Fletchers Solicitors opens applications for new cohort of legal apprentices

Leading medical negligence firm Fletchers Solicitors is accepting applications for its 2018 trailblazer solicitor apprenticeship scheme.

Apprentices on the six-year scheme will learn on the job, earning a salary while also completing a law degree, master’s and the Legal Practice Course at The University of Law, before qualifying as solicitors at the firm.

The new cohort of apprentices will start at the firm in September. Candidates should apply by 30 April.   

Bruce Wignall, a current apprentice at Fletchers, described how the route has benefited him: “The trailblazer route gives me the chance to learn on the job while avoiding tuition fees. I enjoy the work/study balance and this path really works for me. I was delighted to recently receive the Business Apprentice of the Year award [at the Southport College Apprenticeship Star Awards] and am extremely grateful to Fletchers and Southport College for the opportunities that have come my way, as it was my initial apprenticeship that made me want to progress to the trailblazer scheme.”

Ed Fletcher, the firm’s chief executive, said: “We’ve long advocated the investment in young talent as part of our long-term plan to ‘grow our own’ people and harness talent within the firm that fits in with our core values. I think it’s incredibly important that we encourage diversity in the law profession – not everyone can afford the burden of spending years at university so an apprenticeship is a great alternative. We have now been running our innovative trailblazer scheme for two years, during which time we’ve had the privilege of training some of the sector’s brightest potential lawyers. This year, we are continuing with our dedication to offer greater employment and training opportunities to future apprentices so that they can have a successful career in law, without the financial burden.”