Taylor Wessing is a global law firm that serves the world's most innovative people and businesses. Deeply embedded within our sectors, we work closely together with our clients to crack complex problems, enabling ideas and aspirations to thrive. Together we challenge expectation and create extraordinary results.
We’re the law firm for the game changers; the smart thinkers; the groundbreakers. As a Top 20 law firm, we act as legal advisors to the world's most innovative people and businesses. We partner with start-ups as they change the game. And we support our people to unlock their potential and go as far as their ambition takes them. Sound good? Join us by signing up to our Solicitor apprenticeship programme.
The programme
Our six-year programme has been designed to help you hit the ground running from day one. You'll work towards an LLB (Hons) Law degree and a Solicitor Level 7 Apprenticeship. Each week you'll spend four days working in a practice area on client cases , with one day studying with our training provider, University of Law (ULaw).
What we look for
We look for individuals who're on track for a minimum of AAB (or equivalent) in their A-levels and have a minimum of seven GCSEs at grade 6 or above including Maths and English.
We’re defined by the advice we offer to our clients. You’ll need to demonstrate in-depth knowledge of how business works, and how to apply it in real life.
From internal projects through to supporting clients, communication and teamwork will be at the heart of your role at Taylor Wessing. You’ll need great negotiation skills, and we'll expect you to work collaboratively, supporting and advising your colleagues as required.
Balancing a variety of pressing cases and client demands, along with your studies, you’ll need great time management skills and be able to plan for any contingency.
Being an apprentice will require you to juggle studying and working. We look for individuals who demonstrate a commitment to both. You'll have to be focused, committed, and ready to stay motivated, even in the face of challenging legal and academic issues.
Why choose us?
At Taylor Wessing, we’re renowned for the support we provide to clients, and we’re equally proud of the support we offer our people. As an apprentice you’ll join our inclusive culture that allows you to be yourself, with support to help you become who you want to be.
We want to support talent from the outset, so we’ll also offer you support as you transition from school to joining the firm.
We'll pay for your apprenticeship tuition fee (to be studied at University of Law; our chosen training provider) and during your apprenticeship you'll be eligible for our benefits.
Our Early Talent team will maintain regular contact with you from the application stage onwards, so you’re well-supported and connected, from finishing school right through to the start of your apprenticeship.
When you begin your apprenticeship, you’ll be matched with a buddy – an associate – who’ll introduce you to colleagues and help you settle in.
You can also join all our social and sporting events to ensure you’ll be surrounded by new friends at the firm from the outset.
Years 1 to 4
You'll spend each year in a different practice area to experience working with our lawyers. You'll be given a dedicated supervisor and buddy who'll support and help you understand each area of law.
In addition, you'll cover the following with ULaw: Common Law Method and Ethics, Public Law, Law of Contract, Law of Tort, Criminal Law, Critical Ap proaches in Current Legal Issues, Land Law, Real Estate, Business Law, Equity and Trusts, Access to Justice and Legal Services, Criminal Litigation and Evidence and Civil Dispute Resolution.
Years 5 and 6
Supported by our trainee solicitors you'll rotate through four practice areas, some of which you may've already worked in during your first four years, enabling you to further build your skills and knowledge. You'll be provided with a dedicated supervisor and buddy throughout your final two-year journey. Studying the SQE with ULaw, you'll cover Business Law, Wills & Succession, SQE 1 Preparation, Skills Portfolio, SQE 1 Bootcamp and Examination, SQE Preparation and Examination, and key practice areas.
Qualification
Following successful completion of the six-year Apprenticeship programme training and exams, you'll have earned an LLB (Hons) Law degree and be a qualified solicitor. Our aim is to offer successful lawyers a newly qualified role in a practice area of their choice.
When and how to apply
For more information and to apply please visit https://www.taylorwessing.com/en/careers/united-kingdom/students-and-graduates/solicitor-apprenticeship-programme. Applications open on 1 March 2023 and close on 1 April 2023.
Diversity & Inclusion
Creating an inclusive working environment and recognising the value diversity brings to the firm is key to our people strategy at Taylor Wessing; it's what makes Taylor Wessing a great place to work. Diversity in all professions is very important and the legal profession is no exception. The end goal for any firm is to create and maintain a supportive environment for everyone regardless of their background, culture or lifestyle. Our trainees are involved in shaping out culture through our inclusion networks. These cover: gender balance, LGBT+ inclusion, racial equality, social mobility and physical and mental health and wellbeing.