✔ Support local and social economy
✔ Offer opportunities into work
✔ Recruit inclusively
✔ Improve training and educational attainment
✔ Share resources
✔ Fair wages
May 2023
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We’ve made a number of changes since signing the OIEP charter. Key changes include the first recruitment of two Trainee Solicitor Apprentices into the Oxford office. For these candidates, we pay for their formal education and law degree, and they will be trained “on the job” for six years to qualify as solicitors.
The other key change is the introduction of a mentoring scheme, which we have publicised in East Oxford through the charity The Brilliant Club and their ParentPower initiative.
We haven't had any challenges with this process.
1. The introduction of Trainee Solicitor Apprentice Team allows people to qualify as a solicitor without incurring university debt, making the legal profession more accessible in the county.
2. Having Trainee Solicitor Apprentices in the Oxford office has been very good for morale as people can see what a difference it makes to those individuals.
Annie Capstick: ‘I felt a mixture of excitement and determination when I received my Solicitor Apprenticeship. I was delighted that my hard work had paid off. It is a step towards my dreams and a chance to learn and grow in the legal industry. I look forward to progressing in Freeths!’
Hanan Bayanoni: “I was thrilled to secure a solicitor apprenticeship at Freeths. It’s an incredible opportunity to begin my legal career at a top law firm at the age of eighteen. The apprenticeship has allowed me to learn from experienced lawyers and work on cases, and I will be able to apply my university studies to my work. It has also allowed me to build a strong professional network and to grow personally and professionally. Earning a salary and not having student debt provides me with financial stability and has enabled me to move out, so I am now living closer to the office.”
3. Feedback from the mentoring scheme in East Oxford is that it genuinely changes lives. One mentee commented on LinkedIn “This experience has given me a deeper insight into the work that both commercial and corporate lawyers, preparation for the legal industry and an exciting opportunity to work with lawyers in the firm”.
We continue with all of the existing commitments and are keen to speak with anyone who would benefit from mentoring, particularly in East Oxford.
This case study is from a member of the OIEP. You can become a member of the OIEP by signing our Charter. There are a range of pledges to choose from, and you can start small. We'd love to have you on board.
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