Solicitor Apprenticeship Programme

Freshfields is a leading global law firm advising some of the world's largest organisations on their most complex and significant legal matters. With a global network of offices and a reputation for market-leading legal expertise, the firm brings together talented people from different backgrounds to deliver high-quality, commercially focused advice to clients.

A career at Freshfields offers the opportunity to work in an international environment, collaborate across jurisdictions and develop expertise across a broad range of legal practice areas.

The firm's commitment to developing future legal talent extends to its Solicitor Apprenticeship Programme, providing school leavers with an alternative route into the legal profession.

The opportunity

Freshfields' six-year Solicitor Apprenticeship Programme provides an opportunity for talented school leavers to begin a legal career while gaining practical experience and studying towards a law degree.

Based in the firm's London office, solicitor apprentices combine workplace learning with academic study from the outset. The programme is designed to develop the legal knowledge, commercial awareness and professional skills required to build a successful career as a commercial solicitor.

Rather than following the traditional university-to-training-contract route, apprentices become part of Freshfields while studying and gaining hands-on experience.

Programme structure

Years 1–4: Developing a broad legal foundation

During the first four years, apprentices rotate annually through Freshfields' market-leading practice groups.

The rotations provide exposure to different areas of legal practice and allow apprentices to develop a broad understanding of the work undertaken by a global commercial law firm.

Apprentices spend four days each week working in the London office and one day studying towards a Law LLB at BPP University's Waterloo campus.

The combination of academic study and practical experience enables apprentices to apply what they learn in the classroom to real-world legal work.

Years 5–6: Progressing towards qualification

In the final two years, apprentices move into the next stage of their professional development, joining the trainee cohort and gaining further experience across a range of practice areas.

This stage provides an opportunity to deepen legal expertise, take on greater responsibility and prepare for qualification as a solicitor.

The programme is structured to support apprentices throughout their development, with opportunities to work alongside experienced lawyers and gain insight into the demands of a career in commercial law.

Support and development

Starting a legal career straight from school is a significant step. Freshfields provides a structured support network to help apprentices make that transition successfully.

Each apprentice receives guidance from a dedicated supervisor, buddy and partner within their team. These relationships provide practical support, mentoring and feedback throughout the programme.

Apprentices also benefit from working alongside Partners, Associates, Trainees and other apprentices, creating opportunities to develop professional relationships and gain a broader understanding of life at Freshfields.

Who is Freshfields looking for?

The programme is designed for driven, curious and resilient school leavers who are interested in building a career in commercial law.

Successful candidates are likely to demonstrate:

• A genuine interest in law and business.

• Strong academic ability and intellectual curiosity.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• The ability to work effectively as part of a team.

• Adaptability and resilience.

• A willingness to learn and take on new challenges.

• Commitment to developing a long-term career in the legal profession.

Previous legal work experience is not required. Freshfields places importance on motivation, potential and the ability to demonstrate the qualities needed to succeed in a demanding professional environment.

Eligibility

Applicants must:

• Have AAB at A level or equivalent qualifications.

• Have at least seven GCSEs at grade 6/B or above, including English and Maths, or equivalent qualifications.

• Not have previously studied at higher-education level, including an undergraduate degree.

• Meet the relevant UK residency requirements, including having been resident in the UK for the three years before the programme begins.

Applicants must also meet the applicable apprenticeship funding and right-to-work requirements at the time the programme commences.

The application process

Freshfields' recruitment process is designed to identify candidates with the potential to succeed as future commercial solicitors.

The process includes:

1. Eligibility check
Applicants are assessed against the programme's academic and eligibility requirements.

2. Online application
Candidates complete the online application for the Solicitor Apprenticeship Programme.

3. Career Conversation
Shortlisted candidates take part in a Career Conversation with a member of the Early Careers Team.

4. Assessment Centre
Candidates progressing through the process are invited to attend an assessment centre.

The programme recruits on a non-rolling basis, with subsequent stages taking place after the application window has closed.

Start a career at Freshfields

The Freshfields Solicitor Apprenticeship Programme offers an alternative route into commercial law for ambitious school leavers.

Over six years, apprentices can gain practical experience within a leading global law firm, study towards a law degree and develop the professional and legal skills required for a career as a solicitor.

For candidates who are curious, motivated and ready to begin their legal career from day one, the programme provides the opportunity to learn, contribute and develop alongside some of the world's leading legal professionals.

Applications for the September 2027 programme are now open.