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EARLY CAREERS in the United Kingdom

Solicitor apprenticeship

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Earn while you learn

Launch your legal career with our six-year Level 7 Solicitor Apprenticeship Programme. Earn a salary, gain a law degree and qualify as a solicitor – without university fees or student debt.Explore the intersection between law and business. Discover how an international law firm makes an impact in the UK and around the world. Work on global cases, develop real-world legal skills and be part of a firm shaping the future of law. You will spend one day a week with our training provider, the University of Law, studying towards:

  • A government accredited Level 7 Solicitor Apprenticeship (equivalent to a master’s degree)
  • A law degree (LLB) in Legal Practice and Skills
  • The Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE)

Download more information

Earn while you learn

What you will do

  • Complete work-based learning (four days a week) through rotations across our practice groups
  • Have access to international and client secondment opportunities
  • Gain hands-on experience with high-profile, cross-border projects at the cutting edge of legal innovation
  • Collaborate with a friendly, forward-thinking team and build a global network
  • Grow through structured learning, mentorship and support from supervisors, mentors and a dedicated apprenticeship programme manager
  • Graduate as more than a lawyer – become a global business advisor ready to shape the future of law
What you will do
Transcript

Liam Cowell, Partner: "Welcome. Fantastic. You've done brilliant to get to this stage. At some point, make sure you do stop and recognise just how well you've done. This is a massive day in your lives. A massive start to what I'm hoping will be fantastic careers."

Irene Adeyinka, Senior Diversity & Inclusion Specialist: "So who is in your team? What is everyone's learning style? What's the understanding? And then, more importantly, who are the clients and what are their needs? How does that work as well?"

Elainne Dunne, Trainee Solicitor: "My experience at DLA Piper has enabled me to feel confident reassuring others that they too will have a wonderful experience during their training contract."

Paul Jayson, Partner: "Treat the training contract and the opportunity as if you are exploring a new country. Make the most of it. Be inquisitive. Be curious."

Emma Thea Jones, Solicitor Apprentice: "I think it's really valuable having them both join the same induction, because ultimately they do the same work. So being exposed to the same sessions gives them the same grounding, which is really helpful."

Jon Hayes, Global Co-Chair and Senior Partner: "And on behalf of all of the partners at DLA Piper, a really very warm welcome to this event. To this stage of your career, to this great global law firm."

Rahul Ramanathan, Trainee Solicitor: "Everyone in DLA is so welcoming. So I felt like, going in, I could always turn to associates, partners, anyone for support. To ask questions and to be eager is the biggest thing I'll take away from this."

Alla Kazoun, Trainee Solicitor: "They gave us certain tips and tricks that will help us hit the ground running once we've entered each of our offices. And the good thing is that those tips and tricks are universal to all offices across the globe, whether it be London, Manchester, Birmingham, Hong Kong, Dubai, all those pieces of advice are applicable."

Edward Selwyn Sharpe, Trainee Solicitor: "I feel that the induction week is really good at preparing us for our future, and giving us an ability to understand where everyone's potential lies and where our own potential lies. I think it's a really exciting firm to be in, and it's great to see everyone's potential and where that might lead us in the future." 

Who we’re looking for

We’re looking for people from a diverse range of backgrounds who have the potential to thrive at our firm.

Self-motivated and highly driven

Self-motivated and highly driven

You are proactive and strive for excellence. You pursue goals with purpose and determination, whether working independently or as part of a team.

Excitement for international law and business

Excitement for international law and business

You are curious about global legal developments, regulatory shifts and geopolitical trends.

Strong collaborator with social awareness

Strong collaborator with social awareness

You are an excellent communicator, active listener and team player who contributes to an inclusive, supportive work environment.

Entrepreneurial mindset and willingness to challenge the norm

Entrepreneurial mindset and willingness to challenge the norm

You think creatively, embrace new ideas and challenge conventional approaches. You thrive in challenging environments and aim to excel.

Ability to think critically, adapt and take ownership

Ability to think critically, adapt and take ownership

You have an ability to assess situations from multiple perspectives, adapt quickly to change and take responsibility for delivering exceptional results.

Growth mindset, seeing setbacks as opportunities

Growth mindset, seeing setbacks as opportunities

You are resilient, reflective, and always eager to learn, leveraging setbacks as an opportunity to sharpen your thinking.  

Are you eligible?

As a firm we do not have any academic requirements to apply for our solicitor apprenticeship, however the tuition providers we work with do have minimum academic requirements.

You will need at least three C’s at A Level and five GCSEs, including Maths and English, or equivalent, at Grade C/4 or above.

You need to have the right to work in the UK and have lived in the UK for the last three years.

Please contact us if you are unsure of your eligibility.

Application hints and tips

Hear from our early careers team and discover how to succeed in your application.

Application hints and tips

Give your career the best platform

Do you want to unlock an exciting future and realise your potential? Learn more about life at DLA Piper and the opportunities on our early careers programmes.

Give your career the best platform

Accessibility

At DLA Piper, we are committed to making reasonable adjustments and removing disability-related barriers. This is so everyone, irrespective of a visible or non-visible disability, neurodivergence, a long-term health condition or injury, has an equitable opportunity to succeed in our recruitment process.

If you think you may need adjustments or additional support to enable you to participate in our recruitment process, please get in touch with our Early Careers team and we will be happy to support you.

