ITV announces first in-house legal apprenticeship

ITV has announced the launch of its new legal apprenticeship scheme.

The broadcaster has partnered with CILEx Law School and City Law School (part of City University, London) to deliver the programme, which it says is the first in-house legal apprenticeship to be announced under the government’s Trailblazer scheme. The first apprentice will train in London, with alumni of the Legal Social Mobility Partnership programme – which was founded by ITV – being given the first opportunities to apply.

Andrew Garard, ITV’s general counsel, said: “We are delighted to be the first in-house legal department to embrace the new solicitor apprenticeship scheme. We see the new apprenticeship route as a great opportunity to create solicitors who know ITV’s business inside out at the point of qualification. This can only enhance our quest to make our lawyers true business partners.”

Jenny Pelling, business director of CILEx Law School, commented: “The Trailblazer solicitor apprenticeship offers an opportunity for a new generation of young people to qualify as solicitors from the security of salaried employment. We look forward to working in close partnership with ITV to lead the way.”

Meanwhile Professor Carl Stychin, dean of City Law School, commented on the fact that apprentices who complete the five-year programme successfully will be awarded City University London degrees. Stychin said: “This partnership combines the academic rigour of City University London’s LLB with the legal apprenticeship expertise of CILEx Law School.  This venture demonstrates the School's agility in creatively responding to the radically changing environment of legal education in this country. We look forward to working with our partners to deliver an excellent service to our clients at ITV.”