A government-backed apprenticeship scheme for school leavers to train as solicitors has been launched in England and Wales.
The scheme incorporates Law as one of 29 sectors to sign up for the Future of Apprenticeships in England and Wales: Phase 2 Trailblazers Scheme as part of National Apprenticeship Week.
The week took place between the 3rd and 7th March to raise the profile of apprenticeships amongst employers, teachers, students and the media.
Solicitors who qualify via the apprenticeship will be required to take a further Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) examination to show that they meet the same standards as solicitors who took a more traditional LLP course or similar.
The apprenticeships are intended to be employer-led, focused on the demonstrable ability of candidates, and will be graded on completion.
“The scheme will provide a new way for school leavers to benefit from education and training, to demonstrate they meet our high standards and to qualify as a solicitor” – Julie Brannan, SRA director of education and training
Law firms involved in developing the standard for a solicitor include: Addleshaw Goddard, Ashfords, Bond Dickinson, Brethertons, Browne Jacobson, Burges Salmon, Clyde & Co, DAC Beachcroft, Dentons, DWF, Eversheds, Freeth Cartwright, Gateley, Irwin Mitchell, Kennedys Law, Lyons Davidson, Michelmores, Needle Partnership, Osborne Clarke, Pinsent Masons, Reed Smith, Stephenson Harwood, Taylor&Emmet, Taylor Vinters, Thomas Eggar, Veale Wasbrough Vizards, Withers and Wragge & Co with legal education institutes BPP and the University of Law.
