Level 7 Solicitor Apprenticeship; Public Law & Human Rights

Overview

A Solicitor Apprentice in our Public Law & Human Rights (PLHR) team will support fee‑earners over a six‑year period across matters spanning the Court of Protection, health & social care, civil liberties and education, including judicial reviews, inquests, serious medical treatment applications, Mental Capacity/Mental Health Act issues and challenges to public authorities. The apprentice will undertake supervised tasks such as taking new client instructions, gathering evidence, legal research and drafting, preparing bundles and assisting at hearings, with increasing complexity as competence grows.

The Irwin Mitchell Solicitor Apprenticeship is a six‑year programme. You will gain an LLB (Hons) in Legal Practice from BPP and, at the end of the programme, qualify as a solicitor after achieving the Solicitors Qualifying Examination SQE 1 and SQE 2, along with two years’ qualifying work experience. All tuition fees are paid and you earn a salary whilst training. The programme combines practical work‑based learning with formal study, allowing you to gain real‑life experience in the UK’s largest full‑service law firm and develop legal and commercial understanding.

Throughout the six years you will work four days a week and study one day with BPP, while your studying, office role and portfolio commitments are supervised in a coordinated manner.

• Support senior lawyers on a wide range of public law and human rights matters.
• Take new client instructions and gather evidence.
• Conduct legal research and draft documents.
• Prepare case bundles and assist at hearings.
• Progress to more complex tasks as competence grows.

Academic requirements:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9‑4 (or equivalent), including Maths and English.
• 3 A‑Levels at grade B or above (or equivalent).
• Strong academic results are required; workplace experience is an advantage.

We seek individuals who are resilient, creative thinkers, adaptable, and who embody our values. Excellent communication skills, attention to detail, ability to follow instructions and work as part of a team are essential. Empathy and compassion to guide clients through challenging circumstances are also important.

This apprenticeship is part of our commitment to being an inclusive employer. It is not open to people with degrees. If you have a degree and wish to become a solicitor, see our Graduate Recruitment site for other opportunities.

• Strengths‑based assessment – video interview and online test (approx. 2 hours, 7 days to complete).
• Virtual Assessment Centre (May 2026) – group exercise, interview, written exercise.
• Successful candidates begin the apprenticeship in September 2026 and receive a permanent contract from day one.

We are a national law firm with a local reach, dedicated to clients’ important moments with technical excellence and empathy. You will be part of an inclusive environment where your individuality matters.

• Starting salary of £24,479 (regional) and £26,936 (London) from day one; review each year.
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays; option to buy up to 35 hrs of extra holiday.
• Generous and flexible pension schemes.
• Two paid volunteering days per year.
• Westfield Health membership and Aviva Digital GP services.
• Well‑being initiatives supporting mental health inside and outside work.

• Best Workplaces for Wellbeing – Large Organisations 2024.
• Great Place to Work – 5 years running.
• Sunday Times Best Place to Work 2025.

• Disability Confident Level 3 Leader.
• Colleague‑led inclusion networks across the business.

• Programmes reflecting our purpose and values.
• Commitment to social responsibility, community investment and tackling climate change (People, Community, Environment, Pro Bono).