Claire Ward-Smith’s Post

We're proud to support a ground-breaking initiative that's set to transform access to the legal profession. As one of the first firms to introduce solicitor apprenticeships, we've been at the forefront of creating new pathways into law – and since, are proud to have supported IfATE (Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education) and The Bar Standards Board (BSB) in their creation of the Barrister Apprenticeship Standard, announced this week. This new standard sets out the skills, knowledge and behaviours needed to become a successful practising barrister in England and Wales. Partner and Barrister at Browne Jacobson, Ben Bentley, is part of the Bar Apprenticeships Trailblazing Steering Group, which has been instrumental in the creation of the new critical standard. It is hoped that the new standard will break down barriers and create meaningful opportunities for aspiring legal professionals. As a firm committed to being at the forefront of society's biggest issues, we believe apprenticeships are key to driving social mobility and diversifying the legal landscape. This isn't just about training lawyers – it's about empowering individuals from all backgrounds to become advocates who can truly represent their communities. Richard Medd Caroline Green Tom Lyas Grace Osborne #SocialMobility #ApprenticeshipOpportunities #LegalProfession

"Why didn’t I know about solicitor apprenticeships sooner?" A question I’ve heard too often from students recently. The reality is, solicitor apprenticeships are still under the radar for too many people — and that needs to change. Solicitor apprenticeships are a game-changer, offering a pathway to qualification that is both accessible and affordable. Yet, despite the incredible opportunities they provide, many students, and even professionals in the legal industry, remain unaware of this route. This apprenticeship path allows individuals to earn while they learn, gaining hands-on experience while working towards a law degree. Not only does this benefit individuals from diverse backgrounds — by making the legal profession more #Accessible — it also benefits firms by enabling them to recruit and nurture talent that’s better prepared for the realities of legal practice. Organisations like City Century are helping to challenge the status quo and raise awareness, but we still have a long way to go in ensuring that everyone, no matter their background, knows this opportunity is available. It’s not just an alternative route — it’s a valuable, challenging, and enriching pathway to a career in law. Coming from a low-income background, I know first-hand how difficult it is to consider higher education without the safety net of financial security. The solicitor apprenticeship route removes that barrier, offering me the chance to gain invaluable experience as a paralegal apprentice, with the goal of securing a solicitor apprenticeship in the future. Apprenticeships also drive #Diversity and #SocialMobility within the legal profession, helping to create more inclusive and well-rounded legal teams. With competition for these spots tougher than even some traditional academic routes, it's clear that this isn't an "easier" option — it's a route that demands commitment, resilience, and dedication. And to SHOW this - The Law Society and City Century had an amazing event earlier this year to celebrate #SolicitorApprenticeships in #NAW2024 …. Here I am pictured with A&O Shearman’s solicitor apprentice Millie Madden at this wonderful event! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 We need to shout about solicitor apprenticeships. Everyone deserves to know this option is available, and it’s up to us to make sure that message gets out there. #SolicitorApprenticeship #DiversityInLaw #LegalProfession #SocialMobility #Inclusivity #EarnWhileYouLearn

Alongside other industry bodies, the CLLS is concerned that the government’s proposed removal of levy funding for Level 7 solicitor apprenticeships could hinder diversity in the legal profession by limiting access for candidates from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. Speaking to Law360 UK last week, #CLLS Chair Colin Passmore reiterated that the funding cut risks discouraging talented students from non-traditional backgrounds, thereby undermining efforts to make solicitor apprenticeships as respected as university routes. Read more below, and let us know your thoughts. https://lnkd.in/eyv8idWM

Did you know? 🤔 You can have your SQE Exams and Prep Courses funded through the Solicitor Apprenticeship! 💼🎓 If you're aspiring to become a solicitor but concerned about the costs, the Solicitor Apprenticeship could be your ideal route. This programme allows you to earn while you learn, combining on-the-job training with the opportunity to complete the SQE 1 & 2 exams, all without having to fund them yourself. 💡 Here’s how you benefit: ➡️ Gain practical experience while studying 📚 ➡️ Avoid student debt - tuition and exams are fully funded! 💸 ➡️ Get qualified while working in a law firm ⚖️ The legal profession is evolving, and the L7 Solicitor Apprenticeship is making it more accessible than ever. If you're passionate about law but looking for a cost-effective pathway, this could be your solution. Click here to find out more: https://lnkd.in/emyNGmS2 #LawCareers#SolicitorApprenticeship#SQE#LegalEducation#FutureSolicitors#Datalaw#SQEPrep#SQEFunding#FutureSolicitor#SQEJourney#LawApprenticeship#BecomeASolicitor#LegalTraining#LawSchool#LawStudents#LegalProfession#LawExam#LegalCareerPath

City Century won the Standout in DE&I category at the British Legal Awards last week, against tough completion. We could go on about how this is lovely recognition, how the award credentialises what we are doing, how in the evening we were humbled and honoured etc. Instead, please hear this all who *need* to hear it: 🔀 Solicitor apprenticeships transform lives 🛗 Particularly those from low SEB lives 🕵🏾♀️ By finding the most talented aspiring lawyers in the country 🤝And offering them the *best* legal careers in the country 🧑🏻⚖️With the *best* law firms 🏙️ In the *best* city 🇬🇧 In the *best* country in the world 💷 When they will pay tax into the system from 18 and 💰Many will pay higher rate tax on qualification. We need to save funding for Level 7 legal apprenticeships, and the apprenticeships themselves and implore those with decision-making powers to make the right decisions. Drop us a like if you agree! #LearningLondonLawyering #DE&I #LegalCareers (Picture of City Century Co-CEO, Patrick McCann, in a brown suit with green bow tie holding the award.)

