In a profession often perceived as exclusive and dominated by traditional pathways, Joanna Hughes is leading a quiet revolution. With a distinguished 25-year career in law behind her, Joanna has turned her focus to creating a more equitable and accessible route into the legal profession. As Co-CEO of City Century, she is championing solicitor apprenticeships that not only open doors for aspiring lawyers from diverse backgrounds, but also remove the financial burden of student debt that so often acts as a barrier to entry.

Joanna’s mission is simple but powerful: to ensure that talented individuals can pursue a legal career regardless of their socioeconomic status. The traditional university-to-training-contract route has long been the default pathway for aspiring solicitors, but it’s one that excludes many—particularly those unable to shoulder the high costs of tuition and living expenses. Through solicitor apprenticeships, Joanna is helping to change that narrative.

City Century, the organisation she co-leads, works in partnership with more than 50 international law firms to transform how legal talent is developed. This isn’t just a marginal reform—it’s a movement. Under Joanna’s leadership, there has been a 240% increase in firms adopting apprenticeship schemes. These aren’t simply alternative pathways—they’re becoming mainstream strategies for building more resilient, inclusive, and future-ready legal teams.

Alongside Patrick McCann, a fellow leader in this field, Joanna is reshaping how legal education is delivered and accessed. Together, they have cultivated a supportive community of forward-thinking firms who understand that apprenticeships aren’t about lowering standards—they’re about widening access. The standards remain high, but the routes are more inclusive.

In this Canny Conversations episode, Joanna shares insights from the front line of legal education reform. One of the most compelling aspects of her work is how it extends far beyond policy or employer strategy. Joanna and her team understand that perception is everything—and changing perceptions requires modern tools and creative thinking. That’s why they’ve turned to platforms like TikTok and Instagram to reach young people where they are, in language and formats they relate to.

But it’s not just young people who need convincing. Joanna speaks passionately about the importance of engaging with parents, teachers, and careers advisers to help them understand the legitimacy and value of solicitor apprenticeships. “We have to re-educate the gatekeepers,” she says, noting that many well-meaning adults still assume university is the only credible option for high-achieving students.

Through her advisory work with UCAS and her role within the Multicultural Apprenticeship and Skills Alliance, Joanna continues to advocate for joined-up thinking across education, industry, and government. She is a tireless promoter of social mobility and cross-sector collaboration, recognising that long-term change can only happen when all stakeholders are engaged and aligned.

Listeners also gain practical insight into what it actually means for law firms to integrate apprenticeship schemes. Joanna explains that while the benefits are immense—from widening the talent pool to fostering loyalty and fresh thinking—there are logistical and cultural hurdles that firms must prepare for. From mentoring frameworks to internal communications, she provides a roadmap for firms looking to implement or expand apprenticeship pathways.

Crucially, Joanna’s approach is never prescriptive. She understands that each firm is different, with its own culture, pressures, and resources. That’s why City Century focuses not just on placing apprentices but on guiding firms through the journey—offering peer networks, onboarding support, and shared learning across the sector. It’s about creating a supportive infrastructure where apprentices and employers alike can thrive.

At the core of Joanna’s work is a deep belief in fairness. The law, after all, is supposed to be a pillar of justice—so it stands to reason that access to legal careers should be just as equitable. Her work is a timely reminder that innovation in education and recruitment isn’t just good for business—it’s essential for creating a profession that truly reflects the society it serves.

Whether you’re an aspiring lawyer, a law firm partner, an educator, or simply someone interested in the changing face of professional development, Joanna Hughes’ story is one of bold leadership, compassionate advocacy, and lasting impact.

Tune into this episode of Canny Conversations to hear how solicitor apprenticeships are not just an alternative—they are the future.