Trainee Solicitor / Solicitor Apprenticeship Recruitment Process

We currently offer a number of options for aspiring solicitors to qualify.
Regardless of the route, we require all potential trainees to have a period of work experience with the firm, referred to as our Work Placement Scheme, generally for a period between 2 – 6 weeks (depending on availability and capacity).

Routes to Qualification:

1. Apprenticeships (21 and under)

Solicitor Apprenticeship (6 years):

For applicants without a degree who want to earn while qualifying. Apprentices complete a law degree and later sit SQE1 and SQE2.

Graduate Entry Solicitor Apprenticeship (30 months):

For applicants with a qualifying degree. Includes legal practice modules and preparation for SQE1 and SQE2, as well as the required two years of QWE.

Both apprenticeship routes include one working day per week allocated to study.

2. Training Contract

Suitable for candidates who have completed either:
• The LPC, or
• SQE1 and SQE2

This route provides two years of QWE.

Eligibility Criteria

Apprenticeships – available for those 21 and under.

Solicitor Apprenticeship Programme – At least 5 GCSEs at grade B / 6 and above and 3 A-Levels at grades / predicted grades A, B, B or 128 UCAS points.
Graduate Entry Solicitor Apprenticeship Programme – As above plus a minimum of a 2:1 degree in law.

Training Contract – As above plus successful completion of the LPC.

Qualifying Work Experience – As above plus successful completion of SQE1 & SQE2.

Application Process

Stage 1 – Application and Essay

Complete the application form (available here: https://bridgemcfarland.co.uk/training-contracts/) and email it to recruitment@bmcf.co.uk.
Include a 500 word essay explaining how the law has impacted your life or the lives of friends or family.

Stage 2 – Workbook

Shortlisted applicants will receive a Workbook to complete. This assesses key skills needed to become a successful solicitor.

Stage 3 – Interview & Presentation

If shortlisted after the Workbook stage, you will attend an in person interview at one of our offices.
This includes:
• A short assessment
• A 10 minute presentation on a topic provided in advance
Note: If unsuccessful at Stages 1–3, feedback is not provided.

Stage 4 – Work Placement

Successful candidates will be invited to complete a Work Placement.

Stage 5 – Offer / Rejection

If unsuccessful, you will be told before the end of your Work Placement and given appropriate feedback.
Alternatively, you may be offered:
1. An invitation to reapply the following year
2. Additional Work Placements for further experience/assessment
3. A fixed term Legal Assistant role to support further assessment
4. A Training Contract or Apprenticeship

Application Closing Dates

We review applications (together with completed essays and workbooks) and conduct interviews at regular intervals throughout the year as follows:-