The Legal Cheek View
This is the Wedlake Bell profile for those considering solicitor apprenticeships. Students looking to apply for training contracts should check out Legal Cheek’s main Wedlake Bell profile.
Relatively new to the solicitor apprenticeship arena, Wedlake Bell hired its first cohort of up to two apprentices in September 2024. Balancing commercial and private client work, aspiring solicitors at this full-service firm can engage in a variety of practices, from mid-market real estate to art & cultural property.
Legal Cheek sat down with two Wedlake Bell apprentices to ask what made them opt for the TC alternative. “I chose the solicitor apprenticeship route for the experience that you can obtain on the job,” responds one. “I did consider a university degree but ultimately chose the apprenticeship for the practical skills and on-the-job learning.” Wedlake Bell’s other apprentice mentions similar reasons, “I thought I would enjoy my degree no matter how I completed it, so having six years of experience alongside a good degree would be far more beneficial to my future,” she says.
And what made Wedlake Bell in particular stand out as a firm? “I chose Wedlake Bell because I felt incredibly welcomed and supported from everyone at the firm,” says one apprentice insider. Another adds that the firm “operates an open desk/open plan office which means there aren’t any intimidating glass doors to knock on!” — a system which instantly calms any beginner nerves. The firm’s broad range of practice area and sector expertise is certainly another major draw and one of our inside sources tells us how the firm was “incredibly helpful” in supporting her relocation to London for the programme — “this reflected the culture of the firm,” she tells us.
As well as this friendly and supportive environment, apprentices can expect to tackle real legal work from day one at Wedlake Bell. This is something one insider, having nearly completed her first seat in the private client team, can attest to. “My training has been very varied and hands on,” she says. After spending her first three months building practical legal knowledge through research tasks, this apprentice tells us she has now “attended many client meetings” and works in a team who are “very keen to help me learn.”
Embarking on eight seat rotations over the course of the six-year programme, newcomers will initially rotate annually for the first four years. There’s speculation that apprentices may even have the opportunity to be seconded internally for six months to a business seat, such as risk or compliance, providing them with a comprehensive view of the firm’s operations. This breadth of experience is a bonus the traditional training contract route can’t offer — “we get double the chance to find a practice area that we love!” as one happy apprentice puts it.
Following their initial four years, experienced apprentices will transition to the Wedlake Bell training contract, joining their graduate counterparts. Following a classic TC structure, fifth and sixth-year apprentices will undergo four six-month seat rotations during their final two years. This arrangement allows them to revisit a preferred practice area during their TC, with a view to ultimately qualifying in their dream department.
Let’s not overlook the educational aspect of the scheme: rookies will undertake a part-time law degree during their first four years, spending one day a week studying with The University of Law (all fees covered by the firm, of course!). In their final two TC years, recruits will focus on preparation for the Solicitors Qualifying Exams (SQE), emerging as fully qualified solicitors upon completion of the programme.
Fitting in study around work can be a challenge, however our apprentice sources seem to have struck the right balance. “Due to also working, I may have to spend an afternoon or evening on my university work,” one is happy to admit, but emphasises, “I do not feel that it takes up a big chunk of my free time.” This is helped by Wedlake Bell’s reputation for a healthy approach to work/life balance, something this apprentice particularly values: “The hours are very consistent,” she tells Legal Cheek, “I have never needed to work past 5:30 and the team are very conscious of not overwhelming my task list.” Not many City-lawyers-in-training could say the same!
One of the key advantages of the Wedlake Bell apprenticeship scheme lies in the small cohort size, with the firm revealing to Legal Cheek that much of the training for apprentices will be conducted on a one-to-one basis and tailored to individual needs. Apprentices also get plenty of opportunities to work closely with fee-earners. “The best part of the programme is being surrounded by practising lawyers,” one source tells us. “You get to learn a lot from working with them. It is always very helpful to see how they approach problems.” Flexibility is also integrated into the programme, with recruits having a say in their preferred seats. This personalised support is highlighted as one of the main attractions of the firm’s TC, according to insiders, in addition to a friendly culture and busy social life.
On the latter, we’re informed that as well as regular monthly socials, the firm often organises outings to theatre shows — recently going to see Moulin Rouge — and mini golf. And don’t forget the plethora of multiple subsidised skiing and walking trips throughout the year. Apprentices can also participate in the firm’s various internal clubs—such as netball, football, or even the gardening club—which provide perfect opportunities for recruits with hobbies to stay connected with their passions. It’s also great for workplace bonding as one apprentice tells us: “It’s much easier to work with others if you have also spent more relaxed time with them.” A raft of internal networks are also available for LGBTQ+ individuals, minority communities and faith groups.
In what it’s seeking from an aspiring apprentice, Wedlake Bell tells us: “We’re looking for individuals enthusiastic about working in the law, individuals with strong time management skills, and individuals who are effective communicators.”
We were also keen to get some advice from our inside sources who have been through the process themselves. One apprentice stresses that “All experience, legal or not, is valuable to the programme. The skills from a part-time job or volunteering role are all transferable to the role and will strengthen your application.” Another recommends thorough research of the firms you apply to, “this not only helps you look good in front of employers but also ensures that the firm you are applying for is definitely for you,” she points out.
This is Wedlake Bell’s Solicitor Apprenticeship profile. Read Wedlake Bell’s full Legal Cheek profile here.