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Solicitor Apprenticeships Employer Fact Sheet

Overview of the Scheme The and CILEx Law School Trailblazer Solicitor Apprenticeships Trailblazer Solicitor Apprenticeships are The apprenticeship offers on and off the job are an exciting development for an exciting development for the legal learning consisting of work-based training the legal profession – both for profession – both for employers and the next and part-time studying. generation of solicitors. employers and the next generation In order to demonstrate their ability, of solicitors. In September 2015 the Department for apprentices will be rigorously assessed to Business, Innovation and Skills announced ensure they meet stringent requirements. The City Law School has been at the Legal Trailblazer Scheme which The City Law School has entered into a enables apprentices to qualify as a solicitor, unique partnership with CILEx Law School the forefront of the launch of this paralegal or chartered legal executive. to deliver a blended online and face-to-face new scheme since its introduction learning experience. in 2016. The City Law School successfully launched the programme in September 2016. The The City Law School is part of City, solicitor route allows students to sign University of . City has a long up straight from school to a six year tradition of excellence in legal education programme, the completion of which will and in 2015 the National Student Survey lead to qualification as a solicitor. This is found that City was the top university in ‘Choosing an apprenticeship over the an alternative to the traditional routes of London for student satisfaction. traditional route to qualification has been having to embark on a university degree, the (LPC) and a training CILEx Law School has been at the forefront the best decision that I could have made. contract. The scheme widens participation of legal apprenticeship design and delivery City University have been very supportive and improves diversity of the workforce, as since 2012 and part of the Trailblazers in well as appealing to those looking for an Law development group. CILEx Law School and I am loving the challenges and alternative to the traditional graduate route has over 200 legal apprentices, working at rewards that the combination of practical to qualification. in-house legal departments, law firms and local authorities. work and academic study brings.’ Why should you appoint a Solicitor Apprentice? Holly Moore, The solicitor apprenticeship programme Solicitor Apprentice, ITV, will give your organisation the opportunity and part of the first year cohort at to benefit from training the apprentice to The City Law School develop practical expertise and know-how that match your businesses requirements. In addition, the firm will receive government financial incentives for recruiting school leavers.

www.city.ac.uk Solicitor Apprenticeships Employer Fact sheet

How do they work? • Your apprentices will be motivated and have incentive to remain with you ‘I love coming to City, University of • Apprentices are recruited for a six year following qualification. period on a salaried basis. They will be London once a month to meet with • The government will provide financial based in the work-place four days a week incentives for employers to take on all the tutors, and the face-to-face with day release one day each week apprentices. for studying. tuition really doesn’t make it seem • You will obtain an additional financial • City Law School will provide the study incentive payment from the government if like a distance learning course at all. I programme throughout the six years. you recruit apprentices who are under 19 • The apprentice will attend an induction am really impressed with the level of when they start the apprenticeships. at City in September, then attend once a • You can play a significant part in support that we receive, both during month for face-to-face tuition. This will promoting the trailblazer scheme which be supplemented by online studying those days and also via the CILEx will lead to diversification of your staff and resources, including library and team and ultimately the profession. website. I am so glad that I have the tutor support. opportunity to work and study at the • The apprentice will obtain an LLB in Legal Practice after four years if all What will be expected of you as same time and to actually get to see modules are successfully completed the employer? the law we are learning about in action and will be prepared for the Solicitors Firms will be responsible for the apprentice Regulation Authority’s externally in a number of ways including: on a daily basis.’ assessed two stage exams during years • Supervising and mentoring the apprentice five and six. for the duration of the apprenticeship • The apprentice will also build a • Working with The City Law School and Sarah-Jane Legge, competence-based portfolio during the CILEx with regards to training and Solicitor Apprentice, six years which will be assessed by their assessments Ashtons Legal internal supervisor. • Paying the apprentice’s salary.

Benefits to you as an employer Additional information • You will be recruiting staff who will have More details, including specific information a clear career path ahead of them with aimed at apprentices, can be found here. the benefits of learning on the job whilst at the same time acquiring a degree and professional qualification. • You can be safe in the knowledge that resources spent on your apprentices will bring long term returns for the firm. • You will be able to promote a clear career Watch our interview with structure to junior members of your Barry Matthews, Director of organisation which is an increasingly Legal Affairs & Third Party important issue for young people facing Sales at ITV. career choices.

Find out more

For further information please contact our Professional Development Department. E: [email protected] T: 020 7040 0316 www.city.ac.uk/law/courses/continuing- professional-development

The SRA is currently carrying out a consultation on the nature of the assessments that apprentices will undertake. The precise content of the course might change in order to meet the SRA requirements.

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