Solicitor apprenticeships with LLB
Solicitor apprenticeships with LLB
The Alternative Route to Becoming a Solicitor: What You Need to Know
Solicitor Apprenticeships: What They Are and Who They’re For:
Solicitor apprenticeships are a valuable option for those who aspire to become solicitors without following the traditional university route. This pathway allows you to “earn while you learn,” gain practical experience, and qualify as a solicitor in the same timeframe as university graduates without taking on student debt.
The solicitor apprenticeship scheme was launched in 2015 under the government’s Trailblazer Programme. Since the introduction of the apprenticeship levy in 2017, more law firms have begun offering these opportunities, making apprenticeships an increasingly popular route into the legal profession.
What do solicitor apprenticeships involve?
A solicitor apprenticeship is a Level 7 programme that typically takes around six years to complete, combining academic study with practical training.
The apprenticeship combines paid, hands-on work experience in a law firm with part-time study towards the professional qualifications needed to become a solicitor. Over the course of the programme, apprentices complete their recognised training, gain a qualifying law degree, and pass the required professional assessments.
At the end of the six-year programme, successful apprentices qualify as solicitors in England and Wales and are formally admitted to the Roll of Solicitors by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).
This pathway gives apprentices the chance to build real-world experience, develop commercial awareness, and gain confidence in a professional office setting.
Most solicitor apprentices work around 30 hours a week, supported by a mentor. Typically, they spend one day each week (around 20% of their time) studying towards their law degree, with the remaining 80% focused on practical, on-the-job experience at the firm.
What Can You Expect to Earn as a Solicitor Apprentice?
All apprentices are entitled to the National Minimum Wage. As of April 2025, this is set at £7.55 per hour for apprentices. Many law firms, however, offer higher pay rates through their own apprenticeship programmes.
Steps to Becoming a Solicitor
According to the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), to qualify as a solicitor in England and Wales you must:
Academic Stage
Hold a law degree (or an equivalent qualification).
Qualification Route
Pass either the Law Conversion Course and/or Legal Practice Course, or both stages of the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE).
Practical Stage
Complete two years of qualifying work experience (QWE).
For those on the Level 7 Solicitor Apprenticeship, the full journey takes about six years. During this time, apprentices complete all the requirements above while gaining paid experience.
After the first two to three years, apprentices achieve recognition as Level 3 Paralegal Apprentices. At this point, they can either continue working as paralegals or carry on with their training for another three to four years to qualify fully as solicitors.
Apprenticeship Pathways to Becoming a Solicitor
| Stage | Duration | Route | What It Involves |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 3 Paralegal Apprenticeship | 2–3 years | Option to remain as a Paralegal Apprentice or progress to Level 7 Solicitor Apprenticeship | Four days a week in work-based learning and one day a week studying towards an LLB law degree. Continuing apprentices complete their LLB (Hons) after four years of part-time study. |
| Level 7 Solicitor Apprenticeship | 5–6 years (including Level 3) | Qualify as a Solicitor in England and Wales | Completion of an LLB law degree after four years of part-time study, followed by around two years preparing for and passing the SQE. Successful completion leads to solicitor qualification. |
Assessments
Each apprenticeship follows a specific standard that defines the skills, knowledge, and behaviours needed to qualify as a solicitor. An assessment plan outlines how apprentices are evaluated throughout the programme and at its conclusion.
For solicitor apprenticeships, the standard is aligned with the Solicitor Competence Framework. To qualify, apprentices must successfully complete the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE), taken in two stages. The final stage of the SQE is completed during the last six months of the apprenticeship.
How do I get a solicitor apprenticeship?
Entry Requirements
While each law firm sets its own criteria, the government’s recommended minimum requirements for solicitor apprenticeships are:
- GCSEs – At least five GCSEs, including Maths and English, at grades A*–C (new grading: 9–4). Some firms may ask for seven GCSEs at grade B (5/6) or above.
- A-Levels (or equivalent) – A minimum of three A-Levels at grade C or above. Some firms set higher standards, such as requiring AAB, though this is still slightly lower than the typical AAA entry requirement for university law degrees.
How do I get a solicitor apprenticeship?
Chartered legal executive apprenticeships
Solicitor apprenticeships are different from chartered legal executive apprenticeships. The chartered route was created as an alternative pathway, originally for legal secretaries who wanted to qualify as solicitor in a specific area of law.
Graduate solicitors apprenticeships
Graduate solicitor apprenticeships are different from the standard solicitor apprenticeship. These programmes are designed for graduates whether from law or non-law degrees who want to complete their vocational training through the SQE while working at a law firm on a part-time basis.