Porter Dodson is proud to celebrate the qualification of Michael Fitzgerald, who joined the firm as an apprentice solicitor and recently achieved the milestone of becoming a fully qualified solicitor in January 2025. As we enter National Apprenticeship Week 2025, the Firm reaffirms its commitment to the Apprenticeship Programme, not only by recognising Michael’s achievement but also by welcoming two new solicitor apprentices who began their journey to qualification in September 2024.
With two apprenticeship schemes running in tandem, Porter Dodson offers both graduates and non-graduates a clear career path, combining structured support with invaluable hands-on experience. This approach ensures that upon qualification, apprentices are fully equipped to embrace their roles as solicitors with a solid foundation of practical knowledge.
Michael joined Porter Dodson in October 2022, midway through his non-graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship. Over six years, he gained extensive experience in the Private Client sector while balancing work with his legal studies. His dedication was rewarded in 2023 when he graduated with First-Class Honours in his Law degree. The following year, he successfully passed the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE), achieving a score in the top quintile of examinees. Now a fully qualified solicitor in Porter Dodson’s Probate, Tax, and Trusts Team, Michael specialises in the preparation of Wills, Powers of Attorney, and estate administration, including probate and intestacy cases.
Ben Maunder, one of the firm’s newest apprentices, previously completed a summer placement in the Trusts team at the Wellington office. Coming from a non-law background, Ben holds a degree in Sports Science from Cardiff Metropolitan University and has experience working in the sports industry. He has now joined the non-law graduate apprenticeship programme, where he will complete a law conversion course before progressing to the SQE.
Sameera Mustafa, another recent apprentice, obtained a law degree from the University of the West of England before joining Porter Dodson from the Citizens Advice Bureau. She joined the law graduate programme and is currently studying for the SQE while training with the Children’s team in the Family department for her first seat. Both Ben and Sameera will rotate through different departments within Porter Dodson, gaining broad experience across various legal sectors.
Michael’s journey is a testament to the opportunities apprenticeships can provide. With the right combination of opportunity, support, and determination, it is possible to build a successful legal career while gaining practical experience. Reflecting on the programme’s impact, Sharon Collier, Partner and Head of Private Client in Taunton, commented “We are delighted to expand our apprenticeship programme, welcoming candidates from all backgrounds. We hope Michael’s success will be the first of many.”
Porter Dodson remains dedicated to nurturing future legal talent, ensuring that aspiring solicitors receive the guidance and experience needed to excel in their careers.
You can find out more about our trainee and apprenticeship programmes by clicking here.