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At Ward Hadaway, we recognise the importance of diversity. So we ensure that our lawyers come from a range of backgrounds, with a range of experiences.

It is this breadth of experience which allows us to offer a first class service to our clients, and to be representative of our community. That is why we have been recruiting legal apprentices since 2017.

We also recognise that University isn’t for everyone. So our apprenticeships allow you to obtain a qualifying law degree at the same time as you gain paid, real life commercial experience of the law at work.

Apprenticeship applications have now closed but will reopen January 2025

How does an apprenticeship work?

You obtain a qualifying law degree at the end of the fourth year of your apprenticeship, and at the same time you obtain six years of experience working for Ward Hadaway. All of our apprentices spend the final two years of their apprenticeship completing our training contract programme.

At the end of your six-year apprenticeship, you will qualify as a solicitor.

What do you need?

We are looking for ambitious, enthusiastic candidates, who will be a good fit with Ward Hadaway and our own culture and ambitions.

In terms of academics, candidates will need to have three good A-levels or equivalent, and 5 GCSEs graded 9-4 (A* to C).

How do applications and assessments work?

Before applying, take a look at our Join us section. Here you will find out how you can discover more about the firm and our people before deciding whether to apply.

Danny Costello, Solicitor Apprentice

I first started off as an admin apprentice, assisting the Manchester office as a whole, when the opportunity to progress onto the solicitors apprenticeship was offered to me. As it was the first time anyone from Ward Hadaway had tried the solicitor apprenticeship it felt like stepping into the unknown. However, I saw it as a great opportunity to progress my career, learn and develop my knowledge while working within the Manchester office and Ward Hadaway have been great in supporting me along the way.

In my opinion the apprenticeship is a great way to implement the knowledge you gain from the academic side of the course to the practical, on the job side, especially when Ward Hadaway are so willing to assist with your progression, that you are given the opportunity to get involved in various transactions spanning from plots sales, affordable housing, drafting of documents and much more. The academic knowledge gained from the course, coupled with the practical, on the job, learning is a perfect way to learn and gives what I think a wider insight for what it takes to become a lawyer.

I would recommend anyone thinking of becoming a lawyer first takes a look at the variety of benefits the solicitors apprenticeship has to offer over the more ‘traditional route’.

Emma Storey, Solicitor Apprentice

I began the Solicitor Apprenticeship having worked at Ward Hadaway for three years in administration and paralegal roles. I knew that a purely study-based course was not the best route for me and much preferred the idea of embarking on a new legal career in an office based environment as part of a friendly, relaxed and supportive team at Ward Hadaway. The application process seemed a little daunting at first however Ward Hadaway, along with the NESA team, were all very approachable and made me feel at ease as soon as I began the application process. There is always someone offering to help with any queries that arise.

The Solicitor Apprenticeship has given me the opportunity to develop the skills required to be a lawyer and learn about the practical application of the law whilst also gaining an insight into student life (but with no university debt!). I am thoroughly enjoying being part of the scheme, attending regular networking events and the academic side of the course is engaging and interesting too. Ward Hadaway practise in a vast amount of legal sectors and I look forward to gaining experience in their variety of departments over the next six years.

Get in touch

If you want to find out more about our apprenticeship offerings, please get in touch with us.

Our Graduate Recruitment Team is made up of lawyers from all departments and offices, all of whom are more than happy to share their experiences and knowledge. Our People Team are also always on hand to talk you through our application processes and answer any other questions, however big or small.

If you want to ask us a question about our training contract, apprenticeships or other opportunities, please emails us at Emerging.Talent@wardhadaway.com.

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