Considering the Solicitor Apprenticeship Route? An Honest Perspective

When aspiring solicitors think about qualification, the traditional SQE or LPC routes are often the first to come to mind. The solicitor apprenticeship, by comparison, is still widely misunderstood. As someone currently on that route, I am often asked what it is actually like day to day, and how it compares to more traditional pathways.

I am currently completing a Level 7 Solicitor Apprenticeship. In my case, it is a two-year programme because I already have an LLB Honours degree, which allows me to study on an accelerated basis while working in practice. The structure means I am able to earn while qualifying and apply what I am learning directly to my day-to-day work. 

My apprenticeship has also been structured in a similar way to a traditional training contract, with seat rotations every six months. This allows me to experience different areas of practice and helps me decide which area of law I would like to specialise in.

I currently work four days a week at Ellis Jones Solicitors LLP and one day at Bournemouth University.

On workdays, I am fully embedded in the team, working on active matters, drafting documents, supporting fee earners, and dealing with clients where appropriate. The work is real, and so is the responsibility. There is no sense of being on the sidelines. I am expected to meet professional standards and take ownership of tasks in the same way as any trainee solicitor.

On my study day, the University focuses on SQE1 and SQE2-aligned modules, covering both legal knowledge and practical skills. What has stood out most for me is how often the academic learning ends up being directly relevant to practice. Topics covered in class regularly crop up on files the same week, which helps reinforce the material and build confidence in applying the law in real situations.

One aspect I have particularly enjoyed is studying alongside other local professionals from different firms. Learning in that environment brings a range of perspectives and experiences into the classroom, and it is helpful to hear how similar legal issues are approached across different practice areas and firms. It also makes the academic side of training feel more connected to the local legal community.

One of the main differences between the apprenticeship route and the LPC or full-time SQE study is the level of application. Rather than learning the law in isolation and applying it later, you are using it in practice as you go. That has helped me develop a more practical, solicitor-focused way of thinking earlier than I expected.

There is also a common misconception around the title apprentice. In my experience, within my firm I am treated as a trainee solicitor, trusted with responsibility and held to the same standards. It does not feel like a diluted version of training and has, if anything, pushed my development at a quicker pace.

Like any route, there are pros and cons. The biggest advantages are gaining practical experience from the outset, studying content that feels genuinely relevant, and earning while qualifying. On the other hand, balancing work and study can be demanding and requires good organisation and self-discipline, particularly during busy periods. Treating the SQE as a marathon rather than a sprint has helped me manage this balance.

For anyone considering their route into the profession, my advice would be not to be put off by labels. The solicitor apprenticeship suits people who want responsibility early, are comfortable learning through doing, and are prepared to juggle multiple commitments.

If you have any questions about the solicitor apprenticeship route or what day-to-day life looks like, you can connect with me on LinkedIn if you would like to chat further.

It is also worth noting that apprenticeship funding arrangements are expected to evolve in the coming months/years, so anyone considering this route should keep an eye on official SRA and government guidance.

Blog written by Alexander Chance

Ellis Jones Solicitors LLP

alexander.chance@ellisjones.co.uk