We recognise that there is more than one route to a career in law, and we are committed to supporting people who have the ambition and aptitude to qualify as a solicitor without having studied at university.
That is why we have been recruiting apprentices since 2015, and have a number of apprentices across the firm currently completing the Level 7 Solicitor Apprenticeship. It is a way of giving you hands-on experience of legal work whilst studying to become a qualified solicitor. You will work with us while completing your studies and you will be able to do real legal work, alongside some of our most experienced lawyers.
The Solicitor Apprenticeship route was a no-brainer for me, as I wanted to jump in head-first. The opportunity to earn whilst I learn was highly attractive and means that I can qualify as a Solicitor with just over six years of quality legal experience. The work has been really rewarding and I’ve been involved in a variety of matters since I’ve joined. I’ve developed so many skills as an Apprentice and been able to work with some great people.
The apprenticeship’s a great way to get involved with the real workplace tasks that you’ll be doing when you eventually qualify. You experience working with different people and pick up a variety of skills that you’ll implement into your practice. There are also lots of opportunities to network, which I try to make the most of. It’s great to meet new people and connect over being in the same situation. We also share tips to support and help each other.
The apprenticeship’s a great way to get involved with the real workplace tasks that you’ll be doing when you eventually qualify. You experience working with different people and pick up a variety of skills that you’ll implement into your practice. There are also lots of opportunities to network, which I try to make the most of. It’s great to meet new people and connect over being in the same situation. We also share tips to support and help each other.
Renee Tombs, Solicitor Apprentice
The Solicitor Apprenticeship route was a no-brainer for me, as I wanted to jump in head-first. The opportunity to earn whilst I learn was highly attractive and means that I can qualify as a Solicitor with just over six years of quality legal experience. The work has been really rewarding and I’ve been involved in a variety of matters since I’ve joined. I’ve developed so many skills as an Apprentice and been able to work with some great people.
The apprenticeship’s a great way to get involved with the real workplace tasks that you’ll be doing when you eventually qualify. You experience working with different people and pick up a variety of skills that you’ll implement into your practice. There are also lots of opportunities to network, which I try to make the most of. It’s great to meet new people and connect over being in the same situation. We also share tips to support and help each other.
The apprenticeship’s a great way to get involved with the real workplace tasks that you’ll be doing when you eventually qualify. You experience working with different people and pick up a variety of skills that you’ll implement into your practice. There are also lots of opportunities to network, which I try to make the most of. It’s great to meet new people and connect over being in the same situation. We also share tips to support and help each other.
Renee Tombs, Solicitor Apprentice
The Solicitor Apprenticeship route was a no-brainer for me, as I wanted to jump in head-first. The opportunity to earn whilst I learn was highly attractive and means that I can qualify as a Solicitor with just over six years of quality legal experience. The work has been really rewarding and I’ve been involved in a variety of matters since I’ve joined. I’ve developed so many skills as an Apprentice and been able to work with some great people.
Key Information
* We recruit Solicitor Apprentices every September, across all four of our offices; Birmingham, Bristol, Leeds and London
* Earn whilst you learn, completing the 6 year level 7 solicitor apprenticeship programme, in partnership with the University of Law (1 study day per week)
* You will benefit from an extensive development programme designed to give you all the skills and knowledge you need
Who can apply?
We are looking for bright individuals with plenty of enthusiasm to pursue a legal career. You will also need:
* Academics: As a top-100 national law firm, we are looking for strong academic achievement from applicants. ABB at A-Level and A*- C's at GCSE (9-4) (or equivalent) is our expectation. You don’t need to have studied law before, but a keen interest in the legal profession is essential. Please note: due to programme requirements, applicants must be aged 21 or under at the start of the apprenticeship.
* Ability to work and relate well with others: we are proud of our collegiate approach so an ability to work within a team is essential
* Attention to detail: our work can involve complex information so we are looking for people who have a good eye for detail
* Drive and a willingness to take responsibility: it is important to be well motivated so you meet challenges with resilience and overcome hurdles
What to Expect
Once in your department, you will receive on the job training to learn the practical skills and gain the relevant knowledge to become a competent and experienced solicitor. You will need to collect a portfolio of evidence for assessment, and you will also spend one day per week studying.
Exact roles and responsibilities will depend on the department you join, but the type of tasks you can expect to carry out include:
* Drafting basic correspondence to clients
* Carrying out legal research
* Assisting your supervisor with case files
* Drafting contracts, leases and other legal documents
* Arranging and attending conferences with counsel
* Attending court hearings when appropriate
* Drafting letters of instruction
* Collating and creating bundles
Supervision and Support
Our solicitor apprentices are allocated a supervisor to provide them with quality day-to-day training and opportunities to develop their legal skills. They are on hand to give guidance, advice and feedback on performance.
In addition to your supervisor, an assessor from our training provider (The University of Law) will contact you on a regular basis to support you in your progress towards your qualification. You will also be allocated an apprentice buddy and there is a dedicated member of the Early Talent team who is always available to answer any questions or generally offer advice.
Not all Work
Here at Bevan Brittan we work hard to promote regular sports, community and social events. There is a Social Committee in each office which our apprentices are welcome (and encouraged) to join.
The firm’s Responsible Business strategy means that we are also heavily involved in various pro bono, volunteering and fundraising activities throughout the year.
Applying
Applications for our 2026 Solicitor Apprenticeship programme will reopen on 6th October.
Application Tips
* Don’t forget to triple-check your application before submitting. Many responses we receive contain excellent content, but are let down by poor grammar and typing mistakes.
* Use language that is clear and easy to understand.
* Use different examples throughout the application form. We want to see candidates who are able to draw upon a variety of experiences.
* Remember to answer the question that's being asked, rather than applying a generic response used for other questions.
* Do your research thoroughly. We want applicants who are passionate about the type of work that we do and can demonstrate some understanding of our firm and its practice areas.
Do I have to pay for any of the costs towards the apprenticeship?
Am I eligible to apply?
Will you consider applications from students without A-levels but other equivalent qualifications?
What are you looking for in a future apprentice?
What does the recruitment process look like?
I have applied before; can I apply again?
Can I ask for feedback on my application?
I have some adjustments that I would need making as part of the process. Are you able to accommodate these?
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