How legal apprenticeships are driving diversity in the profession

The traditional route to a legal career — university followed by law school — has long been the standard. However, solicitor apprenticeships are emerging as a compelling alternative, offering equivalent qualifications alongside paid experience and the significant advantage of avoiding student debt.

International law firm Womble Bond Dickinson (WBD) has been at the forefront of this movement, offering solicitor apprenticeships for the past eight years. They’ve witnessed firsthand the benefits these programmes bring to both the apprentices and the firm.

Earning while learning

For many, the appeal of an apprenticeship lies in the opportunity to gain practical experience while earning a salary. As Amela Kasemi, a solicitor apprentice at WBD, explains, one of the main drawcards was “the cliché reason—that you’re earning while you’re learning, and you’re also gaining invaluable work experience. So upon qualification, you’ve got six years of legal experience under your belt.”

This approach not only fosters financial independence but also ensures that by the time apprentices qualify, they are well-versed in the practicalities of the legal profession, all while avoiding student debt.

Amela Kasemi, a solicitor apprentice at WBD and Jon Bower, a partner at the firm are interviewed by Sangeeta Kandola as part of our Apprenticeships: Unlocking Opportunities programme.

Changing perceptions

Despite the growing awareness of apprenticeships in sectors like law, there’s still a lingering perception that they are less prestigious than the traditional academic route. Jon Bower, a partner at WBD, acknowledges this historical bias but highlights the shifting attitudes and the importance of building a network of understanding to promote the value of apprenticeships:

“It’s probably fair to say that, yes, historically it has been seen as a lesser career. But when you look at it as a business, and the real value we get from our solicitor apprentices, then you’re able to share it with the schools that we go into, you’re able to share it with other businesses as well who were thinking of embarking on it. So, it’s about building that network of understanding.”

He adds, “We’re finding that schools now are really tuned into it, they see it as a valuable alternative for their students when they’re thinking — at an early stage, probably at year 9, so at age 13-14 — about what future careers they may want to look at… and being conscious of the cost of living, and potential student debt.”

Importantly, these apprenticeships promote social mobility. The legal sector has often been criticised for its lack of social diversity, partly due to the financial burden of student fees. Apprenticeships are playing a crucial role in changing this narrative.

“In terms of breaking down socioeconomic demographics, yes, it’s certainly giving an opportunity to people who just wouldn’t have otherwise had the prospect of a career in law,” Jon says.

“But I’d also say that there is a potential challenge because it’s becoming increasingly competitive… We’re seeing that the number of applications is increasing, the competition is increasing and so we need to make sure that we have a balance there to make sure that the underrepresented groups that we want to attract are the ones who are really coming through.”

Support and integration

Support within the firm is vital for the success of apprentices. Amela speaks highly of the backing she’s received from others in the team and fellow apprentices at the company — much welcomed when juggling academic studies alongside practical work. Although this dual aspect of the apprenticeship experience brings huge value in itself:

“The team has been very supportive of the apprenticeship… There’s a huge network of apprentices at Womble Bond Dickinson and we all are there to help support each other,” says Amela.

“I find that there’s a lot of crossover with the concepts and legal work that we take on in the workplace and so when I’m studying it from a theoretical side, it’s very familiar. It’s refreshing when you can study something and it’s not so up in the air; you can ground it with the experience that you’ve got from working in the workplace and seeing that process through.”

The apprenticeship model offers substantial benefits to both the individual and the firm.

“In terms of the time that they spend with us for the apprenticeship, they become embedded in our culture,” explains Jon. “They really understand what our strategy is as a business and also the work that we’re doing with our clients, so by the time that they qualify, they’re able to hit the ground.”

He adds that apprentices provide a diversity of thought and experience, helping the firm achieve its strategic objectives.

Beyond the legal field, WBD offers apprenticeships in various other areas, including finance, IT, and facilities, providing numerous options for those considering non-legal career routes.

Solicitor apprenticeships are redefining the pathway to a legal career, offering a viable alternative to the traditional university route. They promote social mobility, provide practical experience, and benefit both the apprentice and the firm.

As more organisations like Womble Bond Dickinson embrace this model, the legal profession moves closer to reflecting the diversity of the society it serves.