Job description
We don’t believe there's a set path in law - university isn't for everyone, and we appreciate that. Our six-year Solicitor apprenticeship programme offers school leavers with an interest in law an alternative route to qualifying as a solicitor.
If you want to kickstart your legal career straight out of secondary education, read on to learn how we can help you unleash your limitless potential.
Our six-year programme has been designed to enable you to hit the ground running from day one. You'll work towards an LLB (Hons) Law and a Solicitor Level 7 Apprenticeship. Each week you will spend four days working in a practice area, working on cases for our clients with one day studying with our training provider, University of Law (ULaw). All your tuition fees will be paid for you, and you'll earn a salary whilst training and gaining your qualifications.
The programme
Our six-year programme has been designed to help you hit the ground running from day one. You'll work towards an LLB (Hons) Law degree and a Solicitor Level 7 Apprenticeship. Each week you'll spend four days working in a practice area on client cases, with one day studying with our training provider, University of Law (ULaw).
Induction
You'll have a full week's induction which will introduce you to the firm, our IT systems and the basic skills of working as a lawyer.
You'll also have an induction with ULaw to provide you with a full understanding of the course, the requirements and study support available.
Years 1-4
You'll spend each year in a different practice area to experience working with our lawyers. You'll be given a dedicated supervisor and buddy who'll support and help you understand each area of law.
In addition, you'll cover the following with ULaw: Common Law Method and Ethics, Public Law, Law of Contract, Law of Tort, Criminal Law, Critical Approaches in Current Legal Issues, Land Law, Real Estate, Business Law, Equity and Trusts, Access to Justice and Legal Services, Criminal Litigation and Evidence and Civil Dispute Resolution.
Years 5 and 6
Supported by our trainee solicitors you'll rotate through four practice areas, some of which you may've already worked in during your first four years, enabling you to further build your skills and knowledge.
You'll be provided with a dedicated supervisor and buddy throughout your final two-year journey. Studying the SQE with ULaw, you'll cover Business Law, Wills & Succession, SQE 1 Preparation, Skills Portfolio, SQE 1 Bootcamp and Examination, SQE Preparation and Examination, and key practice areas.
Qualification
Following successful completion of the six-year Apprenticeship programme training and exams, you'll have earned an LLB (Hons) Law degree and be a qualified solicitor. Our aim is to offer successful lawyers a newly qualified role in a practice area of their choice.
What we look for
We look for individuals who're on track for a minimum of AAB (or equivalent) in their A-levels and have a minimum of seven GCSEs at grade 6 or above including Maths and English.
Being an apprentice will require you to juggle studying and working. We look for individuals who demonstrate a commitment to both. You'll have to be focused, committed, and ready to stay motivated, even in the face of challenging legal and academic issues.
We’re defined by the advice we offer to our clients. You’ll need to demonstrate in-depth knowledge of how business works, and how to apply it in real life.
From internal projects through to supporting clients, communication and teamwork will be at the heart of your role at Taylor Wessing. You’ll need great negotiation skills, and we'll expect you to work collaboratively, supporting and advising your colleagues as required.
Balancing a variety of pressing cases and client demands, along with your studies, you’ll need great time management skills and be able to plan for any contingency.
Why choose us?
At Taylor Wessing, we’re renowned for the support we provide to clients, and we’re equally proud of the support we offer our people. As an apprentice you’ll join our inclusive culture that allows you to be yourself, with support to help you become who you want to be.
We want to support talent from the outset, so we’ll also offer you support as you transition from school to joining the firm.
We'll pay for your apprenticeship tuition fee (to be studied at University of Law; our chosen training provider) and during your apprenticeship you'll be eligible for our benefits.
Our Early Talent team will maintain regular contact with you from the application stage onwards, so you’re well-supported and connected, from finishing school right through to the start of your apprenticeship.
When you begin your apprenticeship, you’ll be matched with a buddy – an associate – who’ll introduce you to colleagues and help you settle in.
You can also join all our social and sporting events to ensure you’ll be surrounded by new friends at the firm from the outset.
Benefits
We're offering a starting salary of £25,000 to apprentices based in our London office and £22,000 to apprentices based in our Liverpool office. On top of your salary, you'll be entitled to:
- have your Apprenticeship tuition fees paid for
- our Employee Assistance programme
- our in-house GP service
- our Cycle to work scheme
- our in-house counselling service
- life assurance, income protection and critical illness cover, along with a group personal pension plan
- technology loans
- travel loans
- retail discounts on shopping, travel and cars
- 25 days holiday, with the opportunity to purchase more
- time off for volunteering, moving house and a bonus day every December.
Additional job details
- Location
- Liverpool
- London
- Salary
- £22,000 - £25,000
£25,000 (London) and £22,000 (Liverpool)
- Contract, dates and working times
Full-time
How to apply
Click Apply to start your application now. This job will be available on Prospects until 28 February 2025
Don't forget to mention Prospects to employers when you contact them.
Closing date: 28 February 2025