Solicitor Apprenticeships - Butcher & Barlow LLP

Earn whilst you learn with the Solicitor Apprenticeship programme

We are currently NOT accepting applications for the Solicitor Apprenticeship programme. Any applications submitted will not be reviewed and will need to be resubmitted when the application window reopens.

If you are interested in a career in law, but university is not for you, consider a legal apprenticeship.

Our legal apprenticeships are aimed at school leavers who have completed A Levels or equivalent and want a work-based pathway in to the legal profession. Providing you with a practical insight in to the legal sector, and with hands on experience from day one, you could be qualified as a Solicitor in 6 years, the same time it takes to complete the traditional route to qualification.

How it works

You will start your Apprenticeship in September. Your training will take place with with a regulated provider and all tuition fees will be paid for. All learning materials are provided.

For the first 5 years of the apprenticeship you will work towards an LLB (Hons) in Law and Legal Practice. The final year is spent working towards the SQE.

For 4 days a week you will be working with one of our teams, learning initially about the business and then law and legal practice whilst gaining competence in legal skills, commercial skills and professional conduct. You will be released on the fifth day to study toward your formal legal qualifications.

By the end of the apprenticeship you will have completed Level 7 Solicitor Apprenticeship, obtained a law degree and qualified as a Solicitor.

Location

We have two vacancies; one in our Head Office in Bury, Lancashire, and one in our Commercial Office in Gadbrook Park, Northwich.

Salary

You will earn a starting salary of £18,000 which will increase as you progress through the programme.

You will also receive a range of employee benefits.

The application process

If you would like to apply for our Solicitor Apprenticeship Programme, please complete the online application form.

Successful applicants will be asked to come in for an initial first interview, and if that goes well, you will be asked back for a second interview which will involve giving a short talk on a topic provided to you in advance.

Tips for applicants:

Research our Firm and the apprenticeship scheme
Research the specific legal areas the Firm specialises in and consider which interest you the most
Be ready to tell us why you want an apprenticeship with us
Consider what skills you have and how they may be beneficial as a Solicitor
And most importantly, be yourself!

Requirements

5 GCSEs, including maths and English, grade 4 or above, or equivalent.

3 A levels (or equivalent), grades C or above.

We appreciate you may not yet have your A Level results. Please include your predicted results on the application form.

As an Apprentice you have employed status, and therefore you must have the right to permanently live and work in the UK. Apprenticeships are not covered by student visas.

What we are looking for

We are looking for applicants with potential and who have a passion for law.

Applicants should have:

Attention to detail
Individuality
Drive and innovation
Commercial awareness
Common sense
A proven academic record

Applicants should be:

Determined and hard working
Team players with good interpersonal skills
Strong communicators
Able to follow instructions
Able to accept responsibility

Frequently asked questions on our Apprenticeship Scheme

Who can become an Apprentice?

Our Apprenticeship is aimed at students who want to move in to a job after completing their A Levels or equivalent whilst still working towards a qualification.

I already have a degree. Can I still apply?

The Apprenticeship is part of our commitment to being an inclusive employer. We aim to give opportunities to a diverse range of candidates and as such, our Solicitor Apprenticeship is not open to people who already have a degree, or have been working in the legal sector for a period of time.

Do I have to have studied A Level law to become a solicitor apprentice?

No, A Level law is not essential. The most important thing is to study subject that you find interesting and which you enjoy to give yourself the best chance to achieve good grades.

Is there any difference between someone who has qualified as Solicitor through the Apprenticeship route and someone who has attending university and qualified through the traditional route?

Not at all. Whichever route you take, you will qualify as Solicitor and hold a Practising Certificate issued by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.

Will I be able to choose which team I work in?

Apprentices will be placed in departments that have a business need although we do consider each person’s preferences and where possible match people to their area of interest.

Will I learn about other aspects of working in a law firm, eg, Marketing and finance?

Yes, from day one you will be involved in all aspects of the Firm to ensure you have a good overview of law and business. You will be involved in business development and networking.

Will I be offered a job at the end of my Apprenticeship?

Whilst we cannot guarantee a qualified position, we are committed to guiding talented future lawyer to be the best they can, and seek to ensure that they thrive both professionally and personally. We look to recruit Apprentices who fit in with the culture and values of our Firm, with a view to them being part of the future of the business.