Government Funded

Solicitor Apprenticeship

 

Begin your journey to becoming a solicitor without the high cost. The Solicitor Apprenticeship includes full SQE preparation and exam fees, offering a fully funded route to legal qualification, so you can achieve your career goals without worrying about fees.

Testimonial image featuring Alyssia Sableski, a smiling young woman with long blonde hair wearing a black top, standing in a modern office environment. The quote reads: 'I love having my 1-to-1 coach, she is brilliant... she is really supportive and we have a lovely chat figuring out what my goals are and navigating through what I need to achieve for my SQE.' Attribution shows she is a Graduate Solicitor Apprentice. The image includes logos for Ofsted Good Provider, Department for Education, Apprenticeships, and datalaw, highlighting the solicitor apprenticeship programme.

Trusted Provider For Over 27,000 Professionals

Logo strip for social proof displaying law firm partners and employers who have used Datalaw for SQE apprenticeship opportunities. Featured firms include Slater and Gordon, Sills & Betteridge Solicitors, Courmacs Legal Ltd, Legal Justice Solicitors, Veritas Solicitors, Berwins, Bromleys, Symes Burns & Broomer Solicitors, Nigel Lewis Solicitors, Fraser Hollands, Cousins Fyrer Solicitors, Mary Monson Solicitors, and Hine Solicitors. This collection represents the diverse range of legal practices that are using Datalaw to train their staff through the apprenticeship route.

Solicitor Apprenticeship Overview

Datalaw’s Solicitor Apprenticeships offer candidates the chance to learn legal essentials whilst also preparing for real job role scenarios and understanding the responsibilities of a solicitor.

The Solicitor Apprenticeship helps you develop essential legal skills, including managing deadlines, handling confidential information, drafting documents, conducting legal research, and overseeing cases from beginning to end. You’ll benefit from structured SQE preparation throughout the programme and take the exams at the final stage. Once completed, you’ll earn your Level 7 Solicitor Qualification and be ready to practise as a solicitor.

  • Government funded to cover the cost of SQE and legal training.
  • Career focused curriculum, ensuring your ready for a solicitor role.
  • Receive your full Level 7 Solicitor Qualification upon completion.
  • No travel required as all workshops are conducted via Zoom
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Register interest for the Solicitor Apprenticeship
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* Please note: Datalaw is the training provider only and does not offer recruitment services. You must be employed by a legal organisation for eligibility.

420+

Organisations in the UK Trust Datalaw for Legal Training

27,000+

Professionals Have Chosen Us as their Training Provider

90%

Learner Satisfaction for Our Online Training and Support

Solicitor Apprenticeship Benefits

Fully Funded Qualification Route
Thanks to government funding from the Department for Education, the Solicitor Apprenticeship covers the full cost of SQE1 and SQE2 exams, plus all necessary preparation courses. This means you can train as a solicitor without any tuition fees or hidden expenses.
Real-World Legal Training

The programme is built around the SQE curriculum and designed to reflect real-life legal work. Through scenario-based learning, you’ll gain the confidence and competence to manage cases, communicate with clients, and work independently in a legal setting.

One-to-One Tutor Support
Throughout your law apprenticeship, you’ll be guided by a dedicated personal tutor who has their own background in law. They’ll help you stay on track with your studies, build effective revision strategies, and maximise your chances of passing the SQE assessments successfully.

Academic & Practical Legal Skills

You’ll study key areas of English law while learning how to apply that knowledge within a law firm. From client care to legal drafting, the programme ensures you develop both the theoretical understanding and practical experience needed in day-to-day legal practice.

Qualifying Work Experience Included

While you study, you’ll also complete the Qualifying Work Experience (QWE) required by the SRA. This means by the end of the programme, you’ll have both your solicitor qualification and the practical experience to apply for full solicitor status.

Mentored by Legal Professionals

Learn directly from legal experts who understand the UK legal system inside out. You’ll be supported by experienced professionals who will share real insight into the profession, helping you develop the legal mindset and skills needed for long-term success.

Grace Roberts, a Datalaw Apprentice, shares her experience gaining a legal qualification through hands-on legal work and real-world training in a law firm. This reflects Datalaw's Solicitor Apprenticeships.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for Datalaw’s Solicitor Apprenticeship, certain criteria must be met before progressing to the next stage of the process.

  • You must be employed by a UK legal organisation.
  • You must spend at least 50% of your working time in England.
  • You must not be currently enrolled on another government funded programme.

What Support Do I Get During My Solicitor Apprenticeship?

At Datalaw, we understand that balancing legal training, preparing for your SQE exams, and managing your day-to-day work responsibilities can feel overwhelming. That’s why, from the moment you enrol, you’ll be assigned a dedicated personal tutor. Your tutor will support you throughout the programme, helping you stay focused, confident, and fully prepared for your SQE assessments. Regular one-to-one check-ins ensure you’re coping well, progressing steadily, and staying on track to succeed.

