Building expertise: from apprentice to manager

Tom Hughes started his career at Lodders just over five years ago, working as a Front of House Administrator in the firm’s Stratford office.

Fast forward to 2025, and Tom has completed a data protection and information governance apprenticeship and recently received a promotion to Risk & Data Protection Manager.

Tom says the important role data protection plays within the legal sector inspired him to consider it as a potential career pathway: “Ever since starting at Lodders, I could see how crucial data and data protection is in the operation of a successful law firm – it is the lifeblood of what lawyers do, and ensuring its safety and security is a key priority. Not only this, but the data needs to be accurate, of a high quality, and utilised in the right way.”

In May 2023, Tom, who is a Business Studies graduate and lives in Stratford, started a 19-month apprenticeship specialising in data protection and information governance. The course covered all areas of data protection legislation and regulation, as Tom explains:

“We learnt how to keep data compliant with all relevant regulations – from the Freedom of Information Act to GDPR – as well as how to deal with any issues that may arise. I trained in drafting policies and procedures, records management, risk management, and stakeholder communications. This was all framed within the context of Lodders, so the work I was doing could bring direct benefit to the firm.”

Growing and developing in-house

Whilst undertaking the apprenticeship, Tom continued to work at the firm as a Risk & Compliance Analyst, balancing the two commitments. He was supported to undertake the apprenticeship by his managers, Tom Ellis and Paul Harrison, who saw a need for a data protection specialist within the team: “I really appreciated the backing of my managers, who were extremely supportive and really believed that I could further progress and grow in-house.” Tom says. “Whilst the firm could have recruited a ‘ready-made’ risk and data professional externally, Lodders chose to invest in my development and growth within the team. This was a fantastic opportunity for me.”

Having successfully completed his course in December 2024, Tom was promoted to Risk & Data Protection Manager and is key member of Lodders’ Data Governance Group, which aims to improve the quality and maturity of the firm’s data. He keeps a watchful eye on the developments taking place within the legal sector: “We know that AI is here to stay now, so it’s all about learning to manage it in a safe way.” Tom explains. “When evaluating the usefulness of new tools and technologies, we are cautious but open-minded about their potential to streamline processes and drive efficiencies. The safeguarding of client data is always at the forefront of what we do – it is paramount this is managed in a safe and responsible way.”

Speaking about the advice he’d give to people considering the apprenticeship route, Tom says: “Taking on an apprenticeship is a big commitment; it requires a lot of flexibility, as you must respond to the changing demands of both your work and your course. This can be a bit of a balancing act, so it’s important to advocate for yourself and set aside the time you need to meet coursework deadlines. I would say the most important thing is to have the support of your line manager, as I did, to enable you to get the very best out of the apprenticeship experience.”

National Apprenticeship Week 2025

National Apprenticeship Week 2025 runs from 10 to 16 February. It is a week-long celebration that brings together businesses and apprentices across the country to shine a light on the positive impact that apprenticeships make to individuals, businesses, and the wider economy.

Tom is one of a number of Lodders’ team members who have kickstarted and developed their careers by undertaking apprenticeships at the firm. Read more about them here.

Interested in joining Lodders?

If you want to find out more about working at Lodders, or to view our latest vacancies, head to our careers page here.