At Fox Williams, we are committed to fostering the brightest legal talent through innovative and inclusive pathways. Through our partnership with City Century, we can provide aspiring legal professionals like you with an opportunity to become a qualified solicitor through a solicitor apprenticeship.
If you’re a driven and ambitious sixth-form school leaver, this could be the opportunity to kickstart your legal career.
Our involvement with the City Century initiative is our firm’s pledge to shape the future of the legal profession by opening doors for young talent. Our first solicitor apprenticeship cohort will begin in September 2024 (now accepting applications). Successful apprentices can expect to work alongside experienced legal professionals on wide-ranging business cases and transactions. This immersive learning experience provides an invaluable firsthand look into the multifaceted workings of a dynamic law firm.
Recognising the pivotal role of real-world experience, coupled with mentorship from our highly experienced team, we are designing a solicitor apprenticeship that will nurture holistic growth in the profession and see our apprentices reach their full potential.
Applying to our solicitor apprenticeship is the first step toward an exciting legal career.
Our application process for September 2024 positions is now closed.
Fox Williams offers a different opportunity to develop your career. Our smaller size enables everyone to learn and grow from the high-quality work we deliver and the expertise of our partners and experienced colleagues. Our people are passionate about developing their specialism, while demonstrating initiative, commitment and dedication to their work.
Our solicitor apprenticeship is carefully planned to provide a well-rounded, practical understanding of the legal landscape, encompassing theory and the commercial context in which it operates. This, coupled with law school studies, will propel our apprentices’ legal careers.
Apprentices will have the unique opportunity to work alongside seasoned legal professionals for the duration of the program. Our lawyers’ wealth of knowledge and expertise will be at their disposal, offering practical insight.
Our culture is what sets us apart from other firms. We believe in the value of creating friendly, strong relationships with each other. Through office initiatives, organised events or social clubs, there are many opportunities to get to know everyone in the firm.
One of the standout features of a solicitor apprenticeship is the chance to work on current client cases and transactions, witnessing the impact of legal decisions on real-world scenarios. You’ll have the opportunity to work collaboratively in small teams, often 1-2-1 with partners and senior colleagues, to develop your knowledge quickly and work directly with our clients from day one.
Over the course of the program, apprentices will connect and build their own relationships with clients and colleagues. These connections can prove invaluable throughout the progression of our apprentices’ legal careers.
We understand that transitioning from sixth form into a city law firm might be daunting, but our size and collegiate environment will ensure you receive all the support you need to succeed.
Within the firm, you will receive a dedicated buddy who will support your transition into an office environment and to ask the big (and small) questions over the first year. You will receive a partner mentor who will offer you career and professional guidance throughout the six years, as well as a dedicated department supervisor who will be working closely with you to ensure you receive the day-to-day experience that supports the apprenticeship programme.
In addition to the Fox Willams team, our learning provider offers a range of support mechanisms, from academic supervisors to apprenticeship networks.
When does the solicitor apprenticeship application process open?
Our applications process is open now. Please click here to apply.
What are the benefits of a solicitor apprenticeship?
Unlike traditional routes, our solicitor apprenticeship program offers you the chance to earn a salary while you learn. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to work alongside experienced legal professionals on real cases and transactions.
Do I need specific grades to apply for a solicitor apprenticeship with Fox Williams?
We ask for a minimum of ABB A-level grades (or equivalent) to join our solicitor apprenticeship programme.
We recommend applicants have a minimum of 6 GCSE’s at grade 7 or above. Our application form will allow those with mitigating circumstances to explain areas whereby they have not met the above grade requirements.
We also partner with social mobility charity upReach to use a contextual recruitment tool, to ensure equal opportunities for all our applicants. The tool, called REALrating has been created by upReach, a social mobility charity. It considers academic performance in the context of factors such as school attended and background and gives employers a fairer measure of academic achievements than exam grades alone. To find out more, please click here.
Can non-UK nationals apply for the solicitor apprenticeship?
Eligibility for the apprenticeship to commence in September 2024 is governed by residency rules which are available here. Typically, if you are a UK national, then you need to have been a resident in the UK for the past three years before the apprenticeship starts.
What qualifications will I gain at the end of the apprenticeship?
You will gain an LLB and will qualify as a solicitor.
How many apprentices do you take each year?
We will be accepting 2 apprentices in September 2024.
How can I apply for a solicitor apprenticeship?
Our application process for September 2024 positions opens on Thursday 7 December 2023. Register your email with us to receive updates and important announcements about our application process.
Is there a London living allowance for future apprentices?
We do not offer a London living allowance for the solicitor apprenticeship scheme.
City Century is a collaboration of over 50 esteemed City of London law firms, each committed to empowering students from diverse backgrounds to pursue a career in law. Fox Williams, alongside our fellow City Century members, has pledged to make over 100 solicitor apprentice positions available by September 2024.
