Legal Cheek
Reed Smith has become the latest global law firm to launch a solicitor apprenticeship programme in the UK, with its first intake set to join the firm’s London office in September 2026.
The firm will recruit an initial cohort of three school leavers, who will be based in London throughout the six-year programme as they work towards qualification as solicitors. Alongside gaining hands-on experience across the firm, apprentices will study for an LLB and complete the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE).
Like other routes now on offer at City firms, the programme allows aspiring lawyers to “earn while they learn” and qualify debt-free. First-year solicitor apprentices will earn a salary of £26,500, plus a £2,000 sign-on bonus.
The news follows the launch of Legal Cheek’s updated 2026 Solicitor Apprenticeship Most List, which now features in-depth insights into SA life at 40 leading law firms. It also allows sixth-formers to compare firms across key factors such as apprenticeship numbers, salaries, and office locations. View it here.
Reed Smith launches solicitor apprenticeship for school leavers
