2019 The Law Apprenticeships Guide - Centre for Apprenticeships
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The Law 2019
Apprenticeships Guide
Earn and learn
your way to a career in law
Sponsored by
Five key things to know
about a legal apprenticeship
You don’t need a university degree: 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:
many different types of organisation
take on legal apprentices.
You will qualify as a legal executive, paralegal
or solicitor: having completed the necessary
requirements in terms of study and work,
you will qualify as one of the above.
Learn more about all the above in the rest of the guide.
Welcome
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 2019 is here to help. Don’t worry if you have no
prior knowledge of law or apprenticeships – we have assumed that you have
questions which need answering before you decide your next step.
What is a law apprenticeship?
A law apprenticeship combines paid work and training at a law firm with part-time
study for professional qualifications. It is an alternative path to going to university
that offers the same career destinations, but avoids the expensive fees.
How do I decide whether a law apprenticeship is for me?
This guide helps you to:
• compare university and apprenticeship paths to enable you to easily
appreciate what each has to offer;
• consider the different types of apprenticeship and where they lead;
• gain an understanding of what it’s like to work as a legal apprentice;
• check that you have the key skills needed to become a legal
apprentice; and
• find out about current vacancies via the LawCareers.Net legal
apprenticeships jobs board.
Where can I find out more?
Go to www.lawcareers.net – you will find a thriving 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.
As a long-time advocate of work-based training, we are delighted to now
be offering 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 LLP
Sponsored by 01
Apprenticeship v university
University is the right path for some people It is important to remember that in the
because it offers the chance to study legal profession, you can have the same
an interesting subject in detail and gain career whether you choose university or an
a valuable qualification that opens up apprenticeship, which means that your choice
career options. University can also be a is not so much about where you end up, but
once-in-a-lifetime experience, filled with how you get there – some apprenticeships
opportunities for getting involved in new even involve gaining a university degree.
things and meeting life-long friends. On
the other hand, an apprenticeship offers Law apprenticeships lead to three possible
a more direct path to those same career careers – solicitor, legal executive or paralegal,
options, without the costs of going to all of which are also available if you choose to
university or the same intense competition go to university. The key differences between
for places. Apprenticeships are also these three roles is discussed in more detail
perfect for people who are not keen on on pages 4 and 5 in ‘Career paths’, while
more full-time study after finishing their the table below explains some of the key
A levels and are eager to get out there differences between the apprenticeship and
and kick-start their careers. university routes themselves.
Apprenticeship University
Qualifications Professional A university degree in one of hundreds
qualifications to become of possible subjects which is widely
a paralegal, legal recognised but does not include
executive or solicitor. professional qualifications. For law,
Completing the solicitor a university degree in any subject
apprenticeship also makes you eligible for the postgraduate
involves gaining a law professional courses you need to
degree. complete to become a solicitor, legal
executive or paralegal.
Apprenticeship University
Cost None to the apprentice – the costs With tuition fees
of apprenticeships are covered by standing at over
the government and employers, £9,000 a year and living costs on
while apprentices themselves top of that, many students leave
are paid at least the apprentices’ university in tens of thousands of
National Minimum Wage. pounds’ worth of debt.
02 Sponsored by
LawCareers.Net
Apprenticeship University
Duration Eighteen months for the intermediate Undergraduate
apprenticeship, 24-30 months for the university degrees
paralegal apprenticeship and six years usually last three to
for the solicitor apprenticeship. four years.
Apprenticeship University
Work experience Full-time work in a law firm Optional work placements and
or the legal department internships – students interested
of another company or in law should apply for work
organisation. experience at law firms.
Apprenticeship University
Social life As an apprentice working and studying The opportunities for
full time, you may miss out on some of the socialising at university
social opportunities that come with going are fantastic. From
to university, such as the chance to meet the societies covering
new friends among students your age from everything from political
all over the world, participate in memorable debating to cheerleading,
extracurricular activities and enjoy the to inexpensive union
party and music scenes which are part of nights and house parties,
the university experience. However, offices to the thriving music
often have great socialising cultures too, and arts scenes at most
with plenty of activities to get involved universities, there is
with, and you are bound to make new something for everyone
friends as you meet people at the firm. to enjoy.
Apprenticeship University
Career The ultimate destination for law apprentices and
prospects university graduates is the same – a career as a
solicitor, legal executive or paralegal.
Sponsored by 03
Apprenticeship career paths
GCSE
A level
Intermediate
apprenticeship
Paralegal
apprenticeship
Paralegal
Chartered legal Solicitor
executive apprenticeship apprenticeship
Legal executive Solicitor
04 Sponsored by
LawCareers.Net
GCSE also integrates a law degree, which is obtained
The foundation of your career and the essential at the end of the fourth year. Apprentices
first step – good grades are vital if you want to learn law and legal practice alongside gaining
progress in your legal career. competence in legal skills, commercial skills
and professional conduct.
