A solicitor qualification without the debt: Co-op Legal Services launches five new solicitor apprenticeships

07 February 2022

• Alternative route into legal life could save students thousands in university tuition fees

• Roles are available in Bristol, Manchester, Sheffield and Stratford-upon-Avon

• Employer is also launching up to two new business administration apprenticeships

Co-op Legal Services, the UK’s largest regulated provider of wills, estate planning and probate services, is set to launch five new apprenticeships for students wishing to pursue a career in law, without the need to complete a university law degree – potentially saving candidates over £36,000 in expensive tuition fees.

The level seven apprentice solicitor roles are open to students who have achieved three A-levels* and five GCSEs and will be undertaken over a six year period with individuals finishing the apprenticeship as a solicitor, a qualification which transcends a law degree.

Sitting within Co-op Legal Services’ team of experts, roles are fully salaried and will rise in line with career progression over the course of the 72-month period. They will be located at Co-op Legal Services’ offices in Bristol, Manchester, Sheffield and Stratford-upon-Avon. Successful candidates will learn the basics of law before specialising in complex matters around probate.

In addition, the legal firm is also launching up to two level three business administration apprenticeships from its Bristol office which provides learners with a highly transferable set of knowledge, skills and behaviours and which runs over the course of 18 months. There are no minimum academic requirements for this role**.

Caoilionn Hurley, Managing Director of Co-op Legal Services and Life Planning, says: “A legal career can be extremely fulfilling and we’re committed to ensuring that as many students as possible get the chance to enter the profession by establishing new and alternative routes in and we’re very proud to be launching up to seven new openings this year across law and business administration.

“Apprenticeships mean candidates can get ‘on-the-job’ experience from day one, as well as the opportunity to start earning money straight away. With the cost of university fees proving a barrier for many, we want to send a very clear message that apprenticeships can be a great springboard into your chosen career. We’re incredibly excited to welcome our 2022 cohort as we look to erode the misconception that a career in law is for the privileged few.”

Caoilionn, continues: “Co-op is a successful organisation with great benefits and an inclusive culture but what’s really different about us is that we’re a co-operative, meaning our profits are ploughed back into our communities, colleagues, members and customers. Their wellbeing is our main concern and the more successful we are in business, the greater our impact can be”.

“Being an apprentice at the Co-op is a great way to learn new skills and unlock opportunities to grow and develop within the business. Put simply we’re looking for people who share our values and are committed to learning and developing new skills.”

Those wanting to know more can register their interest here. Interviews are set to take place this spring for a September start and the window for applications will run until the end of February.

ENDS Solicitor apprentice: 3 A Levels, 5 GCSEs or equivalent Business administration: no set qualifications required
CASE STUDIES AVAILABLE