Solicitor Apprenticeship

Solicitor Apprenticeship

About our Solicitor Apprenticeship

Our Solicitor Apprenticeships are designed to give school leavers the opportunity to become first-class lawyers without needing a degree.

This six-year programme offers the chance to gain the qualifications and experience you need to excel in a leading law firm.

Your time will be divided between working and studying. For four days a week, you’ll work in practice groups on real projects, live deals and challenging client cases. One day a week, you’ll spend time studying with BPP University, where you’ll be working towards an LLB (Hons) Law and Legal Practice and a Solicitor Level 7 Apprenticeship.

During the first four years of your apprenticeship, you’ll learn about the English legal system and different types of Law. You’ll have coaching and skills development training at BPP University and gain skills in a wide range of areas. In every year of your apprenticeship, you’ll have dedicated mentors and other professionals supporting you.

Alongside studying, you’ll be immersed in one of A&O Shearman’s legal departments, including Finance, Corporate, Disputes, and ENRI (Energy, Natural Resources and Infrastructure). Your last two years of study will focus on SQE preparation and your exams. You’ll also have the chance to take on a secondment either to clients or within other A&O Shearman offices.

What you can look forward to

With our Solicitor Apprenticeship you can advance your technical knowledge and develop critical experience of the legal world; while growing the soft skills that will help you become a first-class lawyer. With exposure to departments across our firm, you’ll build a valuable network of colleagues who can support you in your future career.

You’ll earn a salary of £32,000 in the first year (increasing every year), with the addition of a £3,000 sign-on bonus.

Who you are

We welcome anyone to apply if they are on track to achieving AAB at A-Level (or equivalent) and have 7 GCSEs at grade 6 or above (including Maths and English). If you’re ambitious, curious, resilient or passionate, these attributes can also benefit you. We look at every form received and take extenuating circumstances into account for grades that do not meet our requirements.

Application Process

Our application process begins with an online application, interactive assessment and video response to a motivational question. If your application is successful, the next stage is an Assessment Day, with two one-on-one interviews.

At A&O Shearman, we recruit the best and ask for the best of you. We’ll invest in you to excel in your legal career and you’ll be valued for who you are as much as for what you do. With us, you’ll enjoy challenge, support and opportunities you couldn’t find elsewhere.

Eligibility

Applicants must be in either year 13 or a school leaver without a university degree, with a minimum of AAB (or equivalent) at A-Level and 7 GCSEs at grade 6 or above (including Maths and English).

Application window: 1 December 2025 – 18 February 2026

How to apply

To apply for this role and to find out more, please click on the apply button. Please note that applications may close before the application deadline, so apply early to avoid disappointment.