A level
The academic stage between GCSE and Paralegal
university or the beginning of a paralegal/ Paralegals have traditionally worked alongside
solicitor apprenticeship. Again, good grades solicitors in law firms as support staff, although
are essential. in practice many paralegals do the same work
as their trainee or newly-qualified solicitor
Intermediate apprenticeship counterparts – although this is almost always
The intermediate apprenticeship is aimed at for lower pay. Whether you become a paralegal
school leavers who have not done A levels. through an apprenticeship or secure a job as
Entry requirements are five GCSEs graded A* a paralegal after graduating from university,
to C (or equivalent). Apprentices will develop it is possible to progress onto qualifying as
skills to assist in the progression of cases a solicitor, legal executive or a more senior
on an administrative level. It is an 18-21 paralegal role.
month course.
CILEx chartered legal executive
Paralegal apprenticeship A legal executive is another type of lawyer
The paralegal apprenticeship delivers paralegal who is trained to specialise as an expert in one
training in a particular legal practice area. particular area of law. Within that area of law,
Entry requirements are five GCSEs graded the job of a legal executive is very similar to that
A* to C and three A levels graded C or above of a solicitor – legal executives advise clients,
(or equivalent). It is a 24-month course. It draft documents and conduct research to find
can lead on to further training via the solicitor solutions to problems.
apprenticeship route to qualify as a solicitor,
although there are only minimal exemptions Solicitor
available. It is also possible to go on to qualify Solicitors provide advice and assistance
as a chartered legal executive, although smaller on legal matters. They are the first point of
numbers of paralegals take up this option when contact for people and organisations (eg,
compared to the solicitor apprenticeship option. companies and charities) seeking legal advice
and representation. Solicitors may work in very
Solicitor apprenticeship different areas of law, but the fundamentals
The solicitor apprenticeship is a six-year of the job remain largely the same. These
programme of paid, on-the-job training which include meeting and advising clients on their
ends in qualification as a solicitor. The entry legal problems, doing legal research to find
requirements are five GCSEs graded A* to solutions, drafting important documents
C and three A levels graded B or above (or such as contracts or wills, and occasionally
equivalent work experience).The apprenticeship representing clients at tribunals or in court.
Sponsored by 05
Meet the apprentice
Tim Kennedy
Mayer Brown LLP
Tim Kennedy is currently in the litigation and dispute
resolution group at Mayer Brown LLP
How did you find out about/research the
legal apprenticeship route?
I knew wanted to be a lawyer, but I didn’t think an apprenticeship route would
be an option for me. I was researching my career options when Mayer Brown’s
articled route to qualification scheme leaped out at me. When I learned what this
qualification route had to offer I was very keen to apply.
What about the route appealed?
I wasn’t keen to continue with full-time academic study, as I didn’t want to be stuck
in a classroom. Equally, I knew I needed a degree to pursue the career path that I
wanted. Mayer Brown’s articled route scheme offered the best of both worlds, as
it would enable me to gain hands-on experience working four days a week at a big
international firm, while studying for a degree at the same time. I was keen to get into
the actual practice of law right away, balancing my studies alongside this.
What do you do day to day?
It depends on the practice area that I am sitting in. I am currently in the litigation
and dispute resolution group, working with the insurance and reinsurance team. We
typically represent big insurers, through which we defend banks, accountancy firms
and other financial institutions from a range of claims, for example, professional
negligence claims. I am currently working on an interesting case defending an auditor
against alleged fraud. Apprenticeships and vocational schemes, such as the one that
I am doing at Mayer Brown, allow you to see and try everything. I particularly enjoy
litigation because of the competitive, back-and-forth element to the work.
06 Sponsored by
LawCareers.Net
What do you most enjoy – and find the most
challenging – about your apprenticeship?
The standout feature of the scheme that I am on – as well as the
most challenging – is the responsibility placed on me. I’m at a major
firm with big clients, doing high-quality work. Although I’m relatively
inexperienced, the firm has enabled me to be fully involved in cases
and I play an important role in the team. This comes with pressure,
of course, which reflects the high value and importance of the cases
we work on.
What is your best piece of advice for those
considering applying for a legal apprenticeship?
There are three key things that people need to know when
considering a vocational qualification route. Firstly, you need to
appreciate what being a lawyer entails day-to-day. It isn’t always the
most glamorous job. There will be late nights spent putting together
court bundles and it can be stressful, as well as hugely enjoyable – it
depends on what suits you as an individual. Secondly, given that
the commitment is six years, it is so important that you think about
whether it is the right fit for you.
