At a Glance
- Tasks: Work on social justice cases and gain hands-on legal experience.
- Company: APPEAL and The University of Law, dedicated to challenging injustice.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a diverse community committed to improving access to justice.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while building your legal career.
- Qualifications: Law degree (2:1 or above) and passion for criminal law and social justice.
The predicted salary is between 34761 - 34761 £ per year.
Help change lives. Challenge injustice. Qualify as a solicitor. This is a unique opportunity to complete your two years of Qualifying Work Experience (QWE) through a partnership between APPEAL and The University of Law. You'll work alongside leading lawyers challenging wrongful convictions before developing your legal practice across our award-winning Pro Bono Clinics. If you're driven by social justice, passionate about criminal law and want your legal career to create meaningful change from day one, this opportunity is unlike any other.
About the Role
This two-year training contract has been designed to meet the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) requirements for Qualifying Work Experience.
Year One – APPEAL
Spend your first year at one of the UK's leading criminal justice charities, working alongside expert solicitors and barristers tackling miscarriages of justice. You'll gain exposure to complex and high-profile criminal appeal work, including:
- Investigating potential miscarriages of justice
- Supporting live criminal appeal cases
- Legal research and drafting submissions
- Reviewing fresh evidence
- Attending prison visits, family meetings and court hearings
- Working alongside forensic experts and specialist counsel
- Contributing to policy work, campaigns and strategic litigation
- Supporting parliamentary engagement and legal reform initiatives
Throughout your placement you'll receive structured supervision, mentoring, CPD opportunities and regular feedback, while developing specialist knowledge in criminal appeals and social justice.
Year Two – The University of Law Pro Bono Clinics
Your second year will broaden your legal experience through The University of Law's Pro Bono Clinics at our Bloomsbury campus. Working under the supervision of qualified solicitors, you'll advise and support real clients across a range of practice areas including:
- Employment Law
- Family Law
- Wills & Probate
- Small Business Law
You’ll interview clients, conduct legal research, draft legal documents, manage case files and continue developing the professional competencies required to qualify as a solicitor.
What You’ll Gain
This isn’t just another training contract. It’s an opportunity to build a legal career with purpose. You’ll benefit from:
- Two years of structured Qualifying Work Experience
- Experience at one of the UK's leading social justice organisations
- Exposure to criminal appeals, strategic litigation and law reform
- Supervision from experienced solicitors and legal professionals
- Hands‑on client work from the very beginning
- Professional development, mentoring and CPD opportunities
- A unique blend of criminal justice and wider legal practice experience
About You
We’re looking for someone who wants to use the law to make a genuine difference. You’ll need to:
- Have completed a qualifying law degree (2:1 or above) and/or completed SQE1 with The University of Law
- Be eligible to commence QWE in September 2026
- Have a genuine interest in criminal law, social justice and access to justice
- Be an excellent communicator with strong organisational skills
- Be able to work independently and collaboratively
- Demonstrate professionalism, empathy and excellent attention to detail
- Be committed to providing exceptional client care and upholding the highest ethical standards
Working Arrangements
Year One: APPEAL, London – minimum four days per week on site. Year Two: The University of Law Bloomsbury Pro Bono Clinics – hybrid working. This is a full-time opportunity with flexibility to support occasional evening and weekend clinics when required.
Why Join Us
This is a rare opportunity to qualify as a solicitor whilst working on cases that have the potential to change lives. You’ll gain exceptional legal experience, work alongside some of the UK's leading criminal justice professionals and contribute to improving access to justice, all while developing the knowledge, skills and confidence needed for a successful legal career. If you’re looking for a training contract with purpose, challenge and real impact, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today and begin your legal career by making a difference where it matters most.
Closing date for application is 17th July 2026.
Along with a salary of £34,761, you’ll enjoy:
- Generous annual leave entitlement of 30 days plus bank holidays (pro rata)
- Access to a wide range of staff and student discount platforms
- Private Medical Scheme and Life Assurance
- Contributory Pension Scheme
- Season Ticket Loans and Student Discounts
Be part of a diverse and inclusive community. We are committed to ensuring our workforce is reflective of our diverse student population. We actively seek to increase representation across all backgrounds and identities, and we provide support and adjustments throughout the recruitment process.
