Manchester Graduate Scheme - September 2026

Manchester Graduate Scheme - September 2026

Manchester Trainee 27500 - 27500 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
E

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Receive bespoke training and support a fee earner as a Litigation Assistant.
  • Company: Express Solicitors, a leading firm with a focus on personal injury law.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, generous holiday, and private medical insurance.
  • Other info: Join a vibrant team with active social events and excellent career growth.
  • Why this job: Kickstart your legal career with tailored training and real client interaction.
  • Qualifications: Strong legal academic achievements; no prior experience needed.

The predicted salary is between 27500 - 27500 £ per year.

For your first five weeks at Express Solicitors, you will be in our training suite, receiving bespoke training on black-letter law, soft skills and case management. After this foundation, you will move to your designated department as a Litigation Assistant, supporting a fee earner on their case load, engaging in legal tasks and liaising with clients.

Responsibilities

  • Attend and complete initial training modules on black-letter law, soft skills and case management.
  • Assist a fee earner with day-to-day casework including witness statements and claim form drafting.
  • Communicate with clients under supervision.
  • Participate in weekly supervisor meetings and benefit from a designated buddy for support.

What We Offer

  • 12 weeks of tailored training to ensure you become a successful Paralegal.
  • Three appraisals per year and weekly meetings with your supervisor to guide you.
  • Salary of £27,500 per annum.
  • Hours: 8:30 am – 5:30 pm Monday – Thursday, 5 pm finish on Friday (39.5 hours).

Benefits

  • Hybrid working – 3/2 pattern after 4–6 months.
  • 23 days holiday, rising to 26 days plus bank/public holidays.
  • 3 holiday buy-backs and an extra day for your birthday after the required service length.
  • Private medical insurance (after 2 years’ service), annual flu jab and Employee Assistance Programme.
  • 24/7 onsite gym, Netball/Football team, 10 km Manchester team.
  • Active social committee with generous departmental and firm-wide social budget.

Requirements

  • Aspiring Personal Injury Paralegals with strong legal academic achievements (LLB, GDL, LLM, LPC or equivalent).
  • Full-time availability from 21 September 2026; no leave required for the first 12 weeks.
  • Passion for being a lawyer and helping injured people.
  • No legal work experience required.

Application details

Closing date for applications: 7 September 2026. The cohort is recruited on a rolling basis; applications may close early if the cohort becomes full.

Recruitment Process

Our interview process consists of two stages: a one-way pre-recorded video interview followed by a face-to-face Microsoft Teams interview.

Contact Oliver Doak, Associate – Emerging Talent Specialist, can answer any questions you may have. Call 0161 904 4660 or email.

Address: South Court, 1 Sharston Road, Manchester, M22 4SN.

Manchester Graduate Scheme - September 2026 employer: EXPRESS SOLICITORS

Express Solicitors is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and development of its employees through a comprehensive training programme and supportive work culture. With a focus on work-life balance, hybrid working options, and a vibrant social scene, employees enjoy a fulfilling environment that encourages collaboration and personal well-being. The firm also offers competitive benefits, including generous holiday allowances and private medical insurance, making it an attractive choice for aspiring legal professionals in Manchester.

E

Contact Details:

EXPRESS SOLICITORS Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Manchester Graduate Scheme - September 2026

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 EXPRESS SOLICITORS, 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 Manchester Graduate Scheme - September 2026

Black-letter Law Knowledge
Soft Skills
Case Management
Legal Drafting
Client Communication
Team Collaboration
Time Management

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 EXPRESS SOLICITORS. 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 EXPRESS SOLICITORS. 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 EXPRESS SOLICITORS

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 EXPRESS SOLICITORS 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.