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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What are the different types of apprenticeships?

Intermediate, paralegal, solicitor apprenticeships: here are the career options

Legal apprenticeship skills checklist

Here's a checklist of the necessary skills to get off to a flying start

Legal apprenticeship vacancies

Discover legal apprenticeship positions available at various law firms and organisations

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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?

News

The CILEX Foundation donates £123,000 in scholarships and bursaries

CILEX has awarded £123,000 in bursaries and scholarships this year as part of its CILEX Foundation scholarship programme, which supports those from under-represented and/or socially disadvantaged backgrounds. Seven students were awarded scholarships worth up to £13,200 each.

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The Law Society recognises achievements of Black solicitors this Black History Month

This Black History Month, the Law Society of England and Wales focused on this year’s theme ‘standing firm in power and pride’. It encouraged the legal sector to take the time to celebrate the accomplishments, contributions and the crucial role Black solicitors have played in championing justice, advocacy and community empowerment. However, as part of this reflection the Law Society also aimed to recognise the challenges faced by many within the profession, rather than only highlighting Black success.

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Ministry of Justice partners with OpenAI to boost AI usage

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has entered into a partnership with OpenAI to accelerate AI adoption and improve efficiency.

News

The Solicitors’ Charity launches new wellbeing focused podcast

The Solicitors’ Charity has introduced The Legal Pause, a new podcast focused on promoting solicitor wellbeing across England and Wales.

Latest updates

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

Law Society welcomes government’s level 7 apprenticeship funding exemption

BSB announces barrister apprenticeship standard

Apprenticeship data suggests reducing higher learning funding risks growth

Legal training providers call for government to protect solicitor apprenticeships amid funding cuts

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Meet the Apprentice

Ava Mathias

Ava Mathias is a solicitor apprentice at RPC.

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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.