What’s the difference between training contracts and graduate solicitor apprenticeships?

Dear Oracle

I’ve noticed that some law firms are recruiting graduate solicitor apprentices instead of trainee solicitors – what’s the difference and how do I know which type of training to apply to?

The Oracle replies

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Although they have different names and perhaps structures, the end point of a training contract and graduate solicitor apprenticeship is the same – that is, they both count towards the two years’ qualifying work experience (QWE) required to qualify as a solicitor.

When do I complete the SQE as part of a training contract or graduate solicitor apprenticeship?

One of the main differences between a training contract and graduate solicitor apprenticeship is what’s required of the candidates before they start their training. For example, firms running a graduate solicitor apprenticeship will take on candidates straight from their degree or law conversion. This means apprentices will complete on-the-job training while also working towards passing the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE) assessments (ie, complete a preparation course and then pass the assessments).

Meanwhile, those who’ve been accepted onto a training contract will most likely be required to complete a preparation course (and law conversion for non-law graduates) selected by their firm and pass both SQE1 and SQE2 before their training contract starts.

Is there a difference between traditional training contracts and QWE? Find out in The Oracle.

Is there a difference in length and structure between the training contract and graduate solicitor apprenticeship?

A graduate solicitor apprenticeship is a 32 to 36-month programme (dependent on the firm) and will likely involve four days a week working at the firm with one day set aside for study at the firm’s chosen education provider (much like a solicitor apprenticeship). In terms of the work, graduate apprentices will complete a range of seats (the number differs between law firms) across different practice areas. The structure of the graduate solicitor apprenticeship will suit those  university students who are, as Michelmores LLP describes them, keen “to get into the workplace sooner”, kickstarting their career by completing the necessary courses and assessments while on the job.

For a training contract, the structure differs because you’ll have already passed the SQE exams before your two-year programme begins. In fact, many law firms have developed specific SQE courses (eg, White & Case LLP’s SQE plus course) or modules that are tailored to the firm – you’ll be expected to complete these prior to the training contract start date to ensure you’re ready for life at that particular firm. As such, those students who know that balancing working and studying might be tricky for them, may choose to apply for a training contract.

When you start your training contract at the firm, you’ll typically spend four six-month seats in different departments to give you a sense of the type of work available. That said, the size of the firm will dictate the number of seats undertaken.

Some firms use a non-rotational training system, which requires trainees to walk the floor and find the work themselves (see Jones Day for a working example of this). This enables trainees to either broaden their experience by seeking work from an array of practice areas or trainees can instead streamline their approach by focusing on one or two practice areas they know they’re interested in.

The structure of the training will differ firm to firm and programme to programme, so be sure to conduct some research and speak to firm representatives to identify what sort of training will suit your learning style and aspirations.

Do candidates receive funding for the training contract and graduate solicitor apprenticeship?

Most law firms will continue to offer funding to cover the costs of the SQE and any additional training for trainees and apprentices (eg, conversion courses for non-law students and prep courses).

Find out more about funding options via LawCareers.Net’s Finances page. You can also search for law firms on LawCareers.Net to find out what funding/bursaries they offer.

Is there a difference in salary between the training contract and graduate solicitor apprenticeship?

Most law firms will likely match their graduate solicitor apprenticeship salary to that of their trainee salary (if they offer both training programmes). For example, Gateley Legal, which runs a training contract and graduate solicitor apprenticeship, says that candidates in their first year on either programme will receive a salary starting at £32,000 (Reading and Guildford), which goes up to £36,000 in its London office.

That said, CMS – another firm that offers both routes – will pay its graduate solicitor apprentices in London £36,500 to start with, while its first-year trainees in London will receive £50,000.

It’s difficult to provide a concrete answer for this question because factors such as firm size and location will influence salary. So, if you have a few law firms in mind, look at their websites to find out their salary information. As expected, salaries in the City for both the apprenticeship and training contract will be higher than in the regions.

Choosing your path

As outlined above, there are differences between the training contract and graduate solicitor apprenticeship. If you’re considering which one might suit you best, the main aspect to think about is your personal learning and training preferences – for example, do you want to gain practical legal work experience, while preparing for and sitting your SQE assessments (as is the case with the graduate solicitor apprenticeship) or would it suit you better to complete the assessments in the year prior to starting your training contract?

Those on the graduate solicitor apprenticeship will find it easier to apply what they’re studying on the SQE prep course to real-life scenarios at the firm – this is true for a graduate solicitor apprentice at Michelmores who explains: “I find that my ‘on the job’ work aids my university work as it enables me to put the theory that I learn into practice straight away.”

However, those on the training contract can focus solely on the practical training as they’ll already have passed the exams.

What works for your friend who sits next to you in your tort law seminar, might not be what works for you. So, use the above to help you figure out your next step and don’t forget to conduct your own research.