We understand that sharing your needs with us may feel daunting. We will have an open discussion with you about what will work best for you in the recruitment process, and you only need to share what you feel comfortable with. Our team will ensure that the information you provide will be treated confidentially. The information will only be shared with others involved in the process, on your approval, and where necessary.

We will use the information you share to put adjustments in place for you at any stage, or at multiple stages, of the recruitment process. This is to enable you to perform to the best of your ability, and to have an equitable opportunity to perform and thrive.

Accessibility
    Recruitment roadmap

    What to expect

    • Application form

      Our application form will capture some key information about yourself. We will also ask you to submit awritten answers regarding your motivations to apply to DLA Piper and understanding of the apprenticeship programme. We will also ask you to submit a CV, but you do not need to submit a cover letter.

    • Rare

      DLA Piper is proud to use the Rare Contextual Recruitment System (CRS). We will ask all applicants to complete a contextualised information survey, which is not mandatory. The CRS allows us to understand each candidate’s achievements in the context that they have been gained. We understand that not all candidate’s achievements look the same on paper – and we want to recruit the best people, regardless of their background.

    • Video interview

      The video interview has been developed to assess your motivations and alignment to apprenticeship programme. It will consist of three questions, on a pre-recorded video platform, which are focused on the behaviours which are important to be successful at DLA Piper, as well as your alignment to our values.

    • Assessment centre

      The final stage of the application process is an in-person assessment centre. It will comprise of exercises which give you the chance to demonstrate your strengths, to meet our people, and for us to help get to know you better.

    What to expect
    Natalia Brozek, Solicitor Apprentice, Manchester

    At DLA Piper, people are down-to-earth, motivated, and work collaboratively together in a supportive environment to bring about great achievements.

    Natalia Brozek
    Jonathan Tembo, Solicitor Apprentice, Leeds

    Despite the high-pressure nature of the work and the significant responsibilities involved, the firm fosters a relaxed atmosphere. It's clear that by maintaining a positive attitude and supporting each other we can create a balanced and encouraging workplace.

    Jonathan Tembo
    Sophie Kenny, Solicitor Apprentice, Leeds

    The work that DLA Piper offers to solicitor apprentices means that each day brings new learning opportunities. These varied experiences combined with extensive support means that I'm always being pushed and striving to achieve my potential.

    Sophie Kenny
    Mohamed Hassan, Solicitor Apprentice, London

    The culture at DLA Piper is energetic and vibrant which makes the office feel alive. Everyone is helpful and supportive, with a focus on success and personal development.

    Mohamed Hassan
    Lara Vicentini, Solicitor Apprentice, London

    DLA Piper has an exceptional firm culture. Colleagues make an effort to create a friendly and inclusive culture, which is invaluable as an apprentice at the start of my career. Being surrounded by people who take the time to help you learn and succeed is a privilege.

    Lara Vicentini
    Heba Khalid, Associate, Manchester

    On my training programme, I've been incredibly fortunate to have worked alongside people, from all levels, who have unconditionally supported and guided me through the various challenges that come with being a trainee solicitor.

    Heba Khalid
    Bridget Walton, Solicitor Apprentice, Birmingham

    The culture at DLA Piper is genuine, friendly, and supportive. The office feels like a community and is a place where strong interpersonal relationships can be developed.

    Bridget Walton
      FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

      Your questions,
      answered

      On an apprenticeship programme, you'll gain the experiences, skills and training to kick-start your career, in a supportive and inclusive environment. You will be working in our firm from day one while receiving dedicated coaching from colleagues and the apprenticeship tuition provider. You will receive a salary and have your apprenticeship fully funded. Ultimately you will leave the programme fully qualified with a wide range of work experience and with no student debt! 

      Benefits include:

      • A government accredited Level 7 Solicitor Apprenticeship (equivalent to a master’s degree) 
      • 20% of your time to spend on off-the-job learning, this enables you to dedicate time for your academic learning
      • A professional qualification, technical and non-technical internal learning, coaching, work-shadowing and many other experiences to support your development
      • Tracked progression across your apprenticeship, allowing you to see how you are developing against the apprenticeship standard and what’s coming next
      • A large support network including a supportive team, supervisor, skills coach and buddy
      • A dedicated Apprenticeship Programme Manager who will provide advice, targeted development opportunities specific to your need and pastoral care support

      We are looking for talented school leavers and career changers who are looking to continue their education while working to build their knowledge and experience as a Solicitor. We are open to a wide range of previous academic and work experience, if you believe you can add value to the firm then please apply! We are looking for your potential and we will assess your suitability for the apprenticeship through the application process. Good luck!

      As a firm we do not have any academic requirements to apply for our Solicitor Apprenticeship programme, however the tuition providers we work with do have minimum academic requirements.

      • You will need at least three C’s at A Level and Maths/English GSCE at Grade C or above (or equivalent qualifications)
      • You must also have the right to work in the UK and have lived in the UK for the last 3 years

      If you are unsure if you meet these requirements, please get in touch with us to discuss your eligibility.

      20% of your time will be spent on off-the-job learning which equates to one day per week, allowing you to focus on developing the essential knowledge, skills and behaviours chosen by industry experts, to help you build a strong career. One day per week will be a mixture of in person and virtual study sessions, lectures and focused study time dependent on the apprenticeship you apply for.

      Life at DLA Piper

      Our culture empowers everyone to be themselves and reach their full potential. With the resources to seize opportunities, discover your path, and realise our potential together, see how we support you.

      Learn more

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