My route into law: Life as a Solicitor Apprentice at Ellis Jones Solicitors

When people think about qualifying as a solicitor, the LPC or SQE route is usually what first comes to mind. The Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship route is still less familiar to a lot of people, and I am often asked what it actually involves.

Why I chose the Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship route

I am currently studying for a Level 7 Solicitor Apprenticeship, whilst also working as a Trainee Solicitor at Ellis Jones. Because I already have a Law degree, my programme (as a Graduate Apprenticeship) runs over two years on an accelerated basis, as opposed to the 6-year Non-Graduate Apprenticeship. For me, one of the biggest benefits of this route is being able to work and study at the same time, rather than treating each stage as completely separate; thus saving time, and being able to ‘earn whilst I learn’.

My apprenticeship is structured in a similar way to a traditional training contract, with seat rotations every six months through different contentious and non-contentious departments within the firm. That structure has given me the opportunity to experience different areas of law, build confidence in practice, and start to work out where I may want to specialise in the future. As at the time of writing this piece, I have completed a seat in our Wills, Trusts, and Probate team, as well as our Dispute Resolution team.

Throughout the apprenticeship, I typically work four days a week at Ellis Jones and spend one day a week studying in-person at Bournemouth University.

Learning through real client work

During my days in the office, I am part of the team and involved in real client work. This can include drafting documents, assisting fee earners, carrying out research, helping progress matters, attending conferences, liaising with Counsel, and helping with clients. Trainees and Apprentices alike are expected to learn quickly, take responsibility for your work, and meet the same professional standards as everyone else, but in return the exposure to interesting and engaging work has been really helpful for putting my apprenticeship studies into context.

Bringing academic learning into practice

My study day at Bournemouth University is focused on SQE1 and SQE2-style learning, combining legal knowledge with the practical skills needed in practice. What I have found most useful is how often the academic side links directly with the work I am doing at Ellis Jones. It is common to study a topic and then see the same issue arise on a file shortly afterwards, which makes the learning feel much more relevant and much more easy to relate to and understand.

I have also enjoyed studying alongside other people working at local firms. Everyone brings different experience from their own workplace, which makes the discussions more practical and gives a better sense of how legal issues are handled across the local profession – allowing us to discuss issues confidentiality and form a collegiate relationship amongst apprentices in the local area.

Applying what you learn in practice

For me, the main difference with the apprenticeship route is that you are applying what you learn as you go. You are not just studying law in theory and waiting until later to use it; you are seeing how it works in real matters, with real clients, real deadlines, and real consequences. That has helped me develop a much more practical way of thinking and has made the transition into legal work feel much more natural.

Challenging misconceptions about apprenticeships

The word apprentice can sometimes give people the wrong impression. In my experience at Ellis Jones, I am treated in exactly the same way as a trainee solicitor. I am supported, but I am also trusted with meaningful work and expected to take ownership of the tasks I am given. It has never felt like a lesser version of training. If anything, learning while working on a level as a trainee solicitor has pushed me to develop more quickly – whilst also avoiding any graduate student finance, and being paid to study rather than having to take a year out to study, or to study in my own time.

That does not mean the route is easy. Balancing a busy working week with studying and personal life takes organisation and discipline. I have found that treating the SQE as a marathon rather than a sprint is the best approach. It is about staying consistent, keeping on top of the work, and asking for support when needed.

Advice for aspiring solicitors

For anyone thinking about their route into law, my advice would be not to be put off by the title of the apprenticeship. It is a demanding route, but it is also a genuinely rewarding one. If you want to take on responsibility early, learn through practical experience, and earn while you qualify, it is definitely worth considering.

I am still learning as I go, but that is part of what I enjoy about it. Every week brings something different, and working at Ellis Jones alongside my university study has shown me how valuable this route can be for developing both legal knowledge and practical confidence.

Interested in joining us?

We are proud of our values and culture. If you think that you would fit into our culture, please give us at least one example of how in a covering letter attaching your CV. Please send your CV/Covering letter to recruitment@ellisjones.co.uk.

For more information, visit our key dates page for legal placements, vacation schemes and training contracts.