National Apprenticeship Week Q&A: Kristian Torgersen
We’re marking National Apprenticeship Week through a week of conversations with some of our legal apprentices.
Next up is Kristian Torgersen who after completing his A-Levels, secured a job as an administrator with Harrison Drury to gain experience of the legal sector. He’s gone on to become a legal apprentice, gaining experience working in the commercial property, litigation, and contentious probate departments.
What made you choose an apprenticeship?
What attracted me most and what I continue to enjoy to this day is the practical experience it provides which allows me to seamlessly apply the knowledge acquired at university to real-world situations.
What are the advantages of taking the apprentice route?
One significant advantage is the diverse experience it offers, not only within a specific industry but also gaining people skills and developing relationships with clients and colleagues.
Additionally, it allows me to become more commercially aware, which is a crucial skill in law and many other career paths.
What attracted you to Harrison Drury?
My journey with Harrison Drury began in 2018, after completing my A-Levels. I initially started on one week’s work experience, which then turned into a year.
During this time, I was made aware of the apprenticeship programme, and jumped at the opportunity.
My experience with the firm during my work experience has been great and I felt part of the team almost instantly which persuaded me to carry on my journey with the firm.
What made you choose a career in law?
My interest in law was sparked after high school as I constantly kept myself engaged in current affairs and major legal cases.
Despite the sixth form I attended not offering Law as an option, I maintained my passion through staying informed and undertaking work experience with various law firms where possible.
How has Harrison Drury supported you through your apprenticeship?
Harrison Drury has offered a great support system throughout my apprenticeship.
Acknowledging the challenges that come with the course, the firm has been extremely flexible, allowing me to catch up on studies and tailoring my work to align with my learning requirements.
What do you enjoy most about working at Harrison Drury?
The thing I enjoy most is the people I get to work with, whether in the office or meeting people at events, there is consistently a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.
What has been the most important lesson you have learnt at Harrison Drury?
It has to be the significance of effective communication and confidence. Working here has helped me build my confidence in interacting with people, especially clients, something I never thought possible for me before joining.
How do you manage your time between learning and client work?
Balancing the demands of learning and client work can be challenging.
However, the firm is very understanding and supportive – whether it’s redistributing client work during intense periods or allowing extra time for studying.
What common challenges do you face day-to-day and how do you overcome them?
Balancing work and learning can be a challenge. Sometimes, the one study day a week is not sufficient for the demands of university.
To address this, I have created a weekly study schedule, aside from the designated study day, which has proved effective and doesn’t often encroach on weekends.
What would your advice be to someone considering an apprenticeship?
Do it, you won’t look back.
Questions & Answers