Becoming A Law Apprentice: A Guide To Success

A law apprenticeship is a training program where an aspiring lawyer is guided by an experienced lawyer during fieldwork. It is a way to gain skills and hands-on experience to succeed in a legal career. There are various types of law apprenticeships, including intermediate, paralegal, chartered legal executive, graduate, and solicitor apprenticeships. Each type has different entry requirements, durations, and qualifications. For example, the intermediate apprenticeship is aimed at school leavers without A levels and usually lasts between 15 to 21 months. On the other hand, the solicitor apprenticeship takes six years and integrates a law degree with paid on-the-job training.

To become a law apprentice, one must be 16 or older, not in full-time education, and a UK citizen or resident. Additionally, specific apprenticeships have their own entry requirements, such as a certain number of GCSEs and A levels.

Law apprenticeships offer an alternative route to becoming a lawyer without the need for a university degree, allowing individuals to earn while they learn. They provide an opportunity to gain practical experience, develop professional connections, and avoid the high costs associated with traditional law school education.

Determine your area of interest

To determine your area of interest, you should first identify the type of law you are most interested in pursuing. This could be, for example, child and family law. Once you have decided on your preferred area of law, you can then search for law firm apprenticeships that offer the best work experience in that field.

There are several types of legal apprenticeships available, including:

• Intermediate apprenticeship: Aimed at school leavers without A-levels, this apprenticeship involves assisting lawyers in progressing cases through administrative tasks such as research, receiving calls, and proofreading.
• Paralegal apprenticeship: Paralegals work alongside solicitors, often performing similar tasks and responsibilities. This apprenticeship trains apprentices in the skills needed to practise in a particular legal practice area.
• Chartered legal executive apprenticeship: This apprenticeship is for those who have completed the paralegal apprenticeship or a law degree/conversion course. It is a route to becoming a chartered legal executive, a lawyer whose role is similar to that of a solicitor.
• CILEX Lawyer apprenticeship: This apprenticeship provides specialist training for those wanting to achieve qualified lawyer status, while developing a specific area of specialism.
• Solicitor apprenticeship: A six-year programme that combines on-the-job training with studying for a law degree. At the end of the apprenticeship, apprentices qualify as solicitors.
• Graduate solicitor apprenticeship: A route for aspiring solicitors who already have an undergraduate degree or equivalent. Trainees gain on-the-job experience while earning a salary.

Conduct research

Once you have determined the type of law you want to pursue, you can start researching the apprenticeships available to you. There are several factors to consider when conducting this research:

• Professional growth opportunities
• Apprenticeship pay
• Type of law the firm or lawyer focuses on
• Benefits offered
• The prospective mentor's professional reputation
• Reviews about your prospective mentor

There are several online resources available to help you find law apprenticeship vacancies. The U.S. Department of Labor's online Apprenticeship Finder tool can help you find available apprenticeships in your area. You can also refer to LawCareers.Net for a comprehensive and up-to-date list of legal apprenticeship opportunities across the UK. Additionally, the CILEX Law School has created a legal apprenticeship eligibility checker that shows you which apprenticeship pathways are open to you based on your qualifications and experience.

Prepare professional materials

Preparing professional materials is an important step in securing a law apprenticeship. This is your chance to showcase your ability and desire to work in the legal field. Here are some tips to help you prepare:

• Resume/CV: Create or update your resume to highlight your relevant skills and experiences. Emphasise any legal-related work, internships, or extracurricular activities that demonstrate your interest in law. Include any technical skills, such as proficiency in legal research databases or document management systems.
• Cover Letter: Craft a compelling cover letter that expresses your passion for law and highlights why you are an ideal candidate for the apprenticeship. Tailor your cover letter to each firm you apply to, showcasing your knowledge of the firm's practice areas, values, and reputation.
• Professional Portfolio: Build a professional portfolio that showcases your work samples, projects, and any other evidence of your skills and accomplishments. Include writing samples, such as legal memos or research papers, to demonstrate your legal writing abilities. You can also include certificates, awards, or other documents that showcase your qualifications.
• Online Presence: Ensure your online presence, especially on professional platforms like LinkedIn, is up to date and reflects your professional brand. Many law firms and mentors conduct online searches as part of their screening process, so it's important to have a strong online presence.
• References: Gather references from previous employers, professors, or mentors who can speak to your skills, work ethic, and character. Choose references who can provide specific examples of your abilities and highlight your suitability for a law apprenticeship.
• Interview Preparation: Start preparing for interviews by researching common law apprenticeship interview questions and practicing your responses. You may also want to consider mock interviews with friends or family to help you feel more confident during the actual interviews.

Remember, law firms are selective about their apprentices, so it's crucial to put your best foot forward when preparing your professional materials. Showcase your unique skills, experiences, and passion for law to increase your chances of securing a law apprenticeship.

Apply for apprenticeships

Once you've decided on the type of law you want to pursue and conducted your research into the apprenticeships available to you, it's time to start applying.

Prepare your professional materials

Showcase your ability and desire to work in the legal field by creating or updating your resume, drafting cover letters, and designing a professional portfolio. These professional materials will help represent your ability and convey your interest in an apprenticeship.

Where to find apprenticeship vacancies

Use the U.S. Department of Labor's online Apprenticeship Finder tool to find available apprenticeships in your area. You can also refer to LawCareers.Net for the most comprehensive and up-to-date list of legal apprenticeship opportunities across the UK.

The application process

Firms will often require you to attend in-person or online interviews before offering you a role or accepting your application, so it's important to prepare for these. You may also be required to take exams or provide proof of relevant qualifications.

Receive on-the-job training

Once you've secured a law apprenticeship, you will receive on-the-job training. This training may be short-term and may take a few days or a few weeks. During this time, you will learn the basics of the role, such as how to use database systems and technology, and how your mentor likes to handle cases and organise documents.

In the first few years of your apprenticeship, you will work towards a law degree. You will also gain competence in legal skills, commercial skills, and professional conduct. You will learn how to use legal knowledge and commercial judgement to find solutions for clients' needs, interact with clients and other solicitors, and process, review, and send important documents.

You will also be trained on how to manage your workload, plan your tasks, and maintain and develop your knowledge and skills. You will learn how to draft legal documents, conduct legal research, and interview clients for information.

After several weeks of training, your mentor may decide that you are ready to complete some independent work.

Frequently asked questions