At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic legal team with hands-on training and client interaction.
- Company: Gateley Legal, a forward-thinking legal and professional services group.
- Benefits: Flexible working, comprehensive rewards, and a focus on diversity and wellbeing.
- Other info: 25-month apprenticeship with university study and excellent career progression.
- Why this job: Kickstart your legal career with real responsibilities and growth opportunities.
- Qualifications: Eager learners with a growth mindset and strong teamwork skills.
About the Role
Joining for the Reading/Guildford Training Contract & Graduate - Level Solicitor Apprenticeship 2028 at Gateley Legal.
Program details may include placement across four six-month seats with on-the-job learning and formal training, supervision from solicitors, and regular coaching from the talent development team. The apprenticeship route includes a 25-month programme with one day per week at the University of Law for eligible candidates.
Routes
- Non-law graduates: complete your degree by summer 2026, then study the PGDL and LLM (SQE1 & 2) before joining 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: a blend of on-the-job learning and formal training, supervision and mentoring by solicitors, soft skills development, and quarterly coaching from our talent development team. Regular technical training from professional support lawyers.
Client Interaction: opportunities to engage with clients, build professional networks, and participate in regular reviews of progress and performance.
Responsibilities: from day one, you will be given as much responsibility as possible and will play a crucial role in the team.
What We’re Looking For
- Growth Mindset: eager to develop, learn, and continuously improve
- Collaboration: effective teamwork and communication
- Time Optimisation: ability to manage time and priorities under pressure
- Personal Responsibility: accountability and delivery of high-quality work
- Commercial Awareness: understanding of business context and client value
- Relationship Management: ability to build professional relationships
- Resilience: adaptability and focus under pressure
- Pride in Work: commitment to excellence
How To Apply
Assessment process includes the online application form, interactive assessment (Jan 2026), video assessment (Feb 2026), assessment centre (March 2026), and a summer vacation placement (June/July 2026). Shortlisted applicants will be invited to complete the interactive assessment in the week starting 12 January, with a 7-day completion window. Adjustments can be requested via the recruitment team.
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 offering a range of development and progression opportunities, with a focus on diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing. We provide flexible working patterns and a comprehensive rewards package, including annual leave options, pension, health care, and additional employee benefits. Gateley supports learning via Learn platform and other development resources.
We are committed to diversity, inclusion and wellbeing and have been recognised by The Law Society as gold standard for our Diversity and Inclusion Charter and as Stonewall Diversity Champions.
Reading/Guildford Training Contract & Graduate - Level Solicitor Apprenticeship 2028 employer: Gateley Legal
Gateley Legal is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and development of its apprentices through a comprehensive training programme, blending on-the-job learning with formal education at the University of Law. With a strong commitment to diversity, inclusion, and employee wellbeing, Gateley offers flexible working patterns and a robust rewards package, making it an ideal place for aspiring solicitors to thrive in a supportive and dynamic environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Reading/Guildford Training Contract & Graduate - Level Solicitor Apprenticeship 2028
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Gateley Legal and understand their values, culture, and recent projects. This will help you tailor your responses during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for the interactive and video assessments by doing mock interviews with friends or using online resources. The more comfortable you are speaking about your experiences and skills, the better you'll perform.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend any events they might be hosting. Building relationships can give you insider knowledge and potentially a foot in the door when it comes to your application.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to showcase your growth mindset! During interviews, share examples of how you've learned from challenges and adapted to new situations. This aligns perfectly with what Gateley is looking for in their apprentices.
We think you need these skills to ace Reading/Guildford Training Contract & Graduate - Level Solicitor Apprenticeship 2028
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific skills and experiences that align with the Reading/Guildford Training Contract. We want to see how you fit into our culture and values, so don’t hold back on showcasing your unique qualities!
Show Off Your Growth Mindset:We’re all about continuous improvement here at StudySmarter. Highlight any experiences where you’ve learned from challenges or adapted to new situations. This will show us that you’re ready to grow and thrive in our apprenticeship programme.
Be Clear and Concise:When filling out the online application form, keep your answers clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of what you want to convey. Remember, less is often more!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and is considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to navigate!
How to prepare for a job interview at Gateley Legal
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the role and the company inside out. Research Gateley Legal's values, recent cases, and their approach to client relationships. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in the apprenticeship.
✨Show Off Your Growth Mindset
Since they're looking for candidates with a growth mindset, be ready to discuss times when you've learned from challenges or feedback. Share specific examples that highlight your eagerness to develop and improve, especially in a legal context.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Collaboration is key in this role, so think of examples where you've successfully worked in a team. Be prepared to talk about how you communicate effectively and manage conflicts, as well as how you contribute to achieving common goals.
✨Ask Smart Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask insightful questions. Inquire about the training programme, opportunities for client interaction, or how they support personal responsibility and resilience in their apprentices. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.
