Solicitor Apprenticeship Programme

Join Freshfields' six-year Solicitor Apprenticeship Programme to begin your journey to becoming a qualified solicitor. This programme, based in our London office, blends practical legal experience with academic study, fostering your legal and commercial understanding from the outset. You will work with experienced colleagues on meaningful projects as part of a collaborative global team.

What to Expect

Over six years, you will develop the legal knowledge, commercial understanding, and professional experience required to qualify as a solicitor. This will be achieved through real client work, guided learning, and continuous support. You will study for your Law LLB during the first four years and then progress to the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) in your final two years.

Years One to Four

• Rotation: Annually rotate across market-leading practice groups to gain exposure to different areas of law.
• Office Work: Spend four days a week in our London office, working with Partners, Associates, Trainees, and fellow Apprentices.
• Academic Study: Dedicate one day a week to studying for your Law LLB at BPP University's Waterloo campus.
• Support: Receive continuous guidance from Associate supervisors, Trainee and Apprentice buddies, the Early Careers team, and a Partner mentor.

Years Five to Six

• Trainee Associate Programme: Join this cohort for shorter rotations in various practice areas.
• Secondments: Opportunities may arise for secondments with clients or in global offices to broaden your perspective.
• SQE Study: Continue your studies at BPP, focusing on the SQE, with dedicated study leave.

Key Responsibilities

As a Solicitor Apprentice, you will:

• Support legal matters and transactions under supervision.
• Apply legal knowledge and commercial judgement to develop client-focused solutions.
• Conduct legal research.
• Draft and review legal documents.
• Communicate legal concepts effectively.
• Build strong working relationships with clients and colleagues.
• Manage workloads and prioritise tasks to meet deadlines.

Reward

Freshfields offers a competitive package:

• Starting Salary: £32,000, with annual increases.
• Sign-on Bonus: £3,000 towards travel and accommodation costs.
• Tuition Fees: All covered.
• Annual Leave: 26 days.
• Benefits: Access to a wide range of lifestyle and wellbeing benefits, including private medical schemes and gym plans.

Eligibility to Apply

Applicants should:

• Have achieved (or be on track to achieve) AAB at A-Level (or equivalent).
• Have achieved seven GCSEs at grade 6/B or above, including English and Maths (or equivalent).
• Have not previously completed a university degree.
• Meet UK residency and right-to-work requirements.
• Be under 22 at the start of the programme (unless an exception applies).

We value motivation and commitment to a career in law, looking for enthusiasm, drive, adaptability, resilience, and collaboration skills.