Trainee Solicitor (QWE) – London & Regional in Sheffield

Start your route to qualification with Accutrainee. Are you ready to complete your Qualifying Work Experience (QWE) and take the next step towards qualifying as a solicitor? For over 14 years, Accutrainee has helped aspiring solicitors build successful legal careers through high-quality secondments with leading law firms and in-house legal teams. Our unique model offers trainees the opportunity to gain varied legal experience, develop practical skills and build an impressive professional network while receiving continuous support from our experienced Graduate Team, Training Principal and mentors.

Unlike many traditional graduate recruitment programmes, we recruit throughout the year. Our clients' hiring requirements arise on an ongoing basis, meaning successful candidates may have opportunities to begin their QWE without waiting for a fixed annual recruitment cycle. Whether you have recently passed SQE1 or are approaching the completion of your qualifying law degree or GDL, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Why choose Accutrainee?

• The opportunity to complete up to four different secondments, gaining high-quality Qualifying Work Experience across a range of organisations.
• Experience with international law firms, boutique practices, financial institutions, technology companies, scale-ups and in-house legal teams.
• Genuine responsibility from the outset, working on live legal matters where your contribution is valued.
• Personalised mentoring from an experienced senior lawyer.
• Ongoing support from our Training Principal and dedicated Graduate Team throughout your QWE.
• Access to our Pathways learning and development platform.
• The opportunity to be part of a close-knit trainee cohort, with regular networking and social events.
• A competitive salary.
• The potential opportunity to secure a newly qualified role with one of your secondment organisations or through future Accuflex opportunities.

Every secondment is designed to help you develop the legal, commercial and professional skills expected of a newly qualified solicitor. A training programme designed around your development. Unlike a traditional training contract with a single employer, your Accutrainee journey may include a combination of contentious and non-contentious secondments, depending on your personalised development plan and client opportunities. This breadth of experience allows you to develop a wide range of legal and commercial skills while gaining valuable exposure to different practice areas, industries and organisational cultures.

Our trainees are placed only where there is a genuine business need for legal support. As a result, they quickly become trusted members of their teams and are given meaningful responsibility from an early stage. We therefore look for candidates who are adaptable, proactive and ready to embrace new challenges, knowing they will receive ongoing support and mentoring throughout their journey.

Typical responsibilities

• Drafting legal documents, contracts and correspondence.
• Conducting legal research.
• Supporting solicitors on live matters and transactions.
• Reviewing and negotiating commercial agreements.
• Attending client meetings and internal stakeholder discussions.
• Assisting with corporate transactions, disputes or regulatory matters.
• Managing matters with increasing levels of responsibility.
• Developing the competencies required to qualify as a solicitor.

Who we're looking for

We are looking for ambitious future solicitors who demonstrate:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Commercial awareness.
• Resilience and adaptability.
• Strong organisational skills.
• The ability to work effectively within a team.
• A genuine passion for a legal career.

Eligibility

To apply, you should have:

• A-Level qualifications (or equivalent).
• A degree (or equivalent).
• Passed SQE1, or be completing a qualifying law degree or GDL (we encourage applications towards the end of your LLB or GDL).

Candidates from both law and non-law backgrounds are welcome to apply. If you have not completed a qualifying law degree or GDL, we would normally expect you to have passed SQE1 before applying. Previous paralegal experience or other relevant legal experience may strengthen your application and broaden the range of secondment opportunities available to you. However, it is not a requirement, and we welcome applications from candidates at the start of their legal careers who can demonstrate the potential to succeed.

Accutrainee Scholarship Programme

Applicants who successfully complete our trainee selection process will also have the opportunity to be considered for the Accutrainee Scholarship Programme. The programme aims to remove barriers to qualification by supporting aspiring solicitors from underrepresented groups and less advantaged backgrounds. Successful applicants who secure an Accutrainee secondment through the Scholarship Programme may be eligible for funding towards their SQE assessments and preparation courses.

Apply today

We recruit throughout the year and regularly receive new requirements from our network of law firms and in-house legal teams. While applying does not guarantee an immediate secondment, successful applicants join our talent pool and are considered for opportunities as they arise. If you are looking for a varied, supportive and rewarding route to qualification, we would love to hear from you.