The Law Apprenticeships Guide

A law apprenticeship combines paid work and training at a law firm with part-time study for professional qualifications. It is an alternative path to going to university that offers the same career destinations, but avoids the expensive fees.

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Meet the Apprentice

Cyril Lekgetho

Cyril Lekgetho is a first-year solicitor apprentice at Mayer Brown. He’s currently studying in the employment (global legal projects) department.

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Ask the Oracle

Should I do an apprenticeship or go to university?

I’m considering starting a legal apprenticeship, but are the career prospects the same as the university route? What are the main differences between a paralegal/solicitor apprenticeship and going to university?

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The Beginner's Guide to a Career in Law

Everything you need to know about launching a career in law.

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Legal apprenticeships: an alternative route to a legal career

For many, rises in university tuition fees have created a financial barrier to law, but legal apprenticeships can make legal careers more accessible to those with motivation and talent, as well as diversify legal training to match the increasing liberalisation of legal services, most clearly evidenced by the ongoing rise of alternative business structures.

Key questions

What skills and strengths do you need to be a good lawyer?

Who can become an apprentice?

Do I have to study A-level law to be an apprentice?

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Shoosmiths announces £1 million bonus pot to reward AI use

Shoosmiths has launched a new scheme to increase AI use, encouraging staff to use Microsoft Copilot AI to unlock a £1 million bonus pot.

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Law firms increasingly susceptible as targets for cyber crime

Law firms are becoming prime targets for cybercriminals due to the large quantities of sensitive client data they hold. Despite 97% of firms prioritising safety from cybercrime and fraud, according to the Law Firm Benchmarking 2024 report, only 32% of these firms provide regular training to their staff.

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Kingsley Napley unveils development of new AI tool

Kingsley Napley LLP has announced its collaboration with legal tech startup Let’s Think to create a knowledge amplification tool, The Knowledge Exchange. According to the firm, the tool is the first behavioural science AI based knowledge amplification tool within the legal industry.

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A&O Shearman leads the pack with new AI tool for senior legal tasks

Magic circle law firm A&O Shearman has introduced an innovative AI tool designed to expediate tasks typically handled by senior associates and partners. The move aims to capitalise on the transformative impact of AI within the legal industry.

Latest updates

What’s the difference between a solicitor and graduate apprenticeship?

Costs lawyer apprenticeship on the horizon

Shoosmiths announces solicitor apprenticeship pilot

Magic circle law firm to introduce solicitor apprenticeship from 2025

Barrister apprenticeships to improve access to legal profession

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Meet the Apprentice

Cyril Lekgetho

Cyril Lekgetho is a second-year solicitor apprentice at Mayer Brown. He’s currently studying in the employment (global legal projects) department.

Feature

A guide to law apprenticeships

Legal apprenticeships are an increasingly popular route to becoming a lawyer that combine a paid job at a law firm with studying for formal qualifications, funded by the government and your employer. It’s an alternative to the traditional route of going to university and training to be a lawyer after graduating. Graduate solicitor apprenticeships are also on the rise and new details have recently emerged regarding the introduction of barrister apprenticeships too. Find out more about the different legal apprenticeship options in this guide.

The Rookie Lawyer

What does a solicitor apprentice do?

In this article, we'll take a look at what solicitor apprenticeships entail, what they offer, and how they differ from other routes to qualifying.