Legal Apprentice

Six-year Legal Apprenticeship combining full-time work in a personal injury law firm with weekly study, leading to qualification as a solicitor.

About us

Established in 2000, Express Solicitors is an award‑winning, no win no fee law firm specialising exclusively in personal injury claims. Headquartered in Manchester, we support clients nationwide across all areas of personal injury, including employers’ liability, serious injury, clinical negligence, occupiers’ and public liability, road traffic accidents and industrial disease.

We are ranked 64th in The Lawyer UK Top 200, out of more than 10,000 law firms nationwide, and after achieving a 20% year‑on‑year growth, Express Solicitors are the largest personal injury claimant firm in the UK.

Our commitment to outstanding client care is reflected in our Trustpilot rating of 4.8 (Excellent), placing us among the highest‑rated firms in the sector.

Info on the role

We are currently recruiting for a number of Legal Apprentices to join our firm on Wednesday 26th August 2026. You will work full time with us, learning the practical side of the law before commencing the educational element of the apprenticeship in January 2027.

You will begin your employment in our Public Liability Portal Team. Where you will handle your own caseload of MOJ Portal Cases

As well as working with us, you will also attend lectures and workshops with our partnered provider. You will have a day off a week to dedicate to your studies.

We deliver on progression

• Your apprenticeship will last 6 years, and on successful completion you will be a qualified solicitor.

• You will be supported by your work supervisor and personal tutor. You will also have a peer mentor.

We work hard and play hard

Law has always been seen as a challenging profession. Express Solicitors expect you to work hard for our clients. But we also love to have fun, with regular department socials, yearly Christmas parties (paid for by the business) and every other year a Summer social at the CEO's house paid for by James, himself.

We also have lots of other regular activities, with weekly football and netball games, a running club and a board game night.

About the role

Job description

• Take initial instructions from client and complete FN009.

• Ensure correct accident circumstances, injuries and potential losses are recorded on the file.

• Obtain FOAs for medical records and request from medical agency.

• Research to ensure the claim is submitted to the correct potential Defendant(s)

• Research into accident location, requesting photographs, CCTV, receipts etc. to ensure the appropriate evidence is obtained as early as possible.

• Consideration of the relevant Statute/law to draft allegations to the Defendant.

• Consider Claimant’s injuries to ensure correct protocol is being followed.

• Submit Claims Notification Form (CNF) or Letter of Claim to the Defendant(s)

• Chasing Defendant and/or insurer for response

• Consideration of denial and/or disclosure received from Defendant.

• Weekly review with supervisor

• Ensure client is kept updated throughout process.

Salary, Hours & Benefits

• Starting from £10.85per hour plus £100 monthly bonus (if targets are met,) in year 1 and increasing throughout the apprenticeship.

• Our standard working hours are 8:30am to 5:30pm Monday-Thursday and 8:30am to 5pm Friday

• Day off per week – ring fenced for studies.

Benefits

Hybrid Working

3/2 hybrid working pattern after probation.

23 Days Holiday

Rising to 26 days, plus bank/public holidays.

Extra Holidays

3 holiday buy backs and an extra day for your birthday after service length requirement.

Looking After Your Health

Private medical insurance available after 2 years’ service, annual flu jab and Employee Assistance Programme.

Looking After Your Well-being

24/7 onsite Gym, Netball/Football team, 10km Manchester team and more.

Work Life / Balance

Active social committee with generous departmental and firm-wide social budget.

What are we looking for?

This is a fantastic opportunity for a bright A-level / BTEC / T-Level student who wants to progress with in a legal career. You will be passionate about helping people and fighting for justice.

Required Qualifications/Training

• 3 A-levels at grade C and above or equivalent BTEC qualification preferred.

• We also welcome application from applicants who hold a Level 3/4 paralegal apprenticeship qualification.

• Please note that this role cannot consider those who already hold any type of law degree, due to apprenticeship rules.

Required Attributes

• An interest in the law and a passion for helping people

• Bright people – we want to progress and develop you in your career

• Committed and hardworking individuals who have a strong work ethic

• Excellent written and oral communication skills

• Analytical skills and attention to details are essential

• Computer literacy – you have must have a working knowledge of Microsoft Office packages