Solicitor Apprenticeships

What is a Solicitor Apprenticeship? 

If you are passionate about a career in law, and want to start your career with some genuine legal experience learning from lawyers who are specialists in their field, a solicitor apprenticeship may be the route for you! By the end of this six-year course, you will have earned your Law LLB University degree, gained six years of experience, and qualified as a solicitor through the SQE route.

Apprentices spend four days a week working for their employer, and one day a week studying with the apprenticeship education provider.

Unlike the traditional law degree route, Apprentices get the chance to work alongside leaders in their fields to increase their knowledge and develop research, negotiation and client-service skills through practical, hands-on experience.

By the end of the six years, apprentices will be fully qualified solicitors, ready to advise clients on a broad range of legal issues.

What do apprentices study?

During their weekly study day, apprentices learn about core areas of the law, including topics such as contract law, criminal law, company law and dispute resolution. They also learn key legal skills including research, legal writing, client service and negotiation, which they’re able to put into practice in the office. After four years, apprentices join our trainee cohort.

What qualifications do apprentices get?

Solicitor Apprentices complete the Solicitor Level 7 Apprenticeship. They will also work towards an LLB (Hons) and Legal Practice.
Apprentices sit the Solicitors Qualifying Examinations during the six-year programme. Assuming they pass all assessments, apprentices will qualify as a Solicitor in England and Wales at the end of the six-year scheme.

What areas of law do apprentices work on?

This will vary depending on the firm the apprenticeship is undertaken at as each firm specialises in different practice areas and has expertise in different sectors.

At Lewis Silkin, apprentices rotate through our different legal practice groups such as Corporate; Digital, Creative & Commerce; Dispute Resolution; Employment; Immigration, Intellectual Property and Real Estate.

Our apprentices will have the chance to work with a variety of clients from large multinational corporations and FTSE 100 companies, to household names, high growth start-ups and small owner managed business and entrepreneurs. Apprentices will develop an understanding of the industries in which our clients operate and will gain experience across a wide range of legal services. Over time, this may see them supporting on commercial and real estate deals, learning about clients’ trademarks and IP rights, supporting clients on their HR, employment and immigration law needs domestically and internationally, or diving into the world of dispute resolution.

What kind of work do apprentices do?

During the early stages of an apprenticeship at Lewis Silkin, responsibilities will include:

• Attending meetings and taking notes when requested
• Supporting members of your team in administrative tasks including diary management
• Carrying out document management including filing, binding and bundling
• Conducting research when required
• Liaising with clients in a professional manner
• Getting to know Lewis Silkin’s business

As apprentices gain experience, their duties and level of responsibility will increase. Over time, this will see them getting involved with: 

• More complex research tasks
• Drafting legal documents
• Working on more technical transactions
• Developing skills such as client service and negotiation

What support do apprentices get?

All apprentices get a dedicated supervisor to help manage their workload, further their professional development and offer support throughout the apprenticeship.

In addition to being part of a supportive team, apprentices at Lewis Silkin will have a network of mentors and buddies to turn to for advice, guidance, friendship and support. Everyone at Lewis Silkin has access to our Employee Assistance Programme and confidential on-site counsellor, who can assist with any problems they may be facing in or outside of work.

What is it like to work at Lewis Silkin?

From the moment our people join us, they will be actively involved in Lewis Silkin life. We offer interesting, challenging, and varied work, as well as hands-on training and a chance to work with some of our big-name clients.

We have an active corporate social responsibility committee and a broad range of employee networks. We also have regular social events, which are great opportunities to make new friends and get to know the team. You can hear more about this from our apprentices here.

Applications for our London 2024 Solicitor Apprenticeship programme open on 2nd October 2023  Apply here. Applications will close at 23:59 on 22nd December. 2023.

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