The Law Apprenticeships Guide 2020

If you are weighing up whether to go to university or move straight into your career with an apprenticeship after finishing your GCSEs or A levels, The Law Apprenticeships Guide 2020 is here to help.

APPRENTICESHIPS GUIDE THE LAW 2020

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Find out more in the rest of the guide.

Apprenticeship v university

Duration Apprenticeship

University

Eighteen months for the intermediate apprenticeship, 24 months for the paralegal apprenticeship and six years for the solicitor apprenticeship. It takes around five years to qualify as a legal executive.

Undergraduate degrees usually last three to four years.

University is the right path for some people because it offers the chance to study an interesting subject in detail and gain a valuable degree that opens up career options. University can also be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, filled with opportunities for getting involved in new things and meeting life-long friends. On the other hand, an apprenticeship offers a more direct path to those same career options, without the costs of going to university or the same intense competition for places. Apprenticeships are also perfect for people who are not keen on more full-time study after finishing their A levels and are eager to kick-start their careers.

It is important to remember that in the legal profession, you can have the same career whether you choose university or an apprenticeship, which means that your choice is not so much about where you end up, but how you get there – some apprenticeships even involve gaining a university degree. Law apprenticeships lead to three possible careers – solicitor, legal executive or paralegal. All three are also available if you choose to go to university. Find out more about what being a solicitor, legal executive or paralegal involves on pages 4 and 5 in “Career paths”. Meanwhile, this table explains some of the key differences between an apprenticeship and going to university.

Work experience Apprenticeship

University

Full-time work in a law firm or the legal department of a company or other organisation.

Optional work placements and internships – students interested in law should apply for work experience at law firms.

Qualifications Apprenticeship

Social life Apprenticeship

University

As an apprentice working and studying full time, you may miss out on some social opportunities that come with going to university, such as the chance to meet new friends among students from all over the world and enjoy all the experiences that university has to offer. However, offices often have great socialising cultures too, with plenty of activities to get involved with, and you are bound to make good friends.

The opportunities for socialising at university are fantastic. From the societies covering everything from political debating to cheerleading, to the thriving music, arts and social scenes at most universities, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Professional qualifications to become a solicitor, legal executive or paralegal. Completing the solicitor apprenticeship also involves gaining a law degree.

A university degree in one of hundreds of possible subjects which is widely recognised. For a career in law, a university degree in any subject makes you eligible for the postgraduate professional courses you need to complete to become a solicitor, legal executive, paralegal or barrister.

Cost

Apprenticeship

University

Career prospects Apprenticeship

None to the apprentice – the costs of apprenticeships are covered by the government and employers, while apprentices themselves are paid at least the apprentices’ National Minimum Wage.

With tuition fees standing at over £9,000 a year and living costs on top of that, many students leave university in tens of thousands of pounds’ worth of debt.

University

Both law apprentices and university graduates can pursue a career as a solicitor, legal executive or paralegal.

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Apprenticeship career paths

between employers. The apprenticeship also integrates a law degree, which is obtained at the end of the fourth year. Apprentices learn law and legal practice alongside gaining competence in legal skills, commercial skills and professional conduct. Paralegal Paralegals have traditionally worked alongside solicitors in law firms as support staff, but in practice many paralegals do the same work as solicitors – although this is almost always for lower pay. Whether you become a paralegal through an apprenticeship or secure a job as a paralegal after graduating from university, it is possible to progress onto qualifying as a solicitor, legal executive or a more senior paralegal role. CILEx chartered legal executive A legal executive is another type of lawyer who is trained to specialise as an expert in one particular area of law. Within that specialism, the job of a legal executive is very similar to that of a solicitor – legal executives advise clients, draft documents and conduct research to find solutions to problems. Solicitor Solicitors provide advice and assistance on legal matters. They are the first point of contact for people and organisations (eg, companies and charities) seeking legal advice and representation. Solicitors may work in very different areas of law, but the fundamentals of the job remain largely the same. These include meeting and advising clients on their legal problems, doing legal research to find solutions, drafting important documents such as contracts or wills, and occasionally representing clients at tribunals or in court.

