Getting into law is competitive, time-consuming and costly, but an apprenticeship is a smart way to earn while you learn.
UCAS applications, full-time education and those dreaded tuition fees – it’s no mean feat training to become a solicitor. An apprenticeship helps you avoid all of that, because you get a full-time salary and on-the-job experience while you study your trade. From multi-national firms to forward-thinking local offices, we’ve tracked down five of the best law apprenticeships right here in Leeds.
Blacks Solicitors
Credit: Blacks
A law apprenticeship with Blacks will earn you a Level Seven Solicitor qualification, without incurring any of that nasty student debt. What’s more, you’ll get on-the-job experience within one of Leeds’ best legal firms, working across all facets of law. Run in partnership with learning provider BPP, Blacks’ solicitor apprenticeship is six years long, kicking off in September each year.
At Blacks, you’ll experience working within a variety of different teams, developing crucial work-related skills and soaking up the day-to-day life of a vibrant legal firm. You’ll be fully supported throughout too, with a mentor within each of the teams at Blacks, as well as your student manager at BPP. To apply for the course, you’ll need to obtain 128 UCAS points.
The deadline for Blacks’ solicitor apprenticeship scheme is Friday 31st March 2023.
Addleshaw Goddard
International law firm Addleshaw Goddard offers solicitor apprenticeships right here in Leeds. They’re a huge player in the financial sector, giving you an incredible opportunity to work with major brands from day one – the firm works with almost half of the FTSE 100. You’ll work in the office four days a week, with one day a week dedicated to attending your online classes, run by BPP.
To be eligible, you’ll need 3 A-levels at grades C or above and 5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English and Maths. Above all though, Addleshaw Goddard is looking for applicants with motivation and character. The firm prides itself on hiring with diversity, and their excellent culture has resulted in them being ranked as the second best graduate employer by Legal Week.
The deadline for Addleshaw Goddard’s apprenticeship scheme is Friday 3rd March 2023.
Irwin Mitchell
Irwin Mitchell is not your typical law firm. With flexi working, a Dress for your Day policy and even its own charitable foundation, it’s a firm that puts its employees first. Ranked as the top law firm for apprentices by TheJobCrowd, a forward-thinking attitude is matched by outstanding results – working high profile cases all the way up to Supreme Court, they’ve even inspired changes in UK law.
The firm’s esteemed legal apprenticeship spans six years, leaving you with a full qualification from The University of Law and a real head start on your career. Apprentices tend to start together, so you’ll have the opportunity to meet likeminded people, and you’ll be fully supported by your Apprenticeship Manager. To apply you’ll need 5 GCSEs at C+ and 3 Cs or above at A Level.
The deadline for Irwin Mitchell’s law apprenticeship is Friday 31st March 2023.
Gordons
A legal apprenticeship at Gordons will set you in great stead for your future career in law. The Yorkshire-based firm works across a range of sectors, from digital to retail, using in-depth sector expertise to advise clients such as SkyBet and Ocado. You’ll be trained thoroughly from day one, working full-time in the office whilst studying with BPP to gain your solicitor qualification.
The six-year scheme is split into two parts – a two year paralegal apprenticeship and a three year solicitor apprenticeship. It was the first of its kind back in 2017, with Gordons highly commended by The Law Society for its commitment to diversity and inclusion. To apply, you need 5 GCSEs grade C or above and evidence that you’re expecting 3 A Levels at Grade B or above.
The deadline for Gordons’ solicitor apprenticeship is Sunday 30th April 2023.
Weightmans
Credit: Weightmans
If you’re a graduate, Weightmans’ law apprenticeship in Leeds is a great way to dive straight into on-the-job experience and start earning a salary. Available to graduates in relevant degrees and non-law subjects who have completed a GDL, the programme lasts 32-months and will see you taking on five work placements across the business, whilst studying one day a week with BPP.
Weightmans is a firm that puts people first. You’ll enjoy agile learning and a fantastic work-life balance, with a full social calendar offering plenty of ways to meet your colleagues. With specialities in aviation, construction and more, the work itself is sure to fascinate. In order to make the cut, you’ll need to demonstrate passion and resilience, as well as a 2.1 honours degree.
The deadline for applications to Weightmans’ graduate solicitor apprenticeship is Thursday 9th March 2023.
