Law degree apprenticeship UK
Qualify as a solicitor at a City law firm — no law degree, no LPC, no student debt. The SQE route fully funded by your employer.
6 years
Typical programme length
Combines LLB-equivalent study with qualifying work experience (QWE)
SQE funded
Professional assessment
SQE1 and SQE2 exam fees and revision courses paid by the employer
Solicitor qualified
Outcome on completion
Admitted to the roll of solicitors by the SRA — identical to the traditional route
What is a law degree apprenticeship?
A law degree apprenticeship (formally a Solicitor Apprenticeship, Level 7) is a programme that trains you to become a fully qualified solicitor without attending university full time. You work in a law firm four or five days a week, study part time with a university partner, and sit the SQE1 and SQE2 assessments — the same route used by traditional law graduates since 2021.
There is no need for a separate law degree, a Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL), or a Legal Practice Course (LPC). The employer funds everything, including university fees, SQE examination fees, and revision materials. On completion, you are admitted to the roll of solicitors by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) — exactly the same qualification as someone who took the traditional route.
Law firms offering solicitor degree apprenticeships
| Employer | Programme | Salary | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clifford Chance | Solicitor DA | £25k–£35k | London |
| Linklaters | Solicitor DA | £25k–£33k | London |
| Herbert Smith Freehills | Solicitor DA | £24k–£32k | London / Belfast |
| Ashurst | Solicitor DA | £23k–£31k | London |
| CMS | Solicitor DA | £22k–£30k | Multiple UK offices |
| Irwin Mitchell | Solicitor DA | £21k–£28k | Multiple UK offices |
Estimated salary ranges for 2026. Verify with each employer's careers page before applying.
Entry requirements
AAB or above at A-level (some firms require AAA)
No specific subject required — English, History, Maths, and Sciences all accepted
GCSE English Language at grade 6 (B) or above
Strong written communication is essential for legal work
Right to work in the UK
Most programmes do not sponsor visas at school-leaver entry level
Age 16 or over at programme start
No upper age limit
Not already holding a law degree or LLB
Speak to firms directly if you have prior legal qualifications — some accept career changers
Live law degree apprenticeship roles
Updated daily from UK law firms and legal employers.
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
What is a solicitor degree apprenticeship?▾
A solicitor degree apprenticeship is a Level 7 programme that lets you qualify as an SRA-admitted solicitor while working full time at a law firm. The employer funds your university study, SQE1 and SQE2 exam fees, and qualifying work experience — no law degree, GDL, or LPC needed.
Do law degree apprenticeships require specific A-level subjects?▾
No specific A-level subjects are required for solicitor degree apprenticeships. Law firms value strong analytical thinking and communication above subject choice. English, History, Politics, Maths, and Sciences are all commonly held by successful applicants. Most firms ask for AAB or above.
How long does it take to qualify as a solicitor through the apprenticeship route?▾
Typically six years — roughly four years of part-time academic study equivalent to an LLB, then qualifying work experience (QWE) and the SQE2 assessment. The exact timeline varies by firm and programme structure.
Is the solicitor apprenticeship route well regarded by employers?▾
Yes. Firms that run solicitor apprenticeship programmes — including several Magic Circle firms — treat their apprentice solicitors identically to traditional-route trainees once qualified. The SRA qualification is the same regardless of route.
Can I do a law degree apprenticeship outside London?▾
Yes. Firms such as CMS and Irwin Mitchell operate across multiple UK offices, and some programmes can be done regionally. However, the majority of City law apprenticeship positions are London-based. Check each firm's listing for location details.
