Congratulations to alumnus Henry Batty (2017–2026), who has just started a solicitor apprenticeship with leading international law firm Bird & Bird in London.
Henry recently completed his A Levels at Exeter School and faced an exciting decision. He held an offer to study Law at the University of Cambridge and a place on Bird & Bird’s solicitor degree apprenticeship. After careful research, he chose the apprenticeship route.
Two Fantastic Offers, One Big Decision
Choosing between Cambridge and a top London law firm is a decision most people can only dream of. Henry weighed up both paths and decided the apprenticeship offered him the best start to his legal career.
He recognised that opportunities like this are becoming harder to come across. He also knew that if he secured an apprenticeship, it would be the right path for him.
How Henry’s Solicitor Apprenticeship Works
Henry’s solicitor degree apprenticeship runs for six years and combines real work experience with academic study:
- Years one to four: Henry works at Bird & Bird four days a week and studies for his law degree on the fifth day.
- Years five and six: he continues working four days a week and spends the final day qualifying as a solicitor, while being paid.
- Rotations: throughout the apprenticeship, Henry rotates through different areas of the firm, learning how each section of a law firm works.
These rotations put Henry in a strong position to decide exactly where he wants his career to take him in six years’ time.
About Bird & Bird
Bird & Bird has 35 offices across the world and a particular focus on technology and intellectual property (IP) law. The firm works with big brands including Chanel, Monzo and The Football Association (FA).
During the application process, Henry discovered just how cutting-edge the firm’s work is. Bird & Bird’s projects include helping to make gene therapy available on the National Health Service (NHS), among many others.
Why Henry Chose the Apprenticeship Route
Once Henry started researching his options, the apprenticeship stood out for several reasons:
- The scale of the opportunity: a place at a major international firm from day one.
- No university debt: Henry earns while he learns.
- A guaranteed job: he will have a role at Bird & Bird once he qualifies.
- Variety: the firm’s wide range of work and its application process both appealed to him.
Finding the Right Fit
Throughout the process, Henry found Bird & Bird to be a “really nice firm.” He values the firm’s genuine focus on work-life balance in London, which matters to him at this stage of his career. Most importantly, Henry feels the firm aligns with his own values.
More Than One Route to Success
Henry’s story shows that ambitious careers can start in many different ways. Whether pupils choose university or a degree apprenticeship, thorough research and knowing what matters to you make all the difference.
Everyone at Exeter School is incredibly proud of Henry. We wish him every success as he begins his career at Bird & Bird!
