Hiring an apprentice: information for solicitors and law firms

Widen your talent pool

Apprenticeships can help you attract a broader range of candidates with different experiences and backgrounds.

Apprentices are often driven by a passion for their industry and a desire for career development. They can bring fresh energy and enthusiasm to your team, along with new perspectives and talents.

Develop talent

You can hire apprentices externally and/or offer apprenticeships to existing staff.

By shaping apprentices’ skills and knowledge you can guide their development to meet the specific needs of your organisation.

By the time they’ve qualified, apprentices will have a deep understanding of your organisation's culture and practices and be ready for the workplace.

Improve staff retention

Apprenticeships lead to higher staff retention rates.

According to the ISE Student Development Survey 2023, 61% of apprentices remained employed with the same employer after five years, compared to 56% of university graduates.

Increase productivity and employee engagement

In the UK government’s 2023 Apprenticeship Evaluation (PDF 1.12 MB):

• 77% of employers said apprentices helped improve productivity
• 73% said apprentices improved the quality of their product or service
• 71% of employers believed employing apprentices improved staff morale

Taking on an apprentice can also give staff valuable mentoring, leadership and development opportunities.

Promote social mobility

Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) diversity data shows the proportion of solicitors from lower socio-economic backgrounds has reduced from 21% in 2015 to 18% in 2023.

Apprenticeships allow aspiring solicitors to earn while they learn. This removes financial barriers and helps to address underrepresentation.

The Big Apprentice Survey 2024 found that 40% of apprentices who received free school meals believe they would not be working in their current industry without access to an apprenticeship.

High success rates

Apprentice solicitors have a higher pass rate for the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE).

According to the SRA's SQE review, 97% of apprentices passed SQE2 in April 2023 compared to 75% of non-apprentice candidates.

Graduate apprenticeships

Graduate apprenticeships are for people who already have a level 6 undergraduate degree.

Graduate apprenticeship training programmes generally last between two and three years.

Apprenticeships in Wales

Paralegal and advanced paralegal apprenticeships are available in Wales.

Learn more about Welsh legal services apprenticeships.

We were involved in lobbying and negotiation with the Welsh government, further education providers, CILEX and the Council for Licensed Conveyancers to introduce these apprenticeships.

Level 7 solicitor apprenticeships are not currently available in Wales. We’re campaigning to change this.

Learn what we’re doing to bring level 7 solicitor apprenticeships to Wales.

Small and medium-sized organisations

If your organisation's annual pay bill is less than £3 million, you will pay 5% of the cost of your apprenticeship training. The UK government will pay the rest.

You will pay the 5% contribution to your chosen training provider. Payment will be spread over the duration of the apprenticeship.

You can use the apprenticeship levy funding to cover the costs of Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) preparation and exam fees.

If the cost agreed with your training provider exceeds the government’s maximum funding band, you will need to pay the extra.

To reserve funds for apprenticeship training:

1. register for an apprenticeship services account
2. go to the ‘finance’ section of your account and follow the instructions

You can also give your training provider permission to reserve funds on your behalf.

The UK government will sometimes fully fund apprenticeship training costs. Learn more about apprenticeship funding rules.

Large organisations

If your organisation's annual pay bill is more than £3 million, you must pay the apprenticeship levy.

If your organisation pays the levy, you need to register for the apprenticeship service.

Once you’ve registered, you can manage your apprenticeship funds online and pay for training and assessment.

Level 7 funding changes

In September 2024, the UK government shared proposed changes to apprenticeships. This includes a new growth and skills levy to replace the existing apprenticeship levy.

Under the proposals, level 7 apprenticeships will no longer be funded. Instead, the new levy will focus more on foundational apprenticeships.

We’re working hard to make sure the UK government continues to fund level 7 solicitor apprenticeships.

We’re also campaigning to introduce level 7 solicitor apprenticeships in Wales.

For now, level 7 apprenticeship programmes are still running in England. We encourage firms and individuals to continue to take up these opportunities.

You should speak to your training provider for up-to-date information. We will also update this page when further information is available.

Find a training provider

Training providers work with employers to develop tailored apprenticeship programmes.

Based on your organisation’s business requirements and culture, they will:

• help you access funding
• help advertise your apprenticeship opportunities
• provide interview support
• deliver training to both apprentices and mentors
• develop assessment plans and monitor apprentices’ progress

Find a local apprenticeships training provider

Plan your role

For each apprenticeship, there’s a standard which describes the skills, knowledge and behaviours they need to develop.

You should review the duties and skills in the relevant apprenticeship standard and consider how you’ll support your apprentice in their role.

For example, the solicitor apprenticeship standard requires apprentices to:

• undertake research on legal matters
• interview and advise clients and stakeholders on legal matters and transactions
• draft and review legal documents

You should decide which staff member will be responsible for mentoring and managing your apprentice.

Your training provider can support you with this.

Advertise your apprenticeship

You can advertise your apprenticeship opportunity on job sites, social media and industry-specific job boards.

Some places you should consider advertising:

• GOV.UK
• UCAS
• Gazette Jobs
• LinkedIn

Make sure your advert clearly explains the role, duration, work expectations and any experience needed.

Your training provider can help to advertise your role.

Interview and select candidates

Interviews should assess how motivated the candidate is and how interested they are in the legal sector.

You can ask about relevant skills and experience, but be aware candidates may not have any industry-specific experience, particularly if they are a school leaver.

You should assess soft skills such as good communication and teamworking ability.

You can ask candidates to complete a practical assessment to assess their skills. Some firms ask candidates to attend a separate assessment day as a second stage after the interview.

You should make sure you’re familiar with the apprenticeship role and responsibilities and explain these clearly to candidates.

Your training provider will be able to offer interview support and guidance.

Sign contracts and agreements

Once you’ve appointed your apprentice, you must sign the following paperwork before they start working in your organisation.

Contract of employment

Just like any other member of staff, apprentices need to sign a contract of employment.

This should include information about:

• pay
• working hours
• holiday and sick leave
• company benefits
• confidentiality and privacy

For solicitors interested in drafting employment contracts themselves, we offer employment contracts training.

You may also be interested in our book, Drafting Employment Contracts.

Apprenticeship agreement

You must sign an apprenticeship agreement with your apprentice.

This gives details of what you agree to do for them, including:

• the dates of employment
• the training you’ll give them
• their working conditions
• the qualifications they’re working towards

You can write your own agreement or use an apprenticeship agreement template.

Training plan

You must sign a training plan with your apprentice and training provider.

This will include details of the training the apprentice will receive. It will also explain how you and the training provider will support the apprentice to successfully pass their training.

Your training provider will work with you to develop the training plan.

You should make sure your apprentice’s mentor or apprenticeship coordinator is also aware of what’s in the plan.