The Mishcon Solicitor Apprenticeship is a six-year Level 7 programme at the end of which you will qualify as a solicitor. All of your tuition fees will be paid and you will earn a salary whilst you are studying for your degree, undertaking training and gaining your qualification.
"My time as Mishcon de Reya has been wonderful so far – my supportive team and cohort calmed any nerves I had about joining. There is a variety of work and departments and always something going on that will pique your interest. Overall, the experience has been invaluable, and I have learned so much. I cannot recommend the programme enough for those wanting to pursue a career in Law." Molly Kiely, Solicitor Apprentice
You will be based in our London office, working alongside leading lawyers across our six departments (Corporate, Real Estate, Litigation, Innovation, Employment & Private). During the first four years you will complete four annual rotations and in the final two years you will join the graduate solicitor intake with four six month rotations. Throughout the six years you will be working for four days per week gaining valuable, real-life experience and spend one day studying with The University of Law.
By the end of the six years you will have a law degree and you will also have passed the Solicitor Qualifying Exams (SQE), comprising of SQE1: Functioning Knowledge Tests and SQE2: Standardised Practical Legal Skills Assessments. The University of Law will provide you with guidance and assistance to help you pass these assessments.
All of your tuition fees will be paid and you will earn a salary whilst you are studying for your degree, undertaking training and gaining your qualification.
At Mishcon de Reya our junior lawyers are the future of our business. The future of law is not predictable - the years to come will look nothing like the years that came before. So we need shapers. We need bold individuals who can adapt to seismic changes across the legal, social and political spheres. We need creative thinkers who can revolutionise the way we work.
We do not have a minimum grade criteria however strong academic results are desirable. Our previous solicitor apprentices have had at least 3 A-Levels at grade BBB and 6 GCSEs at grade A*-C or equivalent. Please do not be deterred if your grades are lower than this as we are looking for more than just strong academics.
You’ll earn a starting salary of £29,000 as well as receiving all the various benefits. Your salary will also increase as you progress through the programme. You’ll earn a trainee solicitor salary in your final two years and a Newly Qualified Solicitor salary once you qualify. All your tuition and course material will be paid for.
Please note, our solicitor apprenticeship is not open to people with degrees.
The first stage of the process is the application form. This is an opportunity for you to tell us about yourself and what makes you stand out as a candidate. We will ask you for detail about your educational background; your work experience and any other hobbies, interests, qualifications and achievements. Don't worry if you haven't completed any legal work experience, we are looking for any experience where you have gained transferrable skills suitable to being a solicitor. The final section will include some longer form question about why you are interested in being a solicitor; why you've chosen Mishcon de Reya; and why you wish to qualify through the apprenticeship route.
To ensure we get a well-rounded view of all our applicants, the Future Potential Assessment we use as part of our process consists of a blend of scenario-based, numerical and verbal questions, and a short video interview.
The assessment has been designed to look for candidates who are excited to embrace the future of law and apply their intellect and creativity to a variety of work-related situations. The questions will not require any prior knowledge or experience. Whilst the assessment is untimed, it typically takes approximately 45 minutes to complete.
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The assessment day will be held in our London office and comprised of a 'Case Study Assessment' and an Interview.
A case study assessment is an individual assessment where candidates are required to read a scenario and present their thoughts to an assessor. We are looking to see how candidates are able to assimilate information and demonstrate their commercial awareness. It's important to remember that you're not being assessed on your knowledge of the law, but how to apply business acumen to client needs.
Your interview will be with a senior lawyer and a member of our People Team. You will be asked a range of strength-based and scenario-based questions.
The final stage of our assessment process is an Insight and Assessment Programme. We're delighted to be able to offer this exciting opportunity as part of our Solicitor Apprentice recruitment process. The programme is a unique opportunity for candidates to gain a first-hand insight into Mishcon de Reya, our people and the work we do. For many, this will be the first opportunity to experience what goes on inside a law firm and meet some of our lawyers and current apprentices.
The programme will consist of three office-based days, whereby you will have the opportunity to sit in a legal team and assist with client matters. In addition to experiencing the firm, the programme provides you with an opportunity to demonstrate your skills and why you would make a great Solicitor Apprentice. You will experience similar tasks to those a first year Solicitor Apprentice would undertake, be involved with a group project, complete an independent case study and also be interviewed by fee-earners from across the firm.
