Solicitor Apprentice Pathway Programme

Kingsfords Solicitors

Ashford Cranbrook Hythe

Start Your Legal Career with Kingsfords

Kingsfords Solicitors is seeking ambitious and talented school leavers to join our new Solicitor Apprentice Pathway Programme.

This is an exciting opportunity for individuals considering a career as a solicitor who wish to gain valuable practical experience within a busy and well-established law firm before commencing a formal solicitor apprenticeship.

Successful candidates will initially join Kingsfords as Legal Assistants, working alongside experienced solicitors and legal professionals across a range of practice areas. Subject to satisfactory performance, commitment and business requirements, Kingsfords intends to support successful candidates onto a Solicitor Apprenticeship Programme commencing in 2027.

This pathway allows candidates to gain real-world legal experience, develop professional skills and demonstrate their suitability for a long-term legal career before embarking on the apprenticeship route.

About Kingsfords

Kingsfords is one of Kent's leading law firms with offices in Ashford, Cranbrook and Hythe. We have a long-standing reputation for providing high-quality legal advice and pride ourselves on investing in the next generation of legal professionals.

Many of our solicitors began their careers with the firm and have progressed into senior positions.

What You Will Do

As a Legal Assistant, you will:

• Assist solicitors and legal teams with day-to-day case management
• Communicate with clients and third parties
• Prepare correspondence and legal documents
• Open and maintain client files
• Undertake legal and factual research
• Record time and assist with file administration
• Support business development and marketing initiatives where appropriate
• Gain exposure to a variety of legal disciplines

What We Are Looking For

We are seeking candidates who are:

• Intelligent and academically capable
• Hardworking and self-motivated
• Professional and reliable
• Organised with excellent attention to detail
• Strong communicators, both written and verbal
• Ambitious and committed to a career in law
• Able to work effectively as part of a team

Previous legal experience is not required.

Entry Requirements

Applicants should have:

• A minimum of 5 GCSEs (including English Language and Mathematics) at Grade 4/C or above; and
• Three A Levels (or equivalent qualifications) with strong academic results.

Why Choose the Solicitor Apprenticeship Route?

• Earn a salary whilst you learn
• Gain practical legal experience from day one
• Avoid university tuition fees
• Work alongside experienced solicitors
• Develop professional skills in a supportive environment
• Qualify as a solicitor through a recognised apprenticeship pathway

Selection Process

Due to the anticipated level of interest, shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend an Assessment Day at our offices.

This may include:

• Written exercises
• Proofreading and attention-to-detail exercises
• Group activities
• Practical office-based tasks
• Presentations
• Interviews with senior members of the firm

How to Apply

Please send:

Applications should be sent to: dbc@kingsfords.net

Professional and academic references will be required. The successful candidates will also be subject to satisfactory DBS checks.

Kingsfords Solicitors is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates.