Trainee Solicitor – 2027 entry – SQE Route or LPC Route

Trainee Solicitor – 2027 entry – SQE Route or LPC RouteAs a leading Southwest based law firm, HK Law recognise the importance and responsibility of contributing to the next generation of Solicitors. As such, we provide excellent training and support within a setting that encourages both personal and professional development.

We take pride in offering excellent training and guidance. You will have the opportunity to work within a variety of departments across the firm (usually in 6‐month blocks), gaining exposure to both contentious and non‐contentious areas of law, and will receive the relevant and necessary support through coaching and mentoring, as well as both in‐house and external training.

You will enjoy learning from and working alongside our highly skilled and experienced lawyers who are well regarded in their field of expertise. And, once you have completed your training, you will be able to apply to stay with the firm. We have a great track record of retaining many of our trainees who have gone on to enjoy long and fruitful careers with us.

What we Offer:

In return for your hard work and commitment, you will enjoy excellent training and a great benefits package, including a competitive salary, up to 33.5 days holiday, Pension Contributions, Life Assurance, an Employee Health Cash Plan, Free eye test and flu jabs, social events and more. You can also join an informal social group at HK Law who organise regular meetups and gatherings outside of work.

You\’ll be working in a friendly environment where you will be recognised and valued for your individual contribution. HK Law is an extremely well‐regarded Firm that has produced some excellent Solicitors, and you will get an opportunity to work alongside these individuals throughout the training. We provide the chance to experience multiple disciplines, all with the ongoing support in your professional skills development that is crucial to your success.

We have a unique and transparent career pathway through to Partnership to those promising lawyers who are results driven and able to demonstrate the appropriate skills and competencies.

Routes/ Length of Contract

We can offer several lengths of contract, to meet the 24 months qualifying Work experience criteria, depending on what stage you are at in your studies. For those needing to study towards SQE 1/ SQE 2, we allow for one day per week to study. Please note that Training Contracts are normally only offered on a full‐time basis.

24 month contract – If you have passed your LPC or SQE 1 and 2 by start date

27 month contract – If you have passed SQE 1 but wish to study for SQE 2

30 month contract – If you seek to study towards SQE 1 and SQE 2 (must have undergraduate degree)

The cost of the SQE 1 and SQE 2 exams are funded by the firm.

The firm do not fund the SQE 1 & SQE 2 preparation courses. However, a loan from the firm may be applied for and provided (subject to eligibility) to support you with the upfront cost.

Candidate Eligibility

You must have completed a degree (in any field) or be able to verify predicted results. ( 2:1 or above preferred)

We look for individuals who have effective communication skills, a pleasant disposition, and an excellent work ethic, as well as strong academic skills and relevant qualifications.

Ties to the region are advantageous but not a pre‐requisite.

You will need to be a driver with a clean licence and regular access to a car by commencement of the contract (due to a number of our offices not being easily accessible via public transport)

We prefer to see applicants who have demonstrated a commitment to their chosen profession through relevant work experience and/or special projects.

Candidates must be prepared to undertake a wide range of tasks and go the extra mile in preparation and recognition of the fact that this is a profession that is going to require an incredibly high degree of dedication, tenacity, flexibility and hard work.

The Process:

Once you have sent your CV and Covering email, your application will be assessed by our Head of HR, and Training Principal.

If your application is shortlisted, we will contact you and ask you to complete our full application process, including a few initial questions, a Personality Profile, a Declaration form and a Case Study.

If you are