Solicitor Apprenticeship 2026 (Bristol)

We're an international firm. Every day, our expert teams across Europe, the Middle East and Asia come together to work on our clients' toughest commercial challenges. Our lawyers are sector specialists, they're experts in the areas that matter most to everyone's future, from healthcare and technology to the financial forces that power our world. We're reimagining what a career in law looks like. It's all part of our long-term strategy to become the next generation law firm, for our people and our clients. It means that when you join our firm, you'll discover so much more than the practice of law.

About the programme

Qualify as a solicitor and earn while you learn through our six year, level 7, solicitor apprenticeship programme. From day one, you'll be immersed in life at Simmons & Simmons. Four days a week will be spent gaining practical work experience and one day a week studying with BPP University. By combining work and study, you'll be able to put what you learn into practice through a variety of tasks and projects.

Work experience

You’ll spend time across multiple practice groups discovering the innovation we’re known for. Your journey will start with three months in Business Services, getting to know the firm and our clients. With close support and guidance, you’ll go on to spend 15 months each in three different legal practice groups. In years five and six of the programme, you’ll rotate around a further four legal practice groups for six months each, alongside our trainee solicitors, gaining a broad perspective of the firm's work and where your career might lead. You’ll help answer our clients’ biggest and most important questions, because that’s exactly what we’ll train you to do.

Study

In years one to four, you’ll complete your LLB (Hons) Law and Legal Practice. Each term you’ll study toward a different module including English Legal System; Contract Law; Tort Law; Land Law; One of Dispute Resolution, Property Practice or Commercial Practice; Public Law, Criminal Law; Company Law; Trusts Law; Wills and Administration of Estate. Alongside this, you’ll focus on a new legal skill each term. In years five and six you’ll study towards the Solicitors Qualifying Examinations (SQE). On successful completion of the SQE, you will qualify as a solicitor.

Location

We are currently recruiting for apprentices to join our Bristol office for September 2026.

Eligibility

We want to hear from ambitious future lawyers, who are ready to leave their mark on the world. You must be a school/college leaver with GCSE grades 4 or above, with at least a 6 in Maths and English, plus A-Level grades at ABB (or equivalent).

Firm culture

Diversity is a huge part of who we are. Every day we embrace different mindsets, experiences and backgrounds, continually building a law firm where everyone can thrive. We want everyone to feel welcomed, valued and heard. All kinds of interests come together here - cricket fans and chess experts, netball players and evening yoga fans - and our social groups and sports teams are always looking for like-minded people. You’ll find that in our eight networks too, including the LGBT+ network, TNOC (our gender network), and EMerge (our race and ethnicity network). It’s a vibrant team, all ready to share in each other’s interests and explore new ones.

Support

You will be supported throughout the programme by a mentor, buddy, and member of our HR team. In addition, when working within each practice group you will have a dedicated supervisor. Your dedicated practice group supervisor will provide you with guidance and support. They’ll monitor your progress and make sure you’re gaining all the skills needed to become a well-rounded lawyer and business leader of the future. Your mentor will be a senior lawyer who will provide additional support throughout the programme. They’ll give you advice and guidance on whatever you need as you move around the different practice groups and progress through the apprenticeship. Your buddy will be a junior lawyer, allocated to you as soon as you accept an offer with us. They will answer everything you need to know about joining the firm and will be on hand as you settle into your role. A member of our HR team will work closely with you, your practice group supervisors and a dedicated skills coach at BPP University to ensure you’re gaining the right skills and opportunities throughout your work experience. In addition to Simmons & Simmons support, you will have academic support at the BPP University helping you through your studies.

Benefits

You’ll receive a starting salary of £27,000 per annum which will increase throughout the programme. You will also be given a £1,500 starting bonus to support you as you get set up. We will cover all of your tuition and exam fees.