At a Glance
- Tasks: Embark on a legal career with hands-on training and client interaction.
- Company: Join Gateley Legal, a diverse and inclusive professional services group.
- Benefits: Flexible working, comprehensive rewards, and a focus on wellbeing.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for personal and professional development.
- Why this job: Gain valuable experience while studying towards your legal qualifications.
- Qualifications: Passion for law, strong soft skills, and a growth mindset.
Overview
Join to apply for the Manchester Training Contract & Graduate - Level Solicitor Apprenticeship 2028 role at Gateley Legal.
Role location: Manchester. Program start: 2028. This is a training contract and graduate level solicitor apprenticeship opportunity with Gateley Legal.
About The Role
Your path to a rewarding legal career starts here. Gateley is offering an exciting opportunity for aspiring solicitors to join our training contract starting in 2028, or via the graduate - level solicitor apprenticeship route.
Our available routes are:
- Non-law graduates: Complete your degree by summer 2026, then study the PGDL and LLM (SQE1 & 2) before joining us in September 2028.
- Law graduates: Study the LLM (SQE1 & 2) before starting in 2028.
- LPC graduates: Join via the Professional Skills Course route.
- Graduate - Level Solicitor Apprenticeship: A 25-month programme with one day a week at University of Law.
What We Offer
Comprehensive Training: On-the-job learning complemented by formal training sessions, supervision and mentoring from experienced solicitors, soft skills development, and quarterly coaching from our talent development team. Professional support lawyers provide regular technical training.
Exposure: Four six-month seats across different legal areas to build well-rounded experience.
Client Interaction: Opportunities to work directly with clients to build client-care and communication skills. Progress will be discussed regularly through mid- and end-of-seat reviews. From day one in your first seat, you will be given as much responsibility as possible to contribute to the team.
What We’re Looking For
Gateley seeks candidates who demonstrate a blend of key soft skills and a passion for growth. Core attributes include:
- Growth Mindset
- Collaboration
- Time Optimisation
- Personal Responsibility
- Commercial Awareness
- Relationship Management
- Resilience
- Pride in Work
How To Apply
Our assessment process consists of the following elements:
- Online application form – details of academic background and personal information, plus screening questions.
- Interactive assessment (Jan 2026) – measures suitability for a career at Gateley.
- Video assessment (Feb 2026) – pre-recorded interview for strong online performance.
- Assessment centre (March 2026) – in-person assessment in your chosen location.
- Summer vacation placement (June/July 2026) – a week in the life of a Trainee Solicitor/Graduate Entry Solicitor Apprentice.
If shortlisted, you’ll be invited to complete the interactive assessment during the week starting 12 January. You will have 7 days to complete it. If you require adjustments or cannot complete within the timeframe, please contact us at the provided email address.
Application Deadline: 9 January 2026. All applications will be reviewed after the closing date.
Please apply for ONE location.
About Us
Gateley is a legal and professional services group with a collaborative culture. We are committed to diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing and recruit from diverse backgrounds. We offer flexible working patterns to support work/life balance. Gateley has been recognised by The Law Society as a gold standard for our Diversity and Inclusion Charter and is a Stonewall Diversity Champion.
We provide learning and development opportunities via our Learn platform, a comprehensive rewards package, annual leave options, cycle to work, health and wellbeing benefits, pensions, and more. Gateley emphasises a values-driven approach: Ambitious for Success, Forward Thinking, Room to Breathe, Trusted to Do, and Working Together. We celebrate contributions through the Gateley Team Spirit awards.
Additional information: pre-employment screening checks may include eligibility to work, qualifications, criminal records, financial stability, and references as relevant to the role.
Seniority level
- Internship
Employment type
- Contract
Job function
- Human Resources
Industries
- Professional Services
Manchester Training Contract & Graduate - Level Solicitor Apprenticeship 2028 employer: Gateley Legal
Gateley Legal is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and inclusive work culture, making it an ideal place for aspiring solicitors to launch their careers. With comprehensive training, mentorship from experienced professionals, and a commitment to employee wellbeing, Gateley offers numerous growth opportunities and a supportive environment in Manchester. The company’s dedication to diversity and flexible working patterns further enhances its appeal, ensuring that every team member can thrive both personally and professionally.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Manchester Training Contract & Graduate - Level Solicitor Apprenticeship 2028
✨Get Yourself Involved with Local Law Firms
Jumping into your local legal scene can be a game-changer. Attend law-related events, lectures, and workshops in your area — these are perfect places to meet solicitors and barristers who might be looking for apprentices. Don't be shy! A friendly chat can turn into a potential opportunity.
✨Join Legal Societies or Clubs
Many universities and colleges have legal societies or clubs that host networking events and forums. Getting involved can greatly boost your visibility and connections in the legal field. Plus, you can learn a ton from fellow aspiring legal minds, which is a win-win!
✨Create a Strong Online Presence
Having a professional online presence is key — showcase your passion for law through platforms like LinkedIn. Share posts about legal topics that interest you, engage with law firms, and connect with professionals in the field to get your name out there.
✨Apply Directly through Us!
Don’t forget to keep an eye on our website for legal apprenticeships like the one with Gateley Legal. We’ve got loads of opportunities listed that can help you kickstart your career in law. Just make sure to tailor your application to each specific role!
We think you need these skills to ace Manchester Training Contract & Graduate - Level Solicitor Apprenticeship 2028
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Legal Knowledge:We're keen to see your understanding of legal principles in your application. Consider mentioning any relevant coursework, extracurricular activities, or projects that demonstrate your grasp of legal concepts, particularly any specific areas of law you're passionate about.
Highlight Your Analytical Skills:As an aspiring legal apprentice, showcasing your analytical skills is key. Make sure your CV reflects any experiences where you've tackled complex problems or engaged in critical thinking. This could be through debate clubs, mock trials, or even relevant assignments – anything that shows you can dissect legal issues!
Tailor Your Cover Letter with Why Us?:In your cover letter, it's super important to convey your enthusiasm for the apprenticeship. Include why you're interested in this opportunity with Gateley Legal and how it fits into your career path. Show us that you’ve done your research on our firm and what excites you most about the work we do!
Keep it Professional, but be Yourself:Even though we’re in the legal sector, we appreciate genuine personality! While your application should maintain professionalism, don’t hesitate to let your individuality shine through. Use a tone that feels authentic to you, so we get a sense of who you are beyond your qualifications.
How to prepare for a job interview at Gateley Legal
✨Know Your Legal Fundamentals
Brush up on key legal principles and recent cases that are relevant to the role you’re applying for at Gateley Legal. We want to demonstrate not just knowledge, but also your passion for the law. It could be a smart move to highlight any coursework or projects during your apprenticeship that relate directly to the firm's focus areas.
✨Prepare for Hypothetical Scenarios
Expect to tackle hypothetical legal scenarios during the interview. Be ready to walk through your thought process on solving these problems. Practising articulating how you would approach a case can make a big difference. It shows your analytical skills and ability to think on your feet, which are crucial in law!
✨Showcase Your Commitment to Learning
As this is an apprenticeship, interviewers at Gateley Legal will be keen to see your motivation and eagerness to learn. Share examples of how you've taken the initiative in your studies or any related work experiences. Highlighting what you’ve learned so far will show that you’re ready to grow in the legal field.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Tools and Resources
Get to know the legal research tools and resources that are commonly used in the field. Familiarity with platforms like Westlaw or LexisNexis could give you an edge. Being able to discuss how you would use these tools to support cases during your apprenticeship can impress your interviewers at Gateley Legal.
