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

Law Society Diversity Access Scheme awards 15 scholarships in its latest roll out

The Law Society of England and Wales has awarded 15 scholarships to aspiring solicitors, welcoming them into its Diversity Access Scheme (DAS), which is now in its 21st year. The DAS supports those facing social, educational, financial or personal obstacles to qualifying – assisting awardees on their legal academic journey and helping them obtain relevant work experience and access to mentoring opportunities.

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Lawhive acquires Woodstock Legal Services to expand AI-driven legal offering

AI-driven legal startup Lawhive has acquired Woodstock Legal Services to accelerate its move into the property market and enhance transaction efficiency through technology.

News

Royal Courts of Justice to remove Banksy mural

Officials have announced plans to remove a recent Banksy mural from the walls of the Royal Courts of Justice, according to Law.com.

News

Law Society welcomes proposed changes to resolve misconduct at the Bar

The Law Society of England and Wales has welcomed the Bar Council’s review into bullying, harassment and sexual harassment at the Bar, commending “the leadership of the Rt Hon. the Baroness Harriet Harman KC and the review team for their thorough and thoughtful work”.

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.