Linklaters has become the latest firm to launch a solicitor apprenticeship programme, as the alternative to the traditional qualification route continues to gather momentum in the City.
The magic circle firm will take up to six solicitor apprentices in its London headquarters from September 2023.
They will study for 20 per cent of their time for the first four years before joining the trainee solicitor cohort for the final two, during which time they will also complete the Solicitor’s Qualification Examination.
Firmwide managing partner Paul Lewis said: “We are committed to being home to the very best talent, regardless of background.
“The traditional route to a career in law can be out of reach of many talented students from low socio-economic backgrounds. Through our new solicitor apprenticeship programme we will facilitate entry to the legal profession – opening up access to talented and highly committed students who otherwise might never have had that opportunity. I’m looking forward to welcoming our first solicitor apprentices into the firm next year and to seeing them thrive in their careers.”
Linklaters is somewhat late to apprenticeships: the UK Government approved standards to allow apprentices to work their way up to full solicitor status in 2014 and since them numerous firms have introduced them, with the City elite increasingly getting on board.
