Solicitor Apprenticeship

A different route. The same destination.

Everyone at Michelmores appreciates the tremendous value in collaborative working. That's why we do it so often, and so well.
Fortunate Akinwunmi, Solicitor Apprentice

Creating an inclusive and diverse workplace is an essential part of who we are. Our apprenticeship programme helps widen access to the legal profession, offering the opportunity to earn while you learn, gain real-world experience nd work towards your legal qualifications through an alternative route to qualification.

Our apprenticeship

Our six-year apprenticeship provides the opportunity to build your legal knowledge, skills and commercial awareness while working closely with our lawyers, clients and business support professionals You'll complete the Solicitor Apprenticeship with the University of Law, achieving a Qualifying Law Degree in Legal Practice and Skills and completing the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE).

From day one, you'll put your learning into practice and be supported to realise your potential. You'll gain experience across a variety of teams within the firm, helping you discover where your interests lie and where you'd like to build your future career.

Our apprenticeship programme equips you with the skills, knowledge, and experience to work with clients and colleagues in a creative, collaborative, and commercial way.

Through the apprenticeship you will:

Earn a salary from day one
Gain the equivalent of a law degree and complete the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE)
Gain real experience working alongside solicitors and clients
Receive ongoing support from your supervisor, mentor, buddy, and the Early Careers team

The structure of the programme:

Years 1-2

First 6 months: Get to know the firm in one of our Business Services teams, such as HR or Governance and Risk.
Next 18 months: Join a legal team, starting in an administrative role before progressing to a Paralegal position.

Years 3-4

Complete two one-year seats in different legal teams, continuing as a Paralegal while taking on increasing levels of responsibility.

Years 5-6

Follow the same structure as our Training Contract programme.
Complete four six-month seats, with the opportunity to have greater input into where you rotate.

By the end of the programme, you'll be a qualified solicitor with a breadth of experience across a variety of legal teams.

Throughout your apprenticeship, you'll spend four days a week working alongside qualified lawyers and other professionals, with one day dedicated to studying at the University of Law.

Myth busting: what you should know

You don’t need to go to university to become a solicitor
You'll be just as qualified as someone who followed the traditional university route into law
You’ll earn the same salary as trainees during the final two years of the programme
You’ll have the same career progression opportunities
An apprenticeship is not a second choice. It is an alternative route to qualification that combines academic study with valuable practical experience

To be eligible to apply you must have:

Three A Levels at Grade C or above (or equivalent qualifications)
Five GCSEs at Grade C/4 or above, including English and Maths (or equivalent qualifications)
Not already hold an undergraduate degree

Recruitment process and key dates

A vertical timeline displaying the Apprenticeship application dates: open 17 August 2026, close 5 November 2026, assessments from November 2026 to February 2027, culminating in an assessment centre on 17–18 February 2027.

Applications for our solicitor apprenticeship programme open annually. To view our current opportunities and application deadlines, please visit our Careers at Michelmores page. If you have any questions, please contact [email protected].