Solicitor Apprenticeship (school leaver) - September 2025 - Pinsent Masons

Deadline: 30 January 2025

Start your legal career with our solicitor apprenticeship

As a solicitor apprentice, you will join a fast-paced, dynamic working environment where personal resilience and a willingness to learn are key to success. This is a unique opportunity to gain practical experience working on real-life legal projects alongside experienced legal professionals, while also studying towards the Level 7 Solicitor Apprenticeship standard, a fully sponsored LLB in Legal Practice and Skills degree, and the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE). Solicitor apprentices have a unique opportunity to ‘earn while they learn’ by putting their academic learning into practice while working towards qualifying as a solicitor. The apprenticeship is fully funded, so apprentices have no university fees and earn a competitive salary for the duration of the programme.

The number of available roles and their location depends on business needs and can change each year. Our 2025 Solicitor Apprenticeship opportunities are available in our Leeds and Manchester offices.

If you'd like to find out more about our legal apprenticeships and application process, and hear directly from our current apprentices select your preferred date to register for one of our Virtual Insight Events:

• Wednesday 27th November 5pm-6.30pm
• Thursday 12th December 5pm-6.30pm
• Thursday 9th January 5pm-6.30pm

Eligibility

• Minimum 5 GCSE's or equivalent, including Maths and English, at grade C/4 or above.
• Minimum 3 A-Levels or equivalent at grade B or above, or an equivalent qualification amounting to 120 UCAS points (obtained or predicted).

Salary

Manchester and Leeds office: £24,000

Structure

Apprentices are welcomed to the firm with a comprehensive induction programme.

Solicitor Apprentices have a dedicated weekly study day studying legal foundation subjects, skills modules and preparing for a range of assessments, including the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE). Solicitor apprentices spend the remaining four days per week working with colleagues in the office. You will also complete weekly tasks and receive regular feedback from your subject tutor, as well as meet with the Skills Coach to support your progress.

In the first four years of your apprenticeship, you will be based in one or two legal teams.

During the final two years of your apprenticeship, you will join the trainee solicitor cohort. You will have the opportunity to gain broad exposure to different areas of commercial law by undertaking six-month placements in four different departments.

Some travel within the UK and Ireland might be required during your apprenticeship. We will reimburse any travel-related business expenses in line with our policy to enable you to meet the business needs and access relevant training opportunities.

Responsibilities

Throughout your apprenticeship you will be involved in client meetings, assist solicitors with legal matters, conduct legal research, draft correspondence and documents, and prepare files and bundles. As you progress in your role, you will be introduced to more advanced tasks to help you build a portfolio and work towards the level 7 qualification. These tasks may involve preparing client training, leading client meetings, and progressing matters and transactions.

Support and development

During your apprenticeship, you will be supported by a supervisor who is an experienced solicitor, a dedicated early talent team, and fellow legal apprentices. In addition, you will also be allocated a buddy to help you settle into both working and studying. You will receive comprehensive training that combines on-the-job learning with formal structured sessions, ensuring you are fully equipped to succeed in your role. Furthermore, you will have access to a wide range of courses available through our Pinsent Masons Learning and Development team, enabling you to develop your skills and build a successful career.

Qualification and beyond

Upon successful completion of the 6-year solicitor apprenticeship and Solicitors Qualifying Examination, subject to SRA character and suitability assessment, you will become a qualified solicitor and have a chance to join our Newly Qualified (NQ) Solicitor recruitment process. This process is centrally managed and includes interviews and technical skills assessments. Our Graduate Development team work with the business to identify which roles are available and circulate a list. You will be able to apply for a small number of vacancies across the firm’s offices. The outcome will be based on your performance at assessment and throughout your apprenticeship. This gives you every opportunity to further your career with a leading firm in your chosen area of law.

For more information, click on Apply