Solicitor Apprenticeship

Considering a career in law but not sure where to start?

We couldn't be more excited to expand our Solicitor Apprenticeship programme this year. The programme offers hands‑on experience, expert mentorship, and a path to a law degree and qualification as a solicitor, empowering a new generation to excel within the legal profession.

Our four UK offices — Birmingham, Exeter, London and Manchester — are each offering two spots for apprentices on the programme, which means you can start your career closer to home.

The key dates for the application period and the commencement of the Solicitor Apprenticeship are
:

• Applications open: 1 October 2025
• Applications close: 20 February 2026
• Assessment centres:
  March 2026

We created a different route into our firm because we believe in making the legal profession an even playing field. One where success is not based on someone’s background, but on their unique perspectives, drive and work ethic.

If you’re considering a career in law but aren’t sure where to start, or if you’ve just begun to explore the idea of becoming a solicitor, this opportunity is for you.

During the first four years of the programme, you will complete your law degree while undertaking yearly rotations across different departments, gaining broad exposure and experience. In the final year and a half, while completing the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE), you will move into six‑month departmental rotations to deepen your practical knowledge and skills.

You’ll be involved in real work, collaborating closely with your colleagues at all levels and getting a feel for the welcoming and supportive Trowers & Hamlins culture.

We look for candidates who have achieved, or who are on track to achieve, a minimum of 128 UCAS points (ABB) from their top three A‑Levels or equivalent, and a minimum of 6 GCSEs with a Grade 6/B or above in English and Mathematics. We take into account mitigating circumstances and do not automatically reject candidates who do not reach this minimum criteria.

You are eligible to apply for our programme if you have either already completed your A‑levels (or equivalent), or are on track to complete your A‑levels (or equivalent), by summer 2026. This programme is not aimed at university graduates or undergraduates — please see the other programmes on our website if you are in this category.

All kinds of individuals build careers, connections, and flourish at Trowers & Hamlins, but there are a few things that they all have in common. We’re looking for people who can excel within our core values:

• We savour success
• We are driven by innovation
• We’re not afraid to be human

We believe certain skills are necessary to help you succeed and thrive at the firm:

• A growth mindset – strong candidates are open to learning and feedback, always striving to develop
• Adaptability – being able to adapt to new circumstances and environments
• Analytical mindset – being able to analyse and interpret problems with sound judgement
• Collaboration skills – being able to build relationships with colleagues and achieve results through teamwork
• Commercial awareness – an awareness of the business world in which the firm operates and how this may impact us and our clients
• Communication skills – being able to explain complex issues, whether written or verbal, to others in a clear and easy to understand manner
• Innovation – curiosity about the market and the future of the industry
• Judgement – developing informed opinions after careful consideration and utilising available resources
• Personal responsibility – a willingness to take ownership of tasks
• Resilience – having a determined and positive attitude in overcoming obstacles and change

The application process begins with our online application form. You will be asked to provide details about your education, work experience/employment history and will be asked to answer a series of additional long-answer questions.

Once you have submitted your application, you will automatically be invited to take our…