RPC expands solicitor apprenticeship to London, boosting access and diversity in legal careers

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RPC has announced the expansion of its solicitor apprenticeship programme to London. The international law firm will start training solicitor apprentices in its London office from September 2025 with applications for the scheme now open.

RPC first launched its apprenticeship scheme in Bristol in 2018, with the firm currently employing 10 legal apprentices, which includes seven solicitor apprentices and three paralegal apprentices.

The solicitor apprenticeship programme is designed primarily for school leavers and offers aspiring solicitors the chance to work within the law firm while studying to become qualified. Apprentices work four days a week at RPC and spend one day a week at The University of Law studying for the Solicitors Qualifying Exam.

The new London apprenticeship programme features a direct start onto the six-year solicitor apprenticeship, meaning that apprentices don’t need to first do a two-year paralegal apprenticeship, as was previously the case at the firm.

During the programme, apprentices spend one year in the matter support department, followed by three year-long rotational placements around the firm. In the final two years, apprentices participate in the training contract seat rotation before qualifying as a solicitor.

Find out more about legal apprenticeships with our guide.

The firm links the broadening of the apprenticeship scheme to its diversity and inclusion efforts, with apprentices able to pursue a legal career without the costs of going to university. RPC is also now part of the City Century initiative, a collaboration with leading law firms to recruit, educate and develop top talent through apprenticeships in London.

"We are delighted to be expanding our solicitor apprenticeship offering to London following the programme's notable success in Bristol over the past six years," said Will Sefton, partner champion for apprenticeships at RPC.

"Our programme is designed to boost access and diversity within the legal profession, providing a valuable platform for talented individuals from diverse backgrounds to kickstart their legal careers without the burden of university costs. We look forward to growing the programme by welcoming more cohorts to both Bristol and London in the future."

‌For more information about RPC's solicitor apprenticeship programme and the application process, visit the RPC early talent portal.