Solicitor Apprenticeship
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A solicitor apprenticeship is an alternative route to qualifying as a solicitor in England, allowing you to gain practical legal experience while studying. Rather than following the traditional route of attending university full-time and then completing a period of recognised training, apprentices are employed by a law firm and earn a salary while working towards qualification. All solicitor apprentices must pass both parts of the SQE and meet the SRA's suitability requirements before they can qualify as solicitors. Solicitor apprenticeships are currently only available in England and are not offered in Wales.
Trailblazer Solicitor Apprenticeship
This apprenticeship is designed primarily for school or college leavers and usually takes between five and six years to complete. It provides an alternative to attending university full-time by allowing you to earn while you learn. During the programme, you divide your time between working in a legal environment and completing academic and professional training. At least 20% of your working time is dedicated to off-the-job learning, such as studying for an undergraduate degree or preparing for the SQE. The practical work completed throughout the apprenticeship counts towards the qualifying work experience required to become a solicitor. Upon successful completion, you achieve a Level 7 qualification, which is equivalent to a Master's degree. If you also pass both parts of the SQE and satisfy the SRA's suitability requirements, you are eligible to qualify as solicitors.
Entry requirements for the Trailblazer apprenticeship vary depending on the employer, although the recommended minimum requirements are five GCSEs, including English and Mathematics at grade C or grade 4 or above, together with three A Levels (or equivalent) at grade C or above. Some employers also accept applicants who already have legal qualifications or experience, such as a law degree, the Legal Practice Course, or a Level 3 Paralegal Apprenticeship. Depending on your previous knowledge and experience, you may be able to complete the apprenticeship in less than the standard five to six years.
Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship
This apprenticeship is intended for university graduates who have already completed an undergraduate degree in any discipline. This route typically takes between two and three years and enables you to complete the Qualifying Work Experience needed to become a solicitor while remaining in paid employment. As with the Trailblazer route, you must pass both parts of the SQE, with the costs of training and assessments funded through the apprenticeship levy. At least 20% of the programme is spent undertaking off-the-job training, including SQE preparation. You must hold a Level 6 undergraduate degree to be eligible for this apprenticeship. After successfully completing the programme, passing the SQE, and meeting the SRA's suitability requirements, you can qualify as solicitors.
