Solicitor Apprentice with Osborne Clarke

Duration of Apprenticeship:

 72 Months

Job Description:

What is a Solicitor Apprenticeship?

Our Solicitor Apprenticeship programme is a 6 year level 7 programme, combining practical work-based learning with formal study towards an LLB (Hons) in Legal Practice at BPP University Law School (BPP). All of your tuition fees will be paid and you will earn a salary while you are training. You will gain valuable, real-life experience in a leading international legal practice, enhancing your commercial understanding and growing your confidence in a work environment.

How many roles are available, where are they based, and when will they start?

We are looking for 4 Solicitor Apprentices to join us in Bristol & London and 2 Solicitor Apprentice in Reading. The Solicitor Apprenticeship programme will start in September 2023.

What is the LLB (Hons) Programme?

BPP is an independent university dedicated to business and the professions. It combines innovative study content with real-world experience and insight from expert tutors, delivering the practical skills and industry knowledge to help students to excel in the workplace. As an apprentice you will spend 20% of your time (1 day per week) studying towards the LLB (Hons) in Legal Practice. You will study by blended learning, with attendance at ‘live’ online classes and regular face-to-face support classes at a BPP learning centre. You will also have access to a Virtual Learning Environment.

Will I qualify as a Solicitor at the end of the programme?

As you progress through your apprenticeship you will build a portfolio of the experience you have gained and the tasks you have completed in the workplace. You will spend time in Osborne Clarke’s main practice groups: Business Transactions (Corporate, Commercial); Projects, Real Estate and Finance; Litigation; and Advisory (Employment, Pensions, Incentives, Tax and Competition). The programme will be tailored to your individual needs and goals for qualification, and your responsibility will increase as appropriate throughout your training. To complete the apprenticeship and qualify as a Solicitor you will need to pass the SQE (Solicitors Qualifying Exams).

These are comprised of SQE1: Functioning Knowledge Tests and SQE2: Standardised Practical Legal Skills Assessments. BPP will provide you with guidance and assistance to help you pass these assessments.

How will I be supported?

You will receive support and guidance from us throughout your whole apprenticeship. In each team you will have a dedicated line manager, and you will also be paired with a solicitor apprentice buddy to help you settle into life at Osborne Clarke. This is underpinned by our award-winning HR and career development programme. You will also benefit from a Student Manager and Personal Tutor at BPP. Your Student Manager is your dedicated point of contact at BPP throughout your apprenticeship, and their main role is to support you and monitor your progress in completing the requirements of the apprenticeship. Your Personal Tutor will meet with you when you attend face-to-face teaching sessions at BPP, and will assist you with compilation of your portfolio of workplace evidence and help you to identify how that evidence links to the knowledge, skills and behaviours required by the solicitor apprenticeship standard

Training Provided:

As a Solicitor apprentice with BPP, you will complete the Solicitor Level 7 Apprenticeship. Additional learning within the apprenticeship at levels 4, 5 and 6 will enable you to be awarded an LLB (Hons) Law and Legal Practice, from BPP.

Your Level 7 apprenticeship shall be delivered by a blend of online and face-to-face from BPP [alongside our award-winning internal training]. Coupled with the on-the-job learning, completion of the apprenticeship will lead to obtaining your solicitor qualification.

The apprenticeship standard is based on the SRA’s Statement of Solicitor Competence. Achievement of the standard and the associated apprenticeship assessment plan will satisfy the SRA’s regulatory framework for qualification as a solicitor, subject to the SRA’s usual tests of character and suitability.

Qualification Requirements:

Personal Qualities & Skills:

 We are looking for someone with the ambition and commitment to learn and succeed on our six year Solicitor Apprenticeship programme.

 You will also need excellent communication skills, a good eye for detail, the ability to follow instructions and to enjoy working as part of a team.

Future Prospects:

Potential opportunity to apply for a permanent role within the company, upon successful completion of the apprenticeship.