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Solicitor Apprentice 2026 - Yorkshire (Leeds)

Overview

Discover how a global law firm helps clients achieve their goals wherever they do business. At DLA Piper, our pursuit of innovation has transformed the delivery of legal services. With offices in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific, we deliver exceptional outcomes on cross-border projects, critical transactions and high-stakes disputes.

For our people, that means a world of opportunity. Explore the intersection of law and business, by joining our Solicitor Apprenticeship in Yorkshire (Leeds) and you'll start to build the foundations of your legal career, collaborating with colleagues and clients on high-value matters that shape industries. Give your career the best platform and discover if law is a career you can thrive in.

Your time with us

Start your journey and develop the foundation of skills you need for a successful legal career. You’ll do all this and more on our six-year Level 7 Solicitor Apprenticeship Programme.

As a solicitor apprentice, you'll get the qualifications and experience you need, whilst being part of a firm that embraces new ideas and fosters progress. With a focus on shaping the future of law, you'll do work that's as diverse as the world we live in.

On the solicitor apprenticeship, you'll be earning while you learn, with no university fees or student debt. You'll spend one day a week with our training provider, the University of Law, studying towards:

  • A government accredited Level 7 Solicitor Apprenticeship (equivalent to a master’s degree)
  • A law degree (LLB) in Legal Practice and Skills
  • The Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE)

You'll also:

  • Complete work-based learning (four days a week) by working in our practice groups. You'll complete rotations (work placements in different practice groups) across the office to use the knowledge and skills learn from your academic studies;
  • Have access to international and client secondment opportunities;
  • Be at the forefront of legal innovation, working on high-profile projects that will shape the future of law and business. You’ll see how we think across borders to find creative solutions for our clients;
  • Join a forward-looking, friendly team while collaborating with colleagues around the world to drive results you're proud of;
  • Develop your knowledge and skills through structured learning and development opportunities in our supportive culture;
  • Be supported by a strong internal network of supervisors, buddies, and mentors who'll set you up for success and guide you in identifying your own personal and professional goals;
  • Have a dedicated early careers programme manager and tuition provider skills coach who'll work with you to ensure your journey on the apprenticeship reflects your career aspirations. You'll receive the highest standard of pastoral care to help you balance your role alongside your academic studies;
  • Be part of an international early careers community of talented colleagues who’ll become part of your global network;
  • Have opportunities to engage with initiatives beyond your role, including getting involved with our people networks, legal tech, sustainability and pro bono work;
  • Enjoy a working environment where your wellbeing is always a priority, and your workload will be managed so you can always deliver your best; and
  • Emerge from the programme not just as a qualified lawyer, but as a trusted business advisor equipped to tackle the challenges of an ever-evolving world.

You’ll have the freedom to discover your own path and make an extraordinary impact beyond the borders of traditional law. Tomorrow’s legal industry can’t hire yesterday’s skills.

Work with us to unlock your potential and start your journey to building a different kind of legal career. 

Please note: apprentices joining our Yorkshire (Leeds) office may also have the opportunity to undertake seat rotation(s) in our Sheffield office.

Eligibility

To apply for our Level 7 Solicitor Apprenticeship, candidates must meet the following criteria:

Academic Requirements:

As a firm we do not have any academic requirements to apply for our solicitor apprenticeship, however the tuition providers we work with do have minimum academic requirements.

    • At least three A Levels at grade C or above, and
    • Five GCSEs at grade C/4 or above, including Maths and English, or equivalent qualifications.

Apprenticeship Funding Requirements:

This programme is funded through the Level 7 Apprenticeship Levy. To qualify for this funding, you must meet all associated eligibility criteria, including:

  • Having been ordinarily resident in the UK for at least the last three years (or other eligible residency status), and
  • Having the right to permanently live and work in the UK for the full duration of the apprenticeship.

Once received, your application will be reviewed against the full funding criteria.  Further information may be requested from you in order to determine your eligibility status. 

What we look for

In addition to the eligibility criteria, we’re looking for individuals from a diverse range of backgrounds who have the potential to thrive at our firm.

To succeed on our early careers programmes, you don’t need any specific legal experience or education, but you will:

  • Have an interest in international law and business;
  • Have a forward-thinking and entrepreneurial mindset and be excited about doing things differently in the legal industry;
  • Be self-motivated by a strong desire to achieve your personal and professional goals;
  • Enjoy collaborating with others while also enjoying independent study;
  • Have a growth mindset so you see setbacks as learning opportunities, and you’ll proactively look for ways to grow and develop;
  • Enjoy working in an ever-changing environment and understand the importance of being flexible at work;
  • Enjoy taking ownership of tasks and thinking critically; and
  • Be an advocate of apprenticeships as an alternative route into law and know how to embed DLA Piper's values into your work.

Our values:

In everything we do connected with our People, our Clients and our Communities, we live by these values:

  • Be Supportive – we are compassionate and inclusive, valuing diversity and acting thoughtfully
  • Be Collaborative - we are proactive, passionate team players investing in our relationships
  • Be Bold - we are fearless and inquisitive, challenging ourselves to think big and find creative new solutions
  • Be Exceptional - we are strategic and driven, exceeding standards and expectations

About Us

At DLA Piper, we understand that inclusion is not a one-size-fits-all concept. We embrace and celebrate the range of perspectives, backgrounds and experiences that each individual brings to our firm. By fostering a culture that welcomes and appreciates all aspects of our individuality, we ensure that everyone has the opportunity to succeed.

Our commitment to inclusion and positive social impact enables us to provide exceptional service to our clients and communities, while nurturing a unique and inclusive culture for all our people. We welcome the unique contribution that you will bring to our firm and actively encourage applications from all talented people – however your talent is packaged, whatever your background or circumstance and regardless of how you identify.

We are committed to being accessible and accommodating any reasonable adjustments needed throughout the recruitment process to ensure an inclusive experience for all. If you need any support or adjustments, please let us know. Where local legislation permits, we will conduct relevant pre-engagement screening checks prior to your first day.

  

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