Opening the door for the next generation: Co-op Legal Services launches additional solicitor apprenticeships to fulfil the nation’s demand

05 February 2024

Candidates can earn as they learn with salaries starting from £22,000 and roles available in Bristol, Sheffield, Manchester, and Stratford-upon-Avon
Alternative route into legal life could save students thousands in university tuition fees and ease financial burden, with apprentices typically over £85,000* better off financially compared to those undertaking a degree
Legal apprenticeships encourage people from all types of backgrounds to enter the field, with recent data from The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) showing that the number of solicitor apprenticeships continues to increase and more than doubled in the space of a year.
The SRA also revealed that for the more than 100 apprentices who sat the solicitors qualifying examination (SQE), pass rates were on average 26% higher than their counterparts who had attended university.

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 over £85,000 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, Sheffield, Manchester, and Stratford-upon-Avon. Successful candidates will learn the basics of law before specialising in complex matters around probate.

Apprenticeships of this nature help to remove the barriers associated with routes into the legal profession being for the privileged few, as research from The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA)*** shows that the number of individuals choosing the apprenticeship pathway continues to increase, as the figure of new legal apprentices has more than doubled over the space of a year.

The SRA also released data to help eliminate any stigma attached to choosing an apprenticeship over the traditional university route, revealing that for the more than 100 apprentices who sat the solicitors qualifying examination (SQE), pass rates were on average 26% higher than their counterparts who had attended university. ****

Caoilionn Hurley, Managing Director of Co-op Legal Services, said: “Here at Co-op Legal Services, we are committed to ensuring that as many individuals get the chance to start an extremely fulfilling legal career, regardless of their background. Our legal apprenticeships enable us to provide this opportunity by establishing new and alternative routes into the profession, which are less of a financial burden than traditional university education.

“We are extremely proud to be able to offer an additional five new openings this year across our legal teams, as we continue to see an increase in uptake for such roles across the country and are incredibly excited to welcome our 2024 cohort. “We are working hard to help break down the misconceptions which surround this alternative route, and to showcase that a career in law is not for the privileged few. There is a wealth of positives in the apprenticeship pathway as candidates are able to get hands-on experience from the start of their journey as well as the opportunity to start earning money straight away.”

Caitlin Tweed, one of Co-op Legal Services’ current Solicitor Apprentices, shares how she’s achieving her dream of becoming a solicitor without going to university: “I learnt about apprenticeships originally through college however I saw the Co-op Legal Services Level 7 Solicitor apprenticeship via social media. I always knew that I wanted a career in law, but I wanted to know which pathways were available. I had my heart set on the level 7 apprenticeship due to the opportunities for growth and development, furthermore the idea of becoming a qualified solicitor has always been my dream. I did apply for university, but it was a back-up option if I didn’t get an apprenticeship.

“I joined Co-op Legal Services in September 2022 and started my apprenticeship journey as a Legal Assistant team within the Probate department. The work was great and set the groundwork for me to progress into the role as a Probate Case Manager. I work remotely one day a week to complete my university work alongside the job. It is challenging to manage both however we get lots of support and it makes me so proud every day to be where I’m at, at such a young age.

“I have recently started to volunteer some of my time to support The Talent Foundry’s Bridge programme, and initiative ran by Co-op Legal Services in partnership with The Talent Foundry. The programme is 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. I feel extremely passionate about ensuring that everyone who aspires to have a legal career knows that it is possible and want others to have access to the same amazing opportunity that I have.”

“I have always had high aspirations for myself and feel this job has been perfect to challenge myself and test my knowledge and ability. I started as a Probate Case Manager earlier last year and I genuinely love the job. I feel as though I have a purpose, and that becomes my drive to get out of bed every day. I love my job and cannot wait to see what my future looks like as a solicitor.

For those wanting to know more about apprenticeships at the Co-op please click here.

ENDS

*Typically, £85,000 better off Tuition fees loan- £9,250, 3 years, £27,750 Maintenance loan- Average £10,466, 3 years, £31,398 SQE exams- £4564 Total debt- £63,712 Starting apprentice salary - £22,000

Solicitor apprentice: 3 A Levels, 5 GCSEs or equivalent SRA | Education and training - corporate report 2021/22 | Solicitors Regulation Authority ***SRA | Apprentices perform well on new solicitors' exam | Solicitors Regulation Authority