A local law firm is the first in England and Wales to offer a legal apprenticeship programme aimed at opening up the profession to a greater number of talented candidates.
Hillyer McKeown, who have an office in Birkenhead, is the first to adopt the new Articled Apprenticeship scheme which provides an alternative route to qualification as a solicitor for those who want to earn while they learn.
The programme has been developed by The University of Law (ULaw) and successful candidates will be employed on a six-year apprenticeship, while studying ULaw’s part-time LLB course – a qualifying law degree approved by the Bar Standards Board and Solicitors Regulation Authority in England and Wales.
Carol Draycott, Centre Director at ULaw in Chester, said: “We expect the scheme to appeal to school leavers who do not wish to rack up student debt while at university, but also to people considering a change of career who can make the transition while still earning a salary.”
“The big issue in the legal profession is employability because there is such strong competition to secure training contracts with firms. This programme provides successful candidates with a period of recognised training as well as study.”
“From day one, candidates have the certainty of employment with one of the leading law firms in the North West and North Wales.”
For more information, please visit the Wirral Chamber of Commerce website.
