CILEX Legal Apprenticeships: Real Experiences from an Apprentice and Employer

 CILEX apprenticeships offer a practical and effective route into the legal profession.

“I have learnt so many new skills which I will be able to transfer in my current and future roles”
Jessie Carpenter, Business Admin Apprentice, Withers Worldwide

Whether you’re looking to develop your own skills or strengthen your team, legal apprenticeships offer a practical and effective route into the profession. Combining structured learning with hands-on experience, they provide immediate value for both individuals and organisations.

What is a CILEX Legal Apprenticeship?

Designed to build skills through a blend of workplace experience and structured study, a CILEX legal apprenticeship is often referred to as on-programme learning. Apprentices work alongside experienced professionals, gaining practical, job-specific skills while developing their theoretical knowledge through guided study. This approach ensures that learning is directly relevant and can be applied in real time within the workplace.

Apprenticeships are built on collaboration. Each programme involves four key partners: the apprentice, the employer, the training provider, and the End-Point Assessment Organisation (EPAO). Together, they support the apprentice’s development and progression.

The structure of each apprenticeship is guided by national standards developed by employers and industry experts. These outline the knowledge, skills, and behaviours required for success and shape both the training programme and the apprentice’s day-to-day responsibilities.

Starting Your Career in Law

For those considering a career in law, apprenticeships offer an accessible alternative to the more traditional route of attending university—allowing you to earn while you learn, without the seemingly ever-increasing burden of student debt.

How Apprenticeships Work

Apprenticeships combine practical work with dedicated study time. As an apprentice, you’ll gain valuable experience in a real legal environment while also developing your knowledge through structured learning. You’ll also receive a salary and employee benefits, such as holiday pay and a pension, just like any other member of staff.

There are three key stages:

• On-Programme Learning (OPL): A combination of workplace training and formal study.
• Gateway: Once you’ve completed your training and are deemed ready, you progress to the final stage.
• End-Point Assessment (EPA): A formal assessment of your knowledge, skills, and behaviours.

Training with CILEX Law School

The CILEX Law School is a training provider dedicated to making careers in law more accessible, with apprenticeships at the heart of its mission.

Choosing to train with CILEX Law School offers several advantages:

• Expert support: Learn from experienced legal professionals who guide you throughout your apprenticeship.
• Strong success rates: Achievement rates are consistently above the national average.
• Practical learning: Training is based on real-life scenarios and interactive workshops that can be applied immediately in the workplace.
• Clear progression: Programmes are designed to help you steadily build responsibility and confidence.
• A more inclusive profession: Apprenticeships help shape a legal sector that better reflects the society it serves.

CILEX Apprentice Insight: Izzy Maybury

Izzy Maybury is studying for a Level 3 Business Administrator Apprenticeship while working as a Document Solutions Assistant at Higgs LLP. She shares what inspired her to start an apprenticeship, how it has helped her grow in confidence, and her ambition to qualify as a solicitor through the apprenticeship pathway.

Tell us about your apprenticeship

I am currently completing a Level 3 Business Administrator apprenticeship. I was 20 years old when I started the course.

I heard about the apprenticeship through work — a colleague was completing the course at the time. My line manager and I thought this would be the best next step in terms of progression, and I was really looking forward to learning more about Higgs as a business.

What does your current role involve?

I work as a Document Solutions Assistant (DSA) within the legal services department at Higgs LLP.

My role involves supporting all legal and other departments with their workload. This includes distributing incoming and outgoing post, carrying out scanning tasks, storing documentation, and liaising with hospitals regarding medical records.

I communicate with most departments across the firm, which gives me insight into the different roles and areas within the business. That exposure has been really valuable.

How has the apprenticeship helped you develop?

Starting this apprenticeship has helped my confidence massively.

Having regular webinars and putting myself forward for more activities has really helped me become more confident. I’ve grown professionally by stepping outside of my comfort zone.

It has also strengthened my time management skills. Juggling my normal workload with studying has meant I’ve had to become more organised — and that’s benefited me both professionally and personally.

What support have you received from CILEX Law School?

CILEX provides various platforms for support, including tutors, learning resources and safeguarding contacts.

The learning resources are very detailed and easy to use. They also cover topics beyond the course content, such as supporting mental and physical health.

My tutor is approachable, always happy to help and very knowledgeable about the course. We also have regular progress reviews involving myself, my tutor and my line manager, which give a clear insight into how I’m progressing and where I can improve.

What’s been the most rewarding part of your apprenticeship?

The most rewarding part has been progressing professionally while learning new skills and information alongside working full time.

Being able to see my own development and growth has been incredibly motivating.

What are your future career goals?

My goal is to become a qualified solicitor through the apprenticeship pathway.

The apprenticeship route has shown me that there are structured, achievable pathways into the legal profession, and I’m excited about what’s ahead.

What advice would you give to someone considering an apprenticeship?

Make sure you research the course that fits your qualifications and experience and ask questions to those who are currently completing an apprenticeship.

Once you’re on the apprenticeship, get involved as much as you can. Take every opportunity to build your skills and confidence.

A CILEX apprenticeship offers a direct pathway into a rewarding legal career. You’ll gain practical experience, build professional confidence, and develop the skills needed to succeed—all while earning a salary. Whether you’re just starting out or considering a career change, it’s a flexible and supportive route into the legal profession.

Explore more about CILEX Apprenticeships here.

For Employers: Building a Stronger Workforce

Apprenticeships aren’t just beneficial for individuals—they’re a powerful tool for businesses too. By investing in apprenticeships, employers can develop a skilled, motivated workforce tailored to their organisation’s needs, while also improving productivity and workplace culture.

Why Hire a CILEX Apprentice?

• Boost efficiency and productivity: Apprentices develop role-specific skills that contribute directly to business performance.
• Attract and retain talent: Apprenticeships help build a diverse and dynamic workforce.
• Maximise levy investment: Make the most of apprenticeship funding by upskilling your team.
• Develop existing staff: Offer progression opportunities and improve retention.
• Bring in fresh perspectives: New talent can enhance innovation and workplace culture.

Like the apprentice journey, employer-led apprenticeships are collaborative, involving the employer, training provider, and assessment organisation.

Employer Perspective

Sarah Johnson from Fraser Dawbarns LLP highlights the value of working with CILEX:

“CILEX is a long-standing training provider and as a firm we have confidence in the study options that they offer.

Ensuring our staff receive quality training is really important to us as a firm and CILEX deliver that. The CILEX apprenticeship program allows us to have a hands-on approach to the training and development of our staff.”

If you’re an employer considering taking on an apprentice, download our Apprenticeship Guide to find out more about how CILEX can help you.

Take the Next Step

Whether you’re looking to start a career in law or strengthen your organisation, legal apprenticeships offer a practical, accessible, and impactful solution.

Enrolment in our current apprenticeship cohort will close on 31 July. If you are an employer wishing to ensure your prospective apprentice can be considered for this intake, please submit this application form.