Gowling WLG backs UK Legal Apprenticeship Pledge
Gowling WLG has joined forces with 25 other leading law firms in signing a pledge that recognises apprenticeships as an equal pathway into a career in the legal industry.
The UK Legal Apprenticeship Pledge asks firms to show the same commitment to apprenticeships as more traditional paths to qualification, such as training contracts, as well as ensure that solicitor apprentices are treated in the same way as their peers.
All firms have pledged to collaborate in driving forward the adoption of legal apprenticeships within the legal sector, as well as providing career, networking and other opportunities to apprentices. The pledge was first launched by Norton Rose Fulbright.
Gowling WLG says after launching a legal apprenticeship programme back in 2015, three of its apprentices from the pilot cohort have gone on to pass their LLB law with first class honours and are set to qualify during 2023.
The firm currently has 26 legal apprentices enrolled on its apprenticeship programmes, working across London and Birmingham. The apprentices all have the opportunity to rotate across teams over the course of the apprenticeship to broaden their experience, and they study with the University of Law.
Chris Oglethorpe, HR Director at Gowling WLG, said: “As one of the first law firms in the UK to show our commitment to the apprenticeship pathway we are fully committed to opening doors for people from all backgrounds and are pleased to support this pledge and what it represents.”
Lucy Dolan, Early Talent Manager at Gowling WLG said: “We are huge advocates of the benefit of apprenticeships and are fully committed to the UK Legal Apprenticeship Pledge. Our apprentices participate in a wide range of development activities equally alongside our graduate trainees, and all have a clear structure for progression and reward.
“Our apprenticeship programme has provided an invaluable pipeline for top talent from all backgrounds looking for an alternative route into law and we continue to look for opportunities to broaden our apprenticeship offering.”
