One of the best ways to break into the legal field is through apprenticeships in law. However, when planning for your future, it might be difficult to know if an apprenticeship is the right option. We hope this guide to apprenticeships in law may make your search a little less daunting.

Am I a suitable candidate for a law apprenticeship?

While not everyone thrives in the traditional classroom setting of a university, many people find success in the legal field through apprenticeship programmes. Apprenticeships can be difficult at times, but they pay off in the long run.

A law firm will pay you a salary as soon as you begin your apprenticeship with them. You won’t have to worry about paying for your training out of pocket because both your employer and the government will cover the bill.

Apprentices will also have the opportunity to obtain valuable hands-on experience in the legal field. Your duration as an apprentice will consist of roughly 80% actual work and 20% training and education. You will be involved in a wide range of activities, from conducting legal research and drafting legal papers to meeting with clients and appearing in court. Your education and future career prospects will benefit greatly from the knowledge and experience you gain on the job.

In order to enrol in a legal apprenticeship programme, what requirements are there?

The requirements for a legal apprenticeship can vary from one firm to the next and from one level of apprenticeship to the next. However, most firms require at least a C+ in maths and English at the GCSE level.

To be eligible for the Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship, you need to have completed a bachelor’s degree in law with a 2.2 or higher or have an LBB. You will also have to have earned a C or above in all relevant GCSE subjects. Remember that this is only a suggestion. Always make sure you meet all of the requirements listed in the job advertising before applying to a law firm, as some may have stricter standards than others.

Furthermore, it is possible to progress from one apprenticeship to another. You may, for instance, decide to progress from a Level 3 Paralegal Apprenticeship to a Level 7 Solicitor Apprenticeship.

What apprenticeships are currently available at Law Apprenticeships?

At Law Apprenticeship we offer a variety of 95% government funded legal apprenticeships for a variety of different positions that will allow candidates to gain the relevant academic and practical skills to progress in their legal career. At Law Apprenticeships we can help find the right legal qualification for you, from Level 3 Paralegal Apprenticeships to help kickstart your legal career & Level 7 Solicitor Apprenticeships to help you gain solicitor status.

Which legal apprenticeship will be best for me?

For people in legal support staff roles we recommend starting with the Level 3 Paralegal Apprenticeship. This is a nationally recognised qualification for those who are looking to kick start their career in the legal sector. In this legal apprenticeship you will be provided with a variety of academic and practical training which will prepare candidates for working as a qualified paralegal and fee-earner. Upon completion of this apprenticeship, alongside becoming a qualified paralegal, candidates will also become registered with the National Association of Licensed Paralegals (NALP) and will be added to NALP’s register. Visit our Level 3 Paralegal Apprenticeship page to learn more.

For trainee solicitors or candidates progressing from a Level 3 Paralegal Apprenticeship we recommend our Level 7 Solicitor Apprenticeship. This Level 7 Solicitor Apprenticeship has been created to help cover the cost for support staff and trainee solicitors qualifying as a solicitor under the new SRA’s Solicitor Qualifying Exam Scheme (SQE). Covered via 95% Government Funding this apprenticeship includes the SQE 1 and 2 exam costs (£4,564) and SQE preparation costs (over £7,200). Upon competition of this apprenticeship candidates will become qualified solicitors. Visit our Level 7 Solicitor Apprenticeship page to learn more.

For graduates we also offer the Level 7 Accelerated Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship. This apprenticeship has been created for candidates who have a Bachelor’s Law Degree or an LBB. This 95% Government Funding apprenticeship also includes the SQE 1 and 2 exam costs (£4,564) and SQE preparation costs (over £7,200). Upon competition of this apprenticeship candidate will become qualified solicitor. Visit our Level 7 Accelerated Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship page to learn more.

Keywords: Level 3 Paralegal Apprenticeship, Level 7 Solicitor Apprenticeship, Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship, Law Apprenticeships, Legal Apprenticeships