For Students

How demanding is the SQE?

Please read the SRA website at What is the SQE | SQE | Solicitors Regulation Authority (sra.org.uk). This outlines some of the demands of the SQE 1 & 2 in terms of the syllabus, style of examinations and the national pass rate. Apprentices will be required to undertake additional revision and consolidation in their own time. To sit the SQE, Apprentices will need to be able to recall their black letter law either from a recent law degree or Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) or will need to study the Graduate Entry Apprenticeship with Legal Essentials programme (GALE) at The University of Law (see Graduate Entry Apprenticeship with Legal Essentials (GALE))

What time and availability is needed to study an apprenticeship programme?

Each of the apprenticeship programmes at The University of Law involves intense periods of study. The Apprentice needs to be available and able to commit to the substantial time and amount of effort involved. As part of the apprenticeship application process, the University will check if the Apprentice has any major events coming up at the start of or during the apprenticeship programme which could impact on their attainment, for example a long holiday.

Does the Apprentice have a quiet space in which they can study?

Apprentices will require space and time to study an apprenticeship programme. Apprentices at The University of Law can come into their local campus and use ULaw’s study facilities as well as studying from home. Alternatively, Apprentices may want to book a meeting room in their Employer’s office so that they are away from their desk and are not disturbed when studying.

How much “off-the-job” training time must be given to an Apprentice?

The Employer must allow an Apprentice to have a minimum of one full working day per week (20% of their working week) for “off-the-job” learning time. This time may need to be ring fenced and must be devoted exclusively to the ULaw apprenticeship programme and study materials.

What about “off-the-job” training time and annual leave?

Whilst the Apprentice is not entitled to “off-the-job” learning time when taking annual leave, the programme of teaching will continue to run during an Apprentice’s annual leave. Ideally, an Employer would allow an Apprentice an additional “off-the-job” learning day following the Apprentice’s annual leave to allow the Apprentice to catch up and remain on target in their studies. Alternatively, the Apprentice might be allowed to retain the one day “off-the-job” training and use it during their annual leave, for example, only take 4 days annual leave instead of 5 to include one as an “off-the-job” training day.

What about “off-the-job” training and general holidays?

In order to remain compliant with the funding regulations, ULaw has identified approximately 6 weeks each year (ordinarily at Christmas, Easter and during August/September) when the Apprentice will not receive any new learning. During these weeks, the Apprentice will generally not be entitled to receive any “off-the-job” learning time if they have been allowed to reclaim their annual leave immediately following a holiday.

What wages will the Employer pay during an apprenticeship?

The Employer will pay the Apprentice a lawful wage which must include the time that they are in work and the on-off- the-job training days.

What standards must the Apprentice satisfy?

The Employer must ensure that the Apprentice has exposure to the following skills and behaviours and be able to reach Day 1 Solicitor standard before they sit SQE2 in the following areas:

1. Ethics
2. Obtain relevant facts
3. Undertake legal research
4. Develop and advise on relevant options, strategies and solutions
5. Draft documents which are legally effective and accurate and reflect the client’s instructions
6. Undertake effective spoken and written advocacy
7. Negotiate solutions to clients’ issues
8. Plan, manage and progress legal matters and transactions
9. Working with other people
10. Manage themselves and their own work

Who must supervise an Apprentice?

The Employer is required to allocate an Apprentice Supervisor (preferably a qualified solicitor) to work with the Apprentice and to ensure appropriate development and exposure to the standards. It is recommended that the Employer appoints a supervisor who is able to:

• participate in supervisor training delivered by The University of Law; and
• attend a tri-partite meeting which will be held every 10-12 weeks with the Apprentice and skills coach.
• Provide feedback in relation to the apprentices’ progression towards the apprenticeship standards.
• Attend a Gateway meeting at the end of the programme to confirm the apprentice has met the apprenticeship standards (attendee must be a qualified solicitor).

What HR resources will be needed?

There must be sufficient human resources to supervise an Apprentice. For that reason, The University of Law ordinarily requires that an organisation/firm has three qualified solicitors. This will ensure that the Apprentice has somebody who can appropriately oversee their work and offer advice and training during their supervisor’s annual leave or any other unforeseen absences.

