The University of Law (ULaw) has launched a new solicitor apprenticeship programme for 2017. A number of top UK firms have already signed up to the scheme, including Fieldfisher and Gowling WLG.
On 25 September, 28 apprentices embarked on the six-year programme. The cohort consists of A-Level graduates and those who have successfully completed paralegal programmes who recognise the countless benefits of doing an apprenticeship.
The fresh-faced apprentices will undertake a combination of work-based and online supervised study, together with practical and academic activities with the aim of preparing them for the new Solicitors Qualifying Exam Parts 1 and 2.
Moreover, apprentices will complete specialist ULaw assessments, which will provide them with the opportunity to be awarded an LLB in Legal Practice and Skills (Hons). And it’s not all academic; ULaw will also work closely with employers to ensure competencies in the workplace are developed throughout the course.
Upon successful completion of the programme, apprentices will be entitled to apply to the SRA to be admitted as solicitors.
Jason O’Malley, Director of Apprenticeships at ULaw said: “We are excited to start our new apprenticeship programme for this year which we have developed in close partnership with a number of law firms and employers nationally. At ULaw we are committed to providing world-class education and training and widening access to the legal profession, so it is particularly good to see stories of continuing success, for example where former paralegal apprentices are being given the opportunity to qualify as solicitors via this new route. The employers we work with from both private practice and public sector recognise the determination and commitment required from apprentices but also the great benefits they can bring to the legal workplace. We look forward to continuing to work with them to provide a strong apprenticeship offering to suit their individual needs.”
Emma Cox, Head of HR at Fieldfisher, said: “Ensuring that we have diversity of talent is increasingly important. Our clients are from a wide range of sectors, many of which do not always recruit from traditional backgrounds or via established channels. If we are to best meet their objectives, we need to have teams advising them which are more representative of the communities in which they operate. The Government has been incredibly forward thinking in incentivising companies to take on apprentices and we would certainly urge others to embrace them as we have.”