Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship - 2025 - Barcan+Kirby

Deadline for applications is 9am 26 June 2025

We have a fantastic opportunity for a graduate to join our Corporate + Commercial department in Bristol city centre as a Graduate Apprentice Solicitor.

Due to the department’s excellent reputation, growing network and the expansion of the commercial services division, we are recruiting a Graduate Apprentice to meet increasing client work demands and assist with the department’s continued growth.

This is an exciting opportunity to join our growing and successful commercial services division which consists of several specialist departments including Commercial Property, Commercial Litigation, Property Litigation and Employment as well as the Corporate + Commercial department. The successful candidate will undertake legal work and contribute to the department in line with the firm’s business plan under supervision of the team’s Head of Department.

The role

Our 27-month Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship Programme has been designed to provide immediate, direct exposure to a range of live cases, giving you the opportunity to gain invaluable experience. Throughout the programme, you will be assisted and trained in the required practice area of Corporate + Commercial. You will build your workload, providing a profitable contribution to the department in line with the firm’s policies and protocols and with the aim of meeting your monthly individual fee and time targets.

You will have monthly 121 meetings with your supervisor, and in line with our firm’s culture and aim to nurture and ‘grow our own’ talent, we will support and mentor your own development and progression aligned with business needs of the department and firm.

You can expect to be involved in the legal handling of:

• Buying and selling businesses and companies.
• Setting up companies.
• Providing advice to start-ups.
• Shareholders’ agreements.
• Advising on terms and conditions and other commercial contracts.
• Corporate governance advisory matters.
• Exit of shareholders including share transfers and buybacks.

Admin duties

• Opening files.
• Attending client meetings with fee earners.
• Preparing draft documentation.
• Administering online data rooms.
• Contacting clients and opposing parties.
• Liaising with third parties.
• Organising documents and entering information into our practice management system.
• Preparation of emails and bills.

How the Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship works:

The role will involve increasing levels of responsibility with experience and:

• You will be expected to pass the probationary period of at least six months.
• You will be enrolled on the Graduate Apprenticeship Programme with the University of Law at the earliest possible date.
• When enrolled on the Graduate Apprenticeship Programme, you will work four days a week in the relevant department and one day a week ‘off the job’ studying as required.
• You will be granted study leave as required by the Graduate Apprenticeship Programme in advance of the SQE 1 and 2 exams.
• You will work five days a week in the department before being enrolled with the University of Law and when there is no requirement for ‘off the job’ studying or study leave.
• You must be prepared to study in your own time as required.

All other expectations are summarised in the Graduate Apprenticeship Programme Pack which will be given to the successful candidate when they join the firm. The Apprenticeship is delivered mainly online meaning you will spend most of your time studying independently.

Throughout the programme and beyond, you will be expected to exercise high standards of client care in a professional and pleasant manner at all times.

About us

Barcan and Kirby is well known in the Bristol legal market both as a provider of excellent legal services for individuals and businesses, and as a progressive employer.

We are committed to developing and nurturing our people, and encouraging positive wellbeing and mental health is central to our culture. We encourage open communication and foster a culture where colleagues are supported in achieving a real work/life balance.

At Barcan and Kirby, we work hard to maintain a culture of kindness and friendliness, and welcome applications from individuals who fit with our values.

We like to think that we do things a bit differently from other law firms.

The ideal candidate

Our ideal candidate will:

• Have a Law degree (minimum 2:1, or predicted grade of 2:1 minimum. Candidates currently completing their law degree are welcome to apply, provided the qualification is obtained prior to the role’s start date).
• Hold a GCSE in Mathematics and English– Grade 4 minimum (or equivalent).
• Have the right to work in the UK. You will be required to provide evidence of your eligibility as part of the recruitment and onboarding process.
• Be IT literate and confident in using and adapting new systems and processes.

Please note:

• Internal applicants must be in a Paralegal role or moving to a paralegal role.
• Candidates with the Legal Practice Course or any SQE qualifications are ineligible to apply.

Location and working hours

• Full-time (office hours are 9am – 5.15pm, Monday to Friday).
• Fixed-term contract until completion of the Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship Programme (minimum 27 months). Where possible, the firm hopes to place the Apprentice in a qualified role, but this will be subject to business needs at the time of qualification.
• The role is office based at our Prince House office in Bristol city centre.

Salary

The salary for this role is £23,751 per annum.

Belonging at Barcan and Kirby

We are committed to creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive working environment. We want you to bring your true self to work and encourage applications from anyone who embodies our values, regardless of age, ethnicity, religion, disability status, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, neurodiversity or anything else that makes you, you.

If there is anything we can do to make things more comfortable for you as part of the application process, including making a reasonable adjustment, please let us know by emailing recruitment@barcankirby.co.uk.

Closing date for applications

Applications for this role close at 9am on Thursday 26th June. Candidates will be notified the week commencing 30th June if shortlisted for interview. Interviews will take place on Monday 14th July at our Prince House office.

Application process

Applicants are required to:

• Complete the standard Graduate Apprenticeship Programme application form; and
• Provide a CV and covering letter which should include why you want to be become a solicitor, why you want to work for Barcan+Kirby and why you would like to work in the Corporate + Commercial department.

Applicants invited to interview will be expected to:

• Complete a pre-interview task to present at the interview. The interview will also consist of answering set questions and a written task.

How to apply

Ready to apply for this role? Send us your CV, cover letter and completed Graduate Apprenticeship Programme form to us by email.