Finally, it is vital for applicants learn as much as they can about a
firm before they apply. For example, if you are interested in criminal
law, you should not be applying to a firm like Mayer Brown, which
focuses on commercial law. And if you are set on working in the City,
representing big businesses and banks, you still need to dig down
further to understand the nuances between the large commercial
firms – on the surface they might look identical, but each one is
unique in their culture, focus and identity.
From September 2018, the scheme at Mayer Brown is moving from the ‘articled Sponsored by 07
route to qualification’ to the government’s ‘Trailblazer’ apprenticeship programme.
Meet the apprentice
Ellie Clarkson
Irwin Mitchell LLP
Ellie Clarkson is a paralegal apprentice at Irwin Mitchell LLP, currently
working in the firm’s commercial litigation department.
How did you find out about/research the legal apprenticeship route?
I originally heard about the route while completing my final year at
sixth form college. Legal apprenticeships were pretty new at the
time, so I did a lot of research online, including on the government
apprenticeship website and CILEx. That gave me an insight into what
a legal apprenticeship is, which area of law might be right for me, and
whether I could still qualify as a solicitor through the apprenticeship
route. I then started to look for vacancies through traditional
recruitment sites and on firms’ own websites.
What about the route appealed?
From working since I was 13, I have always had a strong work ethic, so
although I attended open days at universities and was offered places at
four Russell Group universities, I decided that it wasn’t the best route
for me. I didn’t want to be told about the law in a lecture theatre – I
wanted to do it! The opportunity to obtain practical experience in such a
competitive sector was appealing. I spoke to lots of people at university
who were concerned about attaining a job after their degree as they felt
they lacked practical experience. In comparison, I now already have
two years’ experience in a law firm, working on my own client files.
You are also earning while you learn – the four-year degree that I was
considering, inclusive of student living costs and the LPC, would have
been around £60,000. Compare that to an average apprentice salary of
between £15,000 and £19,000 annually, I can earn in four years what I
would have accrued in debt in the same period.
08 Sponsored byLawCareers.Net
What do you do day to day?
I work in the commercial litigation department, mostly dealing with breach of
contract claims, as well as some claims for misrepresentation and professional
negligence. I mainly cover consumer disputes, so anything from pursuing
‘cowboy’ builders for substandard workmanship or mechanics for defective
vehicle work - I’ve even worked on a claim for a defective wedding dress! I also
cover a lot of holiday claims and work on some property disputes.
There are many different elements to my role, including instructing counsel,
attending client meetings and mediations, and corresponding with the other
party. It is always interesting and varied.
What do you most enjoy – and find the most
challenging – about your apprenticeship?
I most enjoy meeting, working and socialising with a range of clients and
colleagues. I regularly work with members of our employment and insolvency
teams. I love helping a variety of clients to resolve a range of issues and disputes.
It can be a challenge to deal with clients in difficult and distressing situations –
many come to us in a state of upset and frustration, having tried everything to try
and settle their dispute – but being able to deal with those situations is excellent
experience. It can also be quite a time pressured environment with long hours,
but that is counteracted by the benefits we can offer to our clients.
What is your best piece of advice for those
considering applying for a legal apprenticeship?
Be focused and determined – this is not a half-hearted option or an ‘easier route’
to university, which I think is a common misconception of the apprenticeship
scheme. Working in a professional environment, you have to be able to cope
with the pressure and pace that comes with litigation. I think it’s also important
to show your personality if you want to stand out in the recruitment process –
you sometimes get caught up in what you think is expected of a lawyer, rather
than focusing on the ethos of the firm and what they might be looking for.
Apprenticeships are changing the legal sector and it’s a new and developing area;
if you can show your personality and put your stamp on things, you will go far.
Sponsored by 09Key questions
Below are some commonly asked questions about legal apprenticeships.
If something you want to know is not covered here, email your query to
LawCareers.Net’s Oracle at oracle@lawcareers.net for a personalised response.
Q How do I know if law is the
right career for me? Q Haven’t all lawyers been to private
schools and Oxbridge?
At this early stage, it can be hard to be sure, No. Most firms understand the benefits of
but you can ask yourself some key questions a representative workforce, which means
as a start. Do you find legal issues interesting? recruiting the best candidates regardless
Are you intrigued by the ways in which the law of background. These days, most have
is part of everyday life? Is there a particular their own diversity policies to ensure that
practice area (eg, crime, the environment or they provide a welcoming and supportive
human rights) that has caught your attention? environment for people whatever their
Are you the kind of person who would thrive in gender, ethnicity, sexuality, age or
a fast-paced legal environment? The best way circumstances. In fact, legal apprenticeship
to really find out whether law is for you is by schemes are one of the ways that firms are
talking to lawyers and doing some quality work trying to attract and recruit a more diverse
experience within the legal profession. group of employees.
