Moves to offer apprenticeships in law are being tipped to improve access to the legal profession.
Apprenticeship standards in law - which will enable people to qualify as solicitors, paralegals, or chartered legal executives - are part of a package of 59 apprenticeship standards announced by Prime Minister David Cameron last month.
Legal regulator the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) is among legal sector bodies backing the initiative and said the apprenticeship standards in law, unveiled by the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS), will drive up quality and improve access to the legal profession.
READ MORE: {}
The Standards have been developed by groups of ‘Trailblazer’ employers and businesses with support for the solicitors’ apprenticeship from the SRA.
Paul Philip, SRA chief executive, said: “It’s very good news that the solicitors’ apprenticeship standard and assessment plan have been approved by BIS.
“Opening up the profession through improving alternative routes to qualification can make an important contribution to increasing diversity, so we see this as a positive step forwards.”
The first legal trainees could join the Trailblazer scheme as early as September 2016.
Gun Judge, chair of the Trailblazers legal committee, and resourcing manager at law firm Addleshaw Goddard said: “There’s never been a better time to start a law apprenticeship.
“The legal Trailblazer scheme enhances the alternative to the traditional route into law - opening the doors to a more diverse talent stream entering the profession. Our apprentices create a huge contribution to the firm, and we will be looking to hire more.”