Butcher & Barlow unveils new Solicitor Apprenticeship Scheme

Butcher & Barlow is, for the first time, offering apprenticeships to those who are interested in a career in law but feel University may not be for them.

Numbers of apprenticeships have risen considerably in recent years and are now more popular than ever. One of the most appealing reasons for choosing an apprenticeship over a degree is the chance to gain practical industry experience and earn an income whilst learning.

Anthony Higham, Managing Partner said:

More and more young people and employers are seeing the advantages of apprenticeships as a route into industry or a profession.

Our legal apprenticeships are aimed at school leavers who have completed A Levels or equivalent and want a work-based pathway into the profession. Our apprentices will get hands-on experience from day one, becoming a qualified Solicitor in six years – the same time it takes to complete the traditional route to qualification.

With the legal sector changing rapidly, the need for rigorous, relevant and business-focused legal education and training has never been greater.

Apprenticeships are increasingly becoming the go-to choice for both employers and individuals as they offer bespoke alternatives that enhance not only the legal and job-specific knowledge, but also the wider business skills of those involved, such as negotiating and communicating effectively with clients and other internal stakeholders.

Jonathan Aldersley, Senior Partner added:

We are dedicated to developing future lawyers at Butcher & Barlow and our existing training programme is well known in the region for being hands-on and robust, with our newly qualified Solicitors being more than capable of running their own case load.

It seemed natural to extend this investment in training to those who wanted a career in law, but the university route was not for them for whatever reason. There is also a certain amount of self-interest as well, to be honest, – there is a wealth of talent out there that we may have been missing out on.

The apprenticeship scheme offers us the opportunity to train people within the business earlier on in their career and to develop their understanding of the Firm and our clients. Learning law whilst working enables apprentices to experience the practical application of law, giving them a more rounded training experience.

Apprenticeships with Butcher & Barlow are currently available at our Head Office in Bury and the Commercial Office at Gadbrook Park, Northwich. Applicants interested in our apprenticeship scheme should visit our careers page.