Apprenticeships
An alternative route to a career in law.
Apprenticeships allow law firms to support talented young people with a desire to begin their career in law.
If you want to pursue a legal career but the university route isn’t for you, a legal apprenticeship is a fantastic alternative.
Legal apprenticeships are routes into the legal profession that involve working and studying concurrently. They have been developed by a high profile panel of law firms.
It is possible to progress from one apprenticeship onto the next. So, for example, following a paralegal apprenticeship, you could progress onto the chartered legal executive or solicitor apprenticeship.
Key Facts
You can complete a Solicitor Apprenticeship, which is a six-year, Level 7 programme aimed at A-level graduates, paralegals and chartered legal executives.
You could also complete a Paralegal Apprenticeship, which is a two-year, Level 3 programme. You’ll get an introduction to law and practice, legal research and client care skills.
Many firms also offer apprenticeships within their business service teams, such as Marketing and IT.
Commonly asked questions from students
Are you unsure about whether to do a legal apprenticeship or attend university? Higher education might seem like the obvious choice, but the legal apprenticeship route is becoming more and more common. Choosing which route is right for you is a big decision.
We have included here some of the most commonly asked questions to help you with this choice.
1. What is a legal apprentice?
A legal apprentice is an employee of the law firm, employed under an apprenticeship agreement. During the apprenticeship agreement, you will spend time in “on the job” training at the law firm alongside spending time in “off the job training”, provided by a third party training provider. At the end of the apprenticeship, you will receives a qualification and (like a trainee) can remain with the law firm or move elsewhere.
2. What types of legal apprenticeships are there?
There are a number of different types of legal apprenticeships and each of those has a different apprenticeship “level”, indicating the level of qualification. The most common legal apprenticeships are:
• Paralegal Apprenticeship (Advanced – Level 3)
A Paralegal Apprenticeship is usually 2 years long and the “off the job” training generally includes a study of law and practice, legal research and client care. At the end of the two years, the paralegal will have a qualification (the type of qualification will depend on the training provider). Many Paralegal Apprentices remain employed with the law firm as a paralegal at the end of their apprenticeship, but other will look to progress their studies and their career (including looking qualify as a solicitor).
• Solicitor Apprenticeship (Degree – Level 7)
A Solicitor Apprenticeship is usually 6 years long and covers the areas of study that are needed to qualify as a solicitor through alternative routes. At the end of the apprenticeship, the Solicitor Apprentice will be a qualified solicitor (just like a trainee who has completed their training contract). A Solicitor Apprentice will generally have completed A-levels before starting their apprenticeship. Just like a trainee, a solicitor apprentice may remain with the law firm when they qualify or pursue a career elsewhere.
It is possible to recruit Paralegal Apprentices with a view to giving those that meet a law firm’s qualifying requirements the opportunity to continue to progress their career towards qualification as a solicitor.
3. What are the benefits of doing an apprenticeship?
Many students are attracted by the fact that they get to combine a paid job and academic study. Instead of having to pay for the high tuition fees of university, you get paid while you get your qualifications.
This can be incredibly beneficial for those who want a career in law, but struggle to acquire money for both undergraduate study and student housing.
The practical experience gained can be an excellent alternative if you want to stop full-time study. If you are not motivated to study, University may not be for you. If you are more inclined to learn practically, an apprenticeship would be perfect for you. Spending time working with real professionals in a law firm might teach you more about law than any book will.
4. Which PRIME firms offer apprenticeships?
You can use our ‘find work experience tool’ on the left and can then filter your search to see which of our member firms also offer apprenticeships.
Apprenticeship News
Search for work experience
There are more than 60 law firms involved in PRIME, providing legal work experience up and down the UK and Republic of Ireland. That means whether you want to travel or stay at home, there’s an opportunity for you. Just tell us an area below, and we’ll tell you where the nearest firms are and how to apply.
You can then filter your search to see which of our member firms also offer apprenticeships.
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