RPC expands solicitor apprenticeship programme to London

International law firm RPC today announces the expansion of its successful solicitor apprenticeship programme to London. Launched in 2018, the programme has seen considerable success in Bristol, where RPC currently employs 10 legal apprentices, including seven solicitor apprentices and three paralegal apprentices.

Designed primarily for school leavers, the RPC solicitor apprenticeship programme offers aspiring lawyers a unique opportunity to gain practical experience while working at the firm and studying towards becoming qualified solicitors. Apprentices spend one day a week at The University of Law, pursuing a law degree and preparing for the Solicitors Qualifying Exams.

The expansion to London represents a significant step forward for RPC. Starting in September 2025, the firm will welcome a new cohort of apprentices, with applications now open. Notably, the revised programme will feature a direct start onto the six-year solicitor apprenticeship, rather than continuing to commence with the two-year paralegal apprenticeship in the first instance. This will streamline the training process, enabling apprentices to qualify sooner.

The programme's structure includes one year in Matter Support, followed by three year-long rotational placements within various legal teams. The final two years are dedicated to the training contract rotation, leading to qualification as solicitor.

The RPC solicitor apprenticeship programme aligns with broader efforts to enhance diversity and accessibility within the legal profession, which has long struggled with representation. The programme addresses the barriers posed by the high costs of traditional university education, aiming to provide equal opportunities for talented individuals who may otherwise be deterred from pursuing a legal career.

RPC is also proud to join the City Century initiative, a collaboration with other leading law firms to recruit, educate, and develop top talent through apprenticeships in the City of London.

"We are delighted to be expanding our solicitor apprenticeship offering to London following the programme's notable success in Bristol over the past six years," said Will Sefton, Partner Champion for apprenticeships at RPC. "Our programme is designed to boost access and diversity within the legal profession, providing a valuable platform for talented individuals from diverse backgrounds to kick-start their legal careers without the burden of university costs. We look forward to growing the programme by welcoming more cohorts to both Bristol and London in the future."

For more information about RPC's solicitor apprenticeship programme and the application process, visit the RPC Early Talent portal.