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.

Want to know more?

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.

Feature

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

Law Society proposes minimum pay rise for trainee solicitors

The Law Society of England and Wales has recommended a 2.45% salary increase for aspiring solicitors who are completing qualifying work experience or a training contract.

News

Law Society supports urgent fixes to failing county court system

The Law Society of England and Wales has expressed its support for the House of Commons Justice Committee’s call for urgent reform, following its recent report, which stated that the county court needs “urgent attention”.

News

CILEX appoints new president and CEO amid leadership transformation

CILEX (The Chartered Institute of Legal Executives) has appointed leading NHS lawyer Sara Fowler as its 62nd president, and former Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education CEO, Jennifer Coupland, as its new CEO. Fowler began her term on 16 July 2025, succeeding from Foot Anstey LLP partner Yanthé Richardson, while Coupland will replace current CEO Craig Hamer in September.

News

Law firm profits and revenues rise in early 2024/25 results

Two international law firms have reported increased profits, and several other firms saw revenues rise as the 2024/25 financial reporting season begins.

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

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.