Solicitor Apprenticeship Leeds, England
Job description
The Walker Morris Solicitor Apprenticeship is a six-year (Level 7) programme that offers an alternative route to qualifying as a solicitor. You’ll spend one day per week studying with BPP University and four days per week with us, gaining hands-on, practical, real-life experience.
Who we are
Walker Morris LLP is a commercial, single-site law firm based in Leeds city centre.
We’re a diverse collection of lawyers and professionals who pride ourselves on our entrepreneurial spirit and our work ethic. We encourage curiosity and we work together – we know that we’re stronger as a team. Just as each of our clients are unique, each member of our team is different and each person is here because we believe in them. We’re committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone can thrive and we’re open to everyone – regardless of background.
Solicitor Apprenticeship Overview
The Walker Morris Solicitor Apprenticeship is a six-year (Level 7) programme that offers an alternative route to qualifying as a solicitor. You’ll spend one day per week studying with BPP University and four days per week with us, gaining hands-on, practical, real-life experience.
You’ll receive a starting salary of £20,000 plus have all course and tuition fees paid for. Once you pass the SQE exams, you’ll become a fully qualified solicitor with an LLB (Hons) Law and Legal Practice.
As we are a single-site firm, you can quickly build long-term working relationships at all levels. Throughout the six years, you’ll get involved in multiple social and networking events and have a wide range of peer support. You might fancy joining one of our forums to help with diversity, raise money for charity or playing for one of our sports teams to help us win some matches!
The Apprenticeship:
BPP study
Each year you will cover a set of modules, similar to those covered in a Law degree. Take a look at the BPP programme which you will be part of: https://www.bpp.com/courses/law/apprenticeships/solicitor-apprenticeship
Working at Walker Morris
Year 1&2
You’ll experience working in two departments and be completing tasks from different lawyers in the firm. We’ll provide support from many angles and tailor your work to your capability. You’ll swim, not sink! You’ll develop an understanding of how the firm operates and the services we provide. In addition, our Learning & Development team will help you learn many essential skills you’ll need as a lawyer – such as organisation, communication, and time management skills.”
Year 3&4
During this stage, you’ll experience two different areas of the firm, including the opportunity to work in our business services. This could be in our Innovation, Marketing, or IT team.
You’ll also develop attention to detail, legal understanding, commercial awareness, and research skills.
Year 5&6
In the final two years of your apprenticeship, you’ll take on more responsibility and work on complex tasks. You’ll get experience in at least another two departments and start thinking about where you’d like to qualify. You’ll begin to apply problem-solving, lateral and innovative thinking and stakeholder management skills into your daily practice. Finally, you’ll complete SQE1&2 in year 6.
Application process
- Apply online (deadline of 16th March 2023)
- Attend a ½ day assessment centre and interview (April/May)
- Be invited in to complete 2 to 3 days work experience (May/June)
- Start Solicitor Apprenticeship (September)
Am I eligible?
To be able to apply for our Solicitor Apprenticeship, you’ll need to meet the below criteria:
- Not hold a university degree
- Achieved three A-Levels (128 UCAS points) plus;
- Five GCSEs at grade C (or 4) or above, including English and mathematics (or equivalent)
- Be able to work in Leeds city centre
- Be able to start from September 2023
What we offer
- Study fees – all fully paid for
- Annual Leave – minimum of 25 days per year, increasing to 31 days with length of service. Also – buy/sell holidays up to 5 days per year
- Pension – We auto-enrol all eligible colleagues in to a workplace pension and we contribute a minimum of 5% of annual salary
- Life Assurance – 4x your annual salary in the event of a death in service
- Social Budget – creating opportunities for our people to connect in a social setting is a big priority for us.
- Introduction scheme – we’re always on the search for new talent. If you introduce us to a candidate that is successfully appointed to one of our vacancies then we’ll reward you with a bonus.
- My gym discounts – exercise is great for your mental and physical health, we offer a range of discounts on local gums.
- Cycle to work scheme – purchase a bike through a salary sacrifice arrangement
- Help@Hand – a free help and wellbeing services for those times when some extra input is useful.
How do I apply?
Our applications close on 16th March 2023.
Please apply via: Walker Morris – AllHires (https://walkermorris.grad.allhires.com/app/)
Links for further information:
- Main site: Walker Morris
- Future Graduate site: Graduate futures – Walker Morris
For any questions, please contact [email protected]
At Walker Morris we are working to be an inclusive employer, and we encourage people from all backgrounds, ways of thinking and working to apply. We particularly welcome applications from Disabled, Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic as well as LGBTQ+ and non-binary candidates. Each individual brings their own unique capabilities, experiences and characteristics to their work, so you don’t have to meet all the requirements listed to apply for this role. We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer – please email Holly Butcher ([email protected]) if you need an alternative method to submit your application or any reasonable adjustments to be made during the interview process. Please visit our Diversity & Inclusion page to learn more about working at Walker Morris.
