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Level 7 · 36 months · SQE pathway

Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship

Explore how law graduates can qualify as solicitors through the SQE route with our law apprenticeship.

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36 months typical duration £1,350 employer co-fund (5%) SQE1 + SQE2 end-point assessment

95% government-funded

For employer-sponsored apprentices

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Where do you fit?

First — are you under or over 22?

Funding rules and pathway eligibility depend on your age at the start. Pick the route that fits, then we'll take you straight to the right page.

01 For learners under 22

Are you under the age of 22?

You may be eligible for government-funded training on the Level 7 Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship. Find out how this programme can support your journey into the legal profession as well as our alternative routes.

Yes, I am No, I'm 22+

02 For learners 22 and over

Are you aged 22 and over?

From January 2026, government funding for Level 7 solicitor apprenticeships is no longer available for those aged 22 and over. Explore alternative routes designed to help you qualify and grow on your career.

Yes, I am No, I'm under 22

The essentials

What You Need to Know About The Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship

This Level 7 Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship is a 36 month programme that prepares you for the solicitor role on how to manage cases, draft legal documents, handle sensitive information, and meet professional deadlines with confidence. You receive full SQE preparation throughout the programme and complete the SQE assessments at the end, leading to a Level 7 Solicitor qualification.

From January 2026, funding rules have changed. Government funding is no longer available for those aged 22 and over on Level 7 apprenticeships, although individuals aged 21 and under can still access government funding. If you are aged 22 or above, there are still clear routes into the profession. Datalaw offers alternative pathways designed to help you achieve the same end goal.

Helen Brownlee-Rowe, Graduate Solicitor Apprentice at Lichfield Reynolds

Legal Apprenticeships Information Brochure cover

Looking For More Details? Download Our Programme Brochure

13 pages · curriculum, EPA detail, learner outcomes, funding bands

Download

For learners under 22

Pathways For Learners Aged Under 22

If you're under 22, you could be eligible for a few of our government-funded programmes across a range of legal apprenticeship pathways. With Datalaw, you can choose the route that best fits your current experience and long-term career goals.

Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship

Level 7 · 36 months

This route is designed for law graduates (or those with an equivalent qualification) who want to qualify as generalist solicitor via the SQE route.

Eligible Candidates Hold:

21 on the first day of learning (the 16th September)
Hold a 2:1 degree or above, or equivalent qualification
Spend 50% of their working time in the UK
Are currently employed and on the pay-roll in a suitable role for the programme to be able to undertake legal tasks

Advanced Paralegal Apprenticeship

Level 5 · 14–24 months

A practical progression route for those starting out in law or moving up from a Level 3 qualification, with a clear pathway towards becoming a solicitor or Chartered Legal Executive. Ideal if you want to:

Build real-world legal skills in a structured environment
Progress towards solicitor or CILEx qualification
Gain experience in legal research, drafting, and client work
Prepare for further SQE training

Chartered Apprenticeship

Level 6 · 29 months

For learners progressing from Foundation or Advanced — qualifies you as a Chartered Legal Executive, regulated by CILEx Regulation.

29-month, on-programme + EPA structure
Two CILEx Law & Practice qualifications
Full CILEx fellowship at successful EPA
Optional onward route into the SQE for solicitor qualification

Apprentice profile Graduate apprenticeships law learner smiling while typing at a desk, representing workplace-based legal training and professional development.

Graduate apprenticeships law learner smiling while typing at a desk, representing workplace-based legal training and professional development.

For learners 22 and over

Pathways For Learners Aged 22 and Over

At Datalaw we have alternative routes for those who are no longer eligible for Level 7 government funding. Most of these pathways depend on your experience to-date, your career ambitions, and how quickly you want to progress.

Advanced Paralegal

Level 5 · 24 months

A practical, career-focused route for those looking to enter the legal profession or progress from an entry-level role, with a clear pathway towards becoming a solicitor.

How it compares: Unlike the Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship, this route does not require a law degree and focuses on building practical skills first, before progressing into SQE training.

Ideal if you want to:

Starts a career in law with or without a degree
Gain hands-on experience in a legal environment
Progress towards solicitor qualification step-by-step
Build confidence before undertaking SQE assessments

Chartered Legal Executive

Level 6 · 29 months

A degree-equivalent route that allows you to specialise in a specific area of law and qualify as a Chartered Legal Executive with recognised practice rights.

