Eversheds Sutherland are one of the worlds largest and most prestigious law firms, with offices throughout the UK. Their Trailblazer level seven solicitor apprenticeships herald a new era in solicitor training. Offered in conjunction with BPP University Law School, they provide the chance to qualify as a solicitor following a six-year programme of work-based learning and part-time study. Qualification is based on assessment from the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and will result in the award of an LLB.

Trailblazer level seven gives you the opportunity to qualify as a solicitor whilst earning a salary rather than paying the tuition fees required for full-time study. You will be paid a salary in excess of £15,000.

How does it work?

The apprenticeship training is delivered by BPP University Law School, one day a week. Eversheds will support you with paid time off to attend classes together with study leave for assessments. By the end of the six-year programme, if you have passed the BPP University assessments you will get an LLB degree. You will also gain further Masters Level Seven credits which can be used towards an LLM or masters at BPP University.

In the workplace, you will carry out supervised work-based learning in order to meet the SRA’s competence statement and will produce a work-based assessment portfolio. In addition to examinations throughout the apprenticeship, there will also be an SRA centralised assessment that you will need to pass to qualify as a solicitor.

On successful completion of your apprenticeship you will move into an appropriate non-apprentice role in your team at Eversheds

What are they looking for?

The Trailblazer level seven solicitor apprenticeship is available to people with a minimum of five GCSE grades A-C (including Maths and English) who are expecting good A-level results, equivalent to at least 120 UCAS points (BBB), excluding General Studies and Critical Thinking.

Their core values are teamwork, being client centred, continuous improvement, accountability, straightforwardness and mutual respect. They are therefore looking for candidates who can demonstrate these values and show a passion for the firm and their chosen apprentice route.