Our six-year solicitor apprenticeship offers the perfect blend of hands-on learning in a dynamic commercial law firm, earning a salary alongside your academic study. You'll build your legal career from day one, gaining practical experience across a range of practice areas while working towards a qualifying law degree (LLB), the SQE and a Level 7 solicitor apprenticeship qualification. Supported by experienced colleagues, you will develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence to become a commercially minded solicitor, benefiting from a clear pathway to qualification.
We're looking for ambitious, resilient and collaborative individuals who are committed to a career in law and share our values of achieving more together. In return, you'll receive structured support, mentoring and development opportunities throughout your apprenticeship, helping you grow both personally and professionally as you work towards qualification.
At Mills & Reeve, we believe the best way to learn is through real work and meaningful responsibility. As a solicitor apprentice, you'll spend four days each week gaining practical experience alongside our lawyers and one day studying.
Whether you are at the start of your career or exploring alternatives to full-time university study, our solicitor degree apprenticeship provides an opportunity to start your legal career, gain a recognised qualification and make a meaningful contribution from the very beginning.
Solicitor degree apprenticeships
Our six-year solicitor apprenticeship offers the perfect blend of hands-on learning in a dynamic commercial law firm earning a salary alongside your academic study.
Key dates...
Applications open: 12th October 2026
Applications close: 18th February 2027
Assessment centres: 15th - 19th March 2027
Start date: September 2027
Applications for our next cohort of solicitor degree apprentices will open in October 2026, with successful candidates beginning their roles in September 2027.
Immerse yourself in practical experience by spending four days a week working under the supervision of our qualified lawyers, and one dedicated study day working towards your legal qualifications. You'll gain a level 7 apprenticeship award, a qualifying law degree (LLB) and the solicitors qualifying examinations (SQE). You’ll spend time in a variety of teams, gaining exposure to different areas of law, to build technical excellency and skills enabling you to provide the best service to our clients.
Our solicitor apprentices will be based at either our Birmingham, Manchester or Norwich office.
Our solicitor apprenticeship is designed for people at the beginning of their professional journey who are looking to combine paid work with studying towards solicitor qualification. We're looking for people who are bright, ambitious and keen to learn, but who also share our collaborative approach.
We don't expect you to have legal experience. Instead, we're interested in your potential, your attitude and your willingness to grow. You will be someone who enjoys working with others, communicates effectively, takes pride in producing high-quality work and is motivated to make a positive contribution to our clients, colleagues and communities.
Many successful applicants will be completing, or have completed, A-levels (or equivalent qualifications), although we welcome applications from anyone who meets the eligibility requirements and can demonstrate the skills and potential needed to succeed on the programme.
To apply, you:
- Will need a minimum of five GCSEs at Grade 5/C or above, including English and Mathematics
- Will need BBB at A-level (or equivalent qualifications worth at least 120 UCAS points)
- Must be eligible under the relevant apprenticeship rules to undertake a Level 7 Solicitor Apprenticeship in England
- Must have the right to live and work in the UK throughout the programme
At Mills & Reeve, we pride ourselves on our supportive and collaborative culture. Ranked as one of The Sunday Times Best Places to work 2025, Legal Cheek best law firm for training 2025, and a Platinum Investor in People, we offer a work environment where people thrive and others want to join.
I have support requirements – how can I get in touch?
If you have any support requirements, adjustments, additional or cultural needs please do get in touch at the earliest opportunity so that appropriate arrangements can be made. Click here for some examples of adjustments we can implement. Please contact us at [email protected] or [email protected] if you'd like a confidential chat.
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People perspectives
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