Solicitor Apprentice Programme 2027

Start Date: September 2027

Location: Wedlake Bell offices, London

Duration: 6 years

This programme offers an alternative route to qualifying as a solicitor, combining full-time paid work with part-time study. It’s ideal for Year 13 students and school leavers who want to enter the legal profession without attending university full-time.

Programme Structure:

Academic Study:

· One day per week at the University of Law, working towards an LLB Law degree and preparing for the SQE 1 and SQE 2 exams.

On-the-Job Training:

· Years 1–4: Annual placements in teams such as Commercial Property, Employment, Corporate, or Private Client.

· Years 5–6: Join the Trainee Solicitor rotation, completing four six-month seats.

Support: Apprentices are assigned a Supervisor, a Mentor, and receive 1:1 support from the Early Careers team.

Induction: A comprehensive induction programme prepares apprentices for life at the firm.

Eligibility:

· Open to Year 13 students and school leavers without a university degree.

· Applicants must meet the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) character and suitability requirements.

· The academic requirements to apply for the Solicitor Apprenticeship are that you are predicted or have achieved ABB at A Level (or equivalent) and have 5 GCSEs at grade 4-9 (C-A*) including Maths and English.

· As this programme is funded through the apprenticeship levy, applicants must also meet the government's apprenticeship funding eligibility requirements. This includes meeting the relevant residency and right-to-work criteria in England.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview and assessment process in April.

Offers will be made to successful applicants ahead of the September 2027 start date.

We advise against the use of AI tools to write or complete applications. Our selection process places high value on authenticity, personal reflection, and genuine motivation which are all qualities that cannot be effectively conveyed through AI-generated content. Applications that lack originality or appear formulaic may be disadvantaged during assessment.