Four North Eastern firms have teamed up to offer Trailblazer solicitor apprenticeships.

Newcastle firms Muckle, Sintons and McDaniel & Co, along with County Durham’s QualitySolicitors Smith Roddam will all be hiring apprentices to begin the six-year period of training that leads to eventual qualification as a solicitor, with the first intake arriving in September 2017.

Apprentices will only work for one of the firms during their six years, but the firms are jointly liaising with schools to promote these opportunities and will also work together on the recruitment and assessment process for candidates. Other firms are also considering joining the initiative.

City Law School will provide law teachers for the academic part of the course, while CILEx Law School will provide the on-line learning resources.

Muckle managing partner Jason Wainwright said: “We are delighted to be part of this joint venture, leading the way in the North East to offer a different route into the legal profession for a diverse and talented group of people.  It’s refreshing to work collaboratively with other law firms to ensure the North East is at the forefront of developing regional talent.  We believe this provides the opportunity, for those that can’t afford, or don’t want to take, the university route to develop a career in law, while earning and working in a North East firm.” 

QualitySolicitors Smith Roddam senior partner David Harris added: “This is a great opportunity for school leavers to become part of a cohort of solicitor apprenticeship recruits working in firms across the North East.”

Clyde & Co brought the paralegal Trailblazer apprenticeships to Newcastle in June.