Solicitor Apprentice

Kick-start your legal career with a FTSE 100 company by joining Howdens on a 6-year Level 7 Solicitor Apprenticeship programme. Based at our Raunds site in Northamptonshire, you'll spend four days a week working in the office with the team, with the fifth day dedicated to study.

Are you passionate about law and eager to learn in a real-world environment? This is your opportunity to gain the hands-on legal experience to qualify as a solicitor, while studying towards an LLB (Hons) in Legal Practice at BPP University Law School (BPP).

You'll join a dynamic and highly impactful legal team that supports a wide range of legal disciplines across the business. From contract law and corporate transactions to marketing, data protection, intellectual property, and emerging areas like AI, you'll gain exposure to a broad spectrum of legal work. Throughout your apprenticeship, you’ll have the opportunity to learn, contribute, and take ownership of real projects – supporting internal clients and making a tangible impact. You’ll play a key role in providing practical legal advice that enables business success while helping to manage legal and financial risk.

What will I be doing as a Solicitor Apprentice?

• Providing clear, legally accurate advice across multiple areas of the business.
• Learning to draft and negotiate a variety of commercial contracts (e.g. marketing, operations, supply chain, property, IT).
• Managing and maintaining the commercial contracts database, engaging with internal stakeholders.
• Supporting the management of the company’s intellectual property and brand-related legal matters.
• Collaborating with and supporting other legal team members on large-scale business projects.
• Assisting with data protection matters, especially within commercial contracts and AI contexts.
• Conducting legal research and deliver timely, practical advice on ad hoc issues

What knowledge, skills and experience do I need?

No prior knowledge of law is required, and we do not expect you to have any industry experience.  However, you will need to be under 21 on 1 September 2025 and have achieved or be predicted to achieve the following qualifications: 

Five (5) GCSEs between A* - C (9 - 4) including English and Maths PLUS:  

• ABB at A level (128 UCAS points) or equivalent.  
• Between 96 – 127 UCAS points PLUS a pass on the BPP Admissions test; OR completion of another relevant level 3 apprenticeship programme.  

We believe that there is no ‘one-size fits all’ in the world of law and your approach to learning and working with others is of equal importance than relevant work experience.  This will be a demanding role combined with part-time study across different sites within Howdens so you will need to: 

• Demonstrate creative problem-solving and tenacity to enable to business to deliver its goals
• Show that you are capable of building and maintaining relationships across different peer groups to enable you to influence across a decentralised business; always operating with integrity and authenticity.
• Have great communication skills.
• Be organised with ability to plan workloads and monitor progress.
• Enjoy being curious, getting stuck into a challenge and adapting where needed. 

What we can offer you as a Solicitor Apprentice

• Competitive starting salary of £23,000 bonus.
• Excellent support to achieve your LLB (Hons) in Legal Practice.
• Fantastic pension scheme (company contribution of up to 12%).
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays with the option to buy additional days.
• Subsidised onsite restaurant.
• Exceptional reward and recognition events.

About Howdens: 

Howdens Joinery, the UK's leading trade kitchen supplier, offers a diverse range of products in kitchens, joinery, and hardware. With 900+ depots across the UK and Europe, we are the top choice for over 460,000 trade professionals. In 2024 our sales reached circa 2.3bn, and our ambitious growth plans are fuelled by our strong, entrepreneurial spirit and dynamic work environment. We are proud to be voted one of the top 10 best big companies to work for.

How to apply

When you apply, you will need to attach a CV for this Solicitor Apprentice role.

Application and Assessment Process

Your application will be carefully reviewed, and we will respond to all applicants.  If you are shortlisted, a member of our recruitment team will contact you to discuss the next steps. The process will include an Assessment Day at our Raunds site early July 2025.

How to apply:  

We’re creating a future where world-class service, innovation, and sustainability are at the core of everything we do. If you're looking for a place to grow and advance your career as a Solicitor Apprentice

Howdens is founded on the principle of being Worthwhile for ALL concerned. We’re working hard to ensure we provide an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome. We will do everything we can to support you during your application. If you need us to make any adjustments to our recruitment process, please email recruitmentteam@howdens.com with the job title and location, and we will be happy to help you.  

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