At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our in-house Legal team and gain hands-on experience across various legal specialisms.
- Company: Arriva, a leading passenger transport partner shaping the future of transport.
- Benefits: Structured training, mentorship, and a connected graduate network for career growth.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for professional development and networking.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while developing your skills to become a qualified solicitor.
- Qualifications: Graduates with curiosity, strong communication skills, and a passion for commercial law.
The predicted salary is between 51638 - 63113 £ per year.
Every day, millions of people rely on transport to access the people, places and opportunities that matter most. At Arriva, we're shaping the future of passenger transport and investing in the people who will help lead it. We are one of Europe's leading passenger transport partners, helping people get to work, education, healthcare, family and the moments that matter.
Through our Graduate Programme, we're looking for talented graduates who are curious, motivated to learn and ready to grow their careers with us. If you're ready to make an impact, we'd love to hear from you.
As a Trainee Solicitor on our Graduate Programme, you'll join our in-house Legal team on a two-year training contract designed to take you through qualification as a solicitor of England and Wales. You’ll gain hands‑on experience across a range of legal specialisms, supervised throughout by qualified solicitors.
Over two years, you'll complete structured placements across our legal function, developing a broad understanding of how legal advice supports one of Europe's leading passenger transport businesses. From supporting operational teams, commercial growth projects and regulatory compliance to working on company secretarial matters and personal injury cases, you'll play a genuine role in helping the business navigate complex legal challenges while building the experience needed for your future legal career.
This is a full‑time, two‑year training contract. We provide the supervision, training and practical experience you need to qualify as a solicitor at the end of it.
Throughout your training contract you’ll have:
- Day‑to‑day supervision, we will review your work, give you regular feedback and increase your responsibility as your confidence grows
- A supervisor for each seat, plus a senior solicitor who oversees your training across the full two years
- Regular progress reviews mapped to the SRA’s Statement of Solicitor Competence, so you always know where you stand and what to focus on next
- Work that counts as Qualifying Work Experience (QWE) under the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) route, confirmed with the SRA by a solicitor in our team
- A structured learning programme covering legal skills, professional conduct and ethics, and commercial awareness
Location: This role is based at our Sunderland office and operates on a hybrid basis, with a minimum of three days per week in the office.
What We’re Looking For:
We're not expecting you to have all the answers. We're looking for graduates with curiosity, drive and the confidence to keep learning. People who take ownership, build positive relationships and want to make a meaningful contribution from day one. What matters most is your potential. We're looking for people who are eager to learn, motivated to grow and ready to develop your Arriva Graduate EDGE.
About You:
We're open to applications from graduates of all degree disciplines. To be eligible for this role you’ll need to have passed both SQE1 and SQE2 before the programme starts, and be ready to commence a training contract.
We're particularly interested in people who:
- Are curious, proactive and eager to learn
- Enjoy solving problems and thinking critically
- Have strong communication and relationship‑building skills
- Can analyse information and apply sound judgement
- Enjoy working collaboratively with a range of stakeholders
- Have excellent attention to detail and professionalism
- Are interested in commercial law and the wider business environment
- Aspire to build a career as a qualified solicitor
The Graduate Programme:
Alongside your role, you'll also be part of our two‑year graduate development programme, benefiting from structured learning, mentoring, exposure to senior leaders and a connected graduate network across Arriva. The breadth of experience gained throughout the programme will help you build a strong foundation for your future legal career.
Eligibility Requirements:
To be considered for this opportunity, you'll need:
- To be on track to achieve, or have already achieved, a degree (2:1 preferred, with strong 2:2 applications considered)
- To have passed both SQE1 and SQE2 before September 2027 and be eligible to commence a training contract
- The right to work in the UK permanently
- Availability to join the programme in September 2027
- Willingness to travel where required as part of the programme
If you have any questions about the role or the application process, please don't hesitate to get in touch with our Early Careers team. We're always happy to help.
The closing date for applications is close of play Friday 27 November 2026. We'd encourage you to apply at your earliest convenience, as we review applications as they are received and may close this opportunity early.
Graduate Trainee Solicitor employer: FQPS Academy Ltd.
CRA Legal is an excellent employer that fosters a dynamic and supportive work culture, offering hybrid working arrangements that promote work-life balance. With a focus on employee growth, the firm provides clear performance targets and opportunities for professional development, making it an ideal place for those looking to advance their careers in the legal sector while being part of a modern, technology-driven environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Graduate Trainee Solicitor
✨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 FQPS Academy Ltd., 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 Graduate Trainee Solicitor
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 FQPS Academy Ltd.. 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 FQPS Academy Ltd.. 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 FQPS Academy Ltd.
✨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 FQPS Academy Ltd. 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.