Testimonial image featuring Helen Brownlee-Rowe, a smiling woman with dark hair wearing a patterned blouse, sitting at a desk with a laptop and coffee mug in a home office setting. The quote reads: 'I would definitely recommend Datalaw. They give you the full package of support...they give you a mentor, monthly workshops, and they'll take you through all the theory whilst encouraging you to build you practical portfolio as well.' Attribution shows she is a Graduate Solicitor Apprentice. The image includes logos for Ofsted Good Provider, Department for Education, and datalaw, showcasing the comprehensive support available through the graduate solicitor apprenticeship programme.
A female solicitor smiling beside a testimonial quote praising Datalaw’s Solicitor Apprenticeship, highlighting its positive impact on apprentices. Logos for Ofsted, the Department for Education, and Datalaw are also visible.

How Does the Solicitor Apprenticeship Benefit Employers?

At Datalaw, we work in partnership with employers to ensure the Solicitor Apprenticeship aligns with your firm’s objectives and practice areas. This government-funded programme covers the full cost of SQE exams and legal training, making it a cost-effective way to develop your workforce. Your employees gain practical, role-specific legal expertise while working, and upon completion, you’ll have a fully qualified solicitor who is confident, independent, and ready to make a positive impact within your organisation.

Get More Information From One of Our Expert Apprenticeship Coordinators

Get information on start dates, funding, how to apply, employer support, and more.

Meet Our Solicitor Apprentices

The most attractive thing to me about this apprenticeship was having the opportunity to study whilst also working. The practical experience is perfect for gaining the relevant transferable skills which inevitably helps you with the SQE.
Klara Karimy
Datalaw Solicitor Apprentice
Study scene showing a hand holding a pen over legal documents and papers, with a laptop computer open in the background displaying text on screen. Pink text overlay reads 'so far I've developed essential skills for being a solicitor'. The image captures the practical learning experience of a SQE apprenticeship, showing the combination of digital and paper-based legal work that apprentices engage with while developing their professional skills and studying for qualification.

The most important thing ultimately is the hands on experience but embedded with the theoretical knowledge. I’m doing my workshops where I’m learning all different things and then I’m actually applying them to my everyday work which is so beneficial.

Rio Kellman
Datalaw Solicitor Apprentice
Thumbnail image showing Rio Kellman, an apprentice on Datalaw's SQE Apprenticeship. This thumbnail displays a question "How has the SQE apprenticeship been beneficial for you? and a photo of Rio.
I’m gaining my experience at my law firm, continuing to build my career, and studying for the SQE at the same time whilst getting paid. If you’re struggling to find the best route for you. I would definitely consider the apprenticeship route.
Malachi Cole
Datalaw Solicitor Apprentice
This is a thumbnail for a video that includes the evening cityscape showing a waterfront scene with illuminated purple cable car gondolas crossing overhead against a dusky blue sky. The image features a modern building with warm lighting reflected in the water below, with a small boat visible on the water. Large white text overlay reads 'And studying for the SQE'. This image is from a learner on the SQE apprenticeship who will be discussing the programme and the inclusion of the the Solicitors Qualifying Examination while balancing work and life commitments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can benefit from the solicitor apprenticeship?

The Solicitor Apprenticeship is ideal for professionals already working in legal roles, such as paralegals, legal assistants, trainee legal executives, or in-house legal staff, who are ready to take the next step toward solicitor qualification. Delivered by Datalaw and fully funded by the UK government, it provides an affordable and supported route to qualification, making it an excellent option for individuals aiming to progress and for employers investing in long-term legal talent.

Who can benefit from the solicitor apprenticeship?

The Solicitor Apprenticeship is ideal for professionals already working in legal roles, such as paralegals, legal assistants, trainee legal executives, or in-house legal staff, who are ready to take the next step toward solicitor qualification. Delivered by Datalaw and fully funded by the UK government, it provides an affordable and supported route to qualification, making it an excellent option for individuals aiming to progress and for employers investing in long-term legal talent.

How much does the apprenticeship cost?

The Solicitor Apprenticeship is supported by government funding, making it a highly affordable training route for both employers and aspiring solicitors. For levy-paying organisations, the full cost (up to £27,000) can be covered through Apprenticeship Levy contributions. Smaller firms that don’t pay the levy can still benefit, with the government funding 95% of the programme and the employer contributing just 5%. This funding model removes the financial barrier to qualification, offering a debt-free alternative to traditional solicitor training and an accessible way for firms to grow their legal talent in-house.

What qualification will I receive?

The Solicitor Apprenticeship provides a practical, career-focused route to becoming a qualified solicitor. Designed for those working in legal roles, the programme combines day-to-day legal experience with structured training and built-in preparation for both SQE1 and SQE2 assessments. Completing the programme leads to a recognised Level 7 qualification, and successful apprentices can apply to the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) for admission as a solicitor in England and Wales.

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Approved Training Provider

Datalaw is approved by the Department for Education, enabling us to secure government funding on your organisation’s behalf for this law apprenticeship. This means you can achieve your solicitor qualification and advance your career without any financial burden. Register your interest to learn the next steps.