How is the programme structured?
Our programme allows you to qualify as a solicitor by completing the Level 3 Paralegal and Level 7 Solicitor apprenticeships over a period of six years. This is the same time as it would take you to qualify through the traditional route.
You will spend 4 days a week working at the firm under the supervision of qualified lawyers and 1 day studying towards formal legal qualifications. Throughout the apprenticeship you will have the opportunity to spend time in several of our legal departments, which will provide you with the breadth and depth of experience needed to succeed as a qualified lawyer.
What will I study?
Our training provider is BPP University.
During your first 2 years you will work towards a Level 3 Paralegal Apprenticeship, and with some additional study, a Certificate in Legal Practice, set at Level 4 (equivalent to the first year of university). This additional qualification allows you to jump onto the solicitor programme at a later stage.
Those with the ability and inclination to continue onto the Level 7 solicitor programme will achieve a law degree as part of the path to qualification. The end point assessment of the solicitor apprenticeship is the new Solicitors Qualifying Exam, which all aspiring solicitors will have to take from 2021.
Can I apply for the solicitor apprenticeship directly?
We want all our apprentices to complete the Paralegal Apprenticeship programme before committing to the solicitor programme. Working as a paralegal apprentice for 2 years gives you the opportunity to decide if a career in law is right for you. For whatever reason, if you decide that it's not the right thing for you then you will still walk away with a legal qualification if you complete the paralegal programme.
Where will I be based?
All positions will be based at One Glass Wharf, our Bristol HQ. Located in the heart of the Temple Quay area, we sit in the legal and business hub of the city, only five minutes' walk from Temple Meads station.
Salary
You will be earning from day one and your salary will increase each year as you become more experienced.
Year 1 (Paralegal): £22,000
Year 2 (Paralegal): £24,000
Year 1 (Solicitor): £28,000
Year 2 (Solicitor): £32,000
Year 3 (Solicitor): £45,000
Year 4: (Solicitor): £47,000
New qualified lawyer: £68,000
*As of September 2023
How many apprenticeships do you offer?
We take on 4 legal apprentices each year.
But it's not all work here.
We have an active social life and there are plenty of opportunities to participate in corporate responsibility activities as well as sports and social events. To find out more about what it's like to work here, please see 'Working at Burges Salmon'.