Solicitor Apprenticeship Programme 2026

Taylor Wessing is a global law firm that serves the world's most innovative people and businesses. Deeply embedded within our sectors, we work closely together with our clients to crack complex problems, enabling ideas and aspirations to thrive. Together we challenge expectation and create extraordinary results.

Specialising in technology, media and communications; life sciences and healthcare; real estate, infrastructure and energy; and Private Wealth, we act for the world's biggest brands, most innovative start-ups and unicorns, and wealthiest families. 

We have more than 1,250 lawyers in 17 jurisdictions across Europe, Asia and the Middle East, who advise clients on their corporate, IP, disputes, and other matters. Working at the forefront of new areas of law, we help our clients by introducing them to new people, new markets, and fresh perspectives to help them flourish. 

Collaboration is key to our success. We believe different backgrounds bring different interests and skill sets, enhancing and diversifying the service we provide to our clients. Many of our lawyers joined the profession from different backgrounds and we welcome applications from both law and non-law students.

Solicitor Apprenticeship Programme 2026

We don’t believe there's a set path in law – university isn't for everyone, and we appreciate that. Our six-year Solicitor apprenticeship programme offers school leavers with an interest in law an alternative route to qualifying as a solicitor. 

As a solicitor apprentice, you’ll join our inclusive culture that allows you to be yourself, with support to help you become who you want to be. We want to support talent from the outset, so we’ll also offer you support as you transition from school to joining the firm. 

What we look for

We look for individuals who're on track for a minimum of AAB (or equivalent) in their A-levels and have a minimum of seven GCSEs at grade 6 or above including Maths and English.

Being an apprentice will require you to juggle studying and working. We look for individuals who demonstrate a commitment to both. You'll have to be focused, committed, and ready to stay motivated, even in the face of challenging legal and academic issues.

We’re defined by the advice we offer to our clients. You’ll need to demonstrate in-depth knowledge of how business works, and how to apply it in real life.

From internal projects through to supporting clients, communication and teamwork will be at the heart of your role at Taylor Wessing. You’ll need great negotiation skills, and we'll expect you to work collaboratively, supporting and advising your colleagues as required.

Balancing a variety of pressing cases and client demands, along with your studies, you’ll need great time management skills and be able to plan for any contingency.

Why choose us?

At Taylor Wessing, we’re renowned for the support we provide to clients, and we’re equally proud of the support we offer our people. As an apprentice you’ll join our inclusive culture that allows you to be yourself, with support to help you become who you want to be. 

We want to support talent from the outset, so we’ll also offer you support as you transition from school to joining the firm.

We'll pay for your apprenticeship tuition fee (to be studied at University of Law; our chosen training provider) and during your apprenticeship you'll be eligible for our benefits.

Our Early Talent team will maintain regular contact with you from the application stage onwards, so you’re well-supported and connected, from finishing school right through to the start of your apprenticeship.

When you begin your apprenticeship, you’ll be matched with a buddy – an associate – who’ll introduce you to colleagues and help you settle in.

You can also join all our social and sporting events to ensure you’ll be surrounded by new friends at the firm from the outset.

The programme

Our six-year programme has been designed to help you hit the ground running from day one. You'll work towards an LLB (Hons) Law degree and a Solicitor Level 7 Apprenticeship. Each week you'll spend four days working in a practice area on client cases, with one day studying with our training provider, University of Law (ULaw). We'll pay for your apprenticeship tuition fee and during your apprenticeship you'll be eligible for our benefits.

Induction

You'll have a full week's induction which will introduce you to the firm, our IT systems and the basic skills of working as a lawyer.

You'll also have an induction with ULaw to provide you with a full understanding of the course, the requirements and study support available.

Years 1-4

You'll spend each year in a different practice area to experience working with our lawyers. You'll be given a dedicated supervisor and buddy who'll support and help you understand each area of law.

In addition, you'll cover the following with ULaw: Common Law Method and Ethics, Public Law, Law of Contract, Law of Tort, Criminal Law, Critical Approaches in Current Legal Issues, Land Law, Real Estate, Business Law, Equity and Trusts, Access to Justice and Legal Services, Criminal Litigation and Evidence and Civil Dispute Resolution.

Years 5 and 6

Supported by our trainee solicitors you'll rotate through four practice areas, some of which you may've already worked in during your first four years, enabling you to further build your skills and knowledge.

You'll be provided with a dedicated supervisor and buddy throughout your final two-year journey. Studying the SQE with ULaw, you'll cover Business Law, Wills & Succession, SQE 1 Preparation, Skills Portfolio, SQE 1 Bootcamp and Examination, SQE Preparation and Examination, and key practice areas. 

Qualification

Following successful completion of the six-year Apprenticeship programme training and exams, you'll have earned an LLB (Hons) Law degree and be a qualified solicitor. Our aim is to offer successful lawyers a newly qualified role in a practice area of their choice.

Benefits

We're offering a starting salary of £28,000 to apprentices based in our London office and £25,500 to apprentices based in our Liverpool office. On top of your salary, you'll be entitled to:

• have your Apprenticeship tuition fees paid for

• our Employee Assistance programme

• our in-house GP service

• our Cycle to work scheme

• our in-house counselling service

• life assurance, income protection and critical illness cover, along with a group personal pension plan

• technology loans

• travel loans

• retail discounts on shopping, travel and cars

• 25 days holiday, with the opportunity to purchase more

• time off for volunteering, moving house and a bonus day every December.

When and how to apply

For more information and to apply please visit our website Applications open on 5 January 2026 and close on 27 February 2026.

Diversity & Inclusion

We’re committed to delivering an inclusive culture and progressive environment where we empower all of our people to lead, learn, and grow. We recognise that the legal sector has much to do to improve diversity and that we are responsible for making progress for our people, aspiring legal professionals, and the wider legal community. 

Nurturing a diverse, inclusive culture allows all of our talent to flourish. It sparks creativity amongst our people. It powers innovation for our clients.

Our Inclusion networks drive inclusivity, peer support, active allyship, and collaboration across the firm. They connect individuals with shared identities and values who are passionate about promoting diversity, equity, and belonging for all colleagues. We each have a responsibility to shape our culture, and our trainees are involved in the committees of all our Inclusion networks.