The firm currently intends to commence its apprenticeship programme in September 2025, aiming to recruit around four solicitor apprentices in the first intake. Travers Smith's solicitor apprenticeship programme will complement the firm's long-standing commitment to celebrate difference and provide a diverse and inclusive workplace.

Legal apprenticeships offer an alternative route into the legal profession enabling the apprentices to develop their legal skills while starting to build their career. Apprenticeships facilitate on-the-job studying without incurring the costs of university. City Century is a City of London Law Society led law firm collaboration aimed at increasing the numbers of talented solicitor apprentices in the City of London. 50 law firms across the City have joined the initiative to empower students from diverse backgrounds to pursue a career that previously may not have been possible.

Edmund Reed, Managing Partner, commented:

"We're delighted to join this important initiative and launch our solicitor apprenticeships scheme – this marks an important step in our social mobility journey. The cost of going to university to pursue a legal career via the traditional route is one of the biggest barriers to entry to the profession. By providing an alternative route for talented individuals from all walks of life, we hope, together with other City law firms, to help overcome these barriers and shape the future of the legal profession."

Siân Keall, Acting Senior Partner, commented:

"We are proud to join this industry collaboration and create our solicitor apprenticeship programme – not only as a means to develop talented individuals, but as a commitment to breaking down the barriers that have historically excluded many from the profession. It will help open up access to the industry whilst providing these apprentices with the opportunity to earn while they learn and, in turn, enhance diversity in law."

Travers Smith officially launched its Social Mobility Group in 2022 with the aim to discuss issues relating to social mobility, identify necessary actions and create a network for people to engage. As part of the launch, the firm published its innovative social mobility booklet, which provided a platform for people to share their personal stories and experiences, which you can find here.

To promote a diverse and inclusive workplace the firm has worked with numerous organisations, in particular Rare Recruitment, Aspiring Solicitors, Strive, WCAN, PRIME, City Solicitor Horizons, Future City Lawyers, Grow and BIUCAC. Travers Smith's focus on social mobility recognises the barriers people from less economically privileged backgrounds can face and aims to ensure the firm enables people to reach their full potential, regardless of background and circumstance.  

Find out more about City Century here.