It’s that time of the year around National Careers Week where more often than not I am away from my desk at school careers fairs and employer talks, speaking to hundreds of students, parents and carers about careers in law and the various routes to qualification as a solicitor. It is without doubt one of the highlights of my role: I love hearing about students’ future aspirations and consider it such a privilege to contribute to their career journey in any small way I am able to, whether that be answering their questions or sharing work experience and apprenticeship opportunities available at Feldon Dunsmore.

Apprenticeships in particular continue to be a hot topic and it’s no surprise why. An alternative route to qualification as a solicitor, apprenticeships are designed for those that are not suited to, or interested in, the traditional University degree route. They provide opportunities to work with experienced professionals on real-world work, gaining hands-on experience alongside practical studies all without the burden of student debt, earning a salary instead.

Some of the questions I am asked most frequently about apprenticeships:

How do apprentices study?

20% of an apprentice’s working hours must be dedicated to study. At Feldon Dunsmore, our apprentices spend one clear day out of the working week studying at home. They also log time they spend learning/practicing anything new during their in-office working days.

Do apprentices have to attend University/college for their study time?

This varies between individual law firms’ apprenticeship programmes and whether an apprenticeship includes a degree award. At Feldon Dunsmore, apprentices do not need to travel to a University/college on their study days. Their training programme is instead delivered online by our training partner Damar Training, giving apprentices the flexibility to study from home.

Online training includes live workshops, group coaching and strategy sessions, lectures and videos and an AI-powered learning platform which shows progress, flexes content and questioning to develop strength areas and identify and concentrate on areas that are not as strong. Apprentices also have the support of a dedicated coach at Damar Training who reviews progress and signs off completed modules. This is in addition to Feldon Dunsmore’s trademark high-level personalised support available within the team, including a mentor supervisor, regular group and individual training sessions, webinars and access to dedicated early talent support.

Do solicitor apprentices receive a degree?

This too varies between individual law firms’ apprenticeship programmes. Some will incorporate a separate degree award in addition to qualification as a solicitor: Typically these type of apprenticeships will take around 6 years. The apprenticeship route at Feldon Dunsmore takes around 5 years and whilst apprentices do not receive a physical degree award on paper on completion, they will have completed a Level 7 apprenticeship which is equivalent to a master’s degree, and have qualified as a solicitor.

Do apprentices get paid?

Yes, apprentices are paid a full-time salary.

Will someone who has qualified as a solicitor via the apprenticeship route be on an equal footing to someone who has qualified via the University degree route?

Yes, absolutely! The solicitor apprenticeship incorporates the same exams and qualifying work experience required of someone who progresses through the University degree route. Sometimes, apprenticeships are seen as ‘lower quality’ than university degrees however this is categorically not true. In fact, apprentice solicitors taking the Solicitors Qualifying Examinations achieve higher pass rates than those with a University degree!

Is the apprenticeship route easier than going to University?

Whilst the method and approach to learning is different between the two routes, undertaking an apprenticeship is by no means an easy option - it takes a hard-working, dedicated individual to succeed. Typically, the University route incorporates more theoretical learning about law, whilst apprenticeships focus on the knowledge and skills required for a successful legal career.

I’m interested in law but not sure whether I want to be a solicitor – is the apprenticeship route right for me?

The end outcome of the apprenticeship route is qualifying as a solicitor – it is specifically designed for those who want to become a solicitor. If you are not sure whether it’s the career for you, an apprenticeship may not be the best route. Consider undertaking work experience to gain more insight into the day-to-day work of a solicitor and, if you’re still not sure, consider the University law degree route: Obtaining a law degree can build many transferable skills and lead to many career paths in addition to being a solicitor.

What A levels should I take if I want to do a legal apprenticeship, and what grades do I need to achieve?

Entry requirements for apprenticeships will vary between law firms. The Solicitors’ Regulation Authority’s recommended minimum entry requirements, which Feldon Dunsmore require, are 3 A levels (or equivalent) at minimum grade C (plus 5 GCSEs (or equivalent), including Maths and English, at grade 4 or above). At Feldon Dunsmore, we do not have a specific preference on A level subjects, provided a candidate can demonstrate they have acquired skills in a particular subject that are transferable to the apprenticeship and a legal career.

Do you have any apprenticeship vacancies?

We are currently looking for two candidates to commence their apprenticeship journey with us in September 2026. Applications are open now and will be accepted until Monday 23rd March so if you are interested, now is the time to take action! Further details about our apprenticeship scheme, eligibility criteria and the application process can be found on our website.

This is an opportunity to not just learn the law and practical skills required to be a solicitor, but to be a part of an employee-owned firm that values its people and fosters a culture of success.

Thank you to all those schools we have attended so far this academic year and we look forward to seeing others in the coming weeks.

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