Solicitor
Apprenticeship
About the programme At Herbert Smith Freehills, we're committed to nurturing talent and ambition. Our Solicitor Apprenticeship programme offers a unique opportunity for those keen to further a career in law.

The six-year programme, based in our London office, is designed to provide world-class training and ongoing development, all whilst earning a competitive salary. It provides the opportunity to gain qualifications, including a law degree and the Solicitor's Qualifying Examination (SQE), as well as benefit from hands-on experience in a leading international law firm, without having to follow the traditional university pathway.

We're passionate about opening the door to a career in commercial law for talented individuals regardless of background. If you're ready to realise your full potential in a supportive, innovative and ambitious environment, our Solicitor Apprenticeship programme could be the perfect fit for you.
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Discover life as a Solicitor Apprentice with us

Here's everything you need to know about being a Solicitor Apprentice with us. Scroll through these three videos to learn more about our new Solicitor Apprenticeship, what to expect and life at our firm.
introducing-solicitor
what-to-expect-solictor
life-at-hsf

How does the programme work?

As a Solicitor Apprentice, you'll join our leading team and start your journey in the legal field. During the six-year programme, you'll spend time working on real work for real clients. You'll rotate through our different Practice Groups and expert teams, enabling you to gain valuable experience and develop a well-rounded understanding of the legal landscape.

Salary

£28,000 starting salary
 Hard work deserves good pay. That’s why you’ll earn a competitive salary, which will increase as you progress on the programme.
£3,000 sign-on bonus As an apprentice, you'll receive a one-off payment of £3,000 once you accept our offer, to help with starting out costs.
How we'll support you
Our investment in your future includes mentorship and support from lawyers who are experts in their respective fields. You'll have a dedicated supervisor in each seat rotation, who will guide you through the programme and support your personal and professional development. You'll also be paired with a trainee buddy and have access to our dedicated Early Careers HR team, who will be available to meet you regularly and provide guidance, resources and support if needed.

As you complete your studies at BPP University, you'll be assigned specialist coaches and expert tutors who will help you develop your workplace skills and provide a strong pastoral care support system. 
Qualifications At the end of the six-year programme, you will have gained an LLB Hons (Law and Legal Practice) and qualification as a Solicitor in England & Wales (SQE route). We will fund your tuition fees and you will also earn a competitive salary whilst undertaking your training.

During the first four years, you will work towards your LLB and focus on the foundational principles of law, whilst developing your professional skills. In the final two years you will develop your knowledge of different areas of legal practice alongside professional skills while preparing to sit the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE). Once you've completed the apprenticeship, you'll be able to apply for Newly Qualified Associate positions at the firm.

How to apply

Applications for our Solicitor Apprenticeship programme open on 28 October 2024 and close on
23 February 2025.

Our application process has been carefully designed to provide you with an opportunity to showcase your potential and pave the way for a successful journey with us.
Step 1
Application form
 Kickstart your journey with us by completing our online application form. Here, you'll share details about your educational background and any work experience you've gathered along the way. We're also interested in hearing more about you, so you'll be asked to provide written responses to three application questions. 
Apply now
Step 2
Online test Once you've submitted your online application form, we'll send you a link to our interactive online assessment. It should take around 30-45 minutes to complete. If you'd like to get a feel for the test before diving in, we also offer a practice assessment which we would strongly recommend taking.
Take the practice test
Step 3
Video interview If you're successful in the online assessment, the next step in our process is a video interview with our Early Careers Recruitment team. This is your chance to share more about yourself beyond the application. Don't worry if you're new to this format - we'll provide clear instructions to guide you through. Remember, it's not just about the answers you provide, but also a chance for you to ask questions and to get to know us better.
Step 4
Insight Day Do well at the video interview stage and you'll be invited to our exclusive Insight Day - an opportunity to get a real feel for Life@HSF and to help you prepare for the assessment centre. The Insight Day isn't assessed – it's simply a chance for you to explore our offices, network with our trainees and partners, and gain a deeper understanding of our work. It's all about giving you a genuine glimpse into our world.
Step 5
Assessment Centre The final stage of our process is the assessment centre, where you'll participate in three interviews. These include a case study interview, a scenario interview, and a competency interview. This is your chance to showcase your skills and potential in a variety of contexts. We've designed this stage to give you the opportunity to excel in different areas, making the process as comprehensive and fair as possible.
Step 6
Offer If you shine at the assessment centre and are successful, you'll receive an offer to join our team in September. It's a significant step in your career journey, and we'll be thrilled to welcome you to Life@HSF. We're excited about the potential of working together and helping you grow in your legal career.

What we look for
Academic requirements: We're looking for candidates who are on track to achieve a minimum of AAB at A-Level or equivalent UCAS points, along with 7 GCSEs at grade 6 or above, including Maths and English. However, we understand that everyone's journey is unique. We review each application individually and consider mitigating circumstances and contextual data which may have impacted your grades.

Right to work: To become an apprentice, you must be 16 or over, and a UK citizen/someone who has right of residency in the UK.
Inclusive recruitment
We all benefit from a more inclusive Herbert Smith Freehills: different backgrounds and perspectives make us more innovative and collaborative in a diverse, global world. We're committed to making our recruitment process as inclusive and accessible as possible. If you'd like to discuss adjustments or have any questions, please don't hesitate to get in touch with our Early Careers team. Take a look at our video to see how we can best support you through the process.
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Related links

Your journey starts before you join us. Explore our opportunities to find out more about us and see whether a career with us is right for you.
Solicitor Apprentice job simulation This interactive experience offers a unique opportunity to step into the shoes of a Solicitor Apprentice at Herbert Smith Freehills, tackling real-world tasks and gaining invaluable insights.
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Early careers events
Considering a career at a world-leading law firm? Gain exclusive insights into our work, culture and application process through one of our Early Careers events.
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Any questions? Find the answers to a selection of frequently asked questions about life at the firm, our Solicitor Apprenticeship Programme and other Early Careers opportunities. 
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