Q What skills and strengths do you
need to be a good lawyer? Q Who can become an apprentice?
There are a number of important skills that Generally speaking, legal apprenticeships
are needed if you are to be a good lawyer. are aimed at students who leave education
Many of them are developed during your after completing their GCSEs or A levels,
academic studies, while others become wanting to go straight into a career rather
apparent in your working life – the advantage than progress on to university. Most legal
of developing them as an apprentice is apprentices are young people who have
that you will be doing both simultaneously. recently finished secondary education, but it
The attributes that most recruiters look is also open to mature candidates (eg, those
for include: intellectual ability; motivation; who have had a previous career).
resilience; accuracy; teamwork; leadership;
commercial awareness; and communication
skills. If you have the majority of these, law
could be a good option for you!
10 Sponsored byLawCareers.Net
Q Do I have to study A-level law to
be an apprentice? Q What do I need to know about my
first day in an office?
In short, no. People do much better Your first day in any job can be intimidating;
in subjects that they are interested doubly so in a law firm environment, where
in, so pursue A levels (and GCSEs) you may feel totally out of your depth.
which you think you will enjoy. A level But don’t worry – most firms will have
is about studying interesting subjects comprehensive induction programmes for
and developing key skills – specialist new joiners, introducing you to some of the
legal training comes later. Also, very basics of office life (eg, the IT system and
few universities list A-level law as a how to work the coffee machine!). You may
requirement, even for those wanting to also find yourself starting on the same day
start a law degree, so it is by no means as other apprentices, so you can share your
essential. In fact, you can become a concerns and questions within the group.
lawyer without ever having done a law Some firms will also give you a trainee buddy
degree, choosing a non-law undergraduate or mentor to help you adjust. Be yourself,
degree subject and then doing the one- ask questions, demonstrate enthusiasm, and
year conversion course (the Graduate pretty soon, you’ll feel right at home.
Diploma in Law).
One note on dress code: lawyers are
Another point here is the importance of business people and their clients expect
achieving good grades. Try to opt for them to look the part. While some firms are
subjects that you enjoy and excel in to more relaxed than others, your best bet is
give yourself the best possible chance to arrive looking very well presented. That
of passing with flying colours. It is far doesn’t mean spending a fortune on tailor-
preferable to get As and Bs in three made suits, but it does mean arriving on
subjects than it is to get Bs and Cs in four, your first day dressed smartly and ready to
so don’t give yourself too much to handle. do the job.
Got a question not answered here?
Email it to the LawCareers.Net Oracle at oracle@lawcareers.net.
Sponsored by 11Key questions
Q Where can I find details of
apprenticeship vacancies and how
do I apply?
Q Should I go to my careers
service?
Your school careers service is a brilliant
There is more information out there about resource that you should definitely make
legal apprenticeships than ever before. use of. They will be able to help you with
However, there is no one centralised location application and interview techniques,
where all vacancies are advertised – rather, suggest places to look for information, and
individual firms/organisations will advertise on maybe even help you to secure informal
their own websites and elsewhere, including work experience or shadowing with a
on LawCareers.Net (www.lawcareers.net). law firm.
Q
LCN has a comprehensive list of vacancies,
which is updated often, so it is worth What if I might prefer the
making regular visits to the site to see if new traditional route?
vacancies have been added. Vacancies are
often advertised in September/October to If you’re reading this guide, you obviously
start in February/March. have more than a passing interest in
becoming a legal apprentice. However, it
For more information about apprenticeships, may be that you’re also considering the
again, LCN is a great first stop, but both more traditional pathway into the profession.
the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives If so, The Beginner’s Guide to a Career in
(www.cilex.org.uk/study/apprenticeships) Law 2019 – the companion guide to this
and the government apprenticeship pages one – is your first stop for information about
(www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship) are the university route to becoming a solicitor
valuable resources. or barrister. In addition, LawCareers.Net is
also a great place for information about this
career path, including news, advice, features
and interviews.
Find out more about all the careers
the legal profession has to offer on
www.lawcareers.net.
If you would like more copies of The Law
Apprenticeships Guide 2019 or its companion
publication, The Beginner’s Guide to a Career in
Law 2019, please contact info@lawcareers.net.
12 Sponsored by
er’s Guide
The Beginn areer in
to a C
Law
2019
by
SponsoredYour legal apprenticeship
skills checklist
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
skills you will need and what you need to do to get off to a flying start as a legal apprentice.
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 clearly and 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, including colleagues at your law firm
and clients who need one of your firm’s 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.
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.
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.expert hand, human touch
Join the UK’s largest
full-service law firm
irwinmitchell.com/apprenticeships
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