Graduate Solicitor Apprentice Programme

Overview of the programme

The Sackers Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship programme offers aspiring solicitors an alternative path into the legal profession. The 2.5 year programme is for those who have completed their law degree, or those who have completed a non-law degree and the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL).

Our programme combines on-the-job training with guided, independent study and skills coaching delivered by the University of Law (ULaw). It will guide you through the new pathway to qualification as a solicitor by completion of the Solicitors Qualifying Exams (SQE1 and SQE2). You will be assigned a dedicated supervisor and a mentor when you join us and you will have access to a tutor and skills coach at ULaw who will support you throughout the programme. Four days a week will be spent working in our office in the City of London and the fifth day will be allocated to study.

During your time with us you will gain experience in four different work placements in the following teams:

  • “Know-how” (which provides technical support to our lawyers and keeps both them and our clients up to speed with legal developments)
  • Banking
  • Pensions litigation
  • General pensions

At the end of this 2.5 year apprenticeship, subject to satisfactory character and suitability, you will be a fully qualified solicitor, registered with the SRA.

We pride ourselves on our friendly, supportive culture and staff across the firm are down to earth and approachable. We are committed to providing a working environment which values diversity and inclusion and have taken steps to address and support underrepresented groups within the legal profession as well as implement processes and practices to make Sackers a more inclusive place to work.

We are a sociable firm and enjoy spending time together away from our desks. Our social committee “Joy Comm” are responsible for bringing little ‘pockets of joy’ throughout the year with a host of events including family fun-days, cinema and theatre trips, curry nights, leaver and joiner drinks, spa days, coffee baristas at breakfast time and many more!

Our CSR Committee drives initiatives throughout Sackers with a focus on the environment, sustainable development, charitable support and community action. We welcome (and encourage!) involvement from staff across the firm on these initiatives.

We offer agile working and all staff are provided with the necessary IT and workstation equipment to allow them to comfortably work from home.

We offer a starting salary of £27,000, which will increase after one year, as well as a full suite of benefits, including:

  • Pension
  • Private medical insurance
  • Life assurance
  • Group income protection
  • Employee Assistance Programme
  • Health screening
  • Subsidised gym membership
  • Cycle to Work scheme
  • Voluntary dental insurance.

The application process

The application process is designed to determine if you have the required skills, competencies and experience to succeed in a graduate solicitor apprentice role. The process is in four stages, as follows:

  • Application form

Application forms are completed online and can be accessed below. We will ask you to provide some personal information, as well as an overview of experiences gained through work, volunteering or hobbies and interests, where you can demonstrate your transferable skills. We are also keen to understand your interest in law, particularly pensions law.

  • Video interview

Applicants who meet our selection criteria will be invited to attend a 45 minute video interview, which will include questions about you and some of your experiences, both academically and any work experience you have gained, and your aspirations to become a lawyer. You will also be asked some competency based questions, which will explore how you have responded to certain situations that you have faced. Video interviews will take place during the first week of October.

  • Assessment centre at our offices

If successful in your interview you will be invited to attend a half day assessment centre which will be held at our offices. This will include a group exercise and an individual written exercise. The assessment centres will take place in early November.

  • Partner interview

The final stage of the recruitment process is an in-person interview with one of our partners, which will be held at our offices.

All travel expenses to our office will be reimbursed.

Applications are now closed for our February 2023 intake. Details of future apprenticeship opportunities will be available on our website soon.

What are we looking for?

As a minimum you will ideally have a 2:2 law degree or a 2:2 non-law degree with a pass in the GDL. We are looking for individuals with a passion to pursue a career in law. Key skills include an analytical mind, good attention to detail and excellent time management.