GCSE The foundation of your career and the essential first step – good grades are vital if you want to progress in your legal career. A level The academic stage between GCSE and university or the beginning of a paralegal/ solicitor apprenticeship. Again, good grades are essential. Intermediate apprenticeship The intermediate apprenticeship is aimed at school leavers who have not done A levels. Entry requirements are five GCSEs graded 9-4 (A* to C) or equivalent. Apprentices will develop skills to assist in the progression of cases on an administrative level. It is usually a 15-21 month course. Paralegal apprenticeship The paralegal apprenticeship delivers paralegal training in a particular legal practice area. Entry requirements are five GCSEs graded 9-4 (A* to C) and three A levels graded C or above (or equivalent). It is a 24-month course. It can lead on to further training via the solicitor apprenticeship route to qualify as a solicitor. It is also possible to go on to qualify as a chartered legal executive, although smaller numbers of paralegals take this route. Solicitor apprenticeship The solicitor apprenticeship is a six-year programme of paid, on-the-job training which ends in qualification as a solicitor. The entry requirements are five GCSEs graded 9-4 (A* to C) and three A levels, often graded B or above (or equivalent work experience) – although minimum grade requirements vary

GCSE

A level

Intermediate apprenticeship

Paralegal apprenticeship

Paralegal

Chartered legal executive apprenticeship

Solicitor apprenticeship

Solicitor

Legal executive

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Meet the apprentice

How have you found juggling work with your study days?

I have one day a week out of the office, which I use for studying. I’m managing well so far and have not yet had to study on additional days, except when I’ve had upcoming exams or coursework deadlines. I am conscious that as the demands of work and the course increase, it might become more difficult to balance the two – although I am pleasantly surprised with how it’s turned out so far.

Chris Howes Mayer Brown International LLP

Chris is in the first year of the solicitor apprenticeship programme at Mayer Brown International LLP.

What is the most enjoyable aspect of being an apprentice?

It’s been very enjoyable studying areas at university that I have already come across at work. I learn best through doing things and my job brings classroom topics, such as the theory of contract negotiation, to life in a practical way.

Why did you decide to do an apprenticeship?

I had been out of education for a year and didn’t feel that university was right for me. I wanted to work and start doing something. An apprenticeship seemed like a good opportunity to get a degree, work and make a positive difference. I had previously considered a career in law and this apprenticeship was a good compromise between work and education.

What advice would you give to anyone considering an apprenticeship?

It’s a big commitment. It’s important to keep motivated and focused on the end goal, while making the most of what you’re doing throughout the six years of the apprenticeship. In addition, make sure that you fully research each firm’s individual apprenticeship programme before applying – they’re not all the same! One of the major advantages of an apprenticeship at Mayer Brown is that we rotate every six months and are exposed to a wide variety of skills and areas of law. However, at other firms you might stay in the same area for four years. You should think about what you want in a job and what you want to spend the next six years doing. Don’t be afraid to ask questions in order to gain a greater understanding of what the programme entails. Make sure you know what you’re signing up for!

What is a typical day at work like?

One of the big positives of undertaking the solicitor apprenticeship at Mayer Brown is that we change seats every six months. As a result, the work is very varied and it’s difficult to describe a typical day. I currently work in the business intake department and spend two days a week doing tasks such as client onboarding and due diligence, and two days working on General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) related matters. This regulation governs people’s privacy rights and who can access personal data. I review and negotiate contracts and advise on GDPR-related issues under the supervision of a lawyer in the risk and compliance team. My work also involves dealing with vendors and ensuring that what we’re doing at Mayer Brown complies with GDPR.

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Meet the apprentice

What do you do day to day?

I’m currently with the ITV Network team, which is the broadcasting arm of ITV. I work mainly on development and commissioning agreements with both internal and external producers across all genres, such as entertainment, factual and drama. I draft and negotiate these contracts, with the support of senior lawyers when necessary. Much of what I do is the same level of work as the trainees, which feels great and really rewarding.

Holly Moore ITV

Holly Moore is a fourth-year solicitor apprentice, currently in the ITV Network Legal and Business Affairs team at ITV. She will move around the business, involving three one-year seats (a seat is a period of training in a particular department), four six-month seats, and two six-month seats at law firms.

What do you most enjoy – and find the most challenging – about your apprenticeship?

