Solicitor apprenticeships
Updated 18 October 2024
Aspiring solicitors can qualify through a solicitor apprenticeship in England. All apprentices must pass the SQE and meet our suitability requirements to qualify as a solicitor. Solicitor apprenticeships are not currently available in Wales.
There are two different apprenticeship routes: the trailblazer apprentice and the graduate apprentice.
Trailblazer apprenticeship
Key facts
- Typically takes five to six years to complete and can be started post-A level.
- Offers an alternative to going straight to university and may suit if you want to 'earn as you learn'.
- As with all aspiring solicitors, you must pass both parts of the SQE .
- All the SQE training and assessments cost is paid for through the apprenticeship levy fund.
- At least 20% of the training (eg one day a week) such as studying for university undergraduate degree or SQE training takes place away from the office.
- The time spent working as an apprentice counts as the qualifying work experience you need to become a solicitor.
- You will have gained a level 7 qualification (equivalent to a masters degree) upon completion of the apprenticeship.
- At the end, providing you pass the SQE and meet our suitability requirements, you can qualify as a solicitor.
Entry requirements
Many employers have their own requirements which will be posted on their apprenticeship advert. However, the recommended entry requirements are:
- 5 GCSEs, including mathematics & English - grade C or above (or equivalent) or grade 4 or above for those attaining qualifications in 2017 or afterwards.
- 3 A Levels (or equivalent) - minimum grade C.
Some employers also offer solicitor apprenticeships to individuals who have already completed some legal training. This could be a law degree, the Legal Practice Course or the Trailblazer level 3 paralegal apprenticeship. These candidates also need to complete all the elements of the SQE. However, depending on their experience and skills they may not take the full 5 to 6 years.
Graduate apprenticeship
Key facts
- This scheme can be used for graduates to complete their training as a solicitor.
- It typically takes two to three years to complete which counts as their qualifying work experience.
- As with all aspiring solicitors, you must pass both parts of the SQE .
- All the SQE training and assessments cost is paid for through the apprenticeship levy fund.
- At least 20% of the training (eg one day a week) such as studying for the SQE takes place away from the office.
- At the end of the graduate solicitor apprenticeship, providing you pass the SQE and meet our suitability requirements, you can qualify as a solicitor.
Entry requirements
You would need a level 6 undergraduate degree to join a graduate solicitor apprenticeship programme.
More about apprenticeships and where to find them
Go to GOV.UK for more information on apprenticeships. You can also search and apply for apprenticeships available in England.
Read our Q&As on the solicitor apprenticeship.
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Employers taking on apprentices
If your organisation is interested in offering solicitor apprenticeships in England here are some tips and things to think about:
- Any law firm, in-house legal team or legal services provider can offer a solicitor apprenticeship.
- Employers work with a training provider to offer the academic study and learning needed.
- Financial support available from the Government through the apprenticeship levy - amount you get depends on size of your organisation but can cover up to 95% of costs.
- You can take on apprentices for the full six years or graduates for a shorter period (around two and half years).
- Hiring an apprentice can be good way to grow talent and develop your workforce - you can even offer apprenticeships to existing staff.
- Information and useful case studies are on the Government's apprenticeships website to support employers and answer queries.