What arrangements need to be put in place in relation to obtaining relevant experience and seat rotations?

It is preferred, but not mandatory, that an Apprentice spends at least one seat in Business (Corporate), Dispute Resolution, Real Estate, Wills & Probate or Criminal Litigation. This will enable the Apprentice to apply the knowledge gained on the SQE to the workplace and reinforce their learning. In-house legal departments could consider a secondment to one of their panel solicitors to facilitate such exposure (such an arrangement would be subject to a H&S check, adequate supervision and the usual compliance requirements with an apprenticeship programme).

What arrangements should be made in relation to seat rotations?

Seat rotations should be avoided during the last twelve months of the apprenticeship programme. As part of the apprenticeship programme, there is no requirement to rotate seats every 6 months/or at all. As the Apprentice is only at work 4 days a week, three rotations may be more than sufficient. A potential model for a Solicitor Apprenticeship is where an Apprentice has a ‘home’ seat e.g. Real Estate and then has spent a year in associated seats e.g. Real Estate litigation, corporate and insolvency.

What are the fees and additional costs of an apprenticeship?

The Apprenticeship Levy is an amount paid at a rate of 0.5% of an employer’s annual pay bill. Employers pay the Apprenticeship Levy each month if the Employer has an annual pay bill of more than £3 million per annum.

Apprenticeships are funded as follows:

What additional costs of the apprenticeship are to be met by the Employer?

Under an apprenticeship programme, the Apprentice cannot be responsible for meeting any costs. The Employer must meet any additional costs which could include:

1. Travel to induction
2. Travel to summer school, Boot Camp (preparation for SQE 1) and Suit Camp (preparation for SQE 2)
3. Travel/accommodation costs to exam centres
4. If required, meet the cost of one re-sit fee for SQE 1 or SQE 2

What are the entry qualifications for an apprenticeship programme?

The Apprentice must have achieved a minimum Level 2/GCSE Maths & English grade C/Level 4 or functional skills.

1. Entry requirements for the Solicitor Apprenticeship:
• Minimum of CCC or equivalent at A level/Level 3

2. Entry requirements for the Graduate Entry Solicitor Apprenticeship (GRAD):
• Law degree attained in the last three years (otherwise they will need to study the Graduate Legal Essentials programme for 22 weeks)
• Must have attained a minimum of 2.2 in their degree

3. Entry requirements for the Graduate Entry with Legal Essentials (GALE):
• This programme is for those who attained 2.2 in an LLB (Hons) more than 3 years ago or who holds a non-law degree

What if a candidate holds a combined law degree (eg Law and Criminology)?

This depends on the subjects studied. On application to join an apprenticeship programme, the Apprentice will need to discuss the requirements of the SQE with The University to see whether they can join the GRAD programme or will first have to complete the 22 weeks Legal Essentials programme. This will depend on the subjects studied in their combined law degree but it is likely that they will not have covered all the black letter law needed for the SQE and will need to join the GALE programme.

What if I cannot find my exam certificates?

An Apprentice will need to apply for copies of any missing exam certificates from the relevant exam board. An Apprentice will need to leave sufficient time to do this and should make the certificates available to the University within 4 weeks of their induction date. Failure to provide these certificates within 4 weeks of their induction date will mean the apprentice will join the apprenticeship programme at the next start date. Every Apprentice needs to provide evidence, for example of Maths & English GCSE or equivalent.

What if I hold overseas qualifications?

Apprentices who passed exams in a foreign jurisdiction (outside the UK) will need to obtain a certificate of comparability.

What is meant by the acquisition of “substantial new learning” from the apprenticeship?

For a candidate to join an apprenticeship programme, they must demonstrate progression and “substantial new learning” under the apprenticeship requirements. This usually means that the Apprentice is relatively new to their position and not an experienced paralegal already capable or working to (or near to working to) the solicitor standard at the point of enrolment.

