Legal Apprenticeship 2026

Gordons; Horsham; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK law firm is seeking candidates for its solicitor apprenticeship programme. This six-year programme caters to Year 13 students and school leavers, combining on-the-job training and study towards an LLB law degree. Successful candidates will work across core legal markets, gaining comprehensive practical experience while supported by mentors. This role provides a pathway to becoming a fully qualified solicitor without the need for full-time university studies.

Benefits

Competitive salary and benefits package

Paid study leave

Support from dedicated mentors

Qualifications

• Well-rounded individuals preferred with effective communication skills.
• Driven, enthusiastic, and ambitious applicants are desired.
• Ability to work methodically under pressure with accuracy.

Responsibilities

• Work four days a week under the supervision of qualified lawyers.
• Study towards an LLB law degree one day a week with BPP University.
• Draft legal documents, meet with clients, and conduct legal research.

Skills

Personal and communication skills

Team player

Methodical and organized

Problem-solving ability

Education

A-levels or equivalent qualifications

Job description

An exciting opportunity for five successful candidates to join our apprenticeship programme working at our offices in Tunbridge Wells, Horsham and London.The solicitor apprenticeship is aimed at Year 13 students and school leavers interested in a career in law but who prefer hands on training rather than full-time University.This six year programme includes a mixture of on-the-job learning four days a week and training fromBPP University Law School on-line one day a week. On completion of the apprenticeship, apprentices attain an LLB law degree and can apply for an NQ solicitor role at the firm.Our apprentices move around the business working with solicitors across our business services teams and three core markets, drafting legal documents, meeting with clients and undertaking legal research.Find out moreFor further details about the apprenticeship and FAQs please visit our website.

How to Apply

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Diversity and inclusion

Cripps iscommitted to building an inclusive workplace that supports and celebrates the unique contribution everyone can make.

At Cripps, our purpose is to make a positive and lasting difference. It’s why we do what we do. In 2024, we became a certified B Corporation to make a legal and very public commitment that we mean what we say. As one of only a handful of UK B Corp law firms, we are held accountable to our social and environmentalpromises. We are transparent on what we are doing well and where we are falling short. We are excited about the opportunities this affords us to continually improve as a responsible, sustainable, and inclusive business. Come and join us to help solve real world problems, champion big ambitions, and make a personal impact on our people, our clients, our planet, and our communities.

What is a solicitor apprenticeship?

A solicitor apprenticeship is an alternative route to qualifying as a solicitor, offering ambitious young people a pathway into the legal profession instead of attending full-time university.

What is covered in the programme?

Our training provider for the six-year programme is BPP University Law School. You will spend four days a week working at the firm under the supervision of qualified lawyers and one day studying towards your LLB law degree. You will rotate around the business for the first four years before joining our trainee solicitor programme for the final two years.

What does our programme offer you?

• A competitive salary and benefits package
• Support from a future talent manager and a dedicated apprentice “buddy” for the duration of your apprenticeship.
• Paid study leave to support you with your revision for exams.
• Support through the apprenticeship including if there is a need to re-sit exams.
• You will experience a broad variety of legal work across our three core markets of real estate, corporate and private clients, helping you to explore your potential.

The Route to Solicitor Qualification

There are two distinct pathways to becoming a solicitor in the UK. The traditional graduate route involves completing a law degree, passing the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) in two stages, and gaining two years of practical experience. Alternatively, the apprenticeship route offers a more hands-on approach, that combines on-the-job training with academic study. Both routes require A-levels or equivalent qualifications and provide a clear framework for individuals aspiring to a career in law.

Who can apply for a solicitor apprenticeship?

We are looking for school leavers and those currently a year 13 student who are:

• well-rounded individuals with good personal and communication skills,
• participative team players, keen to develop and learn from colleagues,
• methodical, accurate, well organised and can work to deadlines,
• driven, enthusiastic, ambitious and able to show problem solving throughout the application process.

Our business values people and performance. We strive to create a positive work environment where our people can thrive and contribute to the success of our clients and communities. We prioritise attracting and retaining top talent and maintaining a disciplined, ambitious, and outcome-focused culture.

Our recruitment process:

• Complete application form
• Online assessment including a video interview or presentation

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