Solicitor apprenticeships rise, according to SRA

updated on 16 August 2021

The number of solicitor apprenticeships has jumped by 40% in just a year, according to the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s (SRA) report.

The SRA’s annual report on education and training shows there were 242 solicitor apprenticeships available last year; compared to 2019 when there were only 170 available. There were 107 solicitor apprenticeships in 2017 and just 30 in 2016, according to the SRA’s data.

The take up of apprenticeships among law firms has continued and gained momentum over the years.

Just this year Allen & Overy became the first magic circle to launch a solicitor apprenticeship scheme for school leavers which is due to start in September 2022 and is open to candidates completing their A levels in 2022.

Global law firm Norton Rose Fulbright and DLA Piper have also launched legal apprenticeships.

Solicitor apprentices will qualify through the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE), a single rigorous assessment commencing from September 2021 for all aspiring solicitors.

If you’re just starting out on your journey into law, read LCN’s law apprenticeship guide and a guide to law apprenticeships. You can also visit our jobs page for the latest legal apprenticeship vacancies.