Solicitor Apprenticeship 2026
Solicitor Apprenticeship 2026

Solicitor Apprenticeship 2026

Exeter Apprenticeship No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Gain hands-on experience in law while studying for your degree and qualifying as a solicitor.
  • Company: Join Trowers & Hamlins, a supportive firm committed to diversity and innovation.
  • Benefits: Receive expert mentorship, competitive salary, and a clear path to your legal career.
  • Why this job: Kickstart your legal career with real work experience and a degree in just four years.
  • Qualifications: Minimum 128 UCAS points and strong GCSEs in English and Maths required.
  • Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for personal growth and collaboration.

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.

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Solicitor Apprenticeship 2026 employer: Gordons

Trowers & Hamlins is an exceptional employer that champions diversity and innovation within the legal profession, offering a unique Solicitor Apprenticeship programme designed to empower aspiring solicitors. With a supportive work culture across our UK offices in Birmingham, Exeter, London, and Manchester, apprentices benefit from hands-on experience, expert mentorship, and a clear pathway to qualification, all while being part of a collaborative team that values personal growth and resilience.
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Contact Detail:

Gordons Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Solicitor Apprenticeship 2026

✨Tip Number 1

Get to know the firm! Research Trowers & Hamlins and understand their values and culture. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.

✨Tip Number 2

Practice makes perfect! Before your assessment centre, try out some mock interviews and group exercises with friends or family. This will help you feel more confident and prepared when it’s your turn to shine.

✨Tip Number 3

Show off your skills! During the assessment centre, make sure to highlight your adaptability and collaboration skills. Share examples from your experiences that demonstrate how you've worked well in teams and tackled challenges.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the programme and what we’re looking for in candidates like you.

We think you need these skills to ace Solicitor Apprenticeship 2026

Growth Mindset
Adaptability
Analytical Mindset
Collaboration Skills
Commercial Awareness
Communication Skills
Innovation
Judgement
Personal Responsibility
Resilience

Some tips for your application 🫡

Start Strong with Your Online Application: Kick things off by filling out our online application form. Make sure to provide all the necessary details about your education and work experience. This is your chance to shine, so be honest and showcase your unique perspective!

Ace the Strengths-Based Assessment: Once you submit your application, you'll get an invite for our strengths-based assessment. Don’t wait until the last minute to complete it! We recommend doing some practice assessments beforehand to get a feel for the format.

Be Clear and Concise in Your Answers: When answering the long-answer questions, keep it clear and to the point. Use examples from your experiences to illustrate your skills and how they align with what we’re looking for. Remember, communication is key!

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the programme and the application process right there.

How to prepare for a job interview at Gordons

✨Know Your Stuff

Before the interview, make sure you understand the basics of the legal profession and the specific role of a solicitor. Research Trowers & Hamlins, their values, and recent news about them. This will help you answer questions confidently and show your genuine interest in the firm.

✨Showcase Your Skills

Prepare examples that demonstrate your adaptability, analytical mindset, and collaboration skills. Think of situations where you've worked in a team or solved a problem creatively. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses clearly.

✨Practice Makes Perfect

Take advantage of practice assessments before the online strengths-based assessment. Familiarise yourself with the format and types of questions you might encounter. This will not only boost your confidence but also help you manage your time effectively during the actual assessment.

✨Be Yourself

During the interview and assessment centre, let your personality shine through. Trowers & Hamlins values authenticity, so don’t be afraid to show your human side. Share your passion for law and how you can contribute to their culture of innovation and success.

Solicitor Apprenticeship 2026
Gordons
Location: Exeter
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