Solicitor apprentices
Learn from the best.
We recruit two Solicitor Apprentices bi-annually. Applications for our September 2026 intake are now closed. Applications for our September 2028 intake will open in 2027. Please keep an eye on this page for updates The apprenticeships will be available in our London office.
What is a solicitor apprenticeship?
If you’re passionate about a career in law, and want to get started by gaining genuine legal experience, working alongside lawyers who are specialists in their field – then a solicitor apprenticeship may be the route for you. Unlike a traditional law degree, apprentices get the chance to obtain practical, hands-on experience, and develop research, negotiation and client-service skills.
As an apprentice at Lewis Silkin, you’ll spend four days a week with us, and one day a week studying with your apprenticeship education provider. By the end of the apprenticeship you’ll have earned your Law LLB University degree, gained six years of experience, and be a fully qualified solicitor through the SQE route.
What will I study?
During your weekly study day, you’ll learn about core areas of the law, including topics such as contract law, criminal law, company law and dispute resolution. You’ll also learn key legal skills including research, legal writing, client service and negotiation, which can be put into practice on the days you’re working with us. After the first four years, you’ll join our trainee cohort.
What qualifications will I get?
Solicitor Apprentices complete the Solicitor Level 7 Apprenticeship, and also work towards a recognised LLB law degree. You’ll sit the Solicitors Qualifying Examinations over the six years of the apprenticeship programme. If you pass all the assessments, you’ll qualify as a Solicitor in England and Wales at the end of the scheme.
What areas of law will I work on?
Our apprentices rotate through our different legal practice groups over time. You might get opportunities to support commercial and real estate deals, learn about clients’ trademarks and IP rights, work on domestic or international HR, employment and immigration law issues, or dive into the world of dispute resolution.
You’ll get 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.
What kind of work do apprentices do?
During the early stages of an apprenticeship, responsibilities include:
- Attending meetings and taking notes when requested
- Supporting members of your team with administrative tasks including diary management
- Carrying out document management including filing, binding and bundling
- Conducting research
- Liaising with clients in a professional manner
- Getting to know our business
As you gain experience, your duties and level of responsibility will increase. Over time, this will see you getting involved with:
- More complex research tasks
- Drafting legal documents
- Working on more technical transactions
- Developing skills such as client service and negotiation
How will I be supported?
All apprentices are supported by a dedicated supervisor who will help you manage you workload, further your professional development and offer support throughout the apprenticeship. In addition to being part of a supportive team, our apprentices have a network of mentors and buddies to turn to for advice, guidance, friendship and support. Everyone in the firm has access to our Employee Assistance Programme and a counsellor, who can assist with any problems you may be facing in or outside of work.
What's it like to work at Lewis Silkin?
From the moment you join us, you’ll be able to be actively involved in life at the firm. 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. There are a broad range of employee groups if you want to get involved in to DE&I and responsible business activities at the firm. We also hold regular social events, which are great opportunities to make new friends and get to know the team. Hear from our apprentices.
Eligibility & Application Process
We’re looking for smart, committed and passionate people, ready to succeed in a fast-paced office environment.
Key skills we want to see are:
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- A good eye for detail
- Strong organisation and time management abilities
- Creative thinking and analytical skills
We also look for the following qualities:
- An excellent team player
- Ability to follow instructions
- Motivated with a strong commitment to learning
- Desire to provide excellent client service
We are committed to ensuring our recruitment process is accessible to everyone at every stage. Therefore, if you wish to discuss any reasonable adjustments or support needs, at any stage of the process, please let us know by emailing train@lewissilkin.com and we’ll do our best to accommodate you.
In order to be considered, our Apprenticeship provider requires a minimum of three A Levels totalling 128 UCAS points (ABB or equivalent) in addition to 5 GCSEs or equivalent qualifications, including English and maths.
Stage One: Application Form
addStage Two: Virtual Assessment Day
addStage Three: Assessment Day
addDiya Kaur, Solicitor Apprentice
“The support and guidance from colleagues at Lewis Silkin has been invaluable. I’ve quickly grown in both confidence and skills and it’s been a fantastic environment to start my legal career. I’ve had the chance to take on real responsibility early on, which has been both challenging and rewarding. The culture here makes learning enjoyable, making me excited for what is to come.”
George Hannah, Solicitor Apprentice
“The solicitor apprenticeship hasn’t just given me legal knowledge, it’s opened the door to the wider world of business. I’ve met inspiring people at LS who’ve shaped me and made me genuinely excited for what’s ahead.”
Angel Skyers, Solicitor Apprentice
"Everyone is so supportive and friendly; I have never been afraid to ask a question which means I now have a much more varied skill set than when I started the job! ... I wouldn't change my decision on taking the apprenticeship route as I have not had any doubts about my experience."
Tom Glenn, Solicitor Apprentice
"The decision to join Lewis Silkin as a Solicitor Apprentice is one of the best decisions I have made. I have enjoyed every minute of my time here and have absolutely zero regrets."
A.J. Wynter, Solicitor Apprentice
"I'm immensely grateful for the opportunities and mentorship I've received during these three years. My solicitor apprenticeship has not just been a job; it's been a transformative learning experience that has set a solid foundation for my future legal career."
"We are delighted to be widening access to the legal profession for aspiring solicitors through our Solicitor Apprenticeship Programme. We introduced our programme in September 2020, and it is an integral part of our strategy to recruit diverse talent and open alternative pathways to the profession. I am personally very passionate about this and am excited to be more involved in our programme as Apprenticeship Partner."
Nicholas BucklandPartner, Intellectual Property