Magic Circle firms have taken a ‘disappointing’ approach to the government-backed scheme, the Trailblazers Apprenticeship in Law initiative, with both Slaughter and May and Clifford Chance ruling apprentices out completely, while Allen & Overy (A&O) and Linklaters have been non-committal.
The only firm to announce any willingness to offer apprenticeships is Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, with a spokesperson confirming last month it was ‘looking at a number of ways to attract talented people in Manchester and the apprenticeship model is one that we are hoping to be able to offer later this year’. It is understood the firm is currently mulling over paralegal apprenticeships with no decision on whether this will be offered in conjunction with Trailblazers.
Robert Halton, chief people officer at Burges Salmon, which is taking on four paralegal apprentices in September under the scheme, said the approach some law firms are taking is ‘disappointing’. He added: ‘I’m surprised people don’t think it’s appropriate for them because it’s just another route through into the profession. Why wouldn’t you just get involved? From an inclusivity and diversity perspective it is a great opportunity. This isn’t and shouldn’t be about a second-class route to qualification.’
The Magic Circle was also conspicuous in its absence when it came to consultations around the scheme, with several law firms, including Addleshaw Goddard, Clyde & Co and Simmons & Simmons, taking part in developing the standard. Last September, former A&O senior partner David Morley (pictured) told Legal Business he was personally in favour of having a non-graduate route to recruitment and it was ‘something the firm is keeping under review’.
Eversheds recently announced that it will offer the Trailblazer level seven solicitor apprenticeship scheme in conjunction with BPP University Law School. The firm will take on eight apprentices from 19 September, giving candidates the benefit of qualifying as a solicitor while earning a salary, rather than paying the tuition fees required for full-time study. Applicants will get a starting salary of £15,200 outside London and £17,200 in London, which will increase incrementally year by year.
Eversheds head of international HR Caroline Cass said: ‘The fact that Trailblazers is government-led makes it something we have taken very seriously. It obviously looks like it is viable and an option for the future, and it is something we are very keen to be a part of.’
kathryn.mccann@legalease.co.uk