Emma Robinson has been with PR Scully for over 16 years, progressing through various roles before becoming Practice Manager. Now undertaking a Level 7 Solicitor Apprenticeship with Damar Training, Emma is combining her extensive management experience with a formal legal qualification, developing her own caseload whilst continuing to oversee the day-to-day running of the practice.
A foundation built over 16 years
Emma’s journey at PR Scully began long before she embarked on her Solicitor Apprenticeship. “I have been with PR Scully for 16 and a half years and have held a variety of roles throughout my career, giving me a broad range of experience across the business,” she explained. Before starting her Solicitor Apprenticeship with Damar, Emma had completed her AAT qualifications and was working as Practice Manager, overseeing the day-to-day running of the practice and managing the team.
Working her way through various roles over the years has given Emma invaluable insight into how the practice operates and what clients need.
The natural next step
For Emma, the decision to pursue a Solicitor Apprenticeship wasn’t a radical career change, it was the logical progression of a journey she’d been on for years.
“As Practice Manager at PR Scully, I oversee the day-to-day running of the practice and manage our team. I felt that qualifying as a solicitor was the natural next step in my career, allowing me to build on my existing experience whilst developing my legal expertise.”
During her time with PR Scully Emma had seen the practice grow and evolve, and she wanted to grow alongside it. “The Solicitor Apprenticeship with Damar offered the ideal opportunity to achieve this, enabling me to continue working in my role whilst gaining a recognised legal qualification.”
The apprenticeship route was particularly appealing because it meant Emma didn’t have to step away from her role or lose the momentum she’d built up over the years. The ability to remain in her Practice Manager position whilst studying was crucial and it allowed her to maintain continuity in her career whilst adding a new dimension to her professional development.
The support from PR Scully was also a significant factor in Emma’s decision – knowing that her employer valued her development and was willing to invest in her future gave her the confidence to take on this challenge.
Making the decision
Despite the clear appeal of the opportunity, Emma didn’t take the decision lightly. “The biggest consideration was balancing work, study and my personal commitments,” she reflects. “Having been with PR Scully for many years and already working in a busy management role, I knew the apprenticeship would require a significant commitment.”
What helped Emma make the decision was recognising that this was an investment in her long-term career and witnessing other apprentices in PR Scully following their own apprenticeship programmes.
“I saw it as a worthwhile investment in my future and with the support of my employer I felt confident it was the right opportunity to take the next step in my career.”
Skills for a new challenge
Once Emma began her apprenticeship, she quickly realised that certain skills would need rapid development. “One of the key skills I needed to develop quickly was adapting to the demands of studying law alongside my existing role as Practice Manager,” she explains. “I had to strengthen my legal knowledge, develop new ways of approaching research and analysis and become more confident in applying legal principles to practical situations.”
Studying law is very different from the management and administrative work Emma had been doing. She had to learn how to think like a lawyer; how to analyse cases, interpret legislation and apply legal principles to real-world scenarios plus research and analysis which required a specific methodology and attention to detail.
Emma added, “I also needed to improve my time management skills to balance my apprenticeship, work responsibilities and ongoing professional development effectively.” She learned to prioritise tasks, set aside dedicated study time and make the most of every opportunity to apply what she was learning.
Theory meets practice
One of the most valuable aspects of Emma’s apprenticeship has been how closely the formal training aligns with the work she’s doing.
“The skills I have learnt, and continue to develop through the apprenticeship, have provided me with a strong foundation for my day-to-day legal work,” she said. “The formal training has allowed me to build my legal knowledge whilst applying what I learn directly to practical situations within the workplace.”
Emma isn’t just learning theory in isolation; she’s able to take what she’s studied and immediately put it into practice.
Having her own caseload has been a significant milestone. The apprenticeship has given Emma the tools and confidence to apply legal principles in real situations where clients are relying on her for advice and support. The formal training has also helped Emma understand the broader context of the work undertaken at PR Scully, making her more effective in her role as Practice Manager. She can support the team more effectively because she understands the legal challenges they’re facing and can contribute to discussions about case strategy and client care.
The knowledge Emma has developed through the apprenticeship has been particularly valuable in PR Scully’s specialisms of claimant-based personal injury and landlord and tenant matters. “The training has strengthened my understanding of legal principles, case management, client care and legal processes, allowing me to apply my learning directly to the work we undertake,” she explains.
Recognition and momentum
For Emma, receiving feedback on her progress has been both affirming and motivating. “The feedback that had the biggest impact on me was recognising the progress I had made in developing my confidence and ability to apply my legal knowledge in practice,” she reflects. “It has reinforced that the apprenticeship was the right decision and motivated me to continue developing my skills and working towards qualification.”
Advice for others
For anyone considering an apprenticeship, Emma has clear advice. “Apprenticeships are an ideal way to gain practical experience whilst studying towards a recognised qualification,” she said. “You are able to apply what you learn directly into your role, which helps you develop both your knowledge and confidence in a real working environment.”
Her advice is to be honest with yourself about the commitment involved, stay organised and make the most of the support available throughout the apprenticeship. “It does require commitment and dedication, but the experience you gain alongside your studies is invaluable and provides a strong foundation for your future career,” Emma concluded.