2024 Solicitor Apprenticeship - Wedlake Bell LLP (Degree Apprenticeship) WEDLAKE BELL LLP

This is a six-year route to qualification which combines on-the-job learning and studying for a law degree and the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE). By the end of the 6 years, you'll be a fully qualified Solicitor. Apprentices will be based in our London office, in the heart of the City, and study 1 day per week at the University of Law.

This apprenticeship requires you to apply through the employer's website.

Apply now

Closing date: 01 Mar 2024

Apprenticeship summary

  • Annual wage

    £25,000.00

    Salary will be reviewed each year

  • Working week

    9.30am-5.30pm One day per week will be studying at the University of Law, four days will be spent at Wedlake Bell's office in central London.

    Total hours per week: 35

  • Expected duration

    72 Months

  • Possible start date

    02 Sep 2024

  • Date posted

    01 Nov 2023

  • Apprenticeship level

    Degree
    Level 7 (Master's degree)

  • Reference number

    VAC1000204033

  • Positions

    2 available

What you will do in your working day

  • Wedlake Bell specialises in a wide variety of legal areas – you could be assigned to Commercial Property, Employment, Corporate or Private Client to name a few.
  • For the first four years you will be assigned to a team for a 12-month placement.
  • During the final two years, solicitor apprentices will join the Training Solicitor rotation and join four teams for six months each.
  • In each team you join, you will be allocated a supervisor to assist with your training and supervise your work. You will also be allocated a mentor for additional guidance. Apprentices will also have a member of the Early Careers team on hand for 1:1 support.
  • Wedlake Bell is a supportive and friendly firm, and this programme is an opportunity to gain hands on experience alongside your studies.

The training you will be getting

  • Before beginning your first placement, apprentices will complete a detailed induction to welcome you to the firm and to prepare you to get started. 
  • Solicitor Apprentices will complete a level 7 degree solicitor apprenticeship with the University of Law. 
  • Solicitor Apprentices will study one day per week. 

What to expect at the end of your apprenticeship

Once you have passed all your exams and completed the programme, you are a qualified England and Wales solicitor and will be added to the roll of solicitors! 

At the end of the programme, solicitor apprentices will all be considered for 'Newly Qualified' solicitor roles alongside our training solicitors. This will involve choosing a team which you will then specialise in throughout your career. 

Wedlake Bell aims to retain as many apprentices and trainees as possible each year. Wedlake Bell consistently retains a very high proportion of our trainees. This process is called the 'qualification' process, and the Early Careers team work closely with apprentices and trainees to confirm roles and manage the transition to becoming a qualified solicitor.


Requirements and prospects

Desired skills and personal qualities

Communication skills, Attention to detail, Organisation skills, Customer care skills, Problem solving skills, Presentation skills, Analytical skills, Logical, Team working, Initiative, Pro-active, Enthusiastic

Qualifications

GCSE or equivalent English (Grade 4-9) Essential
GCSE or equivalent Maths (Grade 4-9) Essential
A Level or equivalent any subject (Grade ABB) Essential

About the employer

We are a contemporary London law firm, rooted in tradition with a lasting legacy of client service. With 81 partners supported by over 200 lawyers and support staff, we operate on a four practice group model: private client, business services, real estate and dispute resolution. Our driving force is to empower our clients by providing quality legal advice, insight and intelligence that enables them to achieve their goals whether personal or business. We are large enough to advise on the most complex matters, but small enough to ensure that our people and our work remain exceptional and dynamic. Building relationships is at the heart of everything we do

Employer

WEDLAKE BELL LLP

Address

71 Queen Victoria Street

London

EC4V 4AY

Contact

Annabel Hale

ahale@wedlakebell.com

+442074061665

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Training

Training provider

THE UNIVERSITY OF LAW LIMITED

Adjustments for experience

You could reduce your training time, or finish your apprenticeship faster, if you have relevant prior learning or experience. This could be relevant:

  • training
  • qualifications, like an NVQ in a relevant field
  • industry or sector experience

Apprenticeship standard

Solicitor

Level 7 (Master's degree)

Demonstrating experience

If your application is successful, you will have a chance to discuss your relevant prior learning or experience with your training provider and employer. You will all need to agree any adjustments to your training plan.

You should be prepared to show your competence, and evidence of relevant qualifications


Employer's Application Instructions

Applicants will need to complete an online application form, this includes a brief covering letter. Applications will then be reviewed and successful candidates will be invited to the next stage, a telephone interview with a member of the HR team. The final stage is an in person interview day. This will include a group exercise, an interview and a written assessment.

This apprenticeship requires you to apply through the employer's website.

Apply now

Closing date: 01 Mar 2024