International law firm Simmons & Simmons has today announced that it has signed up to the UK legal apprenticeship pledge.
The pledge, originated by Norton Rose Fulbright and signed by 29 firms across the UK, commits to recruiting and developing talent in line with a set of principles, to ensure that solicitor apprentices will be treated in an equivalent manner to more traditional routes, such as training contracts.
Simmons welcomed its first three solicitor apprentices to its London office in September of this year, with plans to expand into Bristol in 2023. The six year programme will see apprentices take seats across business services, before commencing their legal training.
Commenting on Simmons’ support of the pledge, sponsoring partner James Pollock said: “I am proud that the firm has signed up to this important commitment. Demonstrating that there are a number of ways to forge a career in law is vital in widening the field out to candidates from all backgrounds. I look forward to working closely with Norton Rose Fulbright on further building this commitment.”
Clementine Hogarth, corporate and early careers recruitment partner, Norton Rose Fulbright said: “It has been inspiring to see so many leading law firms come together to help level the playing field across the industry – the enthusiasm in the market about legal apprenticeships is really exciting. As we continue to further diversity and inclusion in the workplace, it is essential that we are recognising alternative routes into legal careers, and recruiting and progressing people based on talent and merit alone. The pledge is designed to highlight this commitment.”
If you are interested in learning more about our solicitor apprenticeship, visit our solicitor apprenticeship page.