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  • Solicitor

Solicitor Apprenticeship

With learning outcomes mapped against the Joint Statement issued by the Law Society and the General Council of the Bar, this apprenticeship provides an integrated learning environment structured to enable apprentices to gain the knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes appropriate to the legal workplace.

The programme delivers a comprehensive and systematic knowledge of the English Legal System and the Foundations of Legal Knowledge. This enables apprentices to develop their professional judgement and ability to conduct legal work within the ethical and regulatory framework as well as gaining a comprehensive knowledge of the law and practice areas required to practice as a solicitor.

Upon completion of the programme apprentices will be equipped with the intellectual and professional skills required by a competent solicitor on entry to the profession, including skills in legal research, legal writing and drafting, interviewing and advising, negotiation and oral and written advocacy.

Make sure that you’ve read the FAQs, and that you meet the eligibility criteria, before you submit an application.

key information

University of Brighton award LLB (Hons) Legal Practice

Apprenticeship Standard Solicitor

Level 7

Start Date September 2023

Application Close Date June 2023

Duration 6 years

Location Moulsecoomb

Ask us about apprenticeships

Programme details

Programme structure

This programme is taught one day per week in either lecture or seminar format depending on the topic. Lectures will be used to outline the theoretic framework and principles of law, including key case law and statutory provisions and provide a basis for further, in-depth study. 

Apprentices will undertake three modules per academic year, except in year five where apprentices will take four modules. Apprentices will also be expected to consolidate the lectures and prepare for seminars by reading law reports, statutes, textbooks, casebooks, journal and periodical articles. Guidance on reading material will be provided by the module leader.

With support from the employer, apprentices are required to spend 20% of paid working hours on studies and be able to evidence this. This is a statutory requirement for apprenticeships and the funding is conditional on this being met. Off-the-job learning includes activities which have not previously been a part of the role or furthers apprentice development into new areas.

Solicitors Regulation Authority logo

 

Core modules and skills

Year 1

  • Introduction to Practice
  • Legal Systems, Methods and Skills
  • Public Law

Year 2

  • Tort Law
  • Contract Law
  • Professional Ethics and Client Care

Year 3

  • EU Law
  • Criminal Law
  • Business Law and Practice

Year 4

  • Professional Practice 1
  • Equity and Trusts
  • Land Law

Year 5

  • Wills and Succession
  • Criminal Litigation
  • Civil Litigation
  • Real Estate

Year 6

  • Professional Practice 2
  • Option module
  • Research Project

Upon completion of the programme, apprentices will be equipped to:

  • act autonomously in planning and managing projects
  • synthesise information and data from a variety of sources
  • identify legal and ethical issues in a given scenario
  • exercise professional judgement in complex and unpredictable situations
  • critically evaluate evidence to support decision making and the resolution of legal problems
  • utilise a wide range of skills and methods to communicate complex and highly specialised legal and non-legal information
  • apply understanding, critical thinking and analysis of the relevant Law and legal practice areas to offer advices to clients
  • analyse ad assess written and oral information
  • undertake, interpret and evaluate legal research
  • select and manage knowledge, information and data seeking guidance where appropriate
  • draft legal documents
  • conduct effective oral and written advocacy
  • act honestly and with integrity to establish and apply effective professional relations.

Teaching and assessment 

Apprentices will engage in four to seven hours of academic study (depending on the semester) to include lectures, workshops and seminars.

The lectures will be used to outline the theoretical framework and basic principles of law, including key case law and statutory provisions. Apprentices will be expected to consolidate the lectures and prepare for seminars by reading law reports, statutes, textbooks, casebooks and other materials provided by the module leader.

The learning strategies in seminars may vary, and there will be an expectation that everyone participates. This will help apprentices to underpin understanding of the theoretical framework and principles of law by application to and analysis of problem scenarios. 

Group activities provide a flexible learning forum with the nature of the content varying from inviting guest speakers to participate in discussion to developing skills such as debating and presenting.

Assessment on the programme is used to determine candidates' ability to practice effectively, methods used include:

  • written exams
  • multiple choice questions
  • moot
  • negotiations
  • advocacy
  • written assignments
  • portfolio.

Whilst on the programme apprentices will undertake assessments SQE1 and SQE2. These are objective tests and will take place away from the work place in timed conditions and are administered by the Solicitor Regulation Authority. 

Employer and apprentice commitments

In order to deliver the programme, the employer undertakes to:

  • conduct a workplace induction and set out a contract of employment
  • provide an appropriately qualified workplace mentor to support the apprentice
  • attend apprentice's progress review (twice a year) 
  • release apprentice for scheduled off-the-job training
  • have an Apprenticeship Agreement in place from the start of the programme.

