Huge blow for Trailblazer Apprenticeship Scheme

Two magic circle giants have stated that they will not be introducing legal apprenticeship schemes, in a blow to the government’s Trailblazer initiative.

Clifford Chance and Slaughter and May stated that they will not be taking advantage of the scheme, which is being touted as the first alternative route into the profession. A Clifford Chance spokesman told the Law Gazette that the scheme was “not the right model for the firm.”

They stated that Clifford Chance would instead be continuing to focus on the training contract route that exists at the moment, whilst attempting to break down barriers to entry by focused schemes such as work experience options for those from less privileged backgrounds.

Freshfields, however, have confirmed that they are looking into introducing the scheme as a way into paralegal work and eventually, full qualification, at their Manchester hub.

“We’re looking at a number of ways to attract talented people in Manchester and the apprenticeship model is one that we are hoping to be able to offer later this year,” a spokesman said.

The scheme has been criticised by the City of London Law Society, who were worried about the potential drop in standards that they felt might accompany a sidestepping of the University-based route into the profession.

There were no confirmed plans on the introduction of apprenticeships from Linklaters or Allen & Overy. 

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