Apprentice Desktop hero 1440x700px

Apprentice opportunities - United Kingdom

Applications are closed.

 

A great start to your commercial, professional services career.

Combining academic studies with work-based learning, you’ll earn as you learn and gain a professional qualification.

Purpose-led

We make business work better for people

Highly Rated

Placed 18th in the RateMyApprenticeship Best 100 Apprenticeship Employers ranking 2023-2024

Comprehensive Training

We deliver core and complementary training

Solicitor Apprenticeships

Pull_out_UK_Ireland_1

As a Solicitor Apprentice, you will join a fast-paced, dynamic working environment where personal resilience and a willingness to learn are key to success. This is a unique opportunity to gain practical experience working on real-life legal projects alongside experienced fee earners, while also studying towards a fully sponsored LLB degree. In addition to covering the university fees, we will also pay you a salary, which will enable you to ‘earn while you learn’.

 

2024 Intake

Successful candidates will start their roles in September 2024. This year our opportunities are available in:

  • Birmingham
  • London
  • Manchester

Applications for our 2024 Solicitor Apprenticeship programme closed on 1st February 2024 at 11.59PM.

 

Find out more about our Solicitor Apprenticeships

  • Studies

    As a part of your apprenticeship, you will study towards a LLB (Hons) in Legal Practice and Skills degree delivered by the University of Law, the largest provider of legal education in the UK. You will spend one day per week studying legal foundation subjects and skills modules and preparing for a range of assessments, including the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE). You will also complete weekly tasks and receive regular feedback from your subject tutor, as well as meet with the Skills Coach to support your progress.

    Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship, subject to SRA character and suitability assessment, you will become a qualified solicitor and have a chance to join our Newly Qualified Solicitor recruitment process.

    To find out more about the course, please visit the University of Law Solicitor Apprenticeship website.

  • Responsibilities

    You will be involved in client meetings, assist solicitors with legal matters, conduct legal research, draft correspondence and documents, and prepare files and bundles. As you progress in your role, you will be introduced to more advanced tasks to help you build a portfolio and work towards the level 7 qualification. These tasks may involve preparing client training, leading client meetings, and progressing matters and transactions.

  • Support

    During your apprenticeship you will be supported by a supervisor who is an experienced solicitor, a dedicated Early Talent Team, and fellow legal apprentices. You will receive full training which will combine on-the-job learning and formal structured sessions to ensure you are fully equipped to succeed in the role.

  • Personal qualities

    We are looking for candidates who are highly motivated, driven, and have a genuine passion for law. Strong attention to detail and excellent communication skills are essential, as well as good time management and organisational skills. Your enthusiasm and openness to learn and take on new challenges will also be key to your success in this role.

  • Entry requirements

    • Minimum 5 GCSEs (or equivalent qualification), including Maths and English, at grade C or 4 or above.
    • Minimum 3 A-Levels (or other equivalent qualification) at grade B or above, or an equivalent qualification amounting to 120 UCAS points (obtained or predicted).

     

    Although we do have minimum academic requirements, we are willing to accept applications from candidates who have mitigating circumstances and feel like they can demonstrate the required qualities and behaviours. Please include your mitigating circumstances in the relevant section of the application form.

    Graduates or students who have completed more than one year of any degree (including law) are not eligible for the programme as their skills and knowledge exceed the level of this apprenticeship.

    Please note, due to the funding requirements all candidates must have the right to permanently live and work in the UK for the full duration of the apprenticeship.

  • Recruitment process

    We’ve designed our application process to ensure you’ll know the outcome in no more than three months after the application deadline. The below shows a typical recruitment and selection process. You’ll be given full details of the process in relation to your own recruitment as appropriate.

     

    01. Application form

    Tell us about yourself, your academic history and your employment history where applicable. We also gather information about you to support our contextualized recruitment approach.

     

    02. Online blended assessment

    The next stage of the recruitment process will involve completing our online blended assessment. This blended assessment incorporates situational judgment questions, case studies and a short recorded video interview allowing Pinsent Masons to see how well you would perform in different scenarios.

