Paving a new way to qualification.
We provide aspiring lawyers with an alternative to the traditional route to solicitor qualification. You can qualify as a solicitor by undertaking on-the-job training while studying for a law degree over six years.
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) requires solicitor apprentices to have a degree qualification in any subject, pass two centralised assessments (the SQE1 and SQE2), and meet the character and suitability requirements to qualify. Our Solicitor Apprenticeship Programme combines study with work to allow you to qualify as a solicitor without incurring student debt often associated with attending university.
At Bird & Bird, you will learn on-the-job at our London office, alongside a small cohort of solicitor apprentices, while studying for one day a week at the University of Law to obtain a law degree and complete the Solicitors Qualifying Examinations (SQE). We partner with The University of Law to deliver a LLB Law degree and a bespoke SQE programme during the apprenticeship. The SQE1 tests your legal knowledge and the SQE2 which assesses practical legal skills. You will earn a £25,000 salary (in Year 1) and all tuition fees and course materials covered for your apprenticeship studies.
You will spend time in different departments, known as ‘seats’, giving you a rich learning experience and development opportunities. Within our departments, we have sector and sub-sector specialisms. You will get exposure to different areas of law whilst working alongside an array of lawyers and clients, as you find the area you want to pursue and qualify into. You may also experience an international or client secondment to further your experience.
At the end of the apprenticeship, you will be a qualified solicitor.
Application process
Applications open on Thursday 14 September 2023 and close on Friday 1 March 2024 at midnight. We are recruiting for a September 2024 start. You can apply if you are in Year 13 or if you have recently left school and have, or expect to have, 5 GCSEs at grade 4-9 (C-A*) including Maths and English, and AAB at A-Level or equivalent.
Please note, our apprenticeship is not open to those who have completed a degree. If you are a current university student, or have already graduated, please apply for a Vacation Scheme or directly for a training contract.