Dentons has spoken to The Lawyer Portal about its innovative new solicitor apprenticeships scheme – along with what they look for in their law apprenticeship candidates and how you can get involved.
As one of the founders and pioneers of the Trailblazer Legal Apprenticeship Scheme, Dentons is one of the first law firms to officially open its doors to legal apprentices.
Here’s what they had to say…
Can you tell us a bit about Dentons?
Now the world’s largest law firm, Dentons’ global team builds tailored solutions to meet the local, national and global needs of private and public clients of any size in more than 125 locations serving 50-plus countries.
If commercial law is your ambition, beginning your career with us will help you fulfil it. You’ll be welcomed into a team globally renowned for its expertise. We’ll help you develop your skills and knowledge in an open and supportive environment.
We’ll give you all the tools and guidance you need to realise your potential. It won’t be easy, but it will be very rewarding.
What is your Bright Future Solicitor Apprenticeships Programme?
Our innovative solicitor apprenticeships programme gives you the opportunity to qualify as a Solicitor and complete the LLB degree, awarded by BPP University.
Our six-year programme combines work-based learning and part-time study. You will earn a salary and have no fees to pay.
How will students on the solicitor apprenticeships programme study?
You will have one day a week to study and attend classes at BPP University. Its Law School is based in the heart of London’s legal district and has an excellent reputation for offering students the skills they need to succeed in law.
You will take exams and assessments throughout the study programme to meet the requirements for the LLB degree. You will also be required to pass the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) centralised assessment.
As a solicitor apprentice at Dentons, what would I do?
You will work in our London office, in a variety of departments such as Banking & Finance, Real Estate, Corporate and Dispute Resolution.
You will be required to produce a portfolio with examples of work you have done in your department, such as drafting a letter to a client or carrying out a piece of research.
You will be taught how to assist our lawyers with their work and will be supported by a supervisor throughout the six-year programme.
As you progress through the solicitor apprenticeships programme, you will be given more responsibility, including running parts of cases and meeting with clients.
What would I earn on a solicitor apprenticeship?
You will receive a starting salary of £20,000.
You’ll also get to choose benefits that best fit your lifestyle, including 24 days’ holiday, private health cover, life assurance, pension and many others.
What does Dentons look for in a solicitor apprenticeships candidate?
There’s no typical candidate for our solicitor apprenticeships programme. The expertise within our firm is as diverse as the needs of our global clients – and we want to keep it that way. We look for people with a wide range of experiences and personalities, with the potential to contribute to our growing success.
You will need to be resilient, hard working and have the drive and ambition to succeed in a highly demanding work environment.
We need to see a strong record of academic and extra-curricular achievement. Ideally we would like to see 7 GCSEs at grade 6 or above (including Maths and English) and ABB at A level.
How can interested candidates apply?
Do you think you’ve got what it takes to succeed as a law apprentice at Dentons? Find out more and apply now.
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