Danny’s story

I grew up in a small village on the borders of Wakefield and Barnsley in quite a remote and rural area with not many opportunities or activities available. My parents split when I was fairly young but I still spent a lot of time with my father and his parents. I faced a number of issues which mostly related to growing up in a less fortunate family who were poorer than a lot of other neighbouring families. However, I have and have always had a close bond with my family, especially my siblings and spent a lot of time with grandparents.

I was not as well off as most of my peers and it changed the way I presented myself at a young age. I sometimes found myself making up stories to try fit in or trying to look better or more ‘well off’ than I actually was. I was aware of the differences between myself and other kids, the holidays abroad which I didn’t have the luxury of, days out at events, branded clothes and it led me to avoid some situations. Despite this, I always had a lot of friends and didn’t have trouble socialising. Although, sometimes, I would have to act differently just to fit in. As I got older, I became more accepting of my background, and have realised that didn’t define me but instead has helped me become who I am today. Most of my close friends are people I’ve been friends with since a very young age and who come from similar families and upbringing as I, so we do have a lot in common and can reflect on how far we’ve come.

I was part of a big family (with little to go around) who grew up in a small, under-privileged area. It is a working class community and majority of people got jobs straight from secondary school at 16 (some earlier) working factories, warehouses or some form of labour. I had always thought I would have to work at a young age in some form of labour to be able to obtain things that other people had at a younger age but as I got older and with support form my family, I realised there were other opportunities available.

Despite the lack of opportunities I had, and also within my local area as a whole, I always worked hard at school and achieved good grades in both primary and secondary. I felt driven to use my disadvantages to excel in a career. I didn’t want to follow the norm and so I opted to attend college and try to progress another form of career.

I come from an area where many engaged in petty crime to make ends meet. There are a lot of families suffering with addictions such as alcohol and drugs which often derive from the lack of monies, opportunities and support. I became interested in law and other subjects such as criminology because I was curious as to why people committed the acts they did and what factors drove people to become who they are. When looking at a career to choose, I realised law wasn’t just about what is right and wrong. There were different scenarios and circumstances to consider. I also realised it wasn’t just prosecuting or defending charged suspects but there were other elements such as commercial. Additionally, growing up I thought jobs and careers such as becoming a lawyer were only for people from more fortunate backgrounds, which of course is not the case. I then decided I quite liked the sound of some form of career in law.

I went to college at New College Pontefract where I then studied Criminology, Law and Sport achieving two A* and Distinction.

However, when it came to further education, due to costs involved, I did not want to and, at the time, felt I couldn’t attend university. I felt it wasn’t for people like me, it was for those of a higher class or those who had money. I would never have any opportunities to take up work experience at a law firm or an office environment in general.

I knew apprenticeships were a thing but believed them to be an alternative to college or a route into a trade. I first came across these when attending apprenticeship fairs at college.

I did not know nor did I expect there to be apprenticeships in a law career. I was opened up to the idea by various law firms coming into my college to provide presentations.

I then attended law fairs to understand more and began researching the different apprenticeships offered around me. This was when I was 100% set on doing an apprenticeship and I opted out of applying for university. I made the choice that I was going to get an apprenticeship and, if unsuccessful, keep trying each year until I obtained a spot. A relative found Gordons online and showed me the website and application process.

I researched and read various other websites regarding the different firms that offered apprenticeships. Gordons seemed to be a place that took pride in providing opportunities for people from a less privileged background, offering them a chance of a legal career. I made my choice.

I would choose an apprenticeship again, it was the best option for me. You have the ability to gain hands-on experience whilst studying and achieving the legal qualification. There is no tuition debt and no stigma regarding the type of upbringing, wealth or background you have.

I am still really enjoying my apprenticeship, I have first-hand experience with clients, manage my own case load as well as working on large projects with other fee earners and partners.

I think attend apprenticeship fairs are a great way to connect with prospective apprentices, particularly in less affluent areas and schools. Gordons did not attend my college but they do now, and I often attend as a representative of the firm.