Linklaters is the latest in a growing line of law firms to take on solicitor-apprentices in a bid to broaden access to the profession.
The magic circle firm today announced an apprenticeship programme which six aspiring lawyers will join next September. The apprenticeships last six years. As well as on-the-job training, the aspiring solicitors will spend 20% of their time on law degree study for the first four years. In the fifth and sixth years, they will join the trainee solicitor cohort and complete the Solicitors Qualifying Examination.
The programme will be open to school leavers. Applications open on 16 December.
Paul Lewis, managing partner, said: ‘We are committed to being home to the very best talent, regardless of background. The traditional route to a career in law can be out of reach of many talented students from low socio-economic backgrounds.
‘Through our new solicitor apprenticeship programme we will facilitate entry to the legal profession – opening up access to talented and highly committed students who otherwise might never have had that opportunity.’
Several firms have taken on solicitor-apprentices, including London firm Farrer & Co, which is training its apprentices on business services before they begin legal work. Last month, north London legal aid firm Wilson Solicitors picked up an award for its year-old scheme.
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