The Law Apprenticeships Guide 2020

Five key things to know about a legal apprenticeship

Welcome

How do I decide whether a law apprenticeship is for me? This guide helps you to: • compare university and apprenticeship paths so you understand what each has to offer; • learn about the different types of apprenticeship and where they lead; • find out more about what it’s like to work as a legal apprentice; and • check that you have the key skills needed for a law apprenticeship. Where can I find out more? Go to www.lawcareers.net - you will find a jobs board where apprenticeship vacancies are frequently posted, as well as detailed information on apprenticeships and every other possible career path offered by the UK legal profession.

If you are deciding whether to go to university after leaving school, or start your career as a lawyer straight away with an apprenticeship, The Law Apprenticeships Guide 2020 is here to help. Don’t worry if you don’t know much about the legal profession or apprenticeships – this guide is designed to give you the information you need before you choose your next step. What is a law apprenticeship? A law apprenticeship combines paid work and training at a law firm with part-time study. It is an alternative path to going to university that offers the same career destinations, but avoids the expensive fees.

You don’t need a university degree as you progress straight from your GCSEs or A levels to your apprenticeship.

You earn while you learn. You receive a salary while working as an apprentice, at the same time as studying.

You can apply for an apprenticeship via LawCareers.Net. We have a comprehensive and searchable jobs board in ‘The Law Apprenticeships Guide’ section of www.lawcareers.net.

You can work in a law firm, private company or local government as many different types of organisation take on legal apprentices.

As a long-time advocate of work-based training, we are delighted to offer vocational training through the government-backed Trailblazer solicitor apprenticeship scheme. In addition to opening up the profession to a pipeline of diverse talent put off by the cost of full-time academic study, it enables us to integrate future lawyers into our business at a much earlier stage and provide a tailored experience. Danielle White, graduate recruitment and development manager, Mayer Brown International LLP

You will qualify as a solicitor, legal executive or paralegal having completed the necessary requirements in terms of study and work.