Law apprenticeships in London
London has more law firms than anywhere else in the UK, from international firms in the City to high street practices in every borough, so there are apprentice roles here at every level. Places on the large-firm solicitor schemes are competitive.
You can start at Level 3 as a paralegal or go straight onto a six-year solicitor apprenticeship from school. Every route pays a salary, and you don't pay tuition fees.
Live law apprenticeship vacancies in London
There are no live vacancies in London on our jobs board right now. Check your eligibility and we'll tell you when a suitable role opens, or see all live vacancies.
All live vacanciesWhich law apprenticeships London firms offer
| Apprenticeship | Level | Typical length | Typical London employer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Legal administrator | 3 | Varies | Firms of every size, in-house legal teams |
| Paralegal | 3 | 13 months | High street and mid-sized firms, in-house teams, local authorities |
| Conveyancing technician | 4 | 18 months | Residential property firms and conveyancing teams |
| Advanced paralegal | 5 | 14 to 24 months | Firms developing experienced paralegals, including towards the SQE |
| Licensed conveyancer | 6 | 18 months | Conveyancing practices |
| Chartered legal executive (CILEX) | 6 | About 2 years 9 months | Litigation, family, private client and property teams |
| Solicitor | 7 | About 6 years from school, 3 for graduates | Large City and national firms run school-leaver schemes; some smaller firms take one apprentice at a time |
City schemes and high street firms
London law apprenticeships fall into two broad groups, and you apply to them differently.
The large City and international firms run structured solicitor apprenticeship schemes. They usually take a small intake each year, recruit months ahead of a September start, and use online tests, video interviews and assessment centres. Competition for places is high, so apply to several and prepare properly for each stage. Our interview guide covers the questions these firms tend to ask.
High street, mid-sized and in-house teams more often recruit when they have a role to fill. These are usually paralegal, legal administrator or conveyancing apprenticeships, and they can start at any time of year. You can start here and progress to CILEX or the solicitor route later, either with the same firm or by moving.
If you're also applying to university, the UCAS deadline is 13 January 2027. Apply to apprenticeships at the same time so you have both options. National Apprenticeship Week runs from 8 to 14 February 2027 and is a good week to look for London employer events.
Funding for London apprenticeships
The funding rules are the same across England. You pay nothing towards your training. What your employer pays depends on your age and the firm's size:
| Your age when you start | Firm doesn't pay the levy (pay bill £3m or less) | Firm pays the levy |
|---|---|---|
| 16 to 21 | Nothing | Paid from its levy account |
| 22 to 24 | Nothing, except Level 7 (see below) | Paid from its levy account, except Level 7 |
| 25 or over | 5% of the training cost, except Level 7 | Paid from its levy account, except Level 7 |
The exception is Level 7. Since 1 January 2026, the solicitor apprenticeship is only funded for apprentices aged 16 to 21 at the start, or 22 to 24 with an education, health and care (EHC) plan or care-leaver status. If you're older, the Chartered Legal Executive apprenticeship is the funded route to becoming a qualified lawyer.
Smaller London firms that hire a new apprentice aged 16 to 24 can also receive a £2,000 hiring payment from 1 October 2026. It's worth mentioning if you're approaching a firm that hasn't taken an apprentice before. Employer funding explained
Getting started if you don't work in law yet
You need a job with a firm before you can start an apprenticeship. In London, the most common ways in are:
- applying directly to advertised apprentice vacancies on our jobs board
- applying for an entry-level legal administrator or trainee paralegal role and asking about an apprenticeship once you start
- applying to a City firm's school-leaver solicitor scheme, if you're 21 or under
If you already work at a London firm in any role, ask your manager whether you could start an apprenticeship where you are. We can explain the funding to them.
Training with DataLaw
DataLaw is a government-approved training provider for law apprenticeships. Our teaching is delivered in live online sessions, so London apprentices study from the office or home without travelling across the city for classes. You'll have a tutor, a learning platform with your recordings and notes, and support with your portfolio before your end-point assessment.
Frequently asked questions
Are there law apprenticeships in London for school leavers?
Yes. London has solicitor apprenticeship schemes for school leavers at large City firms, and paralegal and legal administrator apprenticeships at smaller firms across the capital. Since 1 January 2026, the solicitor apprenticeship is only funded if you start aged 16 to 21, or 22 to 24 with an EHC plan or care-leaver status.
When do London solicitor apprenticeship schemes open?
Each firm sets its own dates. Many large firms open applications in the autumn and close them in the winter, for a September start, so check closing dates early.
Do I have to live in London?
No, but you need to be able to get to the office on the days your employer expects you there. DataLaw's training is delivered in live online sessions, so you don't travel for study.
Can I do a law apprenticeship in London if I'm over 21?
Yes. The paralegal, conveyancing and Chartered Legal Executive apprenticeships are funded at any age. Only the Level 7 solicitor apprenticeship has the 16 to 21 age limit.
Also see: Paralegal apprenticeships in London · All law apprenticeships