Launching our new apprenticeship programme

Marking National Apprenticeship Week, we're announcing the launch of our new solicitor apprenticeship programme for school leavers. 

As part of our continued commitment to inclusion, we have launched a new Solicitor Level 7 programme to provide an alternative route to qualifying as a solicitor.

With applications now open, two solicitor apprenticeship places will be available in our London office and commence from September. Plans to recruit further placements in our Liverpool office are also underway for September 2024. 

Inclusion Partner and UK Executive Board member, Siân Skelton said: "This is a powerful initiative to create more opportunities in the legal sector for talented people of all backgrounds. We've run a successful training contract programme for many years, and we're excited to replicate the success we've achieved here to support those who would like to enter the legal profession through an alternative route."

On completion of the six-year course, apprentices will have obtained an LLB (Hons) Law and Legal Practice from University of Law, as well as becoming a qualified solicitor via the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE).

We have committed to attracting a socio-economically diverse pool of high-achieving applicants, offering them an alternative route into the legal industry. 

Solicitor apprentices will spend time in four different practices in their first four years, spending four days working in the firm with one day of study with University of Law each week. In years five and six, they will rotate four practice areas in line with the trainee solicitor programme and can apply for a newly qualified role at the end of the programme.

Talent Director and Board Member Wendy Tomlinson said "We attract wonderful students through our relationship with Future First and our Tomorrow's Talent programme, which provides 16-19-year-olds from less socially mobile backgrounds with work experience placements and annual insight days. Through the Solicitor Apprenticeship Programme, we can now offer different options as to how they may continue their career journey with us."

Applications open on 1 March 2023, find out more about the programme on our dedicated hub.

This latest programme comes off the back of two trainee placements in the firm's Cambridge office confirmed in late 2022.