Shoosmiths announces solicitor apprenticeships pilot

Law firm Shoosmiths has announced the launch of a pilot scheme that will see apprentices qualify as solicitors.

This scheme, which begins in September 2024, complements the work the firm has been doing with organisations such as the Purpose Coalition on its Social Mobility Action Plan, and Aston University, Virgin Media O2 and the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEX) on the Pathways to Law project for college-age students. 

On the six-year programme, successful applicants will gain technical knowledge, practical experience and wider skills such as professional ethics needed for a career in the law. Apprentices will also benefit from the support of a Student Manager and a Personal Tutor. Apprentices who complete the programme and pass The Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) will earn an LLB (Hons) in Law and Legal Practice.

Eleanor Tanner, director of people at Shoosmiths, said: “At Shoosmiths we’re committed to nurturing talent and developing skills and expertise through providing relevant vocational and professional apprenticeships. 

“We believe that talent can come from anywhere – it doesn’t have to be through the traditional university route. We are very excited for the launch this pilot and are looking forward to meeting the first cohort in September 2024.”

Applications for the scheme open on 1 February and close on 10 March. There are four places and the apprenticeships will run from Shoosmiths’ Birmingham office. Birmingham has been chosen to host the pilot, given the depth and diversity of the talent pool and the range of departments available for apprenticeship seats, with a view to increase the programme to more locations in future years.

For more information on how to apply, please visit: https://shoosmiths.grad.allhires.com/app/