Solicitor Apprenticeship Programme - London - 2026

Solicitor Apprenticeship – Dentons

Overview

Dentons offers a clear and financially sound alternative to a traditional full-time university degree through its Solicitor Apprenticeship Programme. This six-year programme allows participants to earn, learn, and qualify as a solicitor without taking on university tuition fees.

As a Dentons apprentice, participants work towards an LLB Law degree with BPP University while gaining hands-on legal experience across a range of practice areas. This route is designed for school leavers who have not yet commenced an undergraduate degree and provides a direct pathway into a career as an England and Wales qualified solicitor.

Key Facts

• Duration: 6 years
• Study: 1 day per week with BPP University
• Work: 4 days per week at Dentons
• Qualification: LLB Law Degree and England & Wales Solicitor status
• No university fees

Insight events

• In person – Wednesday 30 October, 11am to 1pm
• Virtual – Tuesday 5 November, 5pm to 6pm

The Work

Over the six years, apprentices rotate through eight different practice areas, spending between six months and a year in each. This structure enables them to develop a broad skill set and discover areas of legal practice they enjoy most.

In each department, apprentices have a dedicated supervisor to guide them. From day one, they contribute to real projects and gradually take on more responsibility. By the end of the programme, they will have built a portfolio of work that supports both their academic studies and their qualification as a solicitor.

At the conclusion of the programme, Dentons encourages apprentices to apply for Associate positions within the firm, offering a natural progression into a long-term legal career.

Benefits

• Starting salary: £28,500 (London)
• Starting work bonus: £1,500
• Annual salary increases
• Gym membership allowance
• Health insurance
• 24 days annual leave
• Pension scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Access to well-being resources
• Restaurant discounts

Support and Development

Dentons provides extensive support throughout the programme, including:

• Dedicated supervisor in each practice area
• HR manager for career development
• Personal tutor for academic progress and well-being
• Student manager for general guidance and support

Why Join Dentons?

Dentons was one of the first firms in the UK to launch a Solicitor Apprenticeship in 2017. Since then, they have welcomed eight cohorts, supported 33 school leavers, and seen multiple apprentices qualify as solicitors. The firm has one of the largest solicitor apprenticeship cohorts in the country and has received industry recognition, including shortlisting for awards such as the Legal 500 ESG Awards and the Legal Innovation Awards.

Dentons is also a member of City Century, a collaborative initiative that supports the development of solicitor apprentices across the City of London.