Traditionally, SGS students wishing to qualify as a solicitor have undertaken a three-year, full time law degree before seeking a training contract with a law firm. This route remains popular but there are alternatives, one of which is the Level 7 solicitor apprenticeship. Working four days each week, either with a law firm or in a business' legal department, the apprentice gains qualifying work experience. On the fifth day each week, the apprentice attends university where they study, initially, for a degree in law and/or legal practice, and then, in later years, for their professional qualifications. At the end of six years, the successful apprentice qualifies as a solicitor.  With enticing starting salaries and no student loan to repay, the relatively few solicitor apprenticeships on offer each year are highly-coveted and firms' application processes are, typically, both rigorous and very competitive.

Consequently, SGS Law Society members (L to R) Isabella L; Nicole K; and, Catherine M are to be warmly congratulated on securing solicitor apprenticeships (subject to obtaining the necessary A level grades) with prestigious, international law firms, "Linklaters"; "Freshfields"; and, "Slaughter & May", respectively. We wish the students every success when, in September, they embark upon their professional careers.   

Mr Bartlett