     

    03. Assessment centre

    If you pass the online assessment, we will invite you to one of our in-person assessment centres. You will complete three exercises over the day – this will include a one-to-one interview, a business simulation exercise and a case study.

     

    04. Review and offer

    Whatever the outcome, we will let you know as soon as we can after the assessment centre. If you display the key attributes we are looking for and perform well throughout the assessments, we will offer you an apprenticeship and talk you through next steps.

Paralegal Apprenticeships

Pull_out_UK_Ireland_5

A Paralegal is a highly valued member of a legal team that has extensive knowledge of the law and legal matters, but is not a qualified lawyer. Paralegals undertake a wide variety of administrative and legal work. The work our paralegals do is a key part of how we deliver legal services and they can choose to specialise in a specific area of the law. We have developed the Paralegal Centre of Excellence, which brings together a range of paralegal skills and capabilities and provides a variety of services to both our lawyers and our clients. These include flexible legal provision, legal project management, legal technology consultancy and managed legal services.

As an Apprentice Paralegal, you will join our Vario Paralegal Centre of Excellence, working alongside experienced paralegals and lawyers on client projects. Your specific experience will depend on the practice area you join (Employment & Reward, Corporate, Property, Banking & Restructuring, Litigation), but you will make a genuine contribution and will be continuously learning.

In addition to covering the training fees, we will also pay you a salary, which will enable you to ‘earn while you learn’.

 

2024 Intake

Successful candidates will start their roles in September/October 2024. This year our opportunities are available in:

  • Birmingham
  • Manchester

Applications for our 2024 Paralegal Apprenticeship programme closed on 12th February 2024 at 11.59PM.

 

Find out more about our Paralegal Apprenticeships

  • Studies

    As a part of your apprenticeship, you will study towards a Level 3 Paralegal Apprenticeship Standard delivered by the University of Law, the largest provider of legal education in the UK. You will spend one day per week studying legal foundation subjects and skills modules and preparing for a range of assessments. You will also complete regular tasks and receive feedback from your subject tutor, as well as meet with the Skills Coach to support your progress.

    Upon successful completion of the programme, you would have the opportunity to apply for roles such Assistant Paralegal, Paralegal, or Solicitor Apprentice, depending on role availability. You may also want to work towards one of the promoted roles within the Paralegal Centre of Excellence, including Senior Paralegal or Team Lead.

    If you are successful in securing a Solicitor Apprenticeship role following successful completion of the Paralegal Apprenticeship, the duration of the Solicitor Apprenticeship would be shortened to five years.

  • Responsibilities

    Alongside your studies, you can expect to be asked to do a wide variety of work. Some of it will be more administrative in nature, particularly in the early days of your career. Legal work will include helping to manage the documentation that is required in legal matters, including creating bundles of documents that will be used in court; drafting of legal documents such as contracts, settlement agreements and legal pleadings; legal research; helping to create and maintain template documents (precedents) that will be used in legal transactions; taking minutes and writing up notes for meetings or legal proceedings.

  • Support

    You will be supervised by an experienced Paralegal Manager and supported by your team and a dedicated Early Talent Team. You will receive full training which will combine on-the-job learning and formal structured sessions to ensure you are fully equipped to succeed in the role.

    As part of a friendly team, you will have opportunity to enjoy an active social life – this includes sports activities, charity work and meals out. You will also have the opportunity to work and network with other Apprentice Paralegals.

  • Personal qualities

    We are looking for candidates who are excellent team players and communicators. Strong attention to detail and good organisational skills are essential to this role. You should also be motivated, enthusiastic and passionate about law. Your openness to learn, take on new challenges, and use your initiative will also help you succeed.

  • Entry requirements

    • Minimum 5 GCSEs (or equivalent qualification), including Maths and English, at grade C or 4 or above.
    • Minimum 3 A-Levels (or other equivalent qualification) at grade C or above, or an equivalent qualification amounting to 96 UCAS points (obtained or predicted).

