction into the civil legal system and has enabled me to gain invaluable experience in tort law and contract law over the last 11 years (albeit a period of maternity leave).

Having successfully worked at the firm for many years prior, I wanted to develop knowledge and professional career. The apprenticeship route was the best for me as I can work towards qualifying as well as working and being paid.

The Level 7 Solicitor Apprenticeship offers a recognised LLB (Bachelor of Laws and Legal Practice) degree and the benefit of preparing for and sitting the Solicitors Qualifying Examinations. I’m currently studying the Level 4 Public Law module which covers the English Legal System and Constitutional Law.

So far, I have been able to balance full time work, studying and being a mother relatively easy. This has been facilitated by my weekly study day and help from family, which has enabled me to have one day that is solely focused on studying. All other time outside of my working hours are spent with my son.

I have enjoyed all the areas I have worked in so far, but I would say that I have found personal injury the most rewarding. This is because it has allowed me to help clients who have suffered significant and life changing injuries, or who have lost loved ones as a result of the negligence of others, seek justice in the form of compensation, funded medical care and rehabilitation.

I have learnt the importance of strong interpersonal skills such as active listening, empathy, effective communication (providing clear advice and managing expectations) and emotional intelligence when engaging with clients, building trust and relationships.

My desire to continue helping clients and develop my knowledge are a motivation factor. Also, being successful in my career and showing my son you can achieve anything you work hard for – at any age.

To achieve at least a 2.1 in my LLB law degree and pass the SQE resulting in my qualification. Also, to further develop my knowledge and skills by assisting colleagues and clients with new and complex cases.

Determination and confidence achieve success (have a ‘can do’ attitude), have good time management skills and be resilient to help you successfully complete the work required each week, during stressful and busy times at work or in life.

Determination and confidence achieve success (have a ‘can do’ attitude), have good time management skills and be resilient to help you successfully complete the work required each week, during stressful and busy times at work or in life. 

Could an apprenticeship be the right avenue for you? Head to our careers hub to explore our early careers programmes.