“I chose the graduate solicitor apprenticeship as I was already working and wanted to kick start my training contract without taking a year out to study and continue earning a salary. I will now qualify much sooner than I would have done had I chosen the training contract. I find that my ‘on the job’ work aids my university work as it enables me to put the theory that I learn into practice straight away. In addition, it allows me to earn a salary alongside studying for the SQE.”
Our graduate solicitor apprenticeship is designed to help university students get into the workplace sooner and kick start your career by completing your law essentials course (if applicable), and solicitors qualifying examination (SQE) whilst working in the firm. You’ll gain the practical skills to become a successful qualified solicitor in a supportive and collaborative law firm. In 2.5-3 years, you’ll be a fully qualified solicitor. This is an alternative route to qualification.
Our apprenticeship programmes are designed so all our newly qualified solicitors, regardless of the route they qualify through, are equipped to work with their clients and colleagues in a creative, collaborative and commercial way which paves the way for them to thrive in their future careers.
Both the apprenticeship and SQE will be funded by Michelmores subject to our bursary agreement
You will be based in either our Bristol or Exeter offices and working within one of our exceptional legal teams. During the apprenticeship, you’ll work in the firm for four days and have one day a week to study for your law essentials course (if applicable) and SQE at The University of Law. The apprenticeship enables you to put the theory that you learn into practice right away. And, at the end of your successful training and SQE, you’ll have the opportunity to qualify as a newly qualified solicitor in one of our legal teams.
You will complete a minimum of 4×6-month seat rotations and get to experience multiple areas within the firm before deciding your ultimate qualification team.
Our graduate solicitor apprenticeship is sector focused and is built around your interests and where you think you want to qualify. Your apprenticeship will give you the skills, knowledge and experience to support you to reach your full potential.
Our junior lawyers are our future. We focus on growing our own talent and supporting them to become exceptional lawyers. We are looking for people with diversity of thought, who can challenge our thinking, offer innovative ideas and solutions, and add to our culture, rather than just fit in. We want junior lawyers that will help drive us forward together and build their career with us. We want trainees who are going to be leaders of the future.
As with our training contract, we would fully funded you to complete the Apprenticeship.
Applications for our 2026 opportunities will open in May 2025. If you have any further questions, please contact us at gradrecruitment@michelmores.com.
