School leaver legal apprenticeship

Kick starting your career without going to University

Creating an inclusive and diverse workplace is an essential part of who we are. Our apprenticeship programme helps widen access to law. You will have the opportunity to earn whilst you learn and work towards your legal qualifications, build real world experience and qualify as a solicitor – all without going to university.

If you are enthusiastic about a career in law, are motivated, curious and ready to start your career – then this is the route for you.

Our apprenticeship

Our six-year apprenticeship provides you with the opportunities to build your legal knowledge, skills and commercial acumen, working closely with partners and clients. You’ll complete the Solicitor Apprenticeship with the University of Law, which is the same time it would take if you went to university and studied law, completed the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE) and finished a training contract.

You’ll put your learning into practice right away and be supported to realise your potential. You’ll have the freedom to experience over nine teams within the firm and truly be able to see what area of law you are interested in building a career in.

Our apprenticeship programme equips you to work with our clients and colleagues in a creative, collaborative and commercial way.

This apprenticeship is offered in our Exeter or Bristol offices and starts in September each year.

Through the apprenticeship you will:

• A salary from day one
• Achieve the equivalent of a law degree and the SQE
• Real experience working with solicitors and clients
• Support from mentors, buddies and the Early Careers team

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 2x 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 4x 6-month seats and choose where you rotate

By the end, you’ll be a fully qualified solicitor.

Throughout your apprenticeship you will spend four days a week working closely with qualified lawyers and other professionals in a team and have one day to study 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 did a law degree
• You’ll earn the same salary as other trainees and newly qualified solicitors by the final two years of your apprenticeship
• You’ll have the same career progression opportunities
• You’ll gain a degree and the SQE qualification
• Apprenticeships aren’t a “second choice” — they’re a smart one

To be eligible to apply you must have

• Three A Levels at Grade C or above, or equivalent
• Five GCSEs, including Maths and English, or equivalent, at Grade C/4 or above
• Not completed a University Degree

Recruitment process stages

• Application form
• Video interview & psychometric assessment
• 1st stage interview
• Assessment Day

Applications for our School Leaver Legal Apprenticeship opportunities are now open: Careers at Michelmores. Apply before the application deadline on 23 February 2026.

Upcoming Events
School Leaver Routes into Law Insight Session 2025: Monday 17 November 2025. Click here.

For any further questions please email early.careers@michelmores.com.

ESG

Inclusion & Belonging

Our Values

Early Careers Vacancies