Apprentice Solicitor

Essex County Council; Chelmsford; On-site; GBP 14,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is looking for a motivated Solicitor Apprentice to join their dynamic legal team. This unique opportunity offers a 6-year developmental programme, combining practical placements and academic study at the University of Law. As you progress, you will gain invaluable experience across various legal teams, preparing you for a successful career in law. With a supportive environment and a focus on professional growth, this apprenticeship is perfect for those eager to learn and make a real impact in the legal field. If you're ready to embark on a rewarding journey, this could be the role for you!

Qualifications

• Essential: 3 A Levels at Grade C or above, or equivalent.
• 5 GCSEs, including Maths and English at Grade C/4 or above.

Responsibilities

• Undertake a comprehensive training programme to develop skills and knowledge.
• Prepare a work-based portfolio of evidence from Year 4 onwards.
• Engage in projects and duties to achieve high standards.

Skills

Good communication skills

Ability to work with others

Positive attitude and willingness to learn

Review performance and learn from setbacks

Education

3 A Levels at Grade C or above

5 GCSEs including Maths and English at Grade C/4 or above

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Essex Legal Services provides high-quality, professional legal advice across the Council and to external clients, enabling them to make well-informed decisions that positively impact service delivery while meeting statutory requirements.

They work closely with senior leaders to make a real difference in the delivery of the Council's and their clients' business.

This position involves studying towards a Solicitor Apprentice Standard Level 7 via the University of Law. Upon completion, you will be awarded an LLB in Legal Practice and Skills.

Find out more about why you should choose a Law Apprenticeship here!

To learn more about our business area, please visit: Corporate Services.

The Opportunity

Essex County Council is seeking a motivated and enthusiastic individual to join Essex Legal Services as a Solicitor Apprentice.

As a Solicitor Apprentice, you'll spend a minimum of 8 hours per week studying, with the remaining time dedicated to comprehensive training and development through placements across Essex Legal Services to gain broad legal experience.

This is a developmental role, offering a 6-year programme of placements and online learning one day per week at the University of Law. You will work towards your LLB degree, complete SQE 1 and 2 exams, and develop key skills including a work-based portfolio of evidence.

You will participate in up to 6 different placements within the service, gaining valuable experience and transferable skills in a supportive environment.

If you want to be part of a friendly, welcoming, and high-achieving team, this could be the opportunity for you.

The starting salary is the National Apprenticeship Wage, £7.55 per hour / £14,567 per annum. After 12 months, it increases to the National Living Wage (£12.21/hour / £23,557 per annum), progressing to £38,656 by Year 5.

What Will I be Doing?

As a Solicitor Apprentice, you will undertake a comprehensive training programme to develop the skills, knowledge, values, behaviours, and competencies needed to earn an LLB in Legal Practice and Skills.

You will complete SQE 1 and 2 exams within the contracted timeframe (SQE 1 in the penultimate year, SQE 2 in the final year).

Your duties will vary over the course of the apprenticeship. In the first two to three years, you will perform routine administrative tasks and participate in planned placements across legal teams.

In the final three years, you will undertake trainee-level tasks, including:

• Meeting all required criteria at each placement for progression.
• Preparing a work-based portfolio of evidence from Year 4 onwards.
• Engaging in projects, duties, and responsibilities to achieve high standards and demonstrate outcomes.
• Carrying out proceedings and transactions under supervision, including attending courts, drafting legal documents, taking instructions, and conducting research.
• Building strong professional relationships within the council to enhance cross-functional understanding and partnership working.

Specific targets and objectives will be set annually within the performance management framework.

What Will I Need?

Essential Criteria:

• 3 A Levels at Grade C or above, or equivalent.
• 5 GCSEs, including Maths and English at Grade C/4 or above.
• Right to permanently live, work, and study in the UK (apprenticeships are not covered by student visas).
• Ordinarily resident in the UK or EEA for three years before the start date.

Desirable Criteria:

• Ability to review performance and learn from successes and setbacks.
• Evidence of developing skills and knowledge.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office and keyboard skills.
• Good communication skills and ability to work with others.
• A positive attitude and willingness to learn.

Recruitment Timeline:

• 11th May 2025: Applications close
• 27th May - 8th June 2025: Video interviews
• 17th July 2025: Assessment centre and final interview
• Week of 21st July: Offers made to successful candidates
• July/August: Pre-employment checks
• September: Start date