Solicitor Apprenticeship

Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 21,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

£3,000 welcome payment

Competitive salary

World-class training and support

Job summary

Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP offers a Solicitor Apprenticeship Programme designed for six years. You will rotate through eight seats across six years, starting with junior paralegal work and advancing to senior solicitor‑level tasks, with real client work and extensive training.

You’ll receive world‑class support, mentorship from lawyers, and a £3,000 welcome payment on accepted offer, alongside a competitive salary that increases with progression.

Qualifications

• You should be in Year 13 or a school leaver without a university degree.
• Minimum AAB at A-Level or UCAS points equivalent.
• At least 7 GCSEs at grade 6 or above, including Maths and English.

Responsibilities

• You’ll rotate through eight seats over six years, starting with junior paralegal‑level work.
• In Years 1–4, complete four 12‑month seats and take on progressively complex tasks.
• Years 5–6 involve stepping up as a senior solicitor apprentice with four 6‑month seats and possible client secondments.
• You’ll contribute to real legal work from day one and receive training and support throughout.

Skills

Legal research

Teamwork

Time management

Education

AAB at A-Level

GCSEs incl Maths & English (7+)

Tools

MS Office

Job description

About the programme

Discover life as a Solicitor Apprentice with us

Discover life as a Solicitor Apprentice with us

A programme designed for you

As a solicitor apprentice, you'll be part of our team from day one — contributing to real work. Over six years, you’ll rotate through different practice groups and specialist teams, developing hands‑on experience across key areas of law.
Alongside your rotations, you’ll receive world‑class support and training, helping you grow into a well‑rounded legal professional, with the knowledge, confidence and practical skills to succeed.

Over six years, you’ll rotate through eight different seats, gaining the broad experience needed for a successful legal career with us.
Years 1 – 4: You’ll complete four 12‑month seats, starting with junior paralegal‑level work. As your confidence and capability grow, so’ll your responsibilities where you tackle more complex legal work.
Years 5 – 6: You’ll step up as a senior solicitor apprentice, joining our Trainee Associate Programme. Across four 6‑month seats, you’ll take on more advanced legal tasks and may even experience a client secondment.

Hard work deserves good pay. That’s why you’ll earn a competitive salary, which will increase as you progress on the programme.

As an apprentice, you'll receive a one‑off payment of £3,000 once you accept our offer, to help with starting out costs.

Support along the way

Your development is our shared ambition. You'll be supported at every stage through:

• Dedicated supervisors in each seat to guide your daily development
• Expert mentoring from lawyers across the firm
• A trainee buddy to share insight and experience
• Access to Early Careers HR, there to provide support and resources whenever needed
• Coaches and tutors at BPP, offering expert academic support and pastoral care

What you'll gain

At the end of the six-year programme you'll have:

• A law degree (LLB Hons – Law and Legal Practice)
• Qualification as a solicitor in England & Wales
• Six years of real legal experience at a leading global law firm

What we look for

Academic requirements

• You should be in Year 13 or a school leaver without a university degree. We look for:
  • A minimum of AAB at A-Level or equivalent UCAS points
  • At least 7 GCSEs at grade 6 or above, including Maths and English

Right to work

To become an apprentice, you must be 16 or over, and a UK citizen/someone who has right of residency in the UK.

Explore our FAQs to learn more about life at the firm and the range of opportunities available.

Your journey starts before you join us. Explore our opportunities to find out more about us and see whether a career with us is right for you.

Solicitor Apprentice job simulation

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