Our solicitor apprenticeship programme

To qualify as a solicitor, you must hold a degree or equivalent qualification, pass the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE), complete two years of Qualifying Work Experience (QWE) and meet the Solicitors Regulation Authority's (SRA) character and suitability requirements.

Our Solicitor Apprenticeship programme will cover those requirements across the programme, divided into two aspects.

We have partnered with the University of Law. As an apprentice you will spend one day per week studying towards the LLB (Hons) in Legal Practice and the SQE assessments. You will study by blended learning, with attendance at ‘live’ online classes and regular face-to-face support classes at the University of Law. You will also have access to a Virtual Learning Environment.

To complete the apprenticeship and qualify as a Solicitor you will need to pass the Solicitors Qualifying Exams (SQE). These are comprised of SQE1: Functioning Knowledge Tests and SQE2: Standardised Practical Legal Skills Assessments. The University of Law will provide you with guidance and assistance to help you pass these assessments ready for qualification at the end of the six-year programme.

For the remaining four days per week, you will be based in one of our offices in London: Putney, Holborn or Kingston-Upon-Thames. You will gain experience across different practice areas and our business services teams.

For the first four years you will complete 12-month seats gaining experience in three different legal departments. We will ensure that you obtain experience of different practice areas, client types and offices to give you the broadest possible training and experience. One of those years will also be spent with our Risk & Compliance team and our Marketing and Business Development team to give you an understanding of how a law firm operates as a business and a chance to develop some of the wider skills which are needed for a successful career as a solicitor.

In the last two years, you will complete four six-month seats alongside our trainees working towards applications for NQ positions at the end of that time.

Throughout the programme you will receive:

• Structured legal and professional skills training.

• Ongoing supervision and coaching within your department, at the University of Law and from our Early Careers team.

• A mentor to support your development.

• Regular performance and development reviews.

• Opportunities to build your professional network across the firm.