Gordon’s is a law practice with offices in Bradford (head office), Leeds and London. They are a multi discipline practice offering a full range of services to both businesses and private clients.

They offer 18 year old A level students an Apprenticeship for those that would prefer a more practical way of gaining professional qualifications than going to University. You need to have the drive and ability to work and learn at the same time. Through this mix of practical experience and training you will gain valuable skills to have an excellent career in law. You will receive an annual salary of £10,390

They encourage specialising in certain areas of law; Business recovery and restructuring, commercial contracts, commercial litigation, commercial property, corporate, employment, family, planning and environmental, personal injury, personal law and residential conveyancing.

Gordons are keen to welcome candidates who have shown evidence of determination and a willingness to overcome challenges, and particularly those who are the first member of their family to apply to Higher Education (excluding older brothers and sisters).

The Programme

The programme consists of a mixture of work based learning and education. You will work at Gordons and study for CILEx Examinations (Chartered Institute of Legal Executive Lawyers) which, on average, will take four years of part-time study attending one day or evening class per week or by following a distance learning course. Exams are held twice per year.

Stage 1 , Level 3 Professional Diploma in Law and Practice (this is set at ‘A’level standard). Years 1 and 2

Stage 2 , Level 6 Professional Higher Diploma in Law and Practice (this is set at honours degree level). Years 3 and 4

On completion of both stages of the qualification you will be required to undertake a further two years employment, before becoming a legal executive lawyer at the firm. It is possible to accelerate the learning if you are really ambitious so that qualification comes in 5 years.

You need to have gained 3 or more A Levels at grade B or above as well as 5 GCSEs including English and Maths. You also need to reside within easy distance of Leeds or Bradford.