• 6.5 years duration, with January and September start dates
• 80% work (on-the-job), 20% study and training (off-the-job)
• Online study of legal foundation subjects and skills modules
• The opportunity to achieve a Qualifying Law Degree in Legal Practice and Skills
• Skills Coach visits to support your progress and help you build a work-based portfolio
• Complete weekly submitted tasks and receive feedback from a University of Law subject tutor
• Working towards the new Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE), Parts 1 & 2
• Upon successful completion, subject to SRA Character & Suitability test, become a qualified solicitor

Year 1

Semester 1: Common Law Method and Ethics
Semester 2: Public Law
Semester 3: Law of Contract

Year 2

Semester 1: Law of Tort
Semester 2: Criminal Law
Semester 3: Critical Approaches in Current Legal Issues

Year 3

Semester 1: Land Law
Semester 2: Real Estate
Semester 3: Business Law 1

Year 4

Semester 1: Equity and Trusts
Semester 1 and 2: Access to Justice and Legal Services
Semester 2: Criminal Litigation and Evidence
Semester 3: Civil Dispute Resolution

Year 5

Semester 1: Business Law 2
Semester 1 and 2: Wills and Succession
Semester 2: SQE1 Preparation - Functioning Legal Knowledge (FLK) 2
Semester 3: Skills Portfolio and FLK 2

Year 6

Semester 1: SQE1 Preparation - FLK 1, SQE 1 Bootcamp and Examination
Semester 2: SQE2 Preparation and Examination
Semester 3: LLM Key Practice Areas

Entry Requirements

• 3 A Levels at Grade C or above, or equivalent*
• 5 GCSEs, including Maths and English, or equivalent, at Grade C/4 or above

Note: Employers may set their own entry criteria. Consult the specific employer for their criteria.

As apprentices have employed status you must have the right to permanently live and work in the UK. Apprenticeships are not covered by student visas.

^{*Please contact us to discuss acceptable equivalent qualifications.}

Assessment

A range of assessment methods will be used, including:

• Exams: Two hours, ten multiple choice questions and two long-form questions
• Coursework: Essay, project report or portfolio
• Oral presentation
• In Year 5 & 6 apprentices will undertake Solicitor Qualification Examinations which are set by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. More information can be found here.

Note: Employers can set their own entry criteria. Consult the specific employer for their criteria.

As apprentices have employed status you must have the right to permanently live and work in the UK. Apprenticeships are not covered by student visas.

^{*Please contact us to discuss acceptable equivalent qualifications.}

How to Apply

All apprenticeship vacancies are created by employers.

You can register with ULaw to be updated as soon as any of our client employers have a new apprenticeship opportunity.

Please note you must apply to an employer and be successful through their recruitment process. You cannot apply directly to the University.

All apprenticeship vacancies are usually advertised on the National Apprenticeship Service website.

Can I join the Solicitor Apprenticeship, if I have a law degree/LPC?

If you already possess a bachelor’s degree in any subject at 2.2 or above, you could be eligible to join one of our two Graduate Entry Solicitor Apprenticeship programmes. See further details below. If you hold an LPC, you are ineligible for a Solicitor or Graduate Entry Solicitor apprenticeship. You cannot therefore become an apprentice if you have studied and passed the LPC.

Am I eligible for a Solicitor Apprenticeship if I have a non-law degree?

Non-law graduates are eligible. Funding rules permit apprentices to undertake an apprenticeship at the same or lower level than a qualification they already hold. The apprenticeship must allow the individual to acquire substantial new skills and the Apprentice must be able to evidence that the content of the apprenticeship training is materially different from any prior qualification or a previous apprenticeship. Alternatively, those who hold a non-law degree may join the University’s Graduate Entry Solicitor Apprenticeship with Law Essentials programme (GALE) as a shorter apprenticeship than the Solicitor Apprenticeship. Please see below for more details or contact us for advice on your specific circumstances.

What if my qualifications don’t match the stated criteria for a Solicitor Apprenticeship?

Acceptable alternatives to A Levels can include, for example, completion of Paralegal Level 3 apprenticeship (or similar vocational apprenticeship), a BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (formerly BTEC National Diploma), or the International Baccalaureate. Please contact the University to discuss your specific circumstances.

Do I have to pay for books and materials during my Solicitor Apprenticeship?

