Welcome to our frequently asked questions page.
If you have further enquiries that are not covered below, do not hesitate to get in touch with our team below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Trusted. Straightforward.
Overview
About the Solicitor Apprenticeship Programme
When does the Programme begin?
Our first intake of solicitor apprentices will join the firm in September 2025. Future intakes will start in September in the relevant year.
If offered a solicitor apprenticeship, which qualification route will I follow?
All successful solicitor apprentices will be awarded an LLB (Hons) Law and Legal Practice, and the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) with BPP Law School. Travers Smith will cover the cost of your tuition and assessment fees.
Getting to know Travers Smith
How can I research the firm for my application?
We have online profiles on Chambers Student, Legal Cheek and more, as well as podcasts that give you an insight into the type of work we do and our culture. Also check out the information on our website.
Does Travers Smith offer insight days?
Throughout the year, we will be offering insight events for students at different stages in their legal journey, sometimes in collaboration with external providers, diversity initiatives and colleges. Look out for details on social media.
Does Travers Smith offer work experience?
We do not offer formal work experience placements for school leavers outside of our community outreach programmes. If you are interested in learning more about these, please look at our 'Community Engagement' page.
Which departments will I be working in during the apprenticeship?
Throughout the apprenticeship programme, you will sit in one of our core legal departments. Apprentices will rotate through up to eight different departments during the six-year programme, giving you a broad spread of experience of different areas of law to help you develop your knowledge and skills and decide where you would like to specialise in your future legal career.
Eligibility
I have no legal work experience. Can I still apply?
We do not expect our applicants to have any legal work experience. We would encourage you to mention any form of volunteering, hobbies, interests or (if you have it) work experience in your application, and consider how you might apply your knowledge and skills in your role as a solicitor apprentice.
I do not meet your minimum academic requirements. Can I still apply?
We require applicants to have a minimum of 7 GCSEs at grade 6 or above, and on track to receive AAB at A Level or equivalent (e.g. BTECs, International Baccalaureate). If you have mitigating circumstances, we may take these into account when shortlisting candidates.
I have already completed my undergraduate degree. Can I still apply?
The solicitor apprenticeship programme is not available to those who have already completed an undergraduate degree. If you have started or completed your undergraduate studies, please see our Graduate Recruitment page for more information.
If I have left school, can I still apply?
Yes! The solicitor apprenticeship is not exclusively available for those still studying. If you have recently left secondary education and have completed A Levels or equivalent, then you are welcome to apply. To discuss your circumstances in more detail, please contact apprenticeships@traverssmith.com.
What support and adjustments do you have for candidates?
At Travers Smith, we are committed to ensuring that people who have a disability and / or a long-term health condition are empowered in their identity, valued equally and listened to. For more information on this please visit our page on support and adjustments for candidates.
All candidates are asked to submit applications through our recruitment portal (Candid). If candidates have any accessibility issues when using this software, please notify a member of the Travers Smith HR team.
The firm is currently accredited under Level 2 of the Government's Disability Confident employer regime. Under the Disability Confident scheme, if a candidate discloses a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the role, we offer a guaranteed interview. However, our minimum criteria for these purposes not only includes grades but the merits of your application as a whole.
If you wish to be considered under the Disability Confident scheme, please inform the HR team via email at apprenticeships@traverssmith.com.
Can I reapply if my application is unsuccessful?
If your application is unsuccessful at application or online assessment stage, then you are eligible to reapply. Unfortunately, if you attend our Solicitor Apprentice Recruitment Day and are unsuccessful, you cannot reapply.
Applications
What is the application process?
Our application process has three stages. The initial stage is an online application form, which includes basic personal information and academic history, as well as sections for you to detail any work experience, volunteering or hobbies that you feel are relevant to the role. You will also be asked questions about your motivations for becoming a solicitor and your reasons for applying to Travers Smith.
The second stage is our Legal High Potential Assessment. This is an online assessment tests your numerical and verbal skills, and how you apply your intellect and judgement to solve problems. You will also be asked to complete some short, pre-recorded video based interview questions.
Our final stage is our Solicitor Apprentice Recruitment Day, an in-person day made up of a face-to-face interview, a group commercial discussion exercise, and a written exercise. To find out more, please visit our 'Application Process page'.
Do you screen applications on a rolling basis?
No, Solicitor Apprentice Recruitment Days are only offered after all first and second stage applications have been processed after the closing date. For the exact dates of our application window, please see our Solicitor Apprentice home page. This may mean you will not hear from us until after the closing date but if you would like an update on the status of your application, please contact our HR team on apprenticeships@traverssmith.com.
What should I include in my application?
Our application is designed to give you an opportunity to showcase your skills and your motivation to train as a lawyer with Travers Smith. The application form is separated into sections that focus on your experiences to date (whether that be work, volunteering or hobbies), your academic background, and some more detailed questions about why you want to train as a lawyer, why Travers Smith is the place for you, and why you want to undertake a solicitor apprenticeship.
Do I need to submit a CV?
No. You do not need to upload a CV. Our application form covers CV information such as education, work experience and hobbies, and interests.
I have submitted my application, but realised I forgot to include something important. How do I add this?
Unfortunately, once you have submitted your application, we are unable to update or add any additional information. For this reason, please make sure all the information included in your application is accurate at the time of submission.
What support/adjustments are there for candidates who are differently abled, have long-term or fluctuating conditions?
Travers Smith is committed to providing a truly inclusive workplace, in which all of our people feel welcome, valued equally, listened to, and given the tools they need to maximise their potential and we aim to meet the needs of those with a disability or long-term condition, including candidates for our solicitor apprentice programme.
The firm is currently accredited under Level 2 of the Government's Disability Confident employer regime. Under the Disability Confident scheme, if a candidate discloses a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the role, we will offer an interview.
Further information on the support and adjustments for candidates can be found on our page on support and adjustments for candidates.
Solicitor Apprentice Recruitment Day
Are your Solicitor Apprentice Recruitment Days being held in person?
Yes, we will be holding all of our Solicitor Apprentice Recruitment Day in person in our London office. Virtual attendance will only be considered in exceptional circumstances.
Will I be reimbursed for travel expenses?
Yes, we will cover reasonable travel expenses for those invited to a Solicitor Apprentice Recruitment Day.
Can I get feedback if I am unsuccessful?
Yes, we can provide you with feedback if you are unsuccessful at the Solicitor Apprentice Recruitment Day stage. Due to the volume of applications, we are unable to provide feedback for earlier stages.
International applicants
I attended some or all of my education outside of the UK, can I still apply?
Yes, we accept applications from candidates who have completed some or all of their education overseas.
I am not a UK citizen; can I still apply?
To be eligible for the solicitor apprenticeship, you must have the relevant right to work in the UK. We are not able to provide visa sponsorship for those who do not have the right to work in the UK for our apprenticeship programme.
Overview
If you have queries, please get in touch at apprenticeships@traverssmith.com.