How do you get a law degree apprenticeship?

Dec 28, 2022

Written By Claudia Chan

Law apprenticeships have become increasingly more popular in the past few years. It is an alternative to the traditional route to qualification. They serve as an appealing alternative to those who aren’t interested in attending university, can’t afford to pay university fees, or would rather learn via practical experience.

What is a law apprenticeship?

A law apprenticeship combines paid work and training at a law firm with part-time study. You’ll receive a salary even when you’re studying, and the costs of your qualification will be covered by your employer. It is an alternative path to university that leads you to the same destination: a career in law.

The legal sector is seeing a rise in law apprenticeships. This is attributed to the apprenticeship levy introduced by the government in April 2017. Businesses that make more than £3 million per annum must pay 0.5% of their annual pay bill to the government, money which is used to fund new apprenticeship schemes.

Many law firms have also chosen to adopt their own law apprenticeships. An example is Hill Dickinson LLP’s partnership with The University of Law to deliver a graduate solicitor apprenticeship programme.

Law apprenticeships enable apprentices to learn the law and the intricacies of legal practice and professional legal conduct, alongside gaining practical legal skills and commercial awareness skills.

Law degree apprenticeship

Those who want to pursue a law degree apprenticeship can opt for a solicitor apprenticeship. This is a six-year, Level 7 programme aimed for post A-level students, paralegal and Chartered Legal Executives. They do not require a university degree.

This apprenticeship covers the content of a LLB law degree. Apprentices will gain a law degree and an LLM (Masters in Law). Subsequently, Apprentices will have to complete and pass the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) to qualify as a solicitor.

What are the typical requirements?

Individual law firms will have their own entry requirements but the government has recommended certain minimum requirements. To become an apprentice, you must be 16 years old or over and not enrolled in full time education. Legal apprenticeships require:

- Five GCSEs (or equivalent), including mathematics and English - grade C or above (or equivalent)

- Three A-levels (or equivalent) - minimum grade C

To help yourself stand out from the crowd, you’ll also need a demonstrable interest in law, such as by reading legal publications or attending court cases.

Legal Apprenticeships