All learning materials are provided within the cost paid by your Employer. This includes access to all online study materials and digital books.

What additional support is provided during my Solicitor Apprenticeship?

As well as a designated skills coach, you will have access to the University’s Student Welfare Services and all of our campus facilities at your nearest allocated ULaw campus.

In order to obtain a Solicitor Apprenticeship role, will I have to attend an assessment centre?

This depends on the recruitment criteria of specific Employers. Typically, Employers receive a lot of applications and the recruitment process may involve an initial screening of applications, video call or telephone interviews, an assessment centre and then shortlisting for final interview.

Will I be working full-time and will I have to study in my own time during my Solicitor Apprenticeship?

Most Apprentices are employed full-time but 20% of the time spent on the apprenticeship needs to be dedicated to off-the-job study and learning. If your Employer employs you part-time then it is still possible to undertake an apprenticeship, but the length of the apprenticeship will be increased.

The Solicitor Apprenticeship requires at least a full day’s study each week. We will agree with your employer which day suits best. Time will also need to be scheduled for webinars and face-to-face sessions.

Compared to full-time university study, is a Solicitor Apprenticeship an easier option?

Not at all. Undertaking an apprenticeship is a worthwhile challenge which enables you to study whilst also gaining practical work experience and skills. A Solicitor Apprenticeship is not easy and requires resilience, organisation and self-discipline.

Can I still join the Solicitor Apprenticeship programme if I have lost my exam certificates?

If you completed your GCSEs or A Levels in the last 30 years, you should be able to request a copy of your certificate from the exam board. If you undertook O Level or CSE examinations, or your secondary school studies were undertaken outside the UK, you may have to undertake a basic functional skills test to confirm that you have the appropriate Maths and English skills to enter the programme. Please contact us below to discuss your situation.

What is a typical Solicitor Apprenticeship salary?

This depends on the employer. Typical salaries range from £15,000-£25,000 per annum depending on experience and the employer’s circumstances. The current National Minimum Wage for an apprentice is available here. This rate applies to apprentices under 19 and those aged 19 or over who are in their first year. Apprentices must be paid at least the minimum wage rate for their age if they are aged 19 or over and have completed their first year. Apprentices are paid for their normal working hours and training that’s part of their apprenticeship (usually one day per week).

• Part-time (2 years, 3 months) and full-time (2 years, 9 months) study options
• 80% work (on-the-job), 20% study and training (off-the-job)
• Online study of legal foundation subjects and skills modules
• Skills Coach visits to check on your progress and build a work-based portfolio
• Complete weekly submitted tasks and receive feedback from a University of Law subject tutor
• Prepares student for the Solicitors Qualifying Examinations, Parts 1 & 2
• Students will have access to the ULaw SQE revision app
• Upon successful completion, subject to SRA Character & Suitability test, become a qualified lawyer
• This apprenticeship prepares students for day 1 as a qualified solicitor. There is a particular focus on the skills of Interviewing, Advocacy, Case and Matter Analysis, Legal Research, Legal Writing and Drafting. Many other different skills and competencies are also developed through the programme.

Year 1

SQE 1
Functioning Legal Knowledge 1 (Business, Legal Services, Dispute Resolution)
Functioning Legal Knowledge 2 (Property Law and Practice, Wills, Solicitors’ Accounts, Criminal Practice)

Year 2

Client Interviewing
Advocacy/persuasive oral communication
Case and matter analysis
Legal research and written advice
Drafting
Plus portfolio of work completed throughout training and optional modules

Entry Requirements

• To be eligible you must comply with the requirements of the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA)
• UK bachelors degree in law at 2.2 or above or equivalent (please contact us to discuss acceptable equivalent qualifications)
• GCSE English and Maths at Level C/4 or above or equivalent. Please note you may need to undertake Functional Skills Maths & English assessments if you did not sit GCSE Maths & English, or do not hold the minimum grades.(Please contact us to discuss acceptable equivalent qualifications)

Note: Employers can set their own entry criteria and may require a 2.1 or higher. Please consult the specific employer for their criteria.

