This marks an important step in our ongoing commitment to social mobility in the legal profession, as the scheme offers participants an alternative route to qualification, where they can gain practical experience of the law whilst studying, without the expense of attending university.
Our Solicitor Apprentices will complete four one-year seats in our core practice areas, followed by two years of six-month placements across all areas of the firm. Alongside this, they will spend one day a week studying for a degree-level apprenticeship with BPP law School, leading to the award of an LLB (Hons) in law as the post-graduate level SQE (Solicitors' Qualifying Examination).
Throughout their training, the apprentices will be fully supported financially, with Travers Smith covering all tuition fees. In the workplace, our apprentices will learn from our expert lawyers and will be offered a dedicated programme of in-house training to complement their academic studies. Wellbeing is also key, and every apprentice will be provided with dedicated HR support throughout all aspects of their time with the firm.
Upon successful completion of their apprenticeship in 2031, our 2025 apprentices will be eligible for an NQ role alongside the graduate trainee cohort.
Andrew Gillen, Senior Partner commented:
"We are delighted to be kicking off our Solicitor Apprenticeship programme, as four talented apprentices join the firm this autumn. This is an important development in our ongoing commitment to widening access to the legal profession – the scheme removes the historic barrier of costly university fees which has historically prevented some students entering the field. I look forward to watching their careers blossom."