Since 2016, the number of organisations launching legal apprenticeship schemes has steadily grown. We asked some to share their insights on the process, and their apprentices to tell us what their experience has been like.
Meet the apprentices
Rachael Peter, apprentice at Ashurst
"I felt that this route would enable me to gain invaluable knowledge and experience."
Read about Rachael's experiences at Ashurst
Becky, apprentice at Jones Day
"I would advise anyone starting their apprenticeship programme to always be open to new opportunities."
Read about Becky's experiences at Jones Day
Saffron Sinclair, apprentice at Sintons LLP
"You spend longer in a seat compared to a trainee solicitor and therefore get a more in-depth experience."
Read about Saffron's experiences at Sintons
Harry Bulbrook, apprentice at Charles Russell Speechlys
"The best advice I could give someone is to find an employer who they will enjoy working for."
Read about Harry's experiences at Charles Russell Speechlys
Leah Greenwell, apprentice at Sintons LLP
"The chance to work within a law firm without a degree and have the chance to study at the same time seemed too good to be true."
Read about Leah's experiences at Sintons
Jake Reilly, apprentice at Dentons
"I wanted to be academically engaged and have a good impact on my community."
Read about Jake's experiences at Dentons
Sydney Lee, apprentice at Charles Russell Speechlys
"Don't be afraid to ask questions - everyone at the firm is aware that you are only just starting out in the legal industry."
Read about Sydney's experiences at Charles Russell Speechlys
Hope Gallant, apprentice at Womble Bond Dickinson
"The apprenticeship scheme is an exciting route into a career in law."
Read about Hope's experiences at Womble Bond Dickinson
Daniel Shaw, apprentice at Clarion
"The apprenticeship… was a great opportunity to obtain a degree whilst still receiving the experience and skills to be a solicitor."
Read about Daniel's experiences at Clarion
Megan Capper, apprentice at BLP Law
"The apprenticeship programme… will enable you to build and develop on different skills that you will use throughout your career."
Read about Megan's experiences at BLP Law
Ben Evans, apprentice at Muckle LLP
"The introduction sessions held at Muckle were also very informative."
Read about Ben's experiences at Muckle
Caroline Rayner-Jones, apprentice at LCF Law
"The apprenticeship scheme… offered hands-on learning and practical skills whilst also earning. It was a double win."
Read about Caroline's experiences at LCF Law
Elliot Hawes, apprentice at Burges Salmon
"As far as the newly gained skills go, professionalism is the most valuable to me. I am so much more confident."
Read about Elliot's experiences at Burges Salmon
Annie Armstrong, apprentice at Addleshaw Goddard
"The apprenticeship has given me more confidence and improved my communication skills."
Read about Annie's experiences at Addleshaw Goddard
Gemma Sparks, apprentice at the Royal National Life Boat Institution
"For me, apprenticeship was a better option because you are actually working within law, learning from the solicitors and earning money whilst you’re doing it."
Read about Gemma's experiences at the RNLI
The apprenticeship route into law
One apprentice – Chelsie McIntosh, a legal apprentice at Withersworldwide – shares her story in this video:
Tai Ahmed, a second year solicitor apprentice at Dentons LLP, shares his views and gives some useful advice for those looking to qualify via the apprenticeship route.
Listen to the podcast:
Listen to "Solicitor apprenticeships" on Spreaker.