Solicitor Apprenticeships

We created a different route into our firm because we believe in making the legal profession an even playing field. One where success is not based on someone’s background, but on their unique perspectives, drive and work ethic.

If you're considering a career in law but aren't sure where to start, or if you've just begun to explore the idea of becoming a solicitor, this opportunity is for you. 

During the first four years of the programme, you will complete your law degree. In the final years, you will complete the Solicitors Qualifying Examination, all while being exposed to a wide variety of departments. You'll be involved in real work, collaborating closely with your colleagues at all levels and getting a feel for the welcoming and supportive Trowers & Hamlins culture.

Academic Requirements

We look for candidates who have achieved, or who are on track to achieve, a minimum of 128 UCAS points (ABB) from their top three A-Levels or equivalent, and a minimum of 6 GCSEs with a Grade 6/B or above in English and Mathematics. We take into account mitigating circumstances and do not automatically reject candidates who do not reach this minimum criteria.

You are eligible to apply for our programme if you have either already completed your A-levels (or equivalent), or are on track to complete your A-levels (or equivalent), by summer 2026. This programme is not aimed at university graduates or undergraduates — please see the other programmes on our website if you are in this category.

What are we looking for?

All kinds of individuals build careers, connections, and flourish at Trowers & Hamlins, but there are a few things that they all have in common. We're looking for people who can excel within our core values: 

• We collaborate
• We savour success
• We are driven by innovation
• We're not afraid to be human

We believe certain skills are necessary to help you succeed and thrive at the firm: 

• A growth mindset – strong candidates are open to learning and feedback, always striving to develop
• Adaptability – being able to adapt to new circumstances and environments
• Analytical mindset – being able to analyse and interpret problems with sound judgement
• Collaboration skills – being able to build relationships with colleagues and achieve results through teamwork 
• Commercial awareness – an awareness of the business world in which the firm operates and how this may impact us and our clients
• Communication skills – being able to explain complex issues, whether written or verbal, to others in a clear and easy to understand manner 
• Innovation – curiosity about the market and the future of the industry
• Judgement – developing informed opinions after careful consideration and utilising available resources
• Personal responsibility – a willingness to take ownership of tasks 
• Resilience – having a determined and positive attitude in overcoming obstacles and change 

Step 1 – Online application form

The application process begins with our online application form. You will be asked to provide details about your education, work experience/employment history and will be asked to answer a series of additional long-answer questions.

Step 2 – Online strengths-based assessment

Once you have submitted your application, you will be invited to complete an online strengths-based assessment which aims to consider your strengths alongside the role of a solicitor apprentice. You will have 7 calendar days from submitting your application to complete the online assessment – we would therefore encourage you to complete the assessment as soon as you are able to and we recommend that you do not leave completing the assessment to the final day, in case any technical issues arise. Please note, we are unable to reopen the assessment once the deadline has passed.

Before completing the assessment, we would strongly recommend that you complete some practice assessments. You will also receive this link in the email containing your invitation to complete the assessment, after submitting your online application.

Although the assessment is not timed, we recommend that you allow up to 75 minutes to complete it.

After you have completed the assessment, you will receive a feedback report. This is for your own personal development and does not represent a decision from us at this stage.

Following on from this, we will consider your online assessment in conjunction with your application form. You will hear whether you have been successful after this initial stage once the vacancy deadline has passed, as we do not recruit on a rolling basis.

Step 3 – Assessment Centre

If you are successful after the application and online assessment, the final stage will see you visiting an assessment centre in person. There, you'll undertake a maximum of three exercises, including an interview with our colleagues working at the office you applied to.

Hiring the right solicitor apprentices is very important to us, so we will ask you a series of motivational, competency and strengths-based questions – some of which may focus on what you've told us in your application form. You'll have the chance to ask us some questions too, of course!

Apprentices at Trowers & Hamlins receive a competitive salary (salaries are reviewed annually) and benefits package, which includes five weeks' annual leave each year, pension scheme, interest-free season ticket loan and private medical insurance.

Apprenticeship salaries currently: 

• Starting salary in our regional offices (Birmingham, Exeter and Manchester) = £23k 

• Starting salary in London = £26k 

Insight days

We will be holding insight days in each of our UK offices for year 13 students who are interested in applying for our solicitor apprenticeship programme.

The insight day will provide you with an insight into a career in law, our practice areas and clients, and how to develop your application skills for a better chance at joining us as a solicitor apprentice.

Our in-person insight events are taking place on the following dates:

• London – Tuesday 28 October 2025
• Manchester – Thursday 30 October 2025
• Birmingham – Thursday 13 November 2025
• Exeter – Thursday 20 November 2025