Freshfields has opened applications for its 2027 Solicitor Apprenticeship Programme, offering school leavers a six-year route to qualifying as a solicitor without first going to university. The application window opened on 2 November 2026 and closes on 21 January 2027, with successful candidates starting in September 2027.

The London-based programme combines paid work at the firm with academic study. Apprentices spend four days a week working in Freshfields' London office and one day a week studying towards a Law LLB at BPP University's Waterloo campus, rotating annually through the firm's practice groups before preparing for the Solicitors Qualifying Exams in the final two years.

To apply, candidates must not have studied at higher-education level before. Freshfields requires AAB at A level or equivalent, plus at least seven GCSEs at grade 6/B or above, including English and maths. Applicants must also have been resident in the UK for three years before the programme starts.

Applications are reviewed on a non-rolling basis, so every application is considered after the window closes rather than as it arrives. The firm says apprentices receive mentoring from a dedicated supervisor, buddy and partner in their team, and gain real legal experience from day one across ten practice areas over the six years.

Freshfields is one of the Magic Circle firms offering solicitor apprenticeships, and the programme is aimed at UK school leavers who want a career in commercial law without the cost of a university degree. Applications are made through the firm's early careers pages, where candidates can also find answers to frequently asked questions about the scheme.