Rather than bringing you news of any legal changes this month, we’d like to update about our apprentice solicitor, Jordan Lewis…

Jordan is working towards becoming a solicitor through an apprenticeship scheme, which is a relatively new approach in the legal sector. Not many people are aware that this is a possible route towards joining the profession, and it’s just as valid. This article tells you more…

We’re delighted to announce that Jordan Lewis from Harrisons LLP was recently awarded runner-up in the BPP University Apprentice of the Year Awards 2025 (Level 6+ category).

She says: “To be shortlisted alongside such inspiring individuals and household-name firms was an honour in itself! This award feels especially meaningful as it marks a nostalgic milestone in my journey, my final nod as an apprentice. This recognition comes at a reflective moment for me, the end of one chapter and hopefully the beginning of the next.”

She’s now in the final stage of her solicitor apprenticeship. To reach this level, Jordan had to sit 16 demanding exams and is currently awaiting her SQE2 results. All being well, she’s hoping to qualify as a solicitor in the near future.
 
Jordan’s Apprenticeship Journey

Jordan began her apprenticeship straight after school at 18, and over the last seven years has worked towards her LLB while gaining hands-on experience in the legal profession.

She achieved a first class LLB degree with honours in 2024, and says: “It’s been a fantastic alternative to the traditional university route, offering me real world exposure, professional growth, and the opportunity to qualify debt-free (no university fees for me!)”
 
She has become a strong advocate for the solicitor apprenticeship route, not just because of her own experience, but because she knows how powerful it can be in opening up the profession. 

“Too often, apprenticeship is wrongly seen as a ‘lesser’ option or something for those not ‘academic enough’ for university, when in reality it demands a huge amount of discipline, capability, and commitment,” Jordan explains.

She’s really proud of the fact that Harrisons were innovative and forward-thinking enough to support her through this route at a time when it was still relatively new. 

“They took a chance on me, and it’s paid off both for me and for the firm.”

Jordan is a great asset to our firm, and was also awarded Runner-Up in the 2024 Suzanne Finch Apprentice Champion of the Year Award.

“This was a real honour and a great way to reflect on how far I’ve come since starting the apprenticeship,” she says.

One issue that Jordan has become increasingly aware of is the disparity in funding across the UK. In particular, she notes that there is currently no funding available in Wales for Level 7 solicitor apprenticeships.

She says: “This is a real shame, as it limits access to this route for many aspiring solicitors. It’s something I feel passionate about advocating for, having seen first-hand how transformative the apprenticeship pathway can be.”

Jordan concludes with a heartfelt and continued thank you to Harrisons Solicitors LLP and the “brilliant mentors” who’ve guided and supported her throughout the years, saying that “our encouragement has always made all the difference”.

Read more about Jordan Lewis