The most enjoyable part is working in a friendly and creative environment – it is fast-paced and challenging, and there is so much variety in the people I work with and the work I do; every day is different. There’s always a new show, contract or discussion and I’m involved with all of that, and learning what goes into creating a show, from start to finish. I also love studying all areas of law at uni! The challenge is taking on a lot of responsibility at a young age; I came straight into this role after taking my A levels. It encouraged me to gain a level of maturity; you have to manage your own workload and study, and ensure that you balance that with your life outside work. It doesn’t undermine how much I love it, though – I would choose the exact same route if given the choice again. I am very lucky to have a supportive team around me.

How did you find out about/research the legal apprenticeship route?

I always knew that I wanted to be a lawyer, but I didn’t want to go to university full time and I did want to gain some practical work experience. I searched everywhere for alternative routes – I relied heavily on the government careers website, CILEx and LawCareers.Net for information. I first read about paralegal apprenticeships, but then discovered the solicitor apprenticeship. It was the ideal combination of going to university to gain the correct qualifications, with the added benefit of six years’ work experience and no university debt!

What about the route appealed?

What is your best piece of advice for those considering applying for a legal apprenticeship?

I get to apply the modules I’m studying at university in a very immediate way. For example, I studied contract law in my first year and every day at work I draft and negotiate a variety of contracts. I’m using my knowledge as I learn it, rather than having to wait for five years to apply it! Plus, working at ITV has been perfect for me – it offers everything I was looking for, including both in-house and private practice experience.

Do lots of research into the different routes. There are new apprenticeships becoming available all the time, so you need to seek that information out. And if you think that it might be right for you, then you have to engage fully; you can’t go into it in a half-hearted way. It requires a lot of commitment and sacrifice in terms of time – it’s very different to full-time uni! It can be tough, because of the amount that you’re juggling, but it’s worth it and also has the advantage of being paid! Talk to careers advisers, email firms, talk to your teachers; the more research you do, the more you’ll be certain that it’s something you want to pursue.

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Below are some frequently asked questions about legal apprenticeships. If something you want to know is not covered here, email your question to LawCareers.Net’s Oracle at oracle@lawcareers.net for a personalised response. Key questions

How do I know if law is the right career for me? At this early stage, it can be hard to be sure, but you can ask

Haven’t all lawyers been to private schools and Oxbridge? No. Most firms understand the benefits of a representative workforce, which means recruiting the best candidates regardless of background. These days, most have their own diversity policies to ensure that they provide a welcoming and supportive environment for people whatever their gender, ethnicity, sexuality, age or socioeconomic background. In fact, legal apprenticeship schemes are one of the ways that firms are trying to attract and recruit a more diverse group of employees.

Do I have to study A-level law to be an apprentice? In short, no. A level is about developing key skills – specialist

What do I need to know about my first day at work? Your first day in any job can be intimidating but don’t worry

yourself some key questions as a start. Do you find legal issues interesting? Are you intrigued by the ways in which the law is part of everyday life? Is there a particular area (eg, crime, the environment or human rights) that has caught your attention? Are you the kind of person who would thrive in a fast-paced legal environment? The best way to really find out whether law is for you is by talking to lawyers and doing some quality work experience within the legal profession.

legal training comes later. Also, very few universities list A-level law as a requirement, even for those wanting to start a law degree, so it is by no means essential. In fact, you can become a lawyer without ever having done a law degree by choosing a non-law undergraduate degree subject and then converting after you graduate. When choosing A-level subjects, bear in mind that most law firms prefer ‘traditional’ subjects such as history, English, the sciences and languages, rather than more modern choices such as media studies and drama. Another point here is the importance of achieving good grades. Try to opt for subjects that you enjoy and excel in to give yourself the best possible chance of passing with flying colours. It is far preferable to get As and Bs in three subjects than it is to get Bs and Cs in four, so don’t give yourself too much to do.

– most firms will have comprehensive induction programmes for new joiners. You may also find yourself starting on the same day as other apprentices, so you there are likely to be others in the same boat. Some firms will also give you a trainee buddy or mentor to help you adjust. Be yourself, ask questions, demonstrate enthusiasm, and pretty soon, you’ll feel right at home. One note on dress code: lawyers are business people and their clients expect them to look the part. While some firms are more relaxed than others, your best bet is to arrive looking very well presented. That doesn’t mean spending a fortune on tailor-made suits, but it does mean arriving on your first day dressed smartly and ready to do the job.

