Solicitor Apprenticeship

Michelmores LLP; Bristol; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK law firm seeks a Legal Apprentice to assist in legal research, client communication, and document preparation. You will work closely with qualified lawyers, enjoy a collaborative culture, and receive comprehensive training. The role offers a starting salary of £23,000 with progression opportunities, emphasizing professional development in a supportive environment. Candidates should possess GCSEs in English and Maths and demonstrate strong communication and analytical skills.

Responsibilities

• Find and assess documents for relevant information.
• Recognize when legal research is required.
• Develop strategies based on client circumstances.
• Provide informed advice based on legal analysis.
• Draft legal documents addressing all issues.
• Advocate effectively in court and hearings.
• Negotiate solutions to client issues.
• Plan and manage legal cases and transactions.
• Obtain relevant facts through effective questioning.

Skills

Communication skills

IT skills

Attention to detail

Organisation skills

Customer care skills

Problem solving skills

Presentation skills

Administrative skills

Number skills

Analytical skills

Logical thinking

Team working

Creativity

Initiative

Non-judgemental attitude

Patience

Education

GCSE English (grade C/4)

GCSE Maths (grade C/4)

A Level not specified (grade C/4)

A Level not specified (grade C/4)

A Level not specified (grade C/4)

Job description

Responsibilities

• Find, analyze, and assess documents to extract relevant information, recognize when additional information is needed, interpret and evaluate information, and record and present it accurately and clearly.
• Recognize when legal research is required, use appropriate methods and resources, interpret findings, and present research outcomes accurately and clearly.
• Develop strategies and solutions based on a client’s commercial and personal circumstances, needs, objectives, priorities and constraints.
• Provide advice informed by factual legal analysis and outline the consequences of different options.
• Draft documents from scratch and use precedents, addressing all legal and factual issues while complying with formalities and using clear, accurate and succinct language.
• Advocate effectively in court and outside formal hearings, preparing arguments, organizing facts, citing legal authority, managing formalities, dealing with witnesses, responding to questions, and evaluating strengths and weaknesses from multiple perspectives.
• Negotiate solutions to clients’ issues, identifying parties’ interests, objectives and limits, formulating optimal options, presenting compromises persuasively, and developing agreements.
• Plan and manage legal cases and transactions, applying relevant processes and procedures, assessing risk, communicating, and concluding matters.
• Obtain relevant facts by effective questioning and active listening.

Training Schedule

Throughout the apprenticeship you will spend four days a week working closely with qualified lawyers and other professionals in a team and one day to study at the University of Law.

Qualifications

• GCSE English (grade C/4)
• GCSE Maths (grade C/4)
• A Level not specified (grade C/4)
• A Level not specified (grade C/4)
• A Level not specified (grade C/4)

Share any additional relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

Key Skills

• Communication skills
• IT skills
• Attention to detail
• Organisation skills
• Customer care skills
• Problem solving skills
• Presentation skills
• Administrative skills
• Number skills
• Analytical skills
• Logical thinking
• Team working
• Creativity
• Initiative
• Non‑judgemental attitude
• Patience

About Michelmores

Michelmores is a leading full‑service UK law firm where people thrive on delivering complex and challenging work on high‑profile assignments for quality clients. Our expertise covers corporate and commercial, transactional real estate, agriculture, construction, family law, private wealth, technology and innovation, consumer brands, public sector and the sustainable economy. We foster a collaborative and inclusive work culture that encourages innovation and creativity. We are passionate about supporting and developing our apprentices, trainees and graduates, offering continuous professional development to help you thrive in your career.

Compensation

£23,000 a year. Starting salary is paid at the current Real Living Wage, with annual increases throughout the programme, rising to match trainee solicitor pay in the later stages.

Working Hours & Start Date

• Training course: Solicitor (level 7)
• Hours: Monday to Friday between 9am to 5pm. 35 hours a week
• Start date: Tuesday 1 September 2026
• Duration: 6 years
• Positions available: 4

Program Structure

The structure of the programme:

• Years 1 & 2: First 6 months – Get to know the firm in a Business Services Team (like HR or Risk). Next 18 months – Join a legal team, starting in admin and progressing to a Paralegal role.
• Year 3 & 4: Complete 2 × 1‑year seats in different legal teams, continuing as a Paralegal, but taking on more responsibility.
• Years 5 & 6: Follow the same structure as our training contract. You will get to experience 4 × 6‑month seats and choose where you rotate. By the end, you’ll be a fully qualified solicitor.