Solicitor Apprentice 2026 - Yorkshire (Leeds)

Discover how a global law firm helps clients achieve their goals wherever they do business. At DLA Piper, our pursuit of innovation has transformed the delivery of legal services. With offices in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific, we deliver exceptional outcomes on cross-border projects, critical transactions and high-stakes disputes. For our people, that means a world of opportunity.

Explore the intersection of law and business by joining our Solicitor Apprenticeship in Yorkshire (Leeds) and you’ll start to build the foundations of your legal career, collaborating with colleagues and clients on high-value matters that shape industries. Give your career the best platform and discover if law is a career you can thrive in.

Your time with us:

• Start your journey and develop the foundation of skills you need for a successful legal career on our six-year Level 7 Solicitor Apprenticeship Programme.
• As a solicitor apprentice, you’ll get the qualifications and experience you need, whilst being part of a firm that embraces new ideas and fosters progress.
• You’ll spend one day a week with our training provider, the University of Law, studying towards:

• A government accredited Level 7 Solicitor Apprenticeship (equivalent to a master’s degree)
• A law degree (LLB) in Legal Practice and Skills
• The Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE)

You’ll have the freedom to discover your own path and make an extraordinary impact beyond the borders of traditional law. Tomorrow’s legal industry can’t hire yesterday’s skills. Work with us to unlock your potential and start your journey to building a different kind of legal career.

Please note: apprentices joining our Yorkshire (Leeds) office may also have the opportunity to undertake seat rotation(s) in our Sheffield office.

To apply for our Level 7 Solicitor Apprenticeship, candidates must meet the following criteria:

Academic Requirements:

• At least three A Levels at grade C or above, and Five GCSEs at grade C/4 or above, including Maths and English, or equivalent qualifications.

This programme is funded through the Level 7 Apprenticeship Levy. To qualify for this funding, you must meet all associated eligibility criteria, including:

• Having been ordinarily resident in the UK for at least the last three years (or other eligible residency status).
• Having the right to permanently live and work in the UK for the full duration of the apprenticeship.

What we look for:

• Individuals from a diverse range of backgrounds who have the potential to thrive at our firm.
• An interest in international law and business.
• A forward-thinking and entrepreneurial mindset and be excited about doing things differently in the legal industry.
• Self-motivated by a strong desire to achieve your personal and professional goals.
• Enjoy collaborating with others while also enjoying independent study.
• A growth mindset so you see setbacks as learning opportunities, and you’ll proactively look for ways to grow and develop.
• Enjoy working in an ever-changing environment and understand the importance of being flexible at work.
• Enjoy taking ownership of tasks and thinking critically.
• Be an advocate of apprenticeships as an alternative route into law and know how to embed DLA Piper’s values into your work.

Our values:

• Be Supportive – we are compassionate and inclusive, valuing diversity and acting thoughtfully.
• Be Collaborative - we are proactive, passionate team players investing in our relationships.
• Be Bold - we are fearless and inquisitive, challenging ourselves to think big and find creative new solutions.
• Be Exceptional - we are strategic and driven, exceeding standards and expectations.

About Us:

At DLA Piper, we understand that inclusion is not a one-size-fits-all concept. We embrace and celebrate the range of perspectives, backgrounds and experiences that each individual brings to our firm. By fostering a culture that welcomes and appreciates all aspects of our individuality, we ensure that everyone has the opportunity to succeed.

Our commitment to inclusion and positive social impact enables us to provide exceptional service to our clients and communities, while nurturing a unique and inclusive culture for all our people. We welcome the unique contribution that you will bring to our firm and actively encourage applications from all talented people – however your talent is packaged, whatever your background or circumstance and regardless of how you identify.

We are committed to being accessible and accommodating any reasonable adjustments needed throughout the recruitment process to ensure an inclusive experience for all. If you need any support or adjustments, please let us know.

Agile Working:

We recognise that people have responsibilities and interests outside of their career and that as a business, we all benefit from working flexibly. That’s why we are open to discussing with candidates the different ways in which we are able to support requests for agile working arrangements.

Pre-Engagement Screening:

In the event that we make an offer to you, and where local legislation permits, we will conduct pre-engagement screening checks that may include but are not limited to your professional and academic qualifications, your eligibility to work in the relevant jurisdiction, any criminal records, your financial stability, and references from previous employers.

Our hiring approach:

Our hiring approach enables us to learn about the professional and person you are, and gives you the opportunity to learn about us. Your recruitment experience can differ depending on the type of role you are interviewing for. You will always meet your direct Line Manager for your role, as well as peers and close collaborators for the position. For some of our roles we may also use assessment tools, practical exercises, and panel presentations.

We’re redefining what an international law firm can be. With a unique global network and an unparalleled range of expertise, this is where you’ll work on the cases that shape the world and will define your career. Staying in touch with like-minded people is important to us. Our Talent Community provides unique access to our firm so you can discover why we are a different kind of law firm.

We pride ourselves on the extraordinary impact we make beyond the borders of traditional law. That’s only possible because of the skills our business professionals bring and the environment we create to let them thrive. See where your skills could take you.