Russell-Cooke launches legal apprenticeship programme

Russell-Cooke is excited to announce the launch of its solicitor apprenticeship programme, aimed at creating a new pathway into the legal sector for school leavers. Beginning 1 December 2026, the firm will accept applications for two apprentices to start in September 2027. The six-year programme is designed to merge on-the-job training at Russell-Cooke with academic learning through the University of Law, ultimately leading to the attainment of an LLB in Legal Practice and the successful completion of the Solicitors Qualifying Examination.

Throughout the programme, apprentices will dedicate four days a week to practical work within the firm and one day to their studies. They will gain exposure to various legal departments, firm offices, and business services teams. For the final two years, they will undertake four six-month placements alongside trainee solicitors, allowing them to build a comprehensive understanding of the legal profession.

This initiative is part of a collaborative effort with City Century, a nonprofit launched by the City of London Law Society in early 2023 to promote solicitor apprenticeships across major cities, with an emphasis on enhancing access for under-represented communities. Currently, firms involved with City Century are collectively recruiting around 200 solicitor apprentices annually.

Jemma Pollock, partner and graduate recruitment lead at Russell-Cooke, shared her enthusiasm, stating “There should be more than one route into a career in law. At Russell-Cooke, we have a long-standing commitment to widening access to the profession and we believe that potential, rather than someone’s background or the route they have taken, should determine the opportunities available to them. Our solicitor apprenticeship programme is an important next step in that commitment.”

The firm seeks not only to provide valuable experience and a salary, but also to challenge the traditional university-focused route to legal qualification, hoping to make law more accessible to a wider audience. Pollock further mentioned, “The breadth of our work means apprentices will be able to experience different areas of law, work with a wide range of clients and understand how a law firm operates as a business.”

Patrick McCann, Co-CEO of City Century, expressed his excitement about Russell-Cooke’s participation, noting, “We are delighted to welcome Russell-Cooke to our initiative. We are always excited to bring opportunities to talented people wherever and whoever they might be.”

Applications for the solicitor apprenticeship programme will be open from 1 December 2026 until 11.59pm on 17 February 2027, reinforcing Russell-Cooke’s ongoing commitment to broadening access to the legal profession and establishing diverse routes to qualification.