- Harrogate, Newcastle
- construction, projects, commercial
- c.pettifer@hempsons.co.uk
- 01423 724001
What is the graduate solicitor apprenticeship?
Our graduate solicitor apprenticeship will support you through the new pathway to qualification as a solicitor by completion of the Solicitors Qualifying Exams (SQE1 and SQE2). You will study with our partner, BPP University, the cost of which is entirely funded by Hempsons.
If you have completed or are in your penultimate year of your law degree (LLB), or have a non-law degree and have completed the graduate diploma in law (GDL), you are able to apply.
The apprenticeship is a 32-month programme. You will work four days a week in the firm and have one day a week to study at BPP. You can join us straight from university upon completion of your degree or GDL and start gaining experience and earning a salary (without the student debt).
What can I expect as a graduate solicitor apprentice?
You will have the opportunity to learn on the job, working alongside some of the country’s most respected healthcare lawyers who will support you in your quest to qualify as a solicitor.
You will be assigned a dedicated supervisor when you join us and you will have access to a tutor and skills coach at BPP who will support you throughout the programme.
From day one of your apprenticeship at Hempsons, you will have a high degree of responsibility whilst receiving support from your supervising partner. You will be supporting lawyers with client matters, attending client meetings, drafting, project-planning, and attending court.
Like our trainee solicitors, you will undertake three or four seats, over a period of two years and eight months, which will allow you to gain the knowledge and understanding of the work carried out by our specialist teams, including;
- Healthcare litigation
- Healthcare advisory
- Regulatory & crime*
- Employment
- Commercial real estate
- Corporate & commercial*
* dependant upon location
We are offering our graduate solicitor apprenticeship training programme in the following offices:
Why have we decided to offer this route?
In 2018, the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) announced that the Legal Practice Course (LPC) will be replaced by the Solicitors Qualifying Exams (SQE). Hempsons have been monitoring the changes in the legal education system and welcome opportunities to widen access to the profession.
Why join Hempsons?
We’ve come a long way since starting out in London in 1890. We maintain 5 offices across the country; London, Manchester, Harrogate, Newcastle and Southampton.
Our lawyers and staff enjoy a strong culture of commitment to our clients and to understanding them, their needs, objectives and business environments. We have collaborative, cross-office working relationships with our colleagues the length and breadth of the country.
We offer competitive salaries starting from £24,000 (Regional) and £30,400 (London) plus our benefits package which includes:
- 25 days annual leave plus 1 discretionary day on Christmas Eve
- Study leave allowance
- 5.2% Employer pension contribution
- Private medical health cover
- Group income protection
- Death in service benefit
- Interest free season ticket loan
- Employee assistance programme
- Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
- Employee referral bonus scheme
- Cycle to work scheme
- Sports and social events
What are we looking for?
Hempsons welcomes applications for graduate solicitor apprenticeships from suitably qualified candidates from any background, including mature candidates. You will be bright, flexible and open-minded, and want to work in a challenging, rewarding and friendly environment. We want you to enjoy your time with us and remain with the firm upon qualification.
In terms of academics, you will ideally have a 2:1 degree in law and those with a non-law degree must have also achieved at least a pass in the GDL (either expected or obtained). We would particularly like to hear from candidates who are already qualified in a medical discipline or who have experience of healthcare or third sector environments.
Ready to apply?
Applications for 2024 are now open, please check our vacancies page regularly for updates.
If you have any queries in the meantime regarding our graduate solicitor apprenticeship programme, please contact us below.