Solicitor Degree Apprenticeship 2026 - Leeds

Solicitor Degree Apprenticeship 2026 - Leeds

Are you passionate about a career in law?

Do you want to work for a Firm where you are valued, encouraged, and challenged to fulfil your potential? Our Solicitor Apprenticeship will provide you with invaluable and varied work experience whilst you study towards a degree programme - all while earning a salary.

What will the Solicitor Apprenticeship involve?

As a Solicitor Apprentice, you will support the Paralegals and Senior Paralegals within the Transaction Services Team (TST), as well as fee earners across the Firm, with a range of legal tasks. Like our Paralegal Apprentices, you will have the opportunity to experience different sub-teams within the TST during your apprenticeship. You may also have the opportunity to apply to apply for a placement in our Innovation and Legal Technology team, or in the TST in Scotland.

This is a busy and varied role, with work coming from any of the Firm's Practice Groups. As a Solicitor Apprentice, you will work on a range of assignments, with the complexity and responsibility increasing as you progress through the programme.

In Year 1, your work may include:

• Reviewing documents for relevance in Dispute matters.
• Drafting and producing legal documents and standard forms.
• Checking legal documents for quality, consistency and content.
• Creating bundles for trials and Employment Tribunals.
• Reviewing and reporting on commercial and legal documents as part of a corporate due diligence process.
• Managing electronic data sites, uploading and ordering documents, and liaising with third parties.
• Providing transactional support on Corporate, Finance, or Real Estate projects.
• Other tasks as required by the business.

In Years 2 to 4, your responsibilities will grow and may include:

• Attending client meetings/providing on-site support.
• Managing matters or cases.
• Conducting legal research and providing advice based on findings.
• Taking part in client or team secondments.

In Years 5 and 6, you will join the Trainee Solicitor group, rotating through four different departments every six months (known as "seats").

In addition to your day to day work, all Solicitor Apprentices are expected to take part in business engagement and team development activities, and to help identify ways the TST can better support the Firm. You will also be encouraged to use and promote legal technology in your work.

We are proud to be celebrating our 14th year of recruiting legal apprentices into the TST, and we look forward to continuing this success.

Eligibility & Recruitment Process

• At least 5 GCSEs grades 4/C or above (or equivalent) including English and Maths
• 3 A-levels at grades ABB or above, or 128 UCAS points (or equivalent)
• Ambition to succeed in a legal career
• A willingness to learn and commitment to studying a 6-year programme while balancing working full-time.

Further eligibility

This opportunity is also available to non-law graduates (those with a degree in a subject other than Law). Law graduates are not eligible to apply for the Solicitor Apprenticeship but can apply for our Placement Scheme and Paralegal opportunities. Visit our Careers website for more information.

From 1 January 2026, government funding for new Level 7 apprenticeship programmes will only be available for learners up to and including age 21 at the start of the apprenticeship, or learners under the age of 25 who are care leavers or have an Education, Health and Care Plan. Please note that Addleshaw Goddard will continue to recruit on a meritocratic basis, assessing applicants on their suitability and potential, not their eligibility for public funding.

You must be available to start the course in September 2026 and be available, where possible, for 2-3 evenings in August 2026 to attend a welcome evening and some pre-induction sessions.

What is the Recruitment Process?

• Online Registration Form, Critical Thinking Test and Workplace Scenario Assessment.
• Voice Interview.
• Assessment Centre.
• Successful candidates will be invited to an in-person assessment centre in our Manchester office, to be held on Monday 23 February or Tuesday 24 February 2026.
• The assessment centre consists of a motivational and competency-based interview, a written task, and a group exercise.

We are proud to use the Rare Contextual Recruitment System during the application process, which allows us to review academic achievements in the context in which they were gained.

Apprenticeship Overview

You will spend one day per week studying with BPP University, working towards your LLB (Hons) Law and Legal Practice degree and the Solicitor Level 7 Apprenticeship. Upon completion of your law degree, you will sit the Solicitors Qualifying Examination 1 & 2 and qualify as a solicitor.

Your apprenticeship will be delivered through a blend of interactive online workshops, e-learning on the BPP learning platform, off-the-job training, and a work based portfolio to demonstrate your skills. Alongside your on-the-job learning, successful completion of the apprenticeship will lead to your solicitor qualification.

At the end of the apprenticeship, you will be qualified to practise as a solicitor and eligible to apply for Newly Qualified solicitor roles at the Firm.

The apprenticeship standard is based in the SRA's Statement of Solicitor Competence. Achieving the standard and the associated assessment plan will satisfy the Solicitors Regulation Authority's (SRA) requirements for qualification as a solicitor, subject to the SRA's usual character and suitability tests.

Who are we looking for?

There is no single "Addleshaw Goddard type". We are looking for authentic individuals who are aspirational, determined, and committed to becoming great lawyers. We want people who are eager to learn from the best in the profession, bringing energy and passion to our team and our clients.

You'll receive training tailored to your needs and interests, gaining first-hand insight into life at one of the UK's most respected law firms. You will be supported by some of our brightest minds and challenged with meaningful work, helping you develop the connections and skills you need to become a trusted lawyer.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and we do not discriminate based on sex, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, background or any other protected characteristic. We are committed to building a diverse team and actively encourage applicants from all backgrounds and communities.

If you require any adjustments or support during the application or interview process, for example, extra time or accessibility support - please let us know. you can contact us on earlycareers@addleshawgoddard.com to discuss how we can support you.

Benefits

• Wealth & Protection
• Lifestyle
• Health & Wellbeing

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.