The Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship is a 30-month, distance learning law apprenticeship designed for those who hold a UK’s law bachelor’s degree in a 2.2 or above or those that hold an LLB. This apprenticeship prepares students for day 1 as a qualified solicitor. In this apprenticeship there will be focus on preparing you for Solicitor Qualifying Exams (SQE) with training for your SQE1 and SQE2 with the inclusion of 1-2-1 coaching, mock assessments, workshops, and resources from Oxford University and Datalaw.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Eligibility for graduate solicitor apprenticeships requires candidates to hold a UK law bachelor’s degree with a classification of 2.2 or above.
- Achieving English and mathematics at GCSE level is essential, with a minimum achievement of Level C/4 or higher, or equivalent qualifications.
- Applicants must be eligible to permanently reside and work in the UK, as apprentices are considered employees.
- Concurrent enrollment in other government-funded apprenticeships is not permitted.
- As apprentices have employed status, candidates must have the right to permanently live and work in the UK and spend at least 50% of their time working within the UK.
- It’s important to note that apprenticeships are not covered by student visas, emphasising the necessity of permanent residency and work authorisation in the UK.
Key features:
- The apprenticeship involves 80% practical work experience alongside 20% dedicated to training and study.
- Access to foundational legal topics and skill-building modules is available through online resources.
- Engage in online one-on-one meetings with your tutor to monitor progress and develop a comprehensive work-based portfolio.
- Equips students for both Parts 1 and 2 of the Solicitors Qualifying Exams.
- Upon completion, individuals attain qualification as solicitors.
- This apprenticeship ensures students are fully prepared for their role as solicitors from day one, with a focus on essential skills such as Interviewing, Advocacy, Case and Matter Analysis, Legal Research, Legal Writing, and Drafting. Additionally, various other competencies are honed throughout the program.
Benefits for Employers:
Investing in solicitor apprenticeships can bring many benefits for employers, including financial help, staff development, and business growth:
- Using the Apprenticeship Levy: Companies paying the levy can use it to invest in talent development instead of seeing it as a compulsory expense.
- Government Funding for Others: Businesses not paying the levy can get up to £27,000 per apprentice from the government, making training staff more affordable.
- Training Existing Staff: Apprenticeships offer a structured way to improve the skills of current employees who hold law degrees, allowing you to upskill your legal team into qualified solicitors.
These benefits not only help with money and staff development but also encourage a culture of learning and adaptability, vital for success in the legal industry.
Benefits For Learners:
- No Requirements For Training Contacts: With the Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship you do not require a training contract. In fact, from 2025 training contracts will decrease resulting in the LPC ending in 2032.
- Qualify through the new SQE route: With the end of the LPC any recent graduates will be required to qualify via the Solicitor Qualifying Exam (SQE) route.
- No Fees: Through the apprenticeship route there is no cost for SQE or SQE training.
- Gain Experience: Complete your Qualifying Work Experience alongside the apprenticeship.
- Expand Your Knowledge: In the apprenticeship you will gain knowledge across all areas of law allowing you to broaden your skills.
Next Steps
If you would be interested in learning more about the next steps for enrolling onto the Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship then please either:
Check your suitability through Datalaw’s eligibility calculator here: https://pages.datalawonline.co.uk/register-interest-form
Or if you would like to discuss this more in-depth then please feel free to book a 1-2-1 call with Datalaw’s Apprenticeship Coordinator here: https://pages.datalawonline.co.uk/book-a-qualification-call-with-oliwia-birmingham-law-society/