Law
Solicitor Apprenticeship Programme 2027
Freshfields
Location
London
Salary
£32,000 starting salary, increasing annually
Duration
6 years
Hours per week
40h
Positions available
1
Level
Level 6 – Degree
Degree awarded
Level 7
Start date
1 September 2027
Application deadline
21 January 2027
Vacancy reference
Freshfields Solicitor Apprenticeship 2027
Minimum grades
A-Level AAB or equivalent; GCSE English and Maths grade 6/B or above; seven GCSEs at grade 6/B or above
About the role
A six-year Solicitor Apprenticeship Programme combining practical experience with academic study. Apprentices will rotate across market-leading practice groups over years one to four while studying for a Law LLB at BPP University. Years five to six involve shorter rotations, potential client secondments or global office placements, and preparation for the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE). Apprentices will support legal matters, apply legal knowledge, conduct research, draft documents, and build relationships with clients and colleagues.
Requirements
Achieved or on track to achieve AAB at A-Level (or equivalent) and seven GCSEs at grade 6/B or above, including English and Maths (or equivalent). Have not previously completed a university degree. Must have lived in the UK for at least three years before the programme start date and have the right to live and work in the UK for the full duration. Must be under 22 years old at the start of the programme unless subject to an exception. Demonstrated enthusiasm, drive, adaptability, resilience and collaborative abilities.
Working week
Four days per week in London office (years 1-4); one day per week university study (years 1-4); varied schedule in years 5-6 with shorter rotations and potential secondments
Skills
Legal researchLegal draftingClient communicationCommercial judgmentDocument reviewProject managementStakeholder managementWorkload management
Required qualifications
Essential
A Level · Any · Grade AAB
Essential
GCSE · English · Grade 6/B
Essential
GCSE · Maths · Grade 6/B
Essential
GCSE · Any · Grade 6/B
Training & development
Years 1-4: Four days per week in London office working on real client matters under supervision from Partners and Associates; one day per week studying for Law LLB at BPP University Waterloo campus. Years 5-6: Shorter rotations across practice areas with opportunity for client secondments or global office placements; continued SQE studies at BPP with dedicated study leave.
Future prospects
Upon completion, apprentices will be qualified as solicitors, holding both an LLB degree and the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) qualification, with six years of practical experience at a leading global law firm.
Company benefits
£32,000 starting salary increasing annually; £3,000 sign-on bonus for travel and accommodation; all tuition fees covered; 26 days annual leave; private medical schemes; gym plans; colleague networks and social clubs; wellbeing initiatives and lifestyle benefits.
Things to consider
Applicants must meet residency requirements (lived in UK for at least 3 years or meet alternative residency criteria). Must be under 22 years old at start unless subject to exception. Freshfields partners with City Century to create opportunities for aspiring solicitors from diverse backgrounds. No previous university degree completion permitted.
About Freshfields
Freshfields is a leading global law firm providing legal advice at the highest level. The firm combines excellence with curiosity, collaboration and a commitment to making a difference, supporting people to thrive at every stage of their careers.
Website
www.freshfields.comIf this one works out
This role is in London. If you'd be moving for it, a room in a shared house there typically runs £900–£1,400 a month.