Solicitor Apprenticeship
Nottingham Trent University has been successfully delivering higher and degree apprenticeships since 2015, and with Nottingham Law School’s 60 years of legal excellence, we have a proven track record of shaping top-tier legal professionals.
How does our apprenticeship work?
The Level 7 Solicitor Apprenticeship is a dynamic six-year distance learning program designed to forge the next generation of legal professionals. This apprenticeship combines the six foundational subjects traditionally found in a law degree with comprehensive preparation for the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE).
The course is split into two stages, allowing students to join at either point:
Stage One (Years 1-4): Students will complete our LLB (Hons) Law by Distance Learning course, equipping them with a strong foundation in the principles of law.
Stage Two (Years 5-6): Here, focus shifts to preparing for the SQE, moving from what the SRA describes as 'Functioning Legal Knowledge', to the application of this to 'Practical Legal Skills'. During these two years, students will earn a Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) upon successful completion of 120 credits. This stage also involves the on-programme assessment (SQE 1) and the End Point Assessment (SQE 2) (both separate from the NTU assessment regime), will result in the apprentice's admittance to the Roll of Solicitors, allowing them to practice as a solicitor in England and Wales.
Successfully completing both stages and passing the SQE 1 and 2 exams will result in the apprentice's admittance for the Roll of Solicitors, allowing them to practice as a solicitor in England and Wales.
Graduates will emerge with an LLB law degree, a Postgraduate Diploma, and the readiness to excel in the new Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE), leading to formal qualification as a solicitor.
Level 7 Solicitor Degree Apprenticeship
This six-year, distance learning apprenticeship is intended for post-A level school leavers, paralegals, chartered legal executives and those seeking a career change, who wish to qualify as a solicitor.
Who can apply for our apprenticeship?
The apprenticeship is aimed at post-A Level school leavers, paralegals, chartered legal executives and those seeking a career change, who wish to qualify as a solicitor. It is recommended that applicants are employed in a legal environment for 30 hours or more a week, with at least 50% of their time based in England.
Applicants must be sponsored by an employer to undertake an apprenticeship at NLS.
When does the apprenticeship start?
The L7 Solicitor Apprenticeship starts in September each year.