Your guide to Solicitor Apprenticeships
Budding solicitors no longer need a Law degree to qualify, thanks to the Solicitor Apprenticeship.
In this blog, we explain what a Solicitor Apprenticeship is and how you can train and qualify as a Solicitor via this pathway.
What is a Solicitor Apprenticeship?
The Solicitor Apprenticeship is a route to qualification for those who want to train as a Solicitor but do not want to, or cannot, go to university.
Apprentices learn while they earn, whilst preparing for the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE Parts 1 and 2), which will take place towards the end of the apprenticeship.
Once you have completed the apprenticeship, and subject to the Solicitor Regulatory Authority’s character and suitability test, you will qualify as a Solicitor.
Solicitor Apprentice structure
80:20 work-to-study ratio
The Solicitor Apprenticeship Programme consists of 80% work in one department and 20% study and training (‘off-the-job’ training).
Most of the studying and training is delivered online by the University of Law, supplemented by textbooks, precedents and other documents, and supervised by an experienced specialist tutor.
You will complete online self-assessments with feedback and monitoring from your tutor.
Skills coaches
You will be assigned a solicitor skills coach who visits you at work every 10-12 weeks to guide you on building a work-based portfolio. This coach will review progress regularly through one-to-one tutorials and progress reviews.
Tasks
Apprentices are expected to complete weekly submitted tasks, supplemented by live webinars, which will take place in groups online once a week. You will also have access to the University of Law Solicitors Qualifying Exam revision app.
How long is the Solicitor Apprenticeship?
Barcan and Kirby’s Solicitor Apprenticeship is a five-and-a-half-year programme. The SQE 1 and 2 take place in the final year of the apprenticeship.
What qualifications do I need to be a Solicitor Apprentice?
This legal apprenticeship is for those who have:
- Three A-Levels at grade C or above (or the equivalent); and
- Five GCSEs (including Maths and English at grade 4+, or the equivalent).
Can I be a solicitor without a Law degree?
Yes. There are various routes to qualification as a lawyer, including those that require a Law degree or another degree, as well as the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) and the Legal Practice Course (LPC) or Solicitors Qualifying examinations, and some that do not.
The Solicitor Apprenticeship does not require apprentices to have a Law degree or other legal qualifications, meaning you can apply once you have your A-Level results.
If you do have a Law degree and want to continue your path to qualification without incurring further debt, you can apply for a Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship. Read more about Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeships here.
What are the benefits of a Solicitor Apprenticeship?
Aside from the obvious benefit of not needing a Law degree and the costs associated with that, the Solicitor Apprenticeship is a fantastic route into law as it gives you the chance to simultaneously learn and earn as you train to be a Solicitor at a real-life law firm.
Whilst you train and qualify in one department, once you are qualified, there will be some circumstances where you can choose to specialise in a different area of law and apply for an NQ role in that team.
The main benefits are:
- Earn while you learn; no student debt
- Practical, hands-on legal experience
- Mentorship and support from experienced lawyers
- Clear career path without the worry of securing training after studying
- Start your legal career early without going through years of university
“The Solicitor Apprenticeship is a great alternative route into becoming a qualified solicitor. Not only do you not have the debt of university fees, but you are also paid for doing the apprenticeship. It builds your legal knowledge and transferable skills, which you will use on a day-to-day basis.”
– Gabi Chenoweth | Solicitor Apprentice
The Solicitor Apprenticeship process
How are Solicitor Apprenticeships funded at Barcan and Kirby?
95% of your training and SQE exam costs are funded by the Government. The remainder is funded by Barcan and Kirby (including our Apprenticeship Levy).
Solicitor Apprentices also receive a salary from Barcan and Kirby, as you will be in a role while you study. You will not have to pay for your training.
How can I apply for a Solicitor Apprenticeship?
If you want to start your career in law via a Solicitor Apprenticeship, you should check out our legal vacancies page, where we advertise Solicitor Apprentice roles. We also advertise these on our LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram pages.
Contact us about a Solicitor Apprenticeship
Barcan and Kirby’s Solicitor Apprenticeship offers school leavers an accessible route to qualification.
If you are interested in qualifying with us via our Solicitor Apprenticeship, please keep an eye on our latest vacancies and follow us on social media.
To find out more about what it’s like to work at Barcan and Kirby, click here.