Solicitor Apprenticeship (school leaver) - September 2026 - Reed Smith

We are currently accepting applications for our 2026 Solicitor Apprenticeship programme.

The deadline is January 30, 2026 at 5 p.m. GMT.

Our Solicitor Apprenticeship programme in London offers ambitious school leavers an exciting opportunity to begin their legal careers at a leading global law firm. The programme is designed to include structured training, dedicated support, and meaningful development opportunities. Our apprentices gain the skills and experience needed to thrive in the legal profession.

If you're interested in pursuing a career in commercial law but prefer not to attend university, this programme provides a direct pathway into the legal world. We welcome applications from UK national Year 13 students and school leavers who do not hold a degree.

The programme

Years 1-2: You’ll rotate through our Business Services departments to learn how the firm operates as a business and gain valuable office skills. Placements will also include experience with our Legal Engineering and Technology teams in order to equip you with future-ready skills and knowledge.
Years 3-4: You’ll begin completing legal work at the level of a Paralegal, supporting at least two of our Practice or Industry Groups. At the end of Year 4, you’ll earn your LL.B. Law Degree and have the option to progress to the SQE or to leave the programme to pursue a Legal Technology or Operations role.
Years 5-6: You’ll join our Trainee Programme, rotating through four different departments. You’ll also have the opportunity to complete a secondment with a client or at one of the international Reed Smith offices.

Throughout the programme, you’ll spend 20% of your time studying for your LL.B. law degree or Solicitors Qualifying Exams.

Eligibility

Our Solicitor Apprenticeship programme is open to applicants with ABB at A level (or equivalent) and at least seven GCSEs at grade 6 or above, including Maths and English. You must also be a UK national or resident in the UK for at least three years before starting the programme.

Why become a solicitor at Reed Smith?

• Work for a leading international law firm and learn from experts in their fields.
• Earn while you learn, with no fees or student debt.
• Develop your skills and knowledge by putting your university studies into practice. You’ll be supported by a dedicated mentor as well as a development team.
• Starting salary of £26,500, increasing annually as you progress through the programme. You’ll also receive a sign-on bonus of £2,000 for travel and housing costs.
• 25 days’ holiday a year and a range of employee benefits.
• Exciting events and outside-of-work opportunities through our employee networks and Trainee and Apprentice Social Committee.