DLA Piper is one of the world’s leading business law firms. With over 90 offices in more than 40 countries, they provide seamless local and cross-border advice.

Ten sector groups cover the full range of business law services. Clients include multinationals, start-ups, public sector bodies and governments. Across the two leading legal directories, they have over 2,726 lawyer rankings, and over 1,277 practice group/sector rankings. Their global pro bono practice contributed over 205,000 pro bono hours in 2019 alone. Throughout the six year partnership with UNICEF, they have donated pro bono legal services in excess of USD6.5 million to support UNICEF’s work on issues such as child marriage, birth registration, transitional justice and international protection standards.

An entrepreneurial and supportive culture promotes bold, ambitious thinking and a warm, empathetic approach. Trusting, collaborative relationships with clients and each other is at the heart of everything they do.

THE OPPORTUNITY

DLA Piper are offering the Solicitor Apprenticeship in their Manchester office.

The Solicitor Apprenticeship is a 6-year programme providing you with the opportunity to become a qualified solicitor with a degree level 7 qualification.

The Solicitor Apprenticeship is delivered in partnership with an external academic institution. Each week, you will have one day (20%) dedicated to your studies, and four days (80%) learning through practical on the job work experience.

You will study towards an LLB (Hons) in Legal Practice and Skills, and work towards the Solicitors Regulatory Authority’s (SRA) new centralised assessment, the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE).

You will gain experience in a commercial law firm with 6- and 12-month rotations through DLA Piper’s practice groups and sectors allowing you to obtain broad work experience and a diverse skill set. You will participate in a comprehensive induction, regular training and a bespoke apprentice development plan delivered via the DLA Piper Academy to develop your technical competence and behavioural skills. As you progress through the apprenticeship, there will be client and international secondment opportunities to help you further develop your legal knowledge and skills.

You will have wide ranging support from a buddy for peer support, a mentor, a programme manager and an external skills coach. There will be regular networking and social events, as well as the opportunity to participate in the firm’s sectors and employee networks. You will also have the opportunity to complete pro bono work.

The Solicitor Apprenticeship programme will commence in September 2021 in our Manchester office.