Solicitor Apprenticeship 2026

Considering a career in law but not sure where to start? We couldn't be more excited to expand our Solicitor Apprenticeship programme this year. The programme offers hands‑on experience, expert mentorship, and a path to a law degree and qualification as a solicitor, empowering a new generation to excel within the legal profession. Our four UK offices — Birmingham, Exeter, London and Manchester — are each offering two spots for apprentices on the programme, which means you can start your career closer to home. The key dates for the application period and the commencement of the Solicitor Apprenticeship are: Applications open: 1 October 2025 Applications close: 20 February 2026 Assessment centres: March 2026 The Programme We created a different route into our firm because we believe in making the legal profession an even playing field. One where success is not based on someone’s background, but on their unique perspectives, drive and work ethic. If you’re considering a career in law but aren’t sure where to start, or if you’ve just begun to explore the idea of becoming a solicitor, this opportunity is for you. During the first four years of the programme, you will complete your law degree while undertaking yearly rotations across different departments, gaining broad exposure and experience. In the final year and a half, while completing the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE), you will move into six‑month departmental rotations to deepen your practical knowledge and skills. You’ll be involved in real work, collaborating closely with your colleagues at all levels and getting a feel for the welcoming and supportive Trowers & Hamlins culture. Eligibility and selction criteria Academic Requirements We look for candidates who have achieved, or who are on track to achieve, a minimum of 128 UCAS points (ABB) from their top three A‑Levels or equivalent, and a minimum of 6 GCSEs with a Grade 6/B or above in English and Mathematics. We take into account mitigating circumstances and do not automatically reject candidates who do not reach this minimum criteria. You are eligible to apply for our programme if you have either already completed your A‑levels (or equivalent), or are on track to complete your A‑levels (or equivalent), by summer 2026. This programme is not aimed at university graduates or undergraduates — please see the other programmes on our website if you are in this category. What are we looking for? All kinds of individuals build careers, connections, and flourish at Trowers & Hamlins, but there are a few things that they all have in common. We’re looking for people who can excel within our core values: We savour success We are driven by innovation We’re not afraid to be human We believe certain skills are necessary to help you succeed and thrive at the firm: A growth mindset – strong candidates are open to learning and feedback, always striving to develop Adaptability – being able to adapt to new circumstances and environments Analytical mindset – being able to analyse and interpret problems with sound judgement Collaboration skills – being able to build relationships with colleagues and achieve results through teamwork Commercial awareness – an awareness of the business world in which the firm operates and how this may impact us and our clients Communication skills – being able to explain complex issues, whether written or verbal, to others in a clear and easy to understand manner Innovation – curiosity about the market and the future of the industry Judgement – developing informed opinions after careful consideration and utilising available resources Personal responsibility – a willingness to take ownership of tasks Resilience – having a determined and positive attitude in overcoming obstacles and change Application Process Step 1 – Online application form The application process begins with our online application form. You will be asked to provide details about your education, work experience/employment history and will be asked to answer a series of additional long-answer questions. Step 2 – Online strengths‑based assessment Once you have submitted your application, you will automatically be invited to take our online strengths‑based assessment which aims to consider your strengths alongside the role of a solicitor apprentice. We encourage you to complete the assessment as soon as you are able to and recommend that you do not leave completing the assessment to the final day, in case any technical issues arise. Before completing the assessment, we would strongly recommend that you complete some practice assessments. You will also receive this link in the email containing your invitation to complete the assessment, after submitting your online application. Although the assessment is not timed, we recommend that you allow up to 75 minutes to complete it. After you have completed the assessment, you will receive a feedback report. This is for your own personal development and does not represent a decision from us at this stage. Following on from this, we will consider your online assessment in conjunction with your application form. You will hear whether you have been successful after this initial stage once the vacancy deadline has passed, as we do not recruit on a rolling basis. Please note that you will not receive a stand alone email inviting you to take the online assessment; the information regarding how to access the assessment will be contained in the email you will receive upon submission of your application. Step 3 – Assessment Centre If you are successful after the application and online assessment, the final stage is an assessment centre. The assessment centre will comprise of a maximum of three exercises, including a written exercise, a strengths‑based interview and a group exercise. #J-18808-Ljbffr