     

    Although we do have minimum academic requirements, we are willing to accept applications from candidates who have mitigating circumstances and feel like they can demonstrate the required qualities and behaviours. Please include your mitigating circumstances in the relevant section of the application form.

    Graduates or students who have completed more than one year of any degree (including law) are not eligible for the programme as their skills and knowledge exceed the level of this apprenticeship. Candidates who have already completed a legal apprenticeship are not eligible for this programme.

    Please note, due to the funding requirements all candidates must have the right to permanently live and work in the UK for the full duration of the apprenticeship.

  • Recruitment process

    We’ve designed our application process to ensure you’ll know the outcome in no more than three months after the application deadline. The below shows a typical recruitment and selection process. You’ll be given full details of the process in relation to your own recruitment as appropriate.

     

    01. Application form

    Tell us about yourself, your academic history and your employment history where applicable. We also gather information about you to support our contextualized recruitment approach.

     

    02. Online blended assessment

    The next stage of the recruitment process will involve completing our online blended assessment. This blended assessment incorporates situational judgment questions, case studies and a short recorded video interview allowing Pinsent Masons to see how well you would perform in different scenarios.

     

    03. Assessment centre

    If you pass the online assessment, we will invite you to one of our in-person assessment centres. You will complete three exercises over the day – this will include a one-to-one interview, a business simulation exercise and a case study.

     

    04. Review and offer

    Whatever the outcome, we will let you know as soon as we can after the assessment centre. If you display the key attributes we are looking for and perform well throughout the assessments, we will offer you an apprenticeship and talk you through next steps.

Business Operations Apprenticeships

Pull_out_UK_Ireland_2

As an apprentice you would join one of our Business Operations teams, providing vital business support to the rest of the firm. You will be working alongside experienced colleagues who will support you in your day-to-day work and help you reach your career goals. As well as gaining real business experience, you will also spend 20% of your time in off-the-job learning, either in small groups, face-to-face or from remote tutors. Our past Business Operations apprenticeship opportunities included roles in Finance, Responsible Business, Employer Branding and IT teams.

An apprenticeship is a great way to earn while you learn and may lead to an opportunity to progress onto a higher-level apprenticeship and/or secure a permanent role at Pinsent Masons.

We are looking for candidates who are driven, motivated, and have a genuine interest in the apprenticeship they are applying for. Strong attention to detail and excellent communication skills are essential, as well as good time management and organisational skills. Your enthusiasm and openness to learn and take on new challenges will also be key to your success.

 

2024 Intake - Level 3 Accounts Apprenticeship

Successful candidates will start their roles in September/October 2024. This year our opportunities are available in:

  • Birmingham
  • London

Applications for 2024 Accounts Apprenticeship programme closed on 16th February 2024 at 11.59PM.

 

Find out more about our Business Operations Apprenticeships

  • Entry requirements

    Entry requirements may differ depending on the type and level of each apprenticeship. All candidates need minimum 5 GCSEs (or equivalent qualification), including Maths and English, at grade C or 4 or above, as well as minimum 3 A-Levels (or other equivalent qualification). Please vie the job description of the role you are interested in for the full entry requirements.

    Although we do have minimum academic requirements, we are willing to accept applications from candidates who have mitigating circumstances and feel like they can demonstrate the required qualities and behaviours. Please include your mitigating circumstances in the relevant section of the application form.

    Please note, due to the funding requirements all candidates must have the right to permanently live and work in the UK for the full duration of the apprenticeship.

    We are currently finalising our recruitment plans for 2024 and hope to advertise our Business Operations apprenticeships in November/December 2023.

  • Recruitment process

    We have designed our application process to ensure you will know the outcome in no more than three months after the application deadline. The below shows a typical recruitment and selection process. You will be given full details of the process in relation to your own recruitment as appropriate.

     

    01. Online application

    You can find out more about the programmes and apply through our online application system. It’s a good idea to take your time when formulating your responses, and double-check everything before submitting your application. You should also make sure to include all achieved or predicted grades, full names of your qualifications, as well as any extracurricular/work experience.

