Applying for Solicitor Apprenticeships

Lots of firms offer solicitor apprenticeships all across the country. I would highly recommend doing your research and looking at what each firm has to offer. Some will be able to provide training over the 6 years in a wide variety of sectors ranging from real estate to medical defence, whereas others will be specialised, and you will focus and develop your knowledge in a particular sector. So, it is definitely worthwhile doing the research to make sure the firm offers what you are looking for. In terms of best places to look, try the government webpage for Level 7 Solicitor Apprenticeships and have a look at individual firm’s websites.

This is the first step in the application process and your first opportunity to shine. This is a mix of the generic questions such as name and DOB etc and some long answer questions that might take some more time to think over. Take your time with the questions, but don’t stress too much about getting everything perfect. They might ask about your thoughts on things like technology and innovation, or what you know about the firm and what it stands for. You could also get questions about your own qualities and why you’d be a good fit for the team. Just be yourself and let your personality come through.

If you pass the initial application stage, you move onto the critical thinking test. This is a way to measure your ability to analyse information, evaluate arguments and reach reasonable conclusions. A typical test consists of 40 questions, and you have 30 minutes to complete but they can be up to 80 questions in an hour. The questions are split into 5 categories: deduction, evaluation of arguments, inference, interpretation and recognition of assumptions. I would highly recommend you complete at least one practice test before you complete the real one as it will give you an opportunity to prepare for the style of questions. For the Watson Glaser test, there isn’t a set pass mark. Instead, employers compare the percentages to the other candidates. Not all law firms will have this test as part of their application process, but it is a very common as it is a great way to easily test your ability to solve problems and doesn’t rely at all on having any legal knowledge.

Pre Recorded Video Interview🖥️
The next stage of the process is the video interview. This is where there is a set of predetermined questions recorded, and you must record your answers to them within a fixed time. You typically have around a minute to read and plan for the question once it has been presented to you and then you have again around a minute to record your answer. There is usually between 4-8 questions at this stage. I would recommend planning for this exactly the same as you would plan for an in-person interview. Make sure you have some key points you would like to say about a wide selection of questions they could ask you so if you panic or get stuck on a question, you will at least have a little something to say. A few top tips for this section are to make sure you are dressed smartly as this will be the first time they see you so it’s important to make a good impression and try and use all the time you are provided to answer with well-developed and clear points. However, if you are really stuck after some time has passed, do stop the recording and move on to the next one as it is best to avoid padding out your answer for the sake of filling time. It is always worth giving evidence to back up any point you state about yourself as it proves your skills and experiences to the employer.

This is the final big hurdle you must overcome. These days can vary in length between a few hours and a full day. Personally, my assessment day lasted half a day. This day consists of multiple different elements including: a group exercise, a written piece, a presentation and an in-person interview. It is an intense day filled with a wide variety of challenges to allow the employer to get a well-rounded understanding of your abilities. Again, as for the previous stages, when applying for a solicitor apprenticeship, there is no expectation of legal knowledge so don’t worry or be put off applying if you haven’t done any law before. The written essay and presentation will be based on a topic that generally isn’t well known as the point is to test your deciphering and research skills. At the end of the presentation, you will be asked a few questions. Don’t worry about not knowing everything on the topic you were provided, but instead focus on being confident in your replies, think logically about what you do know from your research, and remember to have good eye contact with your audience. With regard to the group exercise, the format can vary; however, based on my experience, each candidate is typically provided with a different booklet containing information on the same topic. After reviewing your respective materials, you will be presented with a question and required to discuss it as a group, utilising the information each person has in order to reach a well-reasoned conclusion. During this process, you will be assessed on how you present your information, your communication skills, and your ability to demonstrate both leadership and teamwork. In the interview, you can expect to be asked a range of questions about your motivations and skills. The interviewers may also explore your knowledge of the firm, your ability to work in a team, and how you handle challenging situations. You might be asked to discuss examples from your experience that demonstrate key competencies. My top tips for the interview include thoroughly researching the firm and its values, preparing clear examples to showcase your skills, and practising your answers to common interview questions.

I really hope this has given you a general overview of what to expect and answered some questions you may have had on the process!

Samantha – Solicitor Apprentice 🎓️