We recognise that there is more than one route to a career in law, and we are committed to supporting people who have the ambition and aptitude to qualify as a solicitor without having studied at university.
That is why we have been recruiting apprentices since 2015, and have a number of apprentices across the firm currently completing the Level 7 Solicitor Apprenticeship. It is a way of giving you hands-on experience of legal work whilst studying to become a qualified solicitor. You will work with us while completing your studies and you will be able to do real legal work, alongside some of our most experienced lawyers.
The apprenticeship’s a great way to get involved with the real workplace tasks that you’ll be doing when you eventually qualify. You experience working with different people and pick up a variety of skills that you’ll implement into your practice. There are also lots of opportunities to network, which I try to make the most of. It’s great to meet new people and connect over being in the same situation. We also share tips to support and help each other.
Renee Tombs, Solicitor Apprentice
The Solicitor Apprenticeship route was a no-brainer for me, as I wanted to jump in head-first. The opportunity to earn whilst I learn was highly attractive and means that I can qualify as a Solicitor with just over six years of quality legal experience. The work has been really rewarding and I’ve been involved in a variety of matters since I’ve joined. I’ve developed so many skills as an Apprentice and been able to work with some great people.
Oliver Reid, Solicitor Apprentice
Key Information
We recruit Solicitor Apprentices every October across our Birmingham, Bristol and Leeds offices.
Successful candidates join us initially on our BB Apprentice Head Start programme, which is an 11-week placement within our Business Support Services (BSS) teams, designed to build the foundations, skills and confidence needed to transition successfully onto the Level 7 Solicitor Apprenticeship programme in January.
Earn whilst you learn, completing the Level 7 Solicitor Apprenticeship in partnership with the University of Law, with one study day per week.
You will benefit from an extensive development programme designed to equip you with the skills, knowledge and support needed to succeed throughout your apprenticeship and beyond.
Who can apply?
We are looking for bright individuals with plenty of enthusiasm to pursue a legal career. You will also need:
Academics: As a top-100 national law firm, we are looking for strong academic achievement from applicants. ABB at A-Level and A*- C's at GCSE (9-4) (or equivalent) is our expectation. You don’t need to have studied law before, but a keen interest in the legal profession is essential.
Ability to work and relate well with others: we are proud of our collegiate approach so an ability to work within a team is essential
Attention to detail: our work can involve complex information so we are looking for people who have a good eye for detail
Drive and a willingness to take responsibility: it is important to be well motivated so you meet challenges with resilience and overcome hurdles
Your Journey into Bevan Brittan
What to Expect
Your apprenticeship journey begins with our BB Apprentice Head Start Programme, an 11-week placement within our Business Support Services teams. This programme is designed to build your professional skills, commercial awareness and confidence, helping you develop a strong understanding of the firm before progressing onto the Level 7 Solicitor Apprenticeship in January.
In January, you will join a legal team and receive on-the-job training to develop the practical skills and legal knowledge needed to thrive as a solicitor and be your best at every stage of your career. You will also collect a portfolio of evidence for assessment and spend one day per week studying. After your first four years, you will join our seat rotation programme, giving you the opportunity to gain experience in up to four additional legal departments and further broaden your skills and knowledge.
While your exact role and responsibilities will vary depending on the legal team you join, the types of tasks you can expect to undertake include:
Drafting correspondence to clients
Carrying out legal research
Assisting with case and matter management
Drafting contracts, leases and other legal documents
Arranging and attending conferences with counsel
Attending court hearings where appropriate
Drafting letters of instruction
Preparing bundles and other matter documentation
Attending departmental and legal skills training sessions
Supervision and Support
Our solicitor apprentices are allocated a supervisor to provide them with quality day-to-day training and opportunities to develop their legal skills. They are on hand to give guidance, advice and feedback on performance.
In addition to your supervisor, an assessor from our training provider (The University of Law) will contact you on a regular basis to support you in your progress towards your qualification. You will also be allocated an apprentice buddy and there is a dedicated member of the Early Talent team who is always available to answer any questions or generally offer advice.
Not all Work
Here at Bevan Brittan we work hard to promote regular sports, community and social events. There is a Social Committee in each office which our apprentices are welcome (and encouraged) to join.
The firm’s Responsible Business strategy means that we are also heavily involved in various pro bono, volunteering and fundraising activities throughout the year.
Applying
Applications are now closed.
Application Tips
Take the time to proofread your application before submitting. Well-written, error-free answers help ensure your skills, experiences and achievements are presented in the best possible light.
Keep your answers clear, concise and easy to follow. This will help us understand your experiences, skills and motivations.
Use different examples throughout the application form. We want to see candidates draw upon a variety of experiences, and examples can come from any area of your life, not just legal work experience.
AI can help you polish your application, but your answers should be written by you and reflect your own experiences and perspectives.
Remember to answer the question that's being asked, rather than applying a generic response used for other questions.
Do your research thoroughly. We want applicants who are passionate about the type of work that we do and can demonstrate some understanding of our firm and its practice areas.
The solicitor apprenticeship is a six-year programme of paid, on-the-job training ending in qualification as a solicitor. It combines practice word-based learning with formal study towards a degree in Law at University of Law. Your tuition fees will be paid by us.
Do I have to pay for any of the costs towards the apprenticeship?
No, we will pay for your tuition fees and exams.
Am I eligible to apply?
As a top-100 national law firm, we are looking for strong academic achievement from applicants. ABB at A-Level and A*- C's at GCSE (9-4) (or equivalent) is our expectation. You don’t need to have studied law before, but a keen interest in the legal profession is essential.
Will you consider applications from students without A-levels but other equivalent qualifications?
Yes, you do need to specify grades and, if possible, include the grading scale applied to the qualifications to allow us to assess your application fairly.
What are you looking for in a future apprentice?
We are looking for bright individuals with plenty of enthusiasm, who can think logically and clearly. We want our apprentices to be motivated and want to get stuck in and learn!
What does the recruitment process look like?
We have three stages in our recruitment process: an online application, a video interview and an online written task.
If you are successful at both of these stages, you will be invited to an assessment centre.
I have applied before; can I apply again?
Yes absolutely, but you will need to complete a new application form. You can only apply to one of our vacancies in a recruitment cycle.
What makes an application stand out?
Our top tip is to submit an application that is genuinely your own. Show us why you're interested in our firm and the work we do, use a range of relevant examples from your experiences, and make sure your answers are clear, focused and thoroughly proofread before you apply.
Can I ask for feedback on my application?
Unfortunately, due to the high volume of applications received, we are unable to give feedback at application form stage or video interview. For those who attend an assessment day we will however arrange a telephone call to discuss feedback on your performance.
Do you screen on a rolling basis?
Yes. We review applications throughout the application window and may invite candidates to progress to the next stage, or inform them if they have been unsuccessful, before the application deadline.
However, applying early does not mean candidates who apply closer to the deadline are disadvantaged. We will continue to consider and screen all applications submitted before the closing date to ensure every eligible candidate is reviewed fairly. We therefore encourage you to submit your application when you feel it is at its strongest, rather than rushing to apply early.
I have some adjustments that I would need making as part of the process. Are you able to accommodate these?
Absolutely, please email early.talent@bevanbrittan.com with your name and required adjustments, and one of the team will be able to assist.
Where can I apply?
You’ll be able to apply through the link at the top of this page if our application window is open.
Get in touch with our Early Talent team
Please look at our FAQs first to see if your question has already been answered.
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