For more information, please contact talentacquisition@law.ac.uk.
Please note: For this opportunity, you must be able to prove you have the right to work in the UK – if in doubt please visit the following link Employers’ right to work checklist – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). We are not a licensed sponsor. Some posts within the University are subject to a DBS check – you will be notified of this during the application process.
Qualifying Work Experience: Social Justice Training Scholarship employer: Central Law Training
Join APPEAL and The University of Law for a transformative two-year Qualifying Work Experience that not only equips you with essential legal skills but also empowers you to make a tangible impact in the realm of social justice. With a strong focus on mentorship, professional development, and hands-on client work, you'll thrive in a supportive and inclusive environment that values diversity and ethical practice. This unique opportunity allows you to work alongside leading professionals in London, gaining invaluable experience while contributing to meaningful change in the legal landscape.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Qualifying Work Experience: Social Justice Training Scholarship
✨Join Local Law Societies
Get involved with local law societies in your area. These groups often host networking events, workshops, and panels that can provide insider insights and potential job leads. It’s a great way to meet professionals who can vouch for you!
✨Leverage University Resources
Swing by your uni’s career centre and see what they’ve got on offer for law students. They usually have connections with firms looking for trainees, and can help you polish your interview skills through mock interviews. Don’t forget to ask about any upcoming recruitment fairs!
✨Connect with Trainee Alumni
Reach out to past trainees from your network or alumni groups. They can offer invaluable advice on their experiences and might even point you to firms that are hiring. Plus, you never know when a friendly face could help your application stand out!
✨Submit Direct Applications through Our Website
Don't wait around for listings! If you’ve got your heart set on a certain firm like Central Law Training, drop them a direct application through their website. Tailor your cover letter to reflect your passion for law and what you can bring to their team!
We think you need these skills to ace Qualifying Work Experience: Social Justice Training Scholarship
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Legal Acumen:Make sure your CV highlights your knowledge of legal principles and any relevant coursework. This is super important for a trainee role, so if you've got any practical experience like mooting competitions or internships, be sure to include those to show us what you've learned in practice!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Let us know why legal services excite you and detail your motivation for wanting to be a trainee with us at Central Law Training. Share any unique experiences or insights you've had that relate to our work — we love to see passion!
Demonstrate Your Research Skills:As part of a legal team, strong research skills are key. If you've conducted any legal research during your studies or previous roles, mention specific cases or legal documents you've worked with. Including these details can set you apart from other candidates applying for your trainee spot.
Tailor Your Documents to Us:When applying through our website, make sure you're tailoring your CV and cover letter specifically for the role at Central Law Training. Use our job posting as a guide to emphasize the skills and qualifications that align perfectly with the trainee position — it shows us you're keen and have done your homework!
How to prepare for a job interview at Central Law Training
✨Know Your Legal Principles
Get ready to showcase your understanding of key legal concepts and principles relevant to the field. Brush up on areas like contract law or torts, as you might encounter some scenario-based questions during your interview. It’s not just about memorising; be prepared to discuss how you'd apply these principles in real-world situations, which will highlight your analytical skills.
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
In legal interviews, your ability to conduct thorough research is essential. Be prepared to discuss how you approach case studies or legal precedents. You might also be asked about tools like Westlaw or LexisNexis, so having some familiarity with these platforms can really set you apart.
✨Emphasise Your Enthusiasm for Learning
As a trainee, companies like Central Law Training want to see your passion for the law and eagerness to learn. Bring up any relevant coursework, internships, or voluntary work during your studies. This shows that you're proactive and ready to embrace the challenges of the legal world.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Expect a few behavioural questions that probe your problem-solving and teamwork skills. Examples might relate to how you've handled conflict in a group project or dealt with tight deadlines. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses clearly, making it easy for the interviewers to see your thought process.
