Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship
Duration: 2 years 6 Months
Study Mode: Online
Qualification Level: Post-Graduate
Eligibility: Learn More
Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship
Qualify As A Solicitor Via The New SQE Scheme
Key Features
SQE 1 & 2 exam costs (£4,564) and SQE preparation costs (over £7,200) are covered via 95% Government Funding
- Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship
- 80% on-the-job work, 20% off-the-job training and study
- Legal foundation topics and skill modules available online
- Online 1-2-1 meetings with your Progress Tutor to check on your progress and build a work-based portfolio
- Finish the weekly assignments you submitted and get comments from your tutor
- Prepares students for Parts 1 and 2 of the Solicitors Qualifying Exams (Learn more about the LPC vs SQE)
- Following completion, subject to the SRA Character & Suitability test, become a qualified solicitor.
- This apprenticeship prepares students for day 1 as a qualified solicitor. There is a particular focus on the skills of Interviewing, Advocacy, Case and Matter Analysis, Legal Research, Legal Writing and Drafting. Many other different skills and competencies are also developed through the programme
Curriculum
Year 1
Functioning Legal Knowledge 1 (Business, Legal Services, Dispute Resolution)
Functioning Legal Knowledge 2 (Property Law and Practice, Wills, Solicitors’ Accounts, Criminal Practice)
SQE 1 Exam
Year 2
Client Interviewing
Advocacy/persuasive oral communication
Case and matter analysis
Legal research and written advice
Drafting
Plus portfolio of work completed throughout training and optional modules
SQE 2 Exam (End Point Assessment)
Entrance Requirements
- You must abide by the requirements of the Solicitors Regulatory Authority (SRA) in order to be eligible
- Applicants must hold a 2:1 law degree in English or Welsh law from a recognised UK university
- A minimum score of 20% is required on Datalaw’s diagnostic assessment.
- Participation in Datalaw’s interview and application process
- English and maths from the GCSE at Level C/4 or higher, or an equivalent. Please be aware that if you did not complete GCSE Math and English or do not have the required scores, you may need to take Functional Skills Math and English exams. (To discuss suitable equivalent qualifications, please contact us.)
Note: You must be eligible to live and work in the UK permanently because apprentices are considered employees.
As apprentices have employed status you must have the right to permanently live and work in the UK. Apprenticeships are not covered by student visas.
All aspiring solicitors in England and Wales must pass the Solicitors Qualifying Examinations.
Fees & Funding
The Education and Skills Funding agency (ESFA) has allocated funding to train thousands of professionals in work to gain further occupational qualifications. The ESFA provides 95% of the funding and your practice pays only 5%. As an approved registered government training provider Datalaw can take advantage of this funding on your firm’s behalf to provide legal qualifications.
FAQs
To participate in a Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship, do I need a legal degree?
Anyone with a 2.2 or above UK law bachelor’s degree or similar credentials is eligible to apply. To discuss suitable equivalent credentials, please get in touch with us.
What further assistance is offered to me while I'm an apprentice solicitor?
You will be assigned a Progress Tutor and also have access to our resources and apprenticeship platforms.
During my apprenticeship, will I have a full-time job and be required to study on my own time?
The majority of apprentices work full-time jobs, however 20% of their time throughout the apprenticeship must be spent doing off-the job training for studying and learning.
At least one full day of study is required each week for the Solicitor Apprenticeship. Your employer and Law Apprenticeships will decide which day works best. Also, time needs to be set aside for online 1-2-1 meetings and webinars.
Is an apprenticeship a simpler alternative than full-time university study?
Not necessarily. An apprenticeship can be a worthy challenge that allows you to learn while earning real-world experience and abilities, but it also calls for resilience, organisation, and self-discipline.
What is the typical starting pay for a graduate solicitor apprenticeship?
The employer will decide on this. The specific employer should be consulted. Remember that apprentices are compensated for both their regular working hours and any associated training.
What's the difference between the LPC vs the SQE?
Learn more about the LPC vs the SQE: Click here to learn more
Can I do the Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship after my law degree?
Yes, as long as you have your results for your UK Bachelor’s Law Degree in a 2.1 then you will be able to do the Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship after your law degree (further eligibility criteria applied).