Solicitor Apprenticeship Programme

Our six-year Solicitor Apprenticeship Programme is designed for bright and motivated school leavers interested in a career in commercial law, and will offer you the breadth of experience and training needed to become a multi-specialist lawyer, equipped to advise on a broad range of legal matters.

The Solicitor Apprenticeship Programme:

During your first four years as a Solicitor Apprentice, you will rotate annually through a range of practice areas. This will allow you to gain a wealth of knowledge and experience whilst studying at BPP University one day per week towards your undergraduate law degree.

Towards the latter part of the programme, you will join the trainee rotations, moving to a new practice area every 3-6 months. You will also continue to attend BPP university to study for your degree and then the SQE. Both UK and international secondment opportunities may be available in the latter stages of the apprenticeship programme.

In each seat, you will be supervised by an experienced lawyer who will work with you and BPP on setting goals and giving exposure to a range of tasks, work and areas of law. You will be actively involved in the work your supervisor and group are handling. Responsibilities and tasks will vary, but you will be an important part of the team straight away, working on exciting and often ground-breaking transactions.

Who can apply?

Our Solicitor Apprenticeship Programme is for applicants who have not yet completed an undergraduate degree.

You must have achieved 7 GCSEs at grade 6 or above (including Maths and English) and have achieved or be predicted to achieve AAB at A level. Extenuating circumstances will be taken into account.

We welcome applications irrespective of race, colour, ethnic or national origin, disability, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, religion, belief or marital status.

How to apply
Applications are now open and will close on Wednesday 7 January 2026.

To apply, please complete the online application, which can be accessed here, and attach your CV.
You will be asked to complete a situational judgement test within 2 days of submitting your application.

About Slaughter and May
Slaughter and May is a leading international law firm, recognised for our exceptional legal service and our commitment to clients. The firm is a trusted adviser to some of the largest companies in the world, advising on high-profile, complex and often ground-breaking transactions. Our forward thinking, innovative approach to legal services complements the best-in-class advice on which our reputation is built. Excellence is deeply ingrained in our culture and absolutely central to everything we do at the firm.

We thrive on original thinking and novel approaches. Our inclusive culture gives rise to a unique diversity of thinking, which is critical to our success and helps maintain our position as a true market leader.

Our practice areas:
We are a full-service law firm and have leading practitioners across a wide range of areas including Mergers and Acquisitions, Corporate and Commercial, Financing, Tax, Competition, Disputes and Investigations, Real Estate, Pensions and Employment, Financial Regulation, and Technology, Digital, Data and Intellectual Property.

A world of difference:
There are clear differences between Slaughter and May and other global law firms:

• We train each of our lawyers to be a multi-specialist, equipped to advise on a broad range of legal matters which at other firms would be handled by a number of different lawyers. This is hard work, but our lawyers say it makes for a far more fulfilling career. It provides challenge and interest, while allowing lawyers to develop deeper relationships with clients, because they get to know their businesses better.

• Much of our work has an international element and we work with the very best law firms across the globe, hand-picked to meet the needs of each matter, to support our clients. On average we work with more than 200 law firms across 100 countries annually. We never compromise on the quality and consistency for which we are widely recognised.

• Our inclusive culture is built on intentional collaboration and support. With no set billing targets, our lawyers are free to share expertise and knowledge, allowing them to focus on what truly matters – delivering exceptional work and outstanding client service.

Diversity and Inclusion:
Diversity and Inclusion is an integral part of how we do things as a firm. We believe that a supportive and inclusive workplace drives collaboration and enhances business performance. We are looking to employ the brightest minds regardless of what or where they studied. Traditional approaches to D&I are often skewed towards initiatives helping diverse individuals to “fit in” and succeed; we focus on examining and adjusting the system for greater acceptance of different leadership styles and ways of working.