There are several routes to qualify as a solicitor, reflecting the evolving landscape of legal education and practice. These options provide a diverse range of opportunities for aspiring solicitors to tailor their journey to suit their circumstances and career goals.
Find out more about the routes to qualification available at Stephensons:
Solicitor apprenticeship
The solicitor apprenticeship is a great alternative to university.
This apprenticeship allows you to train and qualify as a solicitor, whilst working in a full-time role. Your working hours will be divided up into 80% work and 20% studying and training and you will be paid for 100% of that time. Throughout the course you will learn different aspects of law and will be able to apply those in practice at work.
At a glance...
- Exams: two hours, ten multiple choice questions and two long-form questions
- Coursework: essay, project report or portfolio
- Oral presentation
- The final two years you will undertake the national Solicitor Qualification Examinations (SQE)
- Duration between five and six years
At Stephensons you will need to have completed the paralegal level 3 apprenticeship to be considered for the solicitor apprenticeship
Graduate solicitor apprenticeship
If you have a law degree or graduate diploma in Law (GDL), the graduate solicitor apprenticeship is an alternative to the traditional training contract. This apprenticeship is 25-month programme
Entry requirements...
- Law degree at 2:2 or above (or equivalent)
- GCSE English and Maths at Level C/4 or above or equivalent
Training contract
For those who have completed or are working towards the Legal Practice Course (LPC) we are still offering training contracts.
The period of recognised training is the final stage of qualifying as a solicitor.
For details about all the latest career opportunities here at Stephensons please visit: Current vacancies