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Solicitor Apprenticeship (school leaver/non-graduate) - September 2026 - Bates Wells

Solicitor Apprenticeship (school leaver/non-graduate) - September 2026 - Bates Wells

Bates Wells
locationLondon, UK
PublishedPublished: Published today
Apprenticeship (solicitor) - school leaver
Full time
no work experience required
£1-£29,999
Role CommencementWithin 12 months
SRA QWE competencesApplying critical thinking and analysis (SRA competences A5) | Applying legal principles (SRA competences A4) | Clear Oral and Written Communication (SRA competences C1) | Client relationships (SRA competences C2) | Learning from practice and other people (SRA competences A2) | Legal Drafting (SRA competences B4) | Legal Research (SRA competences B2) | Opportunity to gain feedback from effective supervision (SRA competences A3) | Project/case management (SRA competences B7) | Technical legal practice (SRA competences B1) | Self-management (SRA competences D1) | Working in professionally regulated environment (SRA competences A1) | Professional workplace relationships (SRA competences C3)

13 February 2026 – Applications close

Solicitor Apprenticeships

We are very proud to offer an alternative route to qualification as a solicitor via our Solicitor Apprenticeships programme. This is a six-year, Level 7 programme for anyone who does not hold a degree level qualification, do not intend to go to university, or school leavers at 18. At the end of the apprenticeship, you will qualify as a solicitor. We will offer two apprenticeships in 2026.

This route gives you the opportunity to earn whilst you learn and get stuck into working straight away, avoiding university fees and developing your professional and legal skills.

During our six-year programme, you’ll gain an LLM in Legal Practice through the University of Law, with your fees and assessment costs covered by us, and become a qualified solicitor.

1 October 2025 – Applications open on our website

November 2025 – Solicitor Apprenticeship Open Evening (register your interest).

13 February 2026 – Applications close

April 2026 – Assessments begin

May 2026 – Final interviews take place and offers confirmed

September 2026 – Solicitor Apprentices join the firm

Our minimum academic requirements are ABB (or equivalent) at A Level and a minimum of 5 GCSEs at grades 4-9 (A*-C). Please note that we do not require candidates to have completed an A Level in Law.

Find out more, click Apply

Required degree level

  • GCSE or equivalent
  • A level/CILEX level 3 or equivalent

Years of experience

  • no work experience required

Salary range

  • £1-£29,999