A FORMER Nissan factory worker who studied for a law degree while working on the line, has become one of the region’s first new legal apprentices.
Twenty-seven-year old Callum Robertson from Lanchester has now joined EMG Solicitors in Durham, after signing up for a scheme which gives aspiring lawyers a new route to qualify.
Callum studied for a part time law degree at Northumbria University while still working at the leading car manufacturers, often leaving night shifts and going straight to the library to study.
But his dedication and tenacity has now paid off, after being offered the solicitor apprenticeship with EMG’s niche private client practice, which specialises primarily in Court of Protection work but also covers everything from wills and family law to residential conveyancing and litigation.
“My first job was in the pub trade but then I went back to do my A levels so I could go to university,” said Callum.
“I then got my job at Nissan and was working there full time while studying for my law degree.
“It was hard work because I’d finish my shift at the factory and then go straight to the university library to work, but I was determined to do it.”
Callum not only graduated with honours but was also awarded the Northumbria School of Law Global Scholar Prize and started to look for jobs with law firms in the region.
“I came across the apprenticeship scheme and started to look into it and it seemed perfect,” he said.
“I decided to apply and was delighted to get it. Although I’ve only been here a few weeks everyone is so supportive along with being unbelievably knowledgeable.”
Callum will be spending time in various areas of the Abbywoods Business Park-based firm, starting off in residential conveyancing before moving into one of EMG’s speciality areas – will, trusts and probate.
Long term it means he will be able to obtain an LLM Masters degree during his training, along with completing the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s new centralised assessment.
Callum will also attend Leeds Law School once a month as part of his training, to further his knowledge.
“This is such a fantastic opportunity and EMG is such a superb company to be working with, I’m very honoured to have become their first apprentice.”
Emma Gaudern, MD at EMG Solicitors said Callum was a welcome addition to the team.
“Callum was the perfect fit for us as we recognised that he was committed and driven, traits that everyone who works at EMG Solicitors demonstrates,” she said.
“We’re delighted to offer an alternative for graduates wanting to avoid the traditional pathway to a legal qualification and we knew that Callum was the right candidate for us.
“We look forward to playing an active role in helping him carve out a successful career in the legal profession.”
Further details about the firm are available at www.emgsolicitors.co.uk