Opportunities

Solicitor Apprenticeship Programme

Our six-year Solicitor Apprenticeship Programme is a new opportunity for ambitious and driven school leavers to start an exciting career in law.

Our six-year Solicitor Apprenticeship Programme is a new opportunity for ambitious and driven school leavers to start an exciting career in law. You don’t need to have a degree in order to pursue this opportunity, however, this alternative route ensures you can obtain a degree upon programme completion, earn money whilst you learn, and have no student debt, all by studying for just one day per week.

This is your chance to learn what it's like to be in the spotlight at an elite global law firm as you learn your craft.

Over six years, you’ll rotate through a range of practice groups and experience every side of a global law firm. This programme has been specifically developed to help you learn the core technical and professional skills you’ll need to thrive in a continually evolving legal industry. You’ll work on real deals, receiving regular and tailored feedback from supervisors, mentors and current trainee solicitors. Your time will be split with four days a week in the office learning on the job and one day a week protected for study so you can build your technical knowledge and prepare for exams. Once your six years are complete, you’ll be eligible to qualify as a solicitor.

Requirements

You’ll need to have AAB at A Level but we want to hear from candidates from all backgrounds and take your individual circumstances into account. If you want to apply but aren’t sure you have the academic requirements, please get in touch with the Early Careers team.

Key Dates

Start date:

September 2024

Applications open

9 October 2023

Applications deadline

7 January 2024

Application process

/01

Online application form

You’ll answer two motivational and one commercial question on our short, online application. Applications are open from 9 October 2023 to 7 January 2024. All applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, however all applications will be screened.

You can also attend one of our virtual events, where you’ll have the chance to meet our people, build your network, discover our culture, and ask any questions you have about the application process. These events are taking place on 2 November and 6 December 2023.

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Pre-recorded video interview

The pre-recorded video interview is an opportunity to build on your application form and bring it to life. During the video interview, you will answer one motivational and one commercial question. You’ll have 30 seconds to prepare for each question and 90 seconds to answer. And, before you answer, you can complete a practice question as many times as you like to help you feel more at ease.

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Telephone interview

If successful at our pre-recorded video interview, you’ll be invited to speak to one of our Early Careers team on the phone. They’ll ask you about your motivations for pursuing the Solicitor Apprenticeship route, why you are interested in Weil, and it will also be your chance to ask any questions you have about the programme, the firm and our working culture.

/04

Assessment centre

The final stage of your application will be an assessment centre in our London office. Alongside other potential apprentices, you’ll complete a series of guided tasks and get the chance to really see what it’s like working at Weil. The Early Careers team will be on-hand all day to support you and you’ll meet your future colleagues and be able to ask any final questions you have.

Frequently asked questions

When do applications open for the Solicitor Apprenticeship Programme? When is the application deadline?

Applications open on 9 October 2023 and the deadline is 7 January 2024.

Do you accept CV applications?

No, we do not accept CV applications. If you are unable to complete the online application form, please contact the Early Careers team at early.careers@weil.com or on 0207 903 1000 to discuss, in confidence, your individual circumstances.

How much will I be paid on the Apprenticeship Programme?

Your starting salary will be £25,000, which will increase year on year. All your schools fees are covered, and we also offer relocation support for all non-London-based applicants.

Is it possible to receive feedback if my online application is unsuccessful?

We appreciate your eagerness to receive feedback, however, we receive a high number of applications each year. In fairness to all candidates, we are unable to provide individual feedback until the assessment centre stage.

What level of qualification will I receive at the end of the Solicitor Apprenticeship?

You will have one allocated, protected study day per week for the duration of the 6 year programme. During your studies you will gain a full LLB degree in law, as well as complete the SQE 1&2 exams, resulting in a Level 7 Solicitors Apprenticeship qualification.