A solicitor qualification without the debt: Co-op Legal Services launches additional solicitor apprenticeships
10 February 2023
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Alternative route into legal life could save students thousands in university tuition fees and ease financial burden, with apprentices typically £80,000* better off financially compared to those undertaking a degree
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Quids in, as candidates can earn as they learn with salaries starting from £19,400 and roles available in Bristol, Manchester, and Stratford-upon-Avon
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As research from The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) shows that 58% of lawyers are from a professional background, Co-op Legal Services has recently launched The Talent Foundry’s Bridge programme, to help remove these barriers providing bespoke training and coaching support for school leavers, getting them ready for the application process to join Co-op Legal Services’ Level 7 Solicitor Apprenticeship
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Co-op is also launching up to five new Level 3 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 solicitor apprenticeships for students wishing to pursue an alternative route into legal life, and it could save students thousands in university tuition fees and ease financial burden, with apprentices typically £80,000 better off financially compared to those undertaking a degree.
The Level 7 solicitor apprenticeship 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 a six-year period. They will be located at Co-op Legal Services’ offices in Bristol, Manchester and Stratford-upon-Avon. Successful candidates will learn the basics of law before specialising in complex matters around probate.
The legal firm is also launching up to five Level 3 Business Administration apprenticeships from its Bristol office, providing 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**.
To help remove the barriers associated with routes into the legal profession being for the privileged few, as research from The Solicitors Regulation Authority’s (SRA)*** shows that 58% of lawyers are from a professional background, compared to 37% nationally – meaning their parents were in professional jobs rather than intermediate or working class.
Co-op Legal Services has recently announced The Talent Foundry’s Bridge programme, in partnership with The Talent Foundry, designed to support young people who have the skills, attributes and qualifications to pursue a legal apprenticeship, but who may not have the self-belief, or the professional support networks in place to confidently apply.
Caoilionn Hurley, Managing Director of Co-op Legal Services and Life Planning, said: “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, which are less of a financial burden than a traditional university education.
“We’re very proud to be launching up to ten new openings this year across law and business administration, in addition to offering bespoke training and coaching support for school leavers, getting them ready for the solicitor apprenticeship application process.
“Apprenticeships mean candidates can get ‘on-the-job’ experience from day one, as well as the opportunity to start earning money straight away. With fears over the high level of student debt proving to be a barrier to university for many, coupled with the rising cost of living, 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 2023 cohort as we look to erode the misconception that a career in law is for the privileged few.”
For those wanting to know more about apprenticeships at the Co-op please click here.
ENDS
- Typically, £80,000 better off
Tuition fees loan- 9,250, 3 years, 27,750
Maintenance loan- 9,706, 3 years, 29,118
SQE exams- 4,000, 1-2 years, 4,000
Total debt- 60,868
Starting apprentice salary- 19,400
** Solicitor apprentice: 3 A Levels, 5 GCSEs or equivalent Business administration: no set qualifications required