How it compares:

While the Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship is a direct route to qualifying as a solicitor, this pathway offers a more flexible, specialist approach, with the option to later convert to solicitor status. This route also allows you to gain your practice rights quicker compared to the Solicitor Apprenticeship

Ideal if you want to:

Qualify and practise in a specific area of law
Gain recognised legal status and practice rights
Progress into a fee-earning role more quickly
Dual qualify as a chartered legal executive and solicitor (by taking the SQE exams after you complete this programme)

Career changer Erin Green, Chartered Legal Executive Apprentice at Owen Kenny Solicitors

Curriculum

Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship Curriculum and Alternative Routes

Explore what you'll learn on the Level 7 Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship — alongside alternative pathways and how they compare.

Featured route

Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship

The full 9-module Level 7 curriculum that leads to SQE1 + SQE2 and admission to the roll.

01Functioning Legal Knowledge 1: Focus on Business, Legal Services, Dispute Resolution
02Functioning Legal Knowledge 2: Focus on Property Law and Practice, Wills, Solicitors' Accounts, Criminal Practice
03Take SQE 1 Exam
04Advocacy/persuasive oral communication
05Client Interviewing
06Case and matter analysis
07Written advice and legal research
08Drafting
09Take SQE 2 Exam (End Point Assessment)

Level: 7 — Master's-equivalent
Duration: 36 months
EPA: SQE1 + SQE2 (SRA-assessed)

Alternative routes

How the three routes compare

Level

Duration

End-Point Assessment

Featured Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship

7Master's-equivalent

36 mthsSQE pathway

SQE1 + SQE2SRA-assessed

Advanced Paralegal Apprenticeship

5Equivalent to a Higher National Diploma

24 MonthsTrainee Solicitor Route

Portfolio+ structured interview

Chartered Legal Executive Apprenticeship

6Bachelor's-equivalent

29 mthsCILEx pathway

CILEx-assessedPortfolio + Exams

Advanced Paralegal Apprenticeship

For learners without a law degree seeking to become a trainee solicitor.

Foundations, Ethics & Professional Conduct
Legal Research & Dispute Resolution
Negotiation, ADR & Settlement
Drafting & Contract Law
Wills, Probate & Trusts
Client Care, Advising & Tort
Case Management & Public Law
Property Practice & Land Law
Collaboration with Counsel & Regulators
AML, Cybersecurity & Criminal Law
Business Law, Commercial Awareness & Accounts
Project Awareness & Preparation

View full curriculum

Chartered Legal Executive Apprenticeship

A degree-equivalent route that allows you to specialise in a specific area of law and qualify as a Chartered Legal Executive with recognised practice rights.

How it compares: While the Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship is a direct route to qualifying as a solicitor, this pathway offers a more flexible, specialist approach, with the option to later convert to solicitor status. This route also allows you to gain your practice rights quicker compared to the Solicitor Apprenticeship.

Ideal if you want to:

Qualify and practise in a specific area of law
Gain recognised legal status and practice rights
Progress into a fee-earning role more quickly
Dual qualify as a chartered legal executive and solicitor (by taking the SQE exams after you complete this programme)

Modules (Mandatory*)

Paralegal Skills (Inc Ethics)
Introduction to Dispute Resolution (Civil) Law
Introduction to Criminal Law
Introduction to Conveyancing Law
Introduction to Wills and Probate Law
Introduction to Public Law & Human Rights
Dispute Resolution Practice
Conveyancing Practice
Wills, Trusts & Probate Practice
Criminal Practice
Advanced Paralegal Skills

Specialist Pathways (One Pathway Required)

Business Practice Pathway
Civil Practice Pathway
Conveyancing Practice Pathway
Criminal Practice Pathway
Employment Practice Pathway
Family Practice Pathway
Immigration Practice Pathway
Private Practice Pathway

*Prior qualifications can be used to provide exemptions to modules.

View full curriculum

Malachi Cole, Graduate Solicitor Apprentice at KingsleyWood

Apprentice profile

Who's eligible

Eligibility Criteria

Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship

You must hold a 2:1 law degree or above, or an equivalent qualification.
To be in an appropriate role and on the payroll within a legal team.
You must spend at least 50% of your working time in England.
Must be aged 21 on the first day of learning.

Advanced Paralegal & Chartered Legal Executive route

You must hold a Level 3 Paralegal qualification; 2:2 Law, 2:1 Law, or Non-Law Degree: or PGDL/GDL
Pathways differentiate based on legal experience bands: 0–2 years, 2–5 years, 5+ years.
You must spend at least 50% of your working time in England.

