Solicitor apprentices fill provincial ‘legal desert’ gaps
The Law Society of England and Wales has welcomed the British government’s decision to partially fund Level 7 solicitor apprenticeships for those aged 16 to 21 as a vital driver of social mobility.
President Richard Atkinson praised the initiative for expanding access to the profession, especially for those unable to afford university fees.
“This benefits not just the legal sector, but also those young people that can’t afford university fees,” he said.
Atkinson also called for the programme to be extended to Wales.
He warned that limiting funding to under-21s could hamper legal-sector recruitment, especially in smaller regional areas where legal professionals are in short supply.
“Offering apprenticeships in these areas encourages young people to look for opportunities locally, knowing they do not have to move to bigger cities to work in law.”
Social mobility
However, Atkinson emphasised the importance of maintaining funding for older candidates as well and said that apprenticeships played a vital role in promoting social mobility.
In 2023-24, over 1,300 people began solicitor apprenticeships, with 45% aged 20-24 – a figure that the Law Society says underscores the necessity of continued funding for those over 21.
The England and Wales Law Society is urging the government to reconsider its position and commit to fully supporting solicitor apprenticeships beyond the age of 21.
“We hope the government supports the funding of solicitor apprenticeships past the age of 21 and demonstrates its commitment to the legal sector – a proven driver of growth in Britain,” Atkinson said