What skills and strengths do you need to be a good lawyer? Several important skills are

Who can become an apprentice? Generally speaking, legal apprenticeships are aimed

needed if you are to be a good lawyer. Many of them are developed during your academic studies, while others become apparent in your working life – the advantage of developing them as an apprentice is that you will be doing both simultaneously. The attributes that most recruiters look for include: intellectual ability (ie, strong grades); motivation; resilience; accuracy; teamwork; leadership; commercial awareness (an interest in the business world); and communication skills. If you have the majority of these, law could be a good option for you!

at students who leave education after completing their GCSEs or A levels, wanting to go straight into a career rather than progress on to university. Most legal apprentices have recently finished secondary education, but apprenticeships are also open to mature candidates (eg, those who have had a previous career).

Should I go to my careers service? Your school careers service is a brilliant resource that you should definitely make use of. They will

be able to help you with application and interview techniques, suggest places to look for information, and maybe even help you to secure informal work experience or shadowing with a law firm.

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Key questions

A law apprenticeship combines an interesting job and training at a law firm with part-time study. This means hard work, but the rewards are well worth it. Here is a checklist of the necessary skills and what you need to do to get off to a flying start as a legal apprentice. Your legal apprenticeship skills checklist: Good written and verbal communication skills. Solicitors, paralegals and legal executives advise people in person, over the phone and in emails and letters, so writing and speaking with confidence is important. Attention to detail. This is one of the cornerstones of the legal profession, so it is essential that you take a careful and meticulous approach to all the work that you produce as an apprentice, checking and rechecking as you go. Good interpersonal and customer service skills. As an apprentice you will meet a wide range of different people, from colleagues in your organisation to clients who need one of your legal services. You will need to be friendly, enthusiastic and professional, even with difficult clients. The ability to work well as part of a team. Solicitors and the other types of lawyer found in law firms rarely work alone. A law firm is one big team divided into smaller teams with different areas of expertise who help each other out, so as an apprentice you will constantly be working closely with others. Being a team player is essential. Strong organisational skills. Apprentices need to stay on top of multiple tasks and be able to prioritise and meet deadlines. They also need to balance their law firm role with studying part time, so it is important to work hard and be organised. A strong academic track record. Law is an intellectually rigorous and demanding profession. Employers will be looking for evidence of both a good brain and a strong work ethic, so work hard at getting the best results you possibly can during your GCSEs and A levels (if applicable).

What if I might prefer the traditional route? If you’re reading this guide, you obviously have more than a passing interest in becoming a

Where can I find details of apprenticeship vacancies and how do I apply? Law firms and other employers advertise vacancies on their

legal apprentice. However, it may be that you’re also considering the more traditional pathway into the profession. If so, The Beginner’s Guide to a Career in Law 2020 – the companion guide to this one – is your first stop for information about the university route to becoming a solicitor or barrister. In addition, LawCareers.Net is also a great place for information about this career path, including news, advice, features and interviews.

own websites and elsewhere, including on LawCareers.Net (www.lawcareers.net). LCN has a comprehensive list of vacancies, which is updated often, so it is worth regularly checking the site for new openings. Vacancies are often advertised at the end of the school year. In terms of more general information about apprenticeships, again, LawCareers.Net is a great first stop, but both the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (www.cilex.org.uk/study/apprenticeships) and the government apprenticeship pages (www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship) are valuable resources.

On LawCareers.Net you’ll find:

A directory of over 1,000 law firms, barristers’ chambers and legal educators

A range of videos

Blog posts from law students

Features providing information and advice about pursuing a legal career

Personalised careers advice via The Oracle

Profiles of lawyers and recruiters

Tips and articles to boost your commercial awareness

The latest legal news

A desire to learn. Although a law apprenticeship offers a great opportunity to get straight onto a fulfilling career path after leaving school, the learning has only just begun once you join a law firm as an apprentice. You will be training and studying to become an expert legal professional, so enthusiasm to learn more is a must.

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If you would like more copies of The Law Apprenticeships Guide 2020 or its companion publication, The Beginner’s Guide to a Career in Law 2020 , please contact info@lawcareers.net.

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Our six-year programme allows you to study for an LLB degree in Legal Practice, build your career and become a qualified solicitor whilst working and earning without having to pay the university fees. Solicitor Apprenticeship Programme 2020. “I’m going into my third year of the solicitor apprenticeship programme. Being apply to gain practical work experience whilst studying my law degree has been invaluable for my development.” Sydney Lee – Solicitor Apprentice

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