Graduate Solicitor Apprentice

Description:

We are looking for a law graduate seeking to qualify as a Criminal Defence Solicitor over 30 months via on the job training in a highly respected specialist firm, and online day release training for the SQE.

It is a real and rare opportunity to build a career with a very well thought of and successful firm in this fascinating and rewarding field

Location: Worcester

Salary: National living wage, with training support

Contract: Full-time, 30 month Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship

Start Date: September 2025

About Us

We are a specialist and highly regarded criminal defence firm committed to access to justice and high-quality representation for individuals facing criminal allegations. Our experienced team represents clients at all stages of the criminal justice process, from police station advice through Magistrates trials, and on to the Crown Court. We cover all offences, from driving and minor public order through to serious drugs, violence, and homicides

We are now seeking a talented, committed and ambitious graduate to join our team as a Solicitor Apprentice. This is an exciting opportunity to gain hands-on experience in criminal defence work while working towards qualification as a solicitor.

As a Graduate Solicitor Apprentice, you will be working closely with experienced criminal defence solicitors and advocates. You will be fully integrated into our legal team, supporting case preparation and client work while undertaking part-time academic study towards the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE).

Key Responsibilities:

• Assisting in the preparation of case files for police station, Magistrates’ and Crown Court matters
• Legal research and drafting legal documents, briefs, and correspondence
• Attending client meetings, taking statements and instructions
• Accompanying solicitors to police stations and court hearings
• Undertaking training to qualify as a police station representative to represent our client in suitable cases (with supervision always available)
• Assisting with some out of hours police station arrests as your experience grows, for which we will pay a good rate
• Accompanying Counsel in the Crown Court
• Supporting administrative tasks to ensure case progression and compliance
• Gradually taking on more responsibility as your experience and knowledge develops

There is a real opportunity for an apprentice with a keen interest in Criminal defence to build a career with us. We are a friendly, successful, very highly thought of, and cheerful firm with a real passion for what we do. We hope to train someone who can share that passion

What We are Looking For:-

Essential:

• A minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree in Law
• Strong academic skills
• A genuine interest in criminal law and legal aid work
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work under pressure and manage competing priorities
• Empathy, discretion, and professionalism in dealing with sensitive matters
• The right to live and work in the UK
• A positive and cheerful approach

Desirable:

• Previous work experience or volunteering in a legal or criminal justice setting
• Knowledge of the criminal justice system and legal procedures
• Full UK driving licence (useful but not immediately essential)

Training & Development

You will be enrolled in a Level 7 Solicitor Apprenticeship Programme, delivered in partnership with a recognised training provider. This includes structured academic learning, on-the-job training, and preparation for the SQE1 and SQE2 exams.

The mix is 20:80 formal training to practical on the job training. The formal part is one day a week day release and is delivered remotely. The on the job training is of necessity based at our office in central Worcester and at courts and police stations.

The police station training is delivered via an online course through Cardiff University to prepare for the exam, for which time will be set aside, together with building a portfolio of case reports on supervised visits to the police station.

Throughout the programme, you will benefit from regular mentoring, supervision, and increasing levels of responsibility as you progress towards qualification as a solicitor. We hope that by the day of qualification you will hit the ground running

Benefits

• Full funding for apprenticeship tuition and SQE exams
• Competitive salary : the full NLW is paid in the first year, well above the lesser apprenticeship level
• Dedicated supervision and mentoring
• Supportive, friendly and inclusive working environment. (We like to think it’s fun, too)
• 25 days annual leave, pension contribution, overtime for out of hours police station attendances