Register Interest

Funding 2026

Government Funding Rules

Confused about how apprenticeship government funding works? Download our detailed guide to gain a clearer understanding on:

The differences between Levy paying businesses and non-Levy paying businesses
Identify which type of business you are and where funding applies
Understand what other government funding can be applied for

If you would like further support on government funding and how we could help your employees, our Apprenticeship Coordinator team would be happy to talk you through it.

Download Funding Guide

2026 Guide · 14 pages

Apprenticeship Government Funding

Download PDF

Trusted by Over 30,000 Professionals

UK solicitors, paralegals & apprentices on our programmes

Talk to a human

Chat With One Of Our Apprenticeship Coordinators

Ready to take the next step or unsure which pathway is right for you? Speak directly with one of our Apprenticeship Coordinators for personalised guidance based on your experience and career goals.

They can help you:

Understand which apprenticeship route is best suited to you
Explain eligibility, funding, and next steps
Talk through career progression options in law
Answer any questions you may have before applying

If you'd like tailored advice, simply get in touch and our team will be happy to guide you through your options.

Register Interest

For employers

Why Organisations & Employers Choose Datalaw

Datalaw stands out because we:

Provide transparent support on how to reduce training costs through funding
Improve retention through clear career progression
Support apprentices throughout their journey with dedicated tutors
Offer multiple start dates in the year to work around your schedule

A partnership that supports long-term growth: With Datalaw, your employees are supported at every stage of their career. From entry-level legal roles through to fully qualified professionals with practice rights, we provide clear progression pathways tailored to your firm's needs. Beyond qualification, we continue that support through ongoing CPD training and further accreditations, helping your team develop, retain talent, and stay ahead in a changing legal landscape.

Register Interest for Employers

Apprentice stories

Join Our Community

Hear from Datalaw apprentices who are building real legal careers while they study. From hands-on experience to the support of a like-minded community, discover what life on an apprenticeship is really like.

Solicitor graduate apprenticeship student taking a mirror selfie in professional workwear, highlighting practical legal experience and workplace-based training.

"The most attractive thing to me was having the opportunity to study whilst also working. The practical experience is perfect for gaining the relevant transferable skills…It also means that once you've qualified, you are already established."

Klara Karimy

Datalaw Graduate Solicitor Apprentice

Graduate solicitor apprenticeship SQE video still showing coffee being poured with text encouraging future solicitors, highlighting the route to qualification through practical experience.

"I'm gaining my experience at my law firm, continuing to build my career, and studying for the SQE at the same time whilst getting paid. If you're struggling to find the best route for you. I would definitely consider the apprenticeship route."

Malachi Cole

Datalaw Graduate Solicitor Apprentice

Solicitor apprenticeships for graduates online Zoom training session, showing a graduate law cohort receiving structured support through workplace-based learning.

"The apprenticeship has helped me with the SQE, especially with workshops, they give us a lot of practice questions, which are the same format as the SQE… I'm getting quite a few answers right, but when I do get an answer wrong, they explain it really thoroughly to us."

Alyssia Sableski

Datalaw Graduate Solicitor Apprentice

Powerful Results

A track record we'll stand behind

You can ensure your professional development is in the hands of trusted experts. We're proud to support the growth of thousands of professionals each year, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in their career.

90%

Satisfaction

of our apprentices are satisfied with their learning experience.

94%

Progression

of learners gain promotions or progress onto further study.

100%

Pass Rate

pass rate & distinction score on the new paralegal apprenticeship standards.

Ready to Begin? Register Your Interest Today

One short form, one quick reply — our Apprenticeship Coordinators will follow up within one working day.

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Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship

First — are you under or over 22?

Are you under the age of 22?

Are you aged 22 and over?

What You Need to Know About The Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship

Pathways For Learners Aged Under 22

Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship

Advanced Paralegal Apprenticeship

Chartered Apprenticeship

Pathways For Learners Aged 22 and Over

Advanced Paralegal

Ideal if you want to:

Chartered Legal Executive

Ideal if you want to:

Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship Curriculum and Alternative Routes

Advanced Paralegal Apprenticeship

Chartered Legal Executive Apprenticeship

Modules (Mandatory*)

Specialist Pathways (One Pathway Required)

Eligibility Criteria

Government Funding Rules

Apprenticeship Government Funding

Chat With One Of Our Apprenticeship Coordinators

Why Organisations & Employers Choose Datalaw

Join Our Community

A track record we'll stand behind

Ready to Begin? Register Your Interest Today

Explore More Apprenticeships with Datalaw

Chartered Legal Executive Apprenticeship

Advanced Paralegal Apprenticeship

Level 4 Conveyancing Apprenticeship