Solicitor Apprenticeship Programme

Build your future. Shape your ambition into impact.

Join our six-year Solicitor Apprenticeship Programme and take your first step toward qualification as a solicitor. Based in our London office, you will combine practical experience with academic study, building your legal and commercial understanding from day one. Working alongside exceptional colleagues, you will contribute to meaningful work and develop as part of a collaborative global team.

Key dates

• Programme start date: September 2027

• Application open: 2 November 2026

• Applications close: 28 January 2027 As applications are reviewed on a non-rolling basis, all applications will be reviewed after the deadline.

• Location: London

What to expect

You will be part of a world-class law firm where learning, collaboration and innovation combine to turn ambition into impact. Over six years, you will develop the legal knowledge, commercial understanding and professional experience to qualify as a solicitor through real client work, guided learning and continuous support.Alongside this, you will study towards your Law LLB during the first four years, before progressing to the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) in your final two years, gaining both academic qualifications whilst building your career at Freshfields.

Years one to four

• Rotate annually across our market-leading practice groups, gaining exposure to different areas of law.

• Spend four days a week in our London office, working alongside Partners, Associates, Trainees and fellow Apprentices.

• Dedicate one day a week to studying for your Law LLB at BPP University's Waterloo campus.

• Receive continuous guidance from your Associate supervisors, Trainee and Apprentice buddy, the Early Careers team and Partner mentor throughout your apprenticeship journey.

Years five to six

• Join our Trainee Associate Programme cohort and complete shorter rotations in a wide range of practice areas.

• You may have the opportunity to undertake a secondment with one of our clients or in one of our global offices. These experiences offer a broader perspective on our clients, our work and the different ways teams collaborate across the firm.

• Continue your studies at BPP, focusing on the SQE, with dedicated study leave to support your preparation.

Throughout the programme, you will be part of a supportive and inclusive community that values innovation, collaboration and continuous learning. As your experience grows, so will your contribution, working on complex, high-profile matters that make a meaningful impact for our clients and communities worldwide.

Key Responsibilities

Throughout the programme, Solicitor Apprentices will:

• Support legal matters and transactions in line with client needs and legal frameworks, under supervision from Partners and Associates

• Apply legal knowledge and commercial judgement to develop practical, client-focused solutions

• Conduct legal research to inform advice and decision-making

• Draft and review legal documents with clarity, accuracy and legal compliance

• Communicate legal concepts effectively to a range of audiences

• Build strong working relationships with clients, colleagues and stakeholders

• Manage workloads and prioritise tasks to meet deadlines and deliver high-quality outcomes

Reward

Freshfields is committed to investing in your development and supporting you throughout your journey to qualification. Our Solicitor Apprenticeship Programme offers a competitive package that reflects your growing experience and responsibilities.

• Starting salary of £32,000, increasing annually as you progress through the programme.

• £3,000 sign-on bonus to help with travel and accommodation costs.

• All tuition fees covered, ensuring you can focus on your studies and development without financial concern.

• 26 days’ annual leave, plus access to a wide range of lifestyle and wellbeing benefits.

Beyond your role, you will be part of a community where people share ideas, support one another and make lasting connections. From colleague networks and social clubs to wellbeing initiatives and lifestyle benefits, like private medical schemes and gym plans, we will help you stay connected, healthy and ready to make the most of your time at Freshfields.

Eligibility to apply

We welcome applications from students who:

• Have achieved (or are on track to achieve) AAB at A-Level (or equivalent), and seven GCSEs at grade 6/B or above, including English and Maths (or equivalent).

• Have not previously completed a university degree.

Please note, in line with apprenticeship levy funding requirements, applicants must also:

• Have lived in the UK for at least three years before the programme start date and/or otherwise meet the residency eligibility criteria.

• Have the right to live and work in the UK for the full duration of the apprenticeship.

• Be under the age of 22 at the start of the programme, unless subject to an exception.

We value diversity of thought, experience and background, with our Apprentices joining us from many different paths. What matters most is your motivation and commitment to building a career in law. Successful applicants demonstrate enthusiasm and drive, adaptability in a fast-changing environment, resilience when faced with challenges, and the ability to collaborate effectively as part of a team.

Partnering for opportunity

We are proud to work with City Century, helping to create more opportunities for aspiring solicitors from all backgrounds. Learn more on their website.

About Freshfields

Freshfields is a leading global law firm, providing legal advice where it matters most. Our people combine excellence with curiosity, collaboration and a commitment to making a difference.

We support our people to thrive at every stage of their careers, empowering them to turn ambition into meaningful impact for our clients, colleagues and communities.