Learning & Development
Growing Talent the Lyons Bowe Way
Whether you’re joining us through an apprenticeship, beginning your qualification journey without a law degree, or building on existing legal studies, Lyons Bowe provides structured development pathways designed to help you achieve your career goals.
Building your Career at Lyons Bowe
A message from Kirsty Mottram, Learning & Development Manager
One of the most rewarding parts of my role is seeing people grow in confidence and develop careers they may never have imagined possible. At Lyons Bowe, we’ve worked hard to create a structured learning and development programme that gives every member of the team the opportunity to progress, whatever their starting point or career ambitions.
We’ve introduced training plans, skills assessments, development pathways and resources that support our people throughout their journey. We work closely with our Managers and Heads of Department to ensure every individual has the guidance, training and support they need to build their skills and reach their potential.
For me, Learning & Development is about far more than qualifications. It’s about creating opportunities and giving people the tools to succeed. Watching colleagues develop and achieve their goals is one of the most fulfilling parts of what I do, and I’m proud to be part of a firm that genuinely invests in its people.
Careers
Growing Your Career the Lyons Bowe Way
Apprenticeship
Ideal for school leavers or individuals looking to start a career in law without previous legal experience. This pathway combines practical workplace learning with a Level 3 Business Administration qualification and progression opportunities onto the Level 4 CLC qualification, providing a route towards becoming a qualified Conveyancer.
Legal Assistant
Suitable for individuals without a law degree who are looking to build a long-term legal career. Through professional qualifications such as Level 4 CLC or CILEX, combined with hands-on experience, this route provides a pathway towards becoming a qualified legal professional.
Qualified Lawyer
Designed for graduates who already hold a law degree and are looking to progress towards professional qualification. Through Level 6 CLC or CILEX pathways, individuals can develop specialist legal expertise and work towards becoming a qualified Conveyancer or Chartered Legal Executive.
Develop your career with Lyons Bowe
Supporting Legal Careers Through Recognised Qualification Routes
Lyons Bowe works in partnership with Law Training Centre to support recognised qualification pathways for individuals building careers in legal practice. Many aspiring legal professionals assume that the only route into law is through a law degree, followed by law school and a traditional training contract. While this remains a valid pathway, it is not the only option.
Through its partnership with Law Training Centre, Lyons Bowe supports a range of routes, including CLC, CILEX and SQE, enabling employees to work towards becoming qualified lawyers. These pathways allow trainees to develop legal knowledge, gain practical experience and progress towards professional qualification while building their careers within a law firm.
A law degree can be beneficial, but it is not always required. Depending on the route, school leavers, non law graduates, law graduates, career changers, paralegals and legal assistants may all have viable pathways into legal practice.
Law Training Centre has worked with Lyons Bowe since 2020, supporting the firm’s ongoing commitment to developing legal talent through recognised qualification routes.
The CLC Route
A specialist qualification pathway for those pursuing a career in conveyancing, property law or probate. Ideal for future Licensed Conveyancers and Licensed Probate Practitioners.
The CILEX Route
A flexible route into legal practice that allows learners to qualify while gaining practical experience. Particularly suited to family law and wider legal practice areas.
Develop your career with Lyons Bowe
Supporting Development from Day One
Every employee receives a role-specific Training Plan on their first day, providing a roadmap of the training, processes and tasks to be completed during their initial weeks with the firm. Following this, a Skills Analysis is introduced during the second month to help assess progress, identify strengths and highlight any areas where additional training may be beneficial. Together, these tools help ensure every team member receives the support and development they need to succeed in their role.
Develop your career with Lyons Bowe
Administration Assistant (Legal Pathway Apprenticeship) with Damar Training
Develop Practical Workplace Skills
Build confidence in communication, organisation, teamwork and time management while gaining real-world experience.
Learn While You Work
Benefit from dedicated coaching, online learning resources, and structured support designed to help you succeed in the workplace.
Progress Your Career
Create a strong foundation for future opportunities, including progression onto a Level 3 Business Administrator Apprenticeship and further professional qualifications.
Employee Reviews
See What Our Employees Say
Business Support Assitant
“I joined Lyons Bowe in October 2023 in Reception as an apprentice and have gone through a range of different training courses through this period. The main one being business administration apprenticeship which I passed. I was given support by being given delegated time every week to go through this qualification. After being on reception, I moved into the role of Business support, where I have been a part of since May 2025, I have plenty of training since joining business support on all the different systems we use and continue to learn with training.”
– George Newman
Business Support Assistant
“I started in Lyons Bowe as a receptionist, where I was afforded all the necessary training to excel in my role, but was quickly offered the opportunity to progress onto the New Instructions Team. I learnt a lot of valuable information about the Legal Process as part of this team, and have carried this knowledge forwards into my current role in the Business Support team, which I believe I am very much suited for. I have thoroughly enjoyed working at Lyons Bowe thus far, and am incredibly grateful for the opportunities afforded to me.”
– Max Barnett
Develop your career with Lyons Bowe
Eligibility for Accredited Training Within Lyons Bowe
To be eligible for accredited training route ways, individuals must:
- Have successfully completed their 6 month probation;
- Have been employed for at least 9 months with Lyons Bowe;
- Be performing at a minimum “Achieving” level in all tasks listed on their Skills Analysis; and
- Be working within the department relevant to the chosen qualification. For Level 6 candidates, this includes being in a fee earning role or apply and interview for a Trainee Fee Earning position within the appropriate department.
Lyons Bowe Pride
Why Choose Lyons Bowe?
25 Days Holiday & UK Bank Holidays
A healthy work/life balance is crucial, so we’ve made sure everyone has time to step back, unplug, and spend time with their families.
Lyons Bowe Bank Holiday
Every August, if the firm meets its targets, all team members are given an extra day off to rest and regroup with their family or hobbies.
Paid for Parking Permits
The morning commute is bad enough without worrying about parking! If your office doesn’t have a car park, we pay for your parking permit.
Free NHS Flu Jabs Annually
Free Eye Tests Every Year
Flexible Working Options
Your Birthday Off
Access to Mental Health Support
Discounted Legal Services
Can I start a legal career without a law degree?
Yes, in some cases. A law degree can be useful, but routes such as CLC and CILEX can be suitable for people from different academic and professional backgrounds.
Can I work while studying?
Yes. Routes such as CLC and CILEX are commonly studied while working, allowing learners to build legal knowledge while gaining practical experience.
If I already have a law degree, will it help?
It may do. Previous legal study can sometimes affect where a learner starts, but this depends on the route, the modules studied, when the qualification was completed and any exemption rules that apply.
Which route is right for me?
That depends on the legal career the learner wants to build. CLC may be relevant for conveyancing, property law or probate. CILEX may be relevant for wider legal practice areas such as Family Law. SQE may be relevant if the aim is to qualify as a solicitor.
Does Lyons Bowe support people through qualification?
Yes. Lyons Bowe works with Law Training Centre to support recognised qualification pathways, helping learners develop legal knowledge, gain practical experience and work towards the route that fits their career goals and the needs of the firm.
