Solicitor Apprenticeship

Start a Legal Career Without Student Debt

Fladgate's Solicitor Apprenticeship offers school leavers an alternative route into the legal profession, combining paid employment, practical legal experience and academic study.

The six-year programme allows apprentices to work alongside experienced lawyers while completing a fully funded LLB (Hons) with the University of Law. Apprentices then progress through the Solicitors Qualifying Examination route and can qualify as solicitors in England and Wales without having to fund a traditional university degree themselves.

The programme is particularly suited to candidates who want to begin developing their legal career immediately after school while gaining experience in a professional law firm.

What the Apprenticeship Offers

Fladgate takes on a small number of solicitor apprentices each year. The small intake means apprentices receive substantial guidance and exposure to a wide range of legal work from an early stage.

Apprentices combine their academic studies with fee-earning work, gradually taking on greater responsibility as their knowledge and experience develop.

The programme provides opportunities to work on real client matters and support experienced lawyers across a range of practice areas. Apprentices may be involved in tasks such as client communication, document preparation, drafting and supporting fee earners on live matters.

Alongside day-to-day work, apprentices receive structured training designed to complement their academic studies and develop the practical skills required to become successful solicitors.

Years One to Four

During the first four years, apprentices spend one year in each of four core departments.

These departments are:

Corporate

Real Estate

Dispute Resolution

Funds, Finance and Regulatory

This structure provides apprentices with a broad foundation across both contentious and non-contentious legal work. It also allows apprentices to understand different areas of legal practice before progressing into the final two years of the programme.

Throughout these years, apprentices study part-time towards their LLB (Hons) with the University of Law while working within Fladgate's fee-earning teams.

Years Five and Six

In years five and six, apprentices join the firm's trainee cohort and rotate every six months.

These rotations provide more specialised experience and allow apprentices to develop their legal interests while continuing to build the practical skills required for qualification.

Rotations are determined according to business requirements, although apprentice preferences are taken into consideration.

During these final two years, apprentices complete the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) and work towards qualification as a solicitor of England and Wales.

Qualification

Successful completion of the programme leads to an LLB (Hons) from the University of Law followed by qualification as a solicitor in England and Wales.

The apprenticeship therefore combines university-level legal education, qualifying work experience and SQE preparation within a single six-year pathway.

For candidates who prefer to enter the profession through employment rather than taking the traditional university route, the programme provides an opportunity to earn a salary while gaining the qualifications and experience required to become a solicitor.

Support and Development

Apprentices receive structured support throughout the programme.

Each apprentice has a department mentor and supervisor, together with regular check-ins with the firm's HR team. The support structure is designed to ensure that apprentices receive feedback on their work and have access to guidance as they progress through both their academic and professional development.

The relatively small apprentice cohort also provides opportunities to develop close relationships with other apprentices and colleagues across the firm.

Who Can Apply?

Fladgate looks for candidates with a genuine interest in law and a clear understanding of why a solicitor apprenticeship is the right route for them.

Applicants should have achieved, or be expected to achieve before joining, at least two Bs and one C at A Level or equivalent. Academic requirements are contextually assessed, meaning grades are considered alongside a candidate's wider educational and social background.

Fladgate also looks for:

Communication skills: The ability to communicate clearly and professionally.

Teamwork: The ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues.

Time management: The ability to balance academic study with professional responsibilities.

Attention to detail: A careful and accurate approach to legal work.

Professionalism: A mature and responsible approach to working in a professional environment.

Above all, candidates should demonstrate genuine motivation to pursue a career in law through the apprenticeship route.

Contextual Recruitment

Fladgate uses the Real Rating Contextual Recruitment System across its early careers recruitment.

The system considers candidates' academic achievements in the context of their social and educational backgrounds. This enables the firm to identify high-potential candidates whose achievements may have been obtained in different circumstances.

Application Process

Applications for the September 2027 cohort open on 24 September 2026.

The application process begins with an online application form, followed by an online assessment and video interview.

Candidates who progress to the next stage are invited to an in-person assessment day at Fladgate's offices in Covent Garden. The assessment day includes individual and group tasks and provides candidates with an opportunity to meet people from the firm.

The final stage is an in-person interview with a Partner and a member of the Early Careers team.

Applications must be submitted through the Fladgate AllHires portal by 29 November 2026.

Accessibility and Inclusion

Fladgate is committed to making its recruitment process accessible and inclusive. Candidates can request appropriate adjustments where disabilities or other conditions may make online or in-person assessments more challenging.

The firm also offers reimbursement of travel expenses where applicable, helping ensure that financial circumstances do not prevent candidates from attending assessment days or interviews.

Why Apply?

The Fladgate Solicitor Apprenticeship provides a direct route from school to qualification as a solicitor, combining paid employment, practical legal experience, a fully funded LLB and SQE qualification.

Rather than spending three years at university before beginning professional legal training, apprentices begin working in a law firm from the outset. Over six years, they gain experience across Corporate, Real Estate, Dispute Resolution and Funds, Finance and Regulatory before joining the trainee cohort for their final two years.

For candidates who are motivated to enter the legal profession early, want to earn while learning and value practical experience alongside academic study, the Fladgate Solicitor Apprenticeship offers a comprehensive alternative route to becoming a solicitor.

Applications open: 24 September 2026

Application deadline: 29 November 2026

Programme start: September 2027

Up to three places available.