Stephens Scown has become one of the first law firms in Cornwall to employ a solicitor apprentice, and one of a handful of local organisations to be an early adopter of the scheme.

Stephens Scown has several apprentices studying towards qualifications in HR, digital marketing and legal, but Lexie Williams is the first solicitor apprentice. She joined the firm’s corporate Cornwall team in December last year and began her solicitor apprenticeship with the University of Law in January.

This new apprenticeship will run for 6-7 years, during which time Williams will be combining legal work and university-set work to complete a law degree and a training contract.

She said: “I have a history degree from Exeter University, but have always been interested in law so this apprenticeship is a perfect fit. I met with Stephens Scown’s recruitment team at a recent careers fair and we started talking about the solicitor apprentice opportunity; the rest is history!”

Williams’ type of apprenticeship is a first for the firm, as it means that she can come in without a legal degree and progress through her course to qualify as a solicitor at the end of it.

Stephens Scown managing partner Richard Baker is proud of the firm’s apprentices, both in terms of their development and what they bring to the firm:

“We know from experience how valuable apprenticeships are to the firm, as all our apprentices have brought in fresh ideas and proven themselves as assets, while constantly improving through their training and learning.

“Stephens Scown is committed to supporting apprentices from their first day all the way through to qualification and beyond, and I am proud that we have expanded our offering to apprentices in Cornwall through the solicitor apprenticeship.”