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With the introduction of the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE), a new qualification route emerged: the Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship.
Traditional training contracts
Traditionally, aspiring solicitors would be required to obtain either a law degree or equivalent (such as the PGDL) and secure a training contract up to two years before starting at a firm. Trainee solicitors are required to pass SQE 1 and 2 before they can begin their training contract. Over the course of a training contract, a trainee obtains two years’ worth of qualifying work experience, before they apply to the Solicitors Regulation Authority for qualification.
Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeships
The Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship follows a different path. Graduate Solicitor Apprentices are required to hold a degree, but this may be in law or a different topic. They gain their qualifying work experience during the two and a half to three year programme while studying the SQE part-time. Upon passing their exams and completing the programme gaining their qualifying work experience, they apply for qualification with the SRA as well.
School Leaver Apprenticeship
There is a third option as well. A School Leaver Apprenticeship provides an option for qualification without attending university. This typically takes seven years. School leaver apprentices will initially undertake a Level 4 Paralegal Apprenticeship, which similarly involves having a study day each week. They will then move on to undertake a Level 7 Solicitor Apprenticeship.
These routes all lead to the same destination, but each has unique advantages. This article explores the key differences of the traditional trainee and graduate apprenticeship routes and why I, as a law graduate, chose the apprenticeship.
Application process
The application process at Michelmores for training contracts and graduate apprenticeships are similar. Both require an initial application, an online assessment, an interview, and an assessment centre. A key difference is that with a training contract, the applicant can choose the final stage to be an assessment day or a vacation scheme, whilst apprentices will have an assessment day as the final stage.
Another key distinction between the Firm’s training contract and graduate apprenticeships are the entry requirements. As noted above, trainees require either a law degree or equivalent before starting the SQE and need to complete the SQE before starting their training contract commences. In contrast, apprentices only require an undergraduate degree, making them more accessible to career changers and non-law graduates who want to avoid the extra step of a law degree (or equivalent) before starting work.
A further difference is timing. Training contract applicants are typically recruited up to two years in advance, whilst at Michelmores, apprenticeship applicants start within months of receiving an offer. As an example, I applied for my apprenticeship in September and began working at Michelmores just five months later. If you’re eager to start working quickly, an apprenticeship offers a good alternative.
Studying
This is where the two routes differ significantly. Trainees study for and sit the SQE before starting work (often on a full-time course) meaning they begin their training contract with a solid foundation of legal knowledge. Studying full-time allows for more focus on passing the exams, though it can be challenging for those needing to work alongside their studies.
In contrast, graduate apprentices study part time whilst working four days a week and dedicate one day to study. Law graduates move straight into SQE preparation, while non-law graduates spend their first six months studying foundational law before beginning SQE studies.
Although balancing study and work can be demanding, the integration of practical experience often enhances learning. Some even argue that apprenticeships better prepare candidates for the SQE by providing ongoing exposure to real legal work and practical applications of the matters covered in their studies.
Training at Michelmores
At Michelmores, trainees and graduate apprentices receive the same quality of work and experiences, with both routes equally valued. However, there are some structural differences.
As training contracts last two years, they are structured to involve four six-month seats, allowing for broad exposure to different practice areas. The apprenticeship, lasting two and a half to three years, offers five to six seats.
Michelmores’ apprenticeship is sector-focused (business, real estate, or private wealth) so applicants are well placed to ensure they receive a more focussed training experience and undertake seats to complement their sector-focus. Applicants should have an idea of their preferred specialism if pursuing this route, however, the sector-focuses still cover a broad range of practice areas to allow flexibility.
The apprenticeship provides opportunities to explore different practice areas before qualification, but training contracts allow greater flexibility in seat selection. If you’re looking for broad exposure across sectors, a training contract may be preferable. However, if you already have an interest in a particular field, an apprenticeship could be a better fit.
Why I chose the Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship
For me, the apprenticeship was the quickest way to qualify. Having already graduated and worked as a paralegal, I didn’t want to delay my training. The ability to earn a salary while studying for the SQE was also a significant advantage, ensuring financial stability without compromising study time or the high quality of my work.
Learning through practical experience is also a major benefit for me. Being able to apply my studies to real work has been invaluable. As my first SQE learning module covered company law, I have been able to readily apply that knowledge in my Corporate seat, recognising how those fundamentals play out in real time. However, there is no guarantee that modules and seat choices will align.
Both routes lead to the same goal: qualification as a solicitor. The best choice depends on individual priorities—whether that’s financial considerations, learning style, the desire for flexibility, or the seats available. Whatever path you take, Michelmores provides strong support to ensure success. The key is to choose the route that aligns best with your personal and professional goals and a Firm that supports those aims.
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