Getting a legal apprenticeship

Feb 10, 2018

Written By Emma Finamore, Editor, AllAboutSchoolLeavers.co.uk

Legal apprenticeships are a great option for school leavers wanting to access law careers without taking the traditional university route.

As with apprenticeships in other industries, those on a legal apprenticeship will study for a qualification whilst in full-time paid work.

There are three levels of legal apprenticeship available, which have been developed since 2016 as part of the new Government Trailblazer Scheme. These are:

- The Paralegal Apprenticeship (Advanced Apprenticeship, Level 3)

- The Legal Executive Apprenticeship (Higher Apprenticeship, Level 6)

- The Solicitor Apprenticeship (Degree Apprenticeship, Level 7)

When can I find a legal apprenticeship?

Most legal apprenticeships are advertised at the same time every year, to coincide with the end of school and college. It’s a good idea to start looking as summer approaches, make a note of any application deadlines, and start the application process with plenty of time.

Some law firms recruit legal apprentices on an ongoing basis throughout the year, so you can find them online and apply at any time.

Where can I find a legal apprenticeship?

First of all, you should check for all legal apprenticeship vacancies here on the AllAboutLaw website. It’s also worth taking a look at our sister site, AllAboutSchoolLeavers.co.uk – as well as law apprenticeship vacancies, they have a wealth of information about applying for apprenticeships in general.

Apprenticeship vacancy adverts will state the length of the apprenticeship programme, the location, any entry requirements you should meet, and the salary on offer. Once you’ve found a number of vacancies in your chosen area of law, you can compare and contrast these details to figure out which apprenticeships are best suited to you.

There will also be information about what to expect from the firm, what kind of work you’ll be involved with and the qualification you’ll study for while you’re working there.

Researching law firms

Once you’ve decided on an apprenticeship to apply for, you should do some additional research on the law firm’s website. Legal apprenticeships are competitive, so a tailored, specific application will help you to stand out from other candidates.

Legal Apprenticeships