Accutrainee scholarship programme
UNLOCK
YOUR
POTENTIAL
OUR MISSION
The Accutrainee Scholarship Programme's mission is to foster inclusion by providing opportunities for social mobility, elevating under-represented talent by going beyond the CV and levelling the professional playing field. To deliver excellent value to our clients, candidates and partners through the provision of quality junior legal resources.
WHY WAS THE PROGRAMME SET UP?
Launched in 2021, our Scholarship Programme aims to address inequality and improve access and inclusion in the legal sector. While committed to diversity, we acknowledge the under-representation of certain groups in the UK legal system. We've evolved since the Programme's start, now accepting applications from candidates reflecting the diverse communities we serve.
WHAT DOES THE PROGRAMME MEAN FOR YOU?
The Programme is specifically designed to support and address key barriers to entering the legal profession, such as degree discrimination or social mobility issues. We welcome applications from candidates from historically less advantaged backgrounds and under-represented groups within our industry. Trainees receive sponsorship for their SQEs or LPC and opportunities to gain qualifying work experience. As your training partner, Accutrainee will continuously monitor your work and development, providing support throughout your journey to qualification.
We will accept applications from:
- Candidates who have completed the LPC.
- Candidates who have started or will soon be starting the LPC.
- Candidates who are taking the SQE route to qualification who have completed a qualifying law degree or GDL.
- Candidates who are taking the SQE route to qualification who have completed a non-law degree but have successfully passed SQE Part 1.
HOW CAN I APPLY?
You can apply anytime through our Trainee Solicitor role using the link below. As part of the application, you will be able to specify whether you would like to be considered for the Scholarship Programme.
ARE YOU ELIGIBLE?
As part of the application, if you feel that you may be eligible to benefit from the Programme you will fill out a questionnaire that will help us determine your diversity and social mobility circumstances.
In addition, as part of our eligibility criteria we will want to gain an understanding of your personal history and achievements to date. In addition to financial and socio-economic criteria, eligibility for the Programme will also be based on a consideration of exceptional circumstances that you have faced in pursuing your legal career. All questions are based on guidance provided by the UK’s social mobility commission.
If successful, Accutrainee will seek trainee secondment opportunities for you. If you secure an Accutrainee secondment and begin your training contract/QWE, Accutrainee will contribute towards the costs of your SQE assessments and preparatory courses.
ABOUT THE PROGRAMME
Accutrainee is committed to widening access to the legal profession by offering a unique route to qualification. Trainees receive sponsorship to complete their Solicitors Qualifying Examinations (SQE) or LPC and gain essential qualifying work experience required to qualify as solicitors.
As your training partner, Accutrainee will continuously monitor and assess your work and development throughout your development providing dedicated support every step of the way.
You will have access to a dedicated Mentor, technology to support you in meeting your SRA obligations and a bespoke Learning and Development programme focussing on core legal skills, innovations in the industry and professional growth.
THE SCHOLARSHIP PROCESS
APPLICATION
All our candidates apply and include information on their background and key obstacles they have overcome.
ASSESSMENT
We assess intellect, analytical and problem solving skills, attention to detail, communication and organisation skills.
OPPORTUNITY
Successful applicants will get the opportunity to be supported through their SQE part 1 and part 2 as well as through their qualifying work experience.
POST QUALIFICATION
We help find suitable newly qualified solicitor roles with clients who support the programme.
FAQs
Read our Scholarship FAQs alongside those on our Qualifying as a Solicitor page.
I'm committed to becoming a solicitor and would like to do the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) before commencing my Legal Practice Course (LPC). Will Accutrainee fund this?
No. Accutrainee awards funding for either the LPC, LPC combined with LLM or Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) assessments/preparation courses and the PSC for trainees going through the traditional Training Contract route. We do not provide funding for any other courses.
I’d like to do the LPC on a part-time basis. Is that possible?
Yes. We accept applicants who wish to study on either a full-time or part-time basis.
We understand that many of our awardees will need to work alongside study and that doing the LPC on a part-time basis can achieve the best balance. However, please note that many of our clients prefer trainees who have completed their legal studies before starting a training contract.
Is there any academic criteria for the Scholarship Programme?
There may be special circumstances why you didn’t achieve a higher grade and candidates can still apply if they did not for example achieve high A level results or gained a 2:2 degree. However, we would still expect you to demonstrate academic ability throughout the selection process and in other areas.
Do you take applications from mature candidates and/or career changers?
Yes. We welcome applications from aspiring solicitors of all ages who are talented, tenacious and committed to joining the profession.
I’d prefer to fill in the application form by hand. Will my application be accepted in this format?
Where possible, we ask that you fill in your application using the online form. If that is not possible our team will be happy to discuss other options with you to see how we can support.
UNLOCK YOUR POTENTIAL
Our qualifying criteria are continually assessed and adjusted based on our research. Please check our jobs page for our latest scholarship opportunities.