The solicitor apprenticeship has significantly changed the way aspiring lawyers can qualify into the profession. With Nuay now completing the final steps before applying for admission to the roll of Solicitors in England & Wales, she reflects on her experience in this article. 

What is a solicitor apprenticeship?

A solicitor apprenticeship is an alternative route to qualify as a solicitor in England and Wales. An apprenticeship offers on-the-job training for 80% of the apprenticeship (4 days), with the remaining 20% (1 day study) spent studying towards qualification at university. This pathway allows individuals to develop their practical skills and study, enabling them to essentially ‘earn while they learn’. 

There are two types:

1. Solicitor Apprenticeship (6 years) – This can be completed within 6 years from completion of A-levels or equivalent and incorporates studying towards LLB Law Degree and the Solicitor Qualifying Exam (SQE). 
2. Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship (2-3 years, depending on provider) – This is typically completed within 2 years. Apprentices will already have a law degree (or equivalent qualification) and will then be working towards completing the SQE.

The Solicitors Regulation Authority provides a further breakdown of the different routes to qualification. 

The benefits of a solicitor apprenticeship vs the traditional route

While the traditional qualification route still provides a great route to qualification for many aspiring lawyers, the apprentice route offers a range of compelling benefits, which include:

• No student debt 
• Practical hands-on experience on the job that helps with exam preparation
• Receiving a salary whilst learning 
• Possibly a quicker route to qualification – You will be completing your qualifying work experience (QWE) and studying during your apprenticeship, rather than taking a year out to study and then completing a 2-year training contract 

My experience – Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship

I completed my Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship in February 2025 and started my SQE preparation course with the University of Law in August 2022. I sat my SQE1 exam in July 2024 and my SQE2 exam in October 2024. The structure of the programme involved attending university online once a week, which included completing tasks and seminars, with the remaining four days working in my training seat.

During my apprenticeship, I was required to keep a portfolio of the work I completed to demonstrate my ability to meet the solicitor competencies and had regular check-ins with my university supervisor. 

Overall, studying for the SQE together whilst working was tough, especially with managing revision and deadlines, but with good time management and dedication, I was able to successfully complete my apprenticeship and qualify as a solicitor.

Personal development at Kitson Boyce

I have really enjoyed my training at Kitson Boyce, where I have completed seats in Commercial Property, Private Client, Litigation/Insolvency and Employment. The apprenticeship has been pivotal in shaping my career progression and has helped me identify the areas of law that I want to qualify in. 

The firm has been incredibly supportive throughout my apprenticeship by providing valuable hands-on experience and giving me real responsibilities in the workplace. This has allowed me to grow and gain confidence in all areas, setting me up for future success. 

Throughout my training, my supervisors were always approachable, offering valuable feedback and advice. There is a great positive and inclusive work environment at Kitson Boyce, which made it easy for me to integrate into each of the departments. 

I am part of the firm’s social committee and Women in Totnes and Torbay (WITT), organising and planning events internally and externally. Additionally, I am part of the Devon and Somerset Junior Lawyers Society and the International Relations Committee.

My advice to anybody considering the solicitor apprenticeship route would be to work hard, ask questions, get involved with networking and seize as many opportunities as possible. Remember, we all started somewhere, and there is no wrong question to ask!

If you are considering applying for a training contract at Kitson Boyce, keep an eye on the Trainee Solicitors career page where future opportunities will be published.