Ciara Redican

Ciara joined Bristows in 2025 as part of our second cohort of solicitor apprentices. She is in her first seat in the Employment team working towards her law degree and Solicitor Qualifying Exams. 

Why did you apply for an apprenticeship at Bristows?

Once I decided that a degree apprenticeship was the right path, choosing the right firm became crucial; it would be the environment where I would be growing for the next six years. I wanted a place where learning felt safe and inspiring. Bristows stood out for the genuine enthusiasm everyone brings to their work. From attending the open evening to listening to firm podcasts, it was clear that everyone is not only knowledgeable, but also curious and eager to discuss and facilitate learning. Since starting, that curiosity and support have made learning on the job exciting; it is clear that my development matters to everyone, just as much as it matters to me. Coupled with Bristows’ focus on life sciences and technology, where a desire to learn and be challenged extends beyond the legal sphere, it was the firm’s culture of shared curiosity that made Bristows stand out as a place where learning is exciting.

What does your day-to-day role involve?

My day-to-day continues to evolve week by week as I settle into the firm, but I have already been entrusted with significant responsibility. I begin each day by checking in with my supervisors to understand ongoing matters and to receive support in prioritising my tasks. So far, this has included preparing tribunal documents, joining client calls, emailing clients, and drafting settlement agreements, as I currently sit in the Employment team. Working alongside my supervisor allows me to ask questions and receive immediate feedback, which has accelerated my learning. Being immersed in legal language and surrounded by experienced lawyers has already provided substantial exposure. I also take part in training sessions with fellow apprentices, ranging from soft skills to insights into the firm’s operations, and I participate in know-how sessions, where trainees and I share legal updates and engage in open discussion with the team. My team also ensures that I have time to develop my legal understanding through watching seminars and reading practice notes, which enables me to pair theory with the practical application of what I am doing.

Did you have any concerns before joining, and what advice would you give to a prospective applicant?

Initially, I did worry that my lack of formal legal experience might be a barrier, both during the application process and once I joined the firm. It soon became clear, however, that an apprenticeship is designed to cultivate understanding from the ground up, and that curiosity and the ability to learn from all experiences are equally valuable. I also questioned whether I would fit my preconceived image of a law firm environment. At Bristows, it quickly became evident that different perspectives are valued, and that what unites everyone is genuine friendliness and enthusiasm. At every stage, people are genuinely interested in who you are and want to see you succeed. My advice to prospective applicants is to emphasise your own unique experiences and the lessons you have taken from them, rather than measuring yourself against others. The application stages may appear daunting; however, the process is a fantastic opportunity to learn about law firms, so it is important to enjoy it and to take away as much as possible from the experience.