Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship

Are you under the age of 22?

You may be eligible for government-funded training on the Level 7 Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship. Find out how this programme and alternative routes can support your journey into the legal profession.

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Are you aged 22 and over?

From January 2026, government funding for Level 7 solicitor apprenticeships is no longer available for those aged 22 and over. Explore alternative routes designed to help you qualify and progress your career.

Yes I am

What You Need to Know About The Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship

This Level 7 Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship is a 36 month programme that prepares you for the solicitor role on how to manage cases, draft legal documents, handle sensitive information, and meet professional deadlines with confidence. You receive full SQE preparation throughout the programme and complete the SQE assessments at the end, leading to a Level 7 Solicitor qualification.

From January 2026, funding rules have changed. Government funding is no longer available for those aged 22 and over on Level 7 apprenticeships, although individuals aged 21 and under can still access government funding. If you are aged 22 or above, there are still clear routes into the profession. Datalaw offers alternative pathways designed to help you achieve the same end goal through practical, career-focused training.

Organisations Who Chose This Programme With Datalaw

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Looking For More Details? Download Our Programme Brochure

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Pathways For Learners Under The Age of 22

If you’re under 22, you could be eligible for a few of our government-funded programmes across a range of legal apprenticeship pathways. With Datalaw, you can choose the route that best fits your current experience and long-term career goals.

Pathways For Learners Aged 22 and Over

At Datalaw we have alternative routes for those who are no longer eligible for Level 7 government funding. Both these pathways depend on your experience, career ambitions, and how quickly you want to progress.

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Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship Curriculum and Alternative Routes

Explore what you’ll learn on the Level 7 Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship, alongside alternative pathways and how they compare.

Eligibility Criteria

Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship
  • You must hold a 2:1 law degree or above, or an equivalent qualification.
  • To be in an appropriate role and on the payroll within a legal team.
  • You must spend at least 50% of your working time in England.
  • Must be aged 21 on the first day of learning,
Advanced Paralegal & Chartered Legal Executive Apprenticeship
  • You must hold a Level 3 Paralegal qualification; 2:2 Law, 2:1 Law, or Non-Law Degree: or PGDL/GDL
  • Pathways differentiate based on legal experience bands: 0–2 years, 2–5 years, 5+ years.
  • You must spend at least 50% of your working time in England.
Register Interest

Government Funding Rules

Confused about how apprenticeship government funding works? Download our helpful guide to gain a clearer understanding on:
  • The difference between levy and non-levy paying businesses
  • Identify what type of businesses you are and where funding applies
  • Understanding where government funding can be applied
If you would like further support on government funding and how we can train your employees, our Apprenticeship Coordinators would be happy to talk you through it.
Download Funding Guide
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Trusted by Over 27,000 Professionals

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Chat With One Of Our Apprenticeship Coordinators

Ready to take the next step or unsure which pathway is right for you? Speak directly with one of our Apprenticeship Coordinators for personalised guidance based on your experience and career goals.
 
They can help you:
  • Understand which apprenticeship route is best suited to you
  • Explain eligibility, funding, and next steps
  • Talk through career progression options in law
  • Answer any questions you may have before applying
If you’d like tailored advice, simply get in touch and our team will be happy to guide you through your options.
Register Interest

Why Organisations & Employers Choose Datalaw

Datalaw stands out because we:
  • Provide transparent support on how to reduce training costs through funding
  • Improve retention through clear career progression
  • Support apprentices throughout their journey with dedicated tutors
  • Offer multiple starts dates in the year to work around your schedule
A partnership that supports long-term growth: With Datalaw, your employees are supported at every stage of their career. From entry-level legal roles through to fully qualified professionals with practice rights, we provide clear progression pathways tailored to your firm’s needs. Beyond qualification, we continue that support through ongoing CPD training and further accreditations, helping your team develop, retain talent, and stay ahead in a changing legal landscape.
Register Interest For Employers
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Join Our Community

The most attractive thing to me was having the opportunity to study whilst also working. The practical experience is perfect for gaining the relevant transferable skills…It also means that once you’ve qualified, you are already established.
Meet Klara, one of Datalaw's Learners. Join over 27,000 professionalls who use Datalaw for legal training including the data protection qualification.
Klara Karimy
Datalaw Graduate Solicitor Apprentice
Play Video about A Graduate Law Apprentice points to a printed legal textbook page titled “Misrepresentation” while studying, with a laptop open in the background. On-screen text reads, “so far I’ve developed essential skills for being a solicitor,” highlighting the hands-on learning experience of the Graduate Law Apprenticeship.
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 Graduate Solicitor Apprentice
Play Video about Evening view of a waterfront with lit cable cars and modern buildings in the background. Overlaid text reads “And studying for the SQE,” reflecting the experience of a Graduate Law Apprentice balancing SQE preparation with real-world training.
The apprenticeship has helped me with the SQE, especially with workshops, they give us a lot of practice questions, which are the same format as the SQE… I’m getting quite a few answers right, but when I do get an answer wrong, they explain it really thoroughly to us.
Alyssia Sableski
Datalaw Graduate Solicitor Apprentice
Play Video about Computer screen showing a Zoom Workplace virtual meeting interface with a waiting room message for 'Nov 24 Grad Cohort - Dispute Resolution 2 - Day 3'. White text overlay reads 'where I'm fully supported through each session'. This image demonstrates the online learning support system available to graduate solicitor apprenticeship students, showing how they receive comprehensive guidance during virtual training sessions and workshops.

Powerful Results

Place your professional development in the hands of trusted experts. We’re proud to support the growth of thousands of professionals each year, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to excel. At the same time, we help businesses strengthen their teams and build robust talent pipelines to drive future success.

90%

of our apprentices are satisfied with their learning experience.

94%

of learners gain promotions or progress onto further stud

100%

pass rate & distinction score on the new paralegal apprenticeship standards.

Ready to Begin? Register Your Interest Today!

Register Interest

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Chartered Legal Executive Apprenticeship

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