Linklaters launches new Solicitor Apprenticeship Programme

Linklaters has introduced a new Solicitor Apprenticeship Programme providing an alternative to traditional routes to solicitor qualification in the UK – as the firm continues to drive forward its commitment to broadening access to the legal sector.

“Traditional routes” to qualification – involving completion of a full-time university undergraduate course – can put a career in law out of reach of many, particularly those from low socio-economic backgrounds. Solicitor apprenticeships can help level the playing field and open up access to the legal industry.

Linklaters will welcome up to six solicitor apprentices onto the programme starting in London in September 2023. The six-year programme will provide candidates on-the-job training, with the solicitor apprentices undertaking law degree studies 20% of their time for the first four years. In years five and six, the apprentices will join the trainee solicitor cohort, during which time they will also complete the solicitor’s qualification examination (SQE).

The programme will be open to school leavers nationwide and applications will open on 16 December and close on 13 March 2023. Details of how to apply are available here.

Paul Lewis, Firmwide Managing Partner at Linklaters, commented:

“We are committed to being home to the very best talent, regardless of background.

The traditional route to a career in law can be out of reach of many talented students from low socio-economic backgrounds. Through our new solicitor apprenticeship programme we will facilitate entry to the legal profession – opening up access to talented and highly committed students who otherwise might never have had that opportunity. I’m looking forward to welcoming our first solicitor apprentices into the firm next year and to seeing them thrive in their careers.”

Linklaters has a range of long-standing programmes specifically focussed on attracting and reaching underrepresented talent. One of the firm’s several bespoke programmes includes Making Links Discovery, run in partnership with the Social Mobility Foundation and the Amos Bursary – designed to open up access to a career in the law for 16 to 18 year old students across the UK.

Find out more about the programmes and Linklaters’ Diversity, Equity and Inclusion strategy here.