The Legal Cheek View
Meet Slaughter and May at Legal Cheek’s upcoming virtual event series for Year 12 and 13 students considering solicitor apprenticeships
Slaughter and May, one of the most recognisable names in City law, launched its solicitor apprenticeship program in Autumn 2024, with the first recruits set to join the firm in September 2025.
The six-year solicitor apprenticeship programme immerses apprentices in the firm’s legal teams which could include banking, M&A, competition, tax, and corporate crime — right from day one. Here, recruits will work on real deals and cases, gaining hands-on experience alongside leading lawyers and building a strong foundation in practical legal skills. The programme follows a classic structure, with four years of annual rotations across different teams, followed by a two-year training contract, providing apprentices with extensive exposure to the firm’s high-calibre work. To begin with, the firm sets the rotation choices to give you a balanced foundation, but as you progress, you’ll have the chance to shape your path with your own preferences.
Academically, apprentices spend one day a week at BPP University Law School, working towards a law degree. This day-release structure allows them to immediately apply classroom theory to real work. Throughout the programme, apprentices will also prepare for the Solicitors Qualifying Exams (SQE), which are taken in the final years
Slaughter and May prioritises integrating new apprentices into the firm’s culture right from the start, offering plenty of opportunities to join team socials, such as deal-closing celebrations and seasonal gatherings in summer and during the holidays. Apprentices are also included in the trainee cohort’s activities, with regular social events providing a great way to connect with peers.
The firm’s employee networks, which focus on areas like social mobility, diversity, and environmental sustainability, offer additional ways to get involved, hosting a variety of events ranging from speaker sessions to cultural lunches. Apprentices can participate as network members or even take on committee roles.
For those interested in sports, there are clubs for football, badminton, and netball, and the firm is open to new club ideas if there’s enough interest.
Slaughter and May is after candidates who are ready to commit to the six-year journey, have done their homework on the firm’s multi-specialist approach, and can show they understand the demands of the programme. The firm also values applicants who align with its focus on inclusivity, social mobility, and a collaborative culture.
This is the Slaughter and May profile for those considering solicitor apprenticeships. Students looking to apply for training contracts should check out Legal Cheek‘s main Slaughter and May profile.