Hello network👨🎓, On Wednesday, 27th November (Right after NZNEE), I had the privilege to be part of Young Professionals and Farrer & Co 's webinar from 5-6:30. The webinar was an incredible insight to what it is like and what it takes to be part of a leading law firm. For the first half of the webinar, the speakers, one of which Rebecca Reese, gave us key information on the Level 7 Solicitor Apprenticeship, a 6 year Apprenticeship which takes you straight out of college and takes you to the NQ Status as a Lawyer. Farrer Co gave us insight on what you will be expected to do, the responsibilities you will be assigned and also the salary that you will receive. This being £25,000 for the first 4 years, then £40,000-£50,000 for the 5th and 6th year. We also received some incredible tips, with some of them being: •Research and familiarise yourself with the firm, •Tailor your application to the firm's values, •BE YOURSELF!, •Make sure your application is not lacking grammar, •Prove the experience you have gathered, (give examples), •Make sure you don't forget your unique features, as basic as you may think they are. •Do not forget to showcase transferable skills. Overall, this webinar was a must-attend as it showcased so much information of the new upcoming Apprenticeships route as well as the traditional route. A massive thank you to Young Professionals and Farrer & Co. #Law #SolicitorApprenticeship #FareerCo #Insight

🌟 Quick Quiz for Aspiring Solicitors 🌟 🔍 What's the biggest thing stopping you from starting the SQE's currently? 📚 Have you done research on prep courses? 🎓 Have you looked into the graduate solicitor apprenticeship? 💼 If your firm offered to sponsor your SQE training and exams, would you stay and qualify? Any law firm in England can claim 95% of your training and exam cost through the graduate solicitor apprenticeship. Datalaw are an expert training provider of this pathway, contact me directly to hear more. #LawCareer #AspiringSolicitors #SQE #LegalJourney #CareerDevelopment

McALLEN, Texas – South Texas College and South Texas ISD have introduced their first Paralegal Assistant Apprenticeship program dedicated to providing students with real-world training and insight into the legal profession. https://lnkd.in/ge3B74c3

It is eight years since solicitor apprenticeships were introduced and Joanna Goodman reviews their impact for the Law Society Gazette. The 'earn as you learn' route to qualification is an alternative to the more traditional graduate route into the profession - and it seems to be suiting many candidates and law firms. Joanna speaks to Solicitor Apprentices and firms who have embraced this route to qualification and their conclusion is: "Solicitor apprenticeships are providing new routes to qualification, injecting young, diverse talent into the profession." The article also discusses some of the challenges and how firms have approached them including providing extra support for school leavers. Read the article ➡️ https://lnkd.in/eUsa5u5k #lawfirms #solicitorapprentices #legalsector

Last year I took a huge risk, I rejected a solicitor apprenticeship offer at the end of Year 12. 😬😳 Why would I reject an offer when it meant I had a certain next-step a year in advance? 🤷🏻♀️ Trust me, it was a difficult decision to make because I didn’t know if I’d be able to secure a legal apprenticeship else where. But the thing is, in my opinion… 1️⃣ The firm didn’t understand the apprenticeship programme and the differences between the L3 Paralegal and the L7 Solicitor Apprenticeship. 2️⃣ They didn’t seem positioned to fully support me throughout my training and I was aware of many staff leaving the firm for a plethora of reasons. 3️⃣ If I accepted the position, I didn’t know if I’d ever be able to move to a global firm in the future as the quality of my training and prior work experience wouldn’t be of the same standard. 👉 The point is, I love all the hype around apprenticeships at the moment and I am quick to challenge those who dismiss apprentices as mere “tea makers and photocopiers”. But the truth is some employers will try to use apprentices as a means of cheap labour without fully investing in their training. This by no means is all employers - but I do feel that aspiring apprentices need to keep this in mind when they are looking for different opportunities at different organisations. 🧠💭 This is why I’m grateful to all the great employers, such as those within the City Century collaboration who have created legal apprenticeship programmes with the aim of expanding opportunity and giving apprentices the very best start to their legal career! 🙌🏼 Thank you City Century for making me aware of the opportunities that are available in commercial law and expanding the awareness around solicitor apprenticeships; and thanks to all the insights I’ve learned, starting in September, I will be working at a top 10 global law practice. 💪😁😅 I’m looking forward to representing the collaboration in my role as a #SAmbassador at the UCAS Discovery Event in Leeds tomorrow to hopefully make more students aware of these golden-ticket opportunities! ❤️🧡🩵💙 If you’re attending tomorrow - be sure to come and say hello! 👋🏻 #law #apprenticeships #degreeapprenticeships #thoughts #legalprofession