Shoosmiths announces solicitor apprenticeship pilot

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Shoosmiths has announced a new solicitor apprenticeship pilot scheme, which will run from the firm’s Birmingham office from September 2024.

During the six-year programme, apprentices will complete an LLB (Hons) in Law and Legal Practice and take the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE), with the support of a student manager and personal tutor. This approach will allow apprentices to gain both the technical knowledge and practical experience to qualify as solicitors. The programme is accepting applications until the 10 March 2024.

If you’re interested in a law apprenticeship, check out our Law Apprenticeships Guide and read this feature about the different kinds of apprenticeships.

The firm has chosen to host the pilot in Birmingham due to the diversity of the talent pool and range of departments able to offer seats to apprentices, with a view to expand the offering to more locations in future years.

Eleanor Tanner, director of people at Shoosmiths, said: “We believe that talent can come from anywhere – it doesn’t have to be through the traditional university route. We are very excited for the launch of this pilot and are looking forward to meeting the first cohort in September 2024.”

Shoosmiths has previously worked on a range of initiatives to increase diversity at the firm. For example, the firm joined forces with the Purpose Coalition to create a Social Mobility Action Plan. They also collaborated with Aston University on its Pathways to Law initiative. This 18-month programme, which was supported by Virgin Media O2 and the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives, gave guidance to college-age students from underrepresented backgrounds looking to enter the legal profession.