As apprentices have employed status you must have the right to permanently live and work in the UK. Apprenticeships are not covered by student visas.

Assessment

The Solicitors Qualifying Examination, or SQE, is the assessment for all aspiring solicitors in England and Wales. SQE 1 & 2. are centralised assessments. For more information, please see the SRA’s website

How to Apply

This course is only available to those students who have been employed as a Solicitor Apprentice.

All apprenticeship vacancies are created by employers. You can register with ULaw to be updated as soon as any of our client employers have a new apprenticeship opportunity.

Please note you must apply to an employer and be successful through their recruitment process, you cannot apply directly to the University.

All apprenticeship vacancies are usually advertised on the National Apprenticeship Service website.

Do I need a law degree to join a Graduate Entry Solicitor Apprenticeship?

This is open to anyone holding a recent UK Bachelor's degree in Law at 2.2 or above or equivalent qualifications. Please contact us to discuss acceptable equivalent qualifications. Note: Employers can set their own entry criteria and may require a 2.1 or higher. Please consult with the specific Employer for their criteria.

What additional support is provided during a Graduate Entry Solicitor Apprenticeship?

As well as a designated skills coach, you will have access to the University’s Student Welfare services and all campus facilities, including the library, at your nearest allocated ULaw campus.

In order to obtain a Graduate Entry Solicitor Apprenticeship role will I have to attend an assessment centre?

This depends on the recruitment criteria of specific Employers. Typically, Employers receive a high volume of applications and the recruitment process may involve an initial screening of applications, video or telephone interviews, an assessment centre, then shortlisting for final interview.

Will I be working full-time and studying in my own time during the Graduate Entry Solicitor Apprenticeship?

Study of knowledge modules can be undertaken either via block delivery or day release. This will depend on the Employer’s requirements. Please discuss with the chosen study pattern with each Employer. On the day-release programme, an Apprentice will have protected study time during the working day to complete their studies.

Can I still join the Graduate Entry Solicitor Apprenticeship programme if I have lost my exam certificates?

If you completed your GCSEs or A Levels in the last 30 years, you should be able to request a copy of your certificate from the exam board. If you undertook O Level or CSE examinations, or your secondary school studies were undertaken outside the UK, you may have to undertake a basic functional skills test to confirm you have the appropriate Maths and English skills to enter the programme. Please contact us at the address below to discuss your situation.

Compared to full-time postgraduate study, is the GRAD programme an easier option?

Not at all. Undertaking an apprenticeship is a worthwhile challenge which enables you to study whilst also gaining practical qualifying work experience and skills. The GRAD programme is challenging and requires resilience, organisation, and self-discipline.

What is a typical Graduate Entry Solicitor Apprenticeship salary?

This depends on the Employer. Please consult with the specific Employer. Note: Apprentices are paid for their normal working hours and training that’s part of their apprenticeship (usually one day per week).

• Part-Time 2 years 9 months
• 80% work (on-the-job), 20% study and training (off-the-job)
• Online study of legal foundation subjects and skills modules
• Skills Coach visits to check on your progress and build a work-based portfolio
• Complete weekly submitted tasks and receive feedback from a University of Law subject tutor
• Prepares student for the Solicitors Qualifying Examinations, Parts 1 & 2
• Students will have access to the ULaw SQE revision app
• Upon successful completion, subject to SRA Character & Suitability test, become a qualified lawyer
• This apprenticeship prepares students for day 1 as a qualified solicitor. There is a particular focus on the skills of Interviewing, Advocacy, Case and Matter Analysis, Legal Research, Legal Writing and Drafting. Many other different skills and competencies are also developed through the programme

• A blended learning model: Students study online independently, following detailed guidance, and are supervised by a Subject Tutor. Independent study is based around a very similar range of learning media as that for the attendance mode of study. This includes video clips, textbooks, primary and secondary materials, precedents and other documents and tests (allowing online self-assessment with feedback and monitoring by the subject tutor).
• Dedicated Skills Coach: A Skills Coach will review your apprentice’s progress every 12 weeks through 1-to-1 tutorials and progress reviews. Skills Coaches are available by phone, email, video call.
• Greater control: This model allows the employer and apprentice greater control over the time, place and pace of their study. You will be able to closely monitor student progress via our online e-portfolio system. This system enables you to track training and assessments.
• Support in-person: All activity is supplemented by live webinars and face-to-face skills sessions, which take place in groups in the allocated ULaw campus.
• Students will also have access to the ULaw SQE revision app

