London—Dentons, the world's largest global law firm, has extended London TMT partner Anna Copeman's Trainee Principal role to include responsibility for Apprentices, reflecting the equal importance of both cohorts in the firm's early career pathways. The new Trainee and Apprentice Principal role further strengthens Dentons' support and commitment to its apprenticeship programme.

The firm has also announced that it has joined with 25 other law firms to participate in a Legal Apprenticeships Pledge. The pledge makes a public commitment to several recruitment and development principles, to ensure that the legal apprenticeship route is no less valuable than a traditional route to qualification.

Dentons has long been a supporter of apprenticeships, being one of the first global law firms to introduce a scheme in 2017. The firm currently has 23 apprentices – one of the largest apprentice cohorts in the UK legal market. The apprenticeships are a six-year programme across the firm's London and Milton Keynes offices. Three of the apprentices are in their final year of the programme and are due to complete and qualify in September 2023. Apprentices have become integral parts of their teams, including undertaking secondments with clients. Recent case studies can be accessed here.

Anna Copeman said, "I am thrilled to be taking on this extended role. Solicitor Apprenticeships provide an alternative early career pathway to becoming a qualified solicitor. The programme is aimed at current and recent school leavers and is a key part of our Inclusion and Diversity strategy, focusing particularly on social mobility.

At the end of the six-year programme, all of our apprentices will be encouraged to apply to Associate positions with Dentons. They are a great addition to the junior talent we have, as they bring their fresh ideas, high energy, motivation to learn, and new perspectives on what it means to be an aspiring commercial lawyer at the law firm of the future.

"Alongside sitting in eight practice areas across the six years of the programme, our solicitor apprentices also support Dentons and their colleagues outside of the programme with their involvement and contributions to our diversity and inclusion networks, pro bono initiatives, and early careers outreach."

Claire England, Head of Responsible Business UKIME, added, "Our participation in this pledge is further evidence of our commitment to increase access to the legal profession from under-represented groups. By broadening our recruitment activities to a much more diverse talent pool, the pledge advances our commitment to the social mobility agenda a stage further."

About Dentons

Across over 80 countries, Dentons helps you grow, protect, operate and finance your organization by providing uniquely global and deeply local legal solutions. Polycentric, purpose-driven and committed to inclusion, diversity, equity and sustainability, we focus on what matters most to you. www.dentons.com