Ever considered a career in law? Here's everything you need to know about apprenticeships in law.

If you've ever considered a career in law but find the current cost of living, university tuition fees and student debts all too much, an apprenticeship in law could be the answer.  


What law apprenticeship routes are available?

Level 3 - Paralegal

Level 4 - Paraplanner 

Level 6 - Chartered legal executive

Level 7 - Solicitor


Level 3-4 paralegal apprenticeship (two-year course with progression into a level 7 apprenticeship)

When you complete the two-year paralegal you could reduce the time you spend on the level 7 solicitors apprenticeship by a year.  

Some firms offer the Level 3-4 paralegal apprenticeship as a route into the Level 7 solicitors apprenticeship.

Level 7 solicitors apprenticeship (six-year course)

Once you have completed the level 7 solicitors apprenticeship, you will gain an LLB in law.

*This is followed by the completion of the LPC or SQE

To become a solicitor in England and Wales you have to complete a Legal Practice Course (LPC), followed by a training contract with a law firm. To become a barrister, you must undertake the Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC), followed by a one-year training period called a pupillage. Some legal careers do not always require further study.


What are the entry requirements for law apprenticeships?

The entry requirements may vary depending on which route you choose to take. Most firms will expect apprenticeship applicants to have the following:

At least five GCSEs: grades A-C/7-4 (including Maths and English)

Three A-levels: grades C and above. 


What is the structure of a law apprenticeship?

Much like other apprenticeships, you will need to dedicate 20% of your week to studying. This can look like attending a university once a week but will differ depending on who you are doing your apprenticeship with.  You will learn all the same key law modules as you would to gain a university degree and study various types of law.

The remaining 80% of your time will be at a law firm, where you will gain first-hand experience. This is an excellent place for you to be putting into practice what you've learned in theory whilst studying. You will gain legal experience and have opportunities to expand your professional career by working on cases, drafting statements and going to court amongst an array of other things.

You could become a charter legal executive, barrister, solicitor, paralegal, or arbitrator, among many other opportunities and open yourself up to further career paths in the legal field. 


What is the salary expectation of a law apprenticeship? 

Legal apprenticeships are at the higher scale of the wage bracket for apprenticeships with salaries typically increase each year you are an apprentice. The wage will vary regionally. 


What are the benefits of doing a law apprenticeship?

You won’t have any student debts as all your education and exams are paid for via your apprenticeship. And as an apprentice, you will receive a monthly wage. 

You will be continually gaining experience in the world of law, putting into practice what you learn. There will be opportunities for you to experience various types of litigation and expand your professional development.


If you're considering doing an apprenticeship in law, take a look at the law vacancies we currently have available on GetMyFirstJob!






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