     

    02. Assessment centre

    After the deadline, we will review all applications and if you are one of the candidates who best meet our requirements and eligibility criteria, we will invite you to an in-person assessment centre. Whatever the outcome, we will be in touch after we have interviewed all candidates, and can give you feedback on your application and overall performance, if that would be helpful.

     

    03. Review and offer

    Whatever the outcome, we will let you know as soon as we can after the assessment centre. If you display the key attributes we are looking for and perform well throughout the assessments, we will offer you an apprenticeship and talk you through next steps.

Developing your skills

Pull_out_UK_Ireland_3

As well as contributing to high-quality work, we want you to have the best possible apprenticeship experience. So, throughout your programme, you can look forward to:

  • Technical training specific to your department.
  • Soft skills training, applicable to your apprenticeship and future roles.
  • Employability skills training, both at Pinsent Masons and appointed training provider.
  • Networking opportunities at training sessions, webinars and social events.
  • Four days a week in our offices, working on live projects.
  • A dedicated study day each week at the training provider.

 

Icon showing a document and magnifying glass

A focus on detail

With a conscientious approach, you’ll have the ability to read and absorb large amounts of reference material and spot errors quickly. You’ll be a stickler for detail when it comes to your own writing too, ensuring it’s always clear and accurate.

An interest in business

An interest in business

We’re a commercial law firm, so you’ll have a genuine interest in how business works. That means keeping up-to-date with the latest business issues, as well as appreciating how legal expertise can support and steer commercial organisations.

Intellectual capability

Intellectual capability

You’ve the intellectual curiosity to explore new approaches and ask others’ opinions. With an analytical approach, you think things through and weigh up the implications, but also have the capacity to think on your feet to find solutions.

Openness

Openness

You’ll be approachable, outgoing and confident engaging with people from different backgrounds and experiences to your own. Whether you’re communicating with colleagues or clients, you’ll understand the need to adapt your message to suit your audience.

Personal drive

Personal drive

You’ll need to combine a real desire to be the best with the energy, ambition and enthusiasm to go the extra mile to succeed. With a can-do attitude, you’re always open to learning from your experience, so you can be even better next time.

Personal  responsibility

Personal responsibility

You understand that taking responsibility for your successes and acknowledging when things go wrong will help you to constantly improve and achieve your career aims. By knowing your strengths and weaknesses, you give others confidence in your abilities.

Confidence

Positive impact

With the self-assurance to voice your own opinions and defend your point of view when you need to, you’ll be a convincing and persuasive communicator. But you’ll also have the self-awareness to ask for help when you need it.

Self_organisation

Self-organisation

You understand priorities and monitor your progress towards set objectives. By being well-organised and planning and managing your work efficiently, you make sure you always deliver quality work on time.

Latest blogs

Paralegal Apprenticeships: Socials and Networking
Paralegal Apprenticeships

Paralegal Apprenticeships: Socials and Networking

Apprentice Paralegals work with colleagues to support legal teams whilst also working towards their apprenticeship qualification. Read more about their social and networking experience so far at Pinsent Masons.

Year 4 solicitor apprentice and her supervisor share their experience
SOLICITOR APPRENTICESHIPS

Year 4 solicitor apprentice and her supervisor share their experience

Hear from Alex Barry, 4th year Solicitor Apprentice within Finance and Projects based in Manchester and her supervisor Simon Stubbs, Senior Associate with Pinsent Masons, as they share their experiences and discuss benefits of apprenticeships.

My journey from apprentice paralegal to senior paralegal
PARALEGAL APPRENTICESHIPS

My journey from apprentice paralegal to senior paralegal

Nicole joined Pinsent Masons as an Apprentice Paralegal and celebrates a recent promotion. Read about Nicole’s chosen career, her thoughts about the apprenticeship route, and her achievements.

 

LinkedIn Instagram

We are processing your request. \n Thank you for your patience. An error occurred. This could be due to inactivity on the page - please try again.