Solicitor Apprenticeships

For aspiring solicitors in England and Wales, the traditional route of obtaining a law degree and completing subsequent professional training is no longer the only option. The solicitor apprenticeship offers a more flexible and accessible path to qualification, enabling candidates to earn as they learn. This apprenticeship model appeals to those who prefer hands-on experience combined with structured education, making it a compelling alternative for many future solicitors.

What Is the Solicitor Apprenticeship?
The solicitor apprenticeship is a comprehensive training programme that spans five to six years. Unlike the university-based route, it allows candidates to work within a law firm or legal environment while completing their studies and professional assessments. The apprenticeship covers all aspects of legal training, including the preparation for and completion of the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE). The programme integrates both practical experience and academic study, ensuring that apprentices develop the skills and knowledge needed to practice as solicitors. One of the key advantages of this pathway is the financial support provided by the apprenticeship levy fund, which covers the cost of training and assessments. This means that apprentices do not have to bear the burden of tuition fees, which can be a significant barrier in the traditional route. Moreover, apprentices receive a salary throughout their training, offering them the opportunity to gain experience and financial independence simultaneously.

The Structure of the Solicitor Apprenticeship
The solicitor apprenticeship is designed to equip candidates with both legal knowledge and practical skills. Apprentices spend 80% of their time working within a legal setting, gaining real-world experience that counts towards their qualifying work experience. The remaining 20% of their time is dedicated to off-the-job training, which may include studying for the SQE, attending workshops, and participating in skills training sessions. Throughout the apprenticeship, candidates receive structured support and mentoring from their employers, who are invested in their professional growth. As the apprenticeship progresses, the training becomes more specialised, focusing on the areas of law most relevant to the apprentice’s role and career aspirations. By the end of the programme, apprentices will have completed all necessary components to sit the SQE and qualify as solicitors.

Qualification Through the SQE
To qualify as a solicitor, apprentices must pass both stages of the SQE. SQE1 assesses legal knowledge, while SQE2 evaluates practical skills such as client interviewing, legal research, and advocacy. The apprenticeship programme includes preparation for these assessments, ensuring that apprentices are well-equipped to succeed. Upon passing the SQE and meeting the Solicitors Regulation Authority's (SRA) suitability requirements, apprentices can apply for admission as qualified solicitors.

Solicitor Apprenticeships for Those with Prior Legal Training
The solicitor apprenticeship pathway is not exclusively for those starting their legal journey from scratch. Individuals who have already completed some legal training, such as a law degree, the Legal Practice Course (LPC), or the level 3 paralegal apprenticeship, can also join the programme. For these candidates, the duration of the apprenticeship may be shortened, depending on their previous experience and skills. However, they still need to complete the SQE and fulfil all other qualification requirements. This flexibility makes the solicitor apprenticeship an attractive option for a broad range of candidates, including those who have taken non-traditional routes into the legal profession. Thanks to these tailored training programmes which take prior learning into account, the apprenticeship model ensures that all apprentices receive the education and experience needed to succeed in their careers.

The solicitor apprenticeship offers a dynamic and inclusive route to qualifying as a solicitor. The combination of paid work with structured legal training provides an alternative pathway that removes financial barriers and enhances access to the legal profession. Whether starting from the beginning or building on prior legal education, solicitor apprenticeships offer a valuable opportunity for those seeking a more flexible and practical approach to their legal career. With this pathway, aspiring solicitors can gain both the knowledge and hands-on experience they need to thrive in the ever-evolving world of law.