• This programme of study is designed for students who are employed as solicitor apprentices and have already gained a degree or Level 6 qualification in law, 3 or more years ago OR gained a degree in a subject that is not law based. At the beginning of their programme, they will complete the ‘black letter law’.
• In addition to preparing students for SQE 1 & 2, the course has a practical focus with key skills embedded into the course.
• Apprentices will follow an individual training plan which will be reviewed by a skills coach every 8-12 weeks

Year 1

• Law Essentials
• Constitutional & Administrative Law
• Criminal Law
• Land Law
• Contract Law
• Tort Law
• Trusts
• English Legal Systems & EU Law

SQE 1

• Functioning Legal Knowledge 1 (Business, Legal Services, Dispute Resolution)
• Functioning Legal Knowledge 2 (Property Law and Practice, Wills, Solicitors’ Accounts, Criminal Practice)

Year 2

• Client Interviewing
• Advocacy/persuasive oral communication
• Case and matter analysis
• Legal research and written advice
• Drafting
• Plus portfolio of work completed throughout training and optional modules

Entry Requirements

• To be eligible you must comply with the requirements of the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA)
• UK bachelor’s degree at 2.2 or above or equivalent (please contact us to discuss acceptable equivalent qualifications)
• GCSE English and Maths at Level C/4 or above or equivalent. Please note you may need to undertake Functional Skills Maths & English assessments if you did not sit GCSE Maths & English, or do not hold the minimum grades.(Please contact us to discuss acceptable equivalent qualifications)

Note: Employers can set their own entry criteria and may require a 2.1 or higher. Please consult the specific employer for their criteria.

As apprentices have employed status you must have the right to permanently live and work in the UK. Apprenticeships are not covered by student visas.

Assessment

The Solicitors Qualifying Examination, or SQE, is the assessment for all aspiring solicitors in England and Wales. SQE 1 & 2. are centralised assessments. For more information, please see the SRA’s website.

How to Apply

This course is only available to those students who have been employed as a Graduate Solicitor Apprentice.

All apprenticeship vacancies are created by employers. You can register with ULaw to be updated as soon as any of our client employers have a new apprenticeship opportunity.

Please note you must apply to an employer and be successful through their recruitment process, you cannot apply directly to the University.

All apprenticeship vacancies are usually advertised on the National Apprenticeship Service website.

Do I need a law degree to join a Graduate Entry Solicitor Apprenticeship with Legal Essentials?

No, this is open to anyone holding a UK Bachelor's degree in any subject at 2.2 or above or equivalent qualifications (e.g. CILEx Level 6). Please contact us to discuss acceptable equivalent qualifications. Note: Employers can set their own entry criteria and may require a 2.1 or higher. Please consult the specific Employer for their criteria.

What additional support is provided during a Graduate Entry Solicitor Apprenticeship with Legal Essentials?

As well as a designated skills coach, you will have access to the University’s Student Welfare services and all campus facilities at your nearest allocated ULaw campus.

In order to obtain a Graduate Entry Solicitor Apprenticeship role will I have to attend an assessment centre?

This depends on the recruitment criteria of specific Employers. Typically, Employers receive a high volume of applications and the recruitment process may involve an initial screening of applications, Skype or telephone interviews, an assessment centre, then shortlisting for final interview.

Will I be working full-time and study in my own time during the Graduate Entry Solicitor Apprenticeship with Legal Essential?

Study of knowledge modules can be undertaken either via block delivery or day release. This will depend on the employer’s requirements. Please consult the specific employer for their chosen study pattern.

Compared to full-time postgraduate study, is this an easier option?

Not at all. Undertaking an apprenticeship is a worthwhile challenge which enables you to study whilst also gaining practical qualifying work experience and skills, but also requires resilience and self-discipline.