Solicitor apprenticeship profile: Fladgate

Fladgate solicitor apprenticeship review 2026

Chambers Student: How is the solicitor apprenticeship structured at the firm?

Riven Lunjevich-King, Early Careers Advisor: The solicitor apprenticeship is a six-year program spent working alongside lawyers across different fee-earning departments. Years one and two are spent working at an administrator level, before progressing to paralegal in years three and four. During their first four years, apprentices spend one year in their allocated departments before moving seats each September. In years five and six, apprentices complete six four-month seats alongside the trainee cohort. You are very quickly embedded into the firm, and by the time you qualify you will have had exposure to a broad range of our practice areas.

“With competition in the legal profession so intense, having a structured pathway all the way through to qualification really stood out to me.”

CS: Why did you decide to apply for a legal apprenticeship? What was the appeal of this path into the profession compared to other routes?

Esosa Irhule, apprentice: Before starting the solicitor apprenticeship, I had just finished my A-levels, studying English Literature, Politics and Psychology. During Year 13, I completed a week of work experience at Fladgate, through one of the firm’s charity partners. During this week, I was made aware of the apprenticeship programme and immediately knew I wanted to pursue it. The idea of being able to start my legal career right after sixth form, and gain practical experience while working towards qualification, really appealed to me. It felt like the perfect opportunity to get my foot in the door early.  Another major benefit is that, unlike the traditional route, I don’t have the added pressure of applying for training contracts. With competition in the legal profession so intense, having a structured pathway all the way through to qualification really stood out to me.

Alicia Orange, apprentice: Prior to starting the apprenticeship, I was in my second year studying undergraduate law at the University of Leeds. I had always wanted to go into the legal sector but as I progressed throughout my degree, I realised that perhaps the traditional legal route wasn’t best suited to me. After reassessing my options, I discovered degree apprenticeships. The valuable experience and opportunities that a solicitor apprenticeship provides, in addition to being able to limit my student debt whilst building a strong portfolio across a six-year period, confirmed that this was the right path into the legal profession for me.   

CS: What has the experience been like so far?

AO: It’s been great! I'm now in my fourth year of the apprenticeship, and I have experienced a range of different departments and learned more about the legal sector than I ever could have at university. I have just rotated into the dispute resolution team but have previously done seats in corporate, real estate, and funds, finance and regulatory (FFR). During my year as a paralegal in FFR, my day-to-day life was extremely varied. The tasks I assisted with ranged from drafting and managing ancillary documents such as director’s certificates and board minutes and other general file management, to conducting security reviews, due diligence and participating in client calls. The most valuable lesson I learned during this period was to always speak up and ask questions, rather than spend hours struggling to find the ‘correct’ answer.

EI: I spent my first year in the corporate department, and I’m now in the real estate team. The work apprentices get involved in is really varied. For example, in real estate I often assist with post-completion matters, but there are plenty of other tasks that give me exposure to different areas of the department. One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned so far is the importance of organisation, particularly when it comes to keeping track of different pieces of work and matters at the same time. A challenge I’ve faced is building confidence when tackling unfamiliar tasks for the first time, but over time I’ve realised how important it is to ask questions early on and make use of the support around me, which has helped me progress much more quickly.

CS: What is the balance between studying and work experience? How did you find the study element?

RL-K: Apprentices have a dedicated weekly study day to complete their academic learning with the University of Law. We also offer additional study leave around exams and coursework due dates. Juggling work and study can be challenging, but manageable if you stay organised. There are a number of people at the firm who are there to support you and make sure you don’t become overwhelmed.  

AO: It can be difficult to juggle both, especially during busy periods at work or in exam season and it is definitely a huge adjustment balancing studying and working at the same time. It takes a lot of organisation and dedication to stay on top of both elements, but it is great to see your studies put into practice within your day-to-day tasks. This is great for development, both academically and professionally.

CS: What sort of training, mentorship and support do you get as a legal apprentice?

EI: Coming straight from A levels can be a daunting thought, but the firm has a very supportive culture which makes the transition much easier. Each apprentice is assigned a buddy, usually another apprentice who has already completed a seat in the department, which is helpful when finding your feet. In addition, we have regular check-ins with our supervisor and HR to make sure we’re progressing well and settling in. What stands out most is how approachable everyone is across the firm, from fellow apprentices through to partners, which makes asking questions much easier.

AO: Support, training and supervision is something that Fladgate focuses on and puts a lot of energy into. The beginning of my apprenticeship was full of inductions and training sessions, and this has carried on throughout each department. I have also had regular catch ups with mentors and supervisors to not only monitor my progress, but to ensure that I feel supported.

CS: How does the application process work and what does the firm look for?

RL-K: We value academic ability, extra-curricular activities, and excellent organisation, communication and teamwork skills. We seek candidates who demonstrate commitment to a legal career, and an understanding of the level of commitment required to complete a solicitor apprenticeship. We look for enthusiasm and leadership potential while also understanding the value of teamwork and the importance of culture and inclusion. Applicants that stand out the most are able to articulate why they are pursuing a career in law, and why specifically at a firm like ours. If you don’t have any law-specific experience, we’d like to know about the experience you do have and how the skills you have gained from it will translate to a career in law. Whether a part-time job, extra-curriculars at school, or volunteering, there will absolutely be something you gained from it that will help you during your solicitor apprenticeship – make sure it comes across.

“Having support has been crucial throughout my journey to becoming a solicitor apprentice, and now I’ve become someone who can provide guidance to others – that feels like a full circle moment.”

CS: What has been your favourite moment of the solicitor apprenticeship?

AO: My favourite part of the apprenticeship so far has been the realisation that I can now advise and teach other people who are in the position that I was once in. Having support has been crucial throughout my journey to becoming a solicitor apprentice and now I've become someone who can provide guidance to others – that feels like a full circle moment.   

EI: So far, it has to be our sports day, which gave me the perfect excuse to let my competitive side out! There are many social events that provide a brilliant way to bond with colleagues outside the office.  

CS: Any final words of wisdom?

RL-K: Remember that assessment centres and interviews are just as much about making sure we are right for you, as well as you being right for us – so don’t be afraid to ask questions. It’s normal to feel nervous, but if you are invited to attend an assessment day or an interview, try to remind yourself that someone has seen something they liked about your application and wants to see more of you, so be yourself! We don’t expect perfection at this stage of your career, and no one expects you to know everything. Instead, we want to see your passion and your potential, so make sure that comes across.  

EI: For those considering applying, my advice would be to research firms carefully and make sure you understand their practice areas and culture, as this will help tailor each of your applications. If you don’t have legal experience, ensure to focus on all your transferable skills from school, a part-time job or any extracurricular activities, as these are a great demonstration of the qualities that firms look for in their candidates. Finally, it’s important to understand the apprenticeship programme and ensure it is something you want to commit yourself to.