Solicitor Apprenticeship Programme

Kickstart your legal career with our Solicitor Apprenticeship Programme.

As a solicitor apprentice at Fladgate, you will gain hands-on experience working alongside industry leading lawyers, whilst simultaneously completing a fully funded law degree and Solicitor's Qualifying Examinations (SQE) at the University of Law. This means you could qualify as a Solicitor within 6 years, with no student debt, whilst earning a competitive salary and receiving first rate career-changing training, at a Top 100 law firm.

The nature of our business and small intake of solicitor apprentices each year means you will be given exposure to a variety of different learning opportunities and a great deal of guidance and support from an early stage.

Each year we offer three Solicitor Apprenticeships at Fladgate.

How to Apply

Applications for our September 2027 cohort will open on 24 September 2026.

We use the Real Rating Contextual Recruitment System across all of our early careers hiring activity. It enables us to identify high-potential candidates by assessing their grades and achievements in the context of their social and educational backgrounds.

Apply here.

Accessibility

At Fladgate, we are dedicated to making our recruitment processes as accessible and inclusive as possible. This includes providing appropriate adjustments for individuals with disabilities or conditions that can make online or in person assessments more challenging. To ensure that no individual is prevented from attending an assessment day or interview due to financial constraints, we offer travel expense reimbursements where applicable.

Recruitment Process

Stage One

An online application form, online assessment and video interview.

Stage Two

An in-person assessment day at our offices in Covent Garden.

Stage Three

An in-person interview with a Partner and a member of the Early Careers team.

Route to qualification

Years one to four

Spend a year in each core department to build your foundations.

Years five to six

Rotate every six months alongside our trainee cohort.

Qualification

You’ll complete the SQE and qualify as a solicitor (England & Wales).

Quotes

The work that an apprentice receives is very varied, particularly in years three and four, offering great exposure to different areas of law and real client matters. This is supported by structured training that complements the learning you gain on the job, ensuring you develop both practically and academically.

- Fifth Year Solicitor Apprentice

I have been able to support fee earners with a variety of different tasks such as client communication, ensuring key documents are signed and organised as well as document drafting. I have received a lot of support so far and everyone is really keen to help you progress.

- Third Year Solicitor Apprentice

What I like about Fladgate’s apprenticeship programme is the apprentice cohort. There are 11 of us across years 1–3, so there’s always someone to socialise with and ask questions at work.

- First Year Solicitor Apprentice

The apprenticeship offers you the chance to learn from really experienced and skilled people in the industry you are training in.

- Third Year Solicitor Apprentice

FAQs

Swipe through to read the answers to our most frequently asked questions

How will I be supported during my apprenticeship?

You won’t be left to figure it out alone. You’ll have a department mentor, a supervisor to guide your work and give feedback, plus regular check-ins with HR.

What departments will I work in?

Across years one to four you’ll spend a year in each of: Corporate, Real Estate, Dispute Resolution, and Funds/Finance/Regulatory. In years five to six you’ll rotate every six months. Rotations are based on business needs, but we’ll always consider your preferences.

What if I do not currently have the right to work in the UK?

You’ll need to independently obtain the right to work in the UK before you join us. Your right to work must span the entire six year programme.

Why choose an apprenticeship?

Earn while you learn
Get real, hands-on legal experience from day one
Graduate with an LLB (Hons) with the University of Law, with no tuition fees

What we look for

A-Levels (or equivalent): at least two Bs and one C achieved before you join (contextually assessed)
A genuine interest in law and a clear reason for choosing this route
Good communication, teamwork and time management
A careful eye for detail and a professional approach

How many apprentices will you take on each year, and when does the apprenticeship start?

We take on up to three apprentices every year. The next intake starts in September 2027, with applications opening in late 2026.

What does the application process involve?

You’ll apply through AllHires, and complete a written application, online assessment, and a short video interview. If you're shortlisted, you'll be invited to attend an in-person assessment day ( consisting of group and individual tasks plus time to meet people and ask questions). The final stage is an in-person interview with a Partner/Senior Associate and a member of the Talent Acquisition team.

What does the solicitor apprenticeship programme entail?

In years 1-4, you’ll work in our fee-earning teams while studying for your LLB (Hons) with the University of Law. As you progress, you’ll take on more responsibility, before joining the trainee cohort in years five to six, completing the SQE, and qualifying as a solicitor.