 

Throughout the programme, apprentices will:

  • attend the workplace for the agreed pattern as set out in the employment contract 
  • record all training sessions and off-the-job learning 
  • attend scheduled university learning sessions and complete all assessments as required by the university and End Point Assessment Organisation
  • behave in a safe and responsible manner at the workplace and university
  • engage with regular progress reviews 
  • complete, throughout the apprenticeship, a professional development portfolio.

 

Staff profile

Claire-Michelle Smyth

Dr Claire-Michelle Smyth, LLM, is your course leader. Claire-Michelle graduated with a PhD from Queens University Belfast where her research centred on social and economic rights and the European Convention on Human Rights. Claire-Michelle's main interests are in Equity and Trusts and Human Rights Law. She has published extensively in this area and regularly attends national and international conferences discussing her research.

Find out more about Claire.

Claire-Michelle Smyth profile photo

Law societies

Student Law Society

The Student Law Society is a thriving community of over 150 law students. With support from the Students’ Union, it organises an exciting schedule of social and educational events.

Members have recently enjoyed visits to Lewes Crown Court, Brighton Magistrates Court and the Houses of Parliament. Social events have included paintballing, go-karting, surfing, a Christmas Ball at the Brighton Hilton Metropole, and a trip with law students from other universities to Amsterdam.

Through initiatives such as these, the society provides excellent opportunities for personal development and for networking with other students interested in a career in law.

Student Mooting Society

The Mooting Society has a fast-growing membership of over 120 students. The society provides workshops, guest speakers, socials, trips and competitions to help build members' confidence and adversarial skills that are increasingly essential in any career path in the legal sector.

The objective of the mooting competitions is to develop the research and advocacy skills of future practitioners. Students argue both sides of a fictitious legal case in a court room setting in front of a panel of judges.

Fees and funding information for apprentices

Course fees

As an apprentice the cost of your learning programme is covered by your employer through their Digital Apprenticeship Service (DAS) account.

Student finance

Higher and degree level apprentices are not eligible for any element of student finance. This is because they receive a salary instead of the student loan package. However, if you are experiencing any financial difficulties, please contact the Student Advice Service on 01273 642 888.

Learning support

Apprentices studying at Higher and degree level may be able to access funding in relation to additional support but this is available through the university and not Disabled Students Allowance. Apprentices may also be able to apply for Access to Work funding for work-based equipment and software. Please contact the Disability and Dyslexia team on 01273 643 799.


Living costs and benefits

Higher and degree level apprentices must fulfil the standard eligibility criteria in order to apply for means tested benefits such as Universal Credit, Child Tax Credit and Housing Benefit. If you have any questions about entitlement to benefits, please contact the Student Advice Service on 01273 643 888.

Higher and degree level apprentices who are undertaking a full-time mode of study can be treated as being exempt from paying Council Tax. Although some programmes require study on a day-release arrangement, this can still be classed as full-time study. You will need to obtain a letter from the Student Information Desk at any campus and send this to your Council Tax department when you enrol on the programme.

Other

Brighton and Hove bus discount

NUS card

 

Entry requirements

  • Five GCSEs including mathematics and English grade C/4 or above and
  • Three A-levels or equivalent, minimum grade C, with relevant employer-led work experience or
  • Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship in a relevant occupation including business administration, legal services, providing financial services

Applicants may be entitled to exemptions if they have completed

  • Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship in a relevant occupation like legal services, professional services, providing financial services
  • Paralegal apprenticeship
  • Legal executive apprenticeship
  • Law degree or graduate diploma/ Legal practice course 

Prior learning will also be recognised where the apprentice has significant practical experience. Where this is the case appropriate deductions will be made to the programme fees.

Location

Moulsecoomb campus

Two miles north of Brighton seafront, Moulsecoomb is our largest campus and student village. Over the last four years Moulsecoomb has undergone a major transformation, planned with accessibility, inclusivity and sustainability in mind.

On campus you’ll find professional-standard facilities and learning resources for all of our subjects and a brand new academic building Elm House, alongside the library, student centre, fitness facilities and the Students’ Union.

Moulsecoomb has easy access to buses and trains and to all the exciting things happening in our home city.

New buildings in the Moulsecoomb development viewed from the street

Why choose us?

  • Apprenticeships rated 'Good' by Ofsted
  • Gain more than just learning: the university has a strong network of fellow students and alumni which represents a valuable long-term resource
  • We have 40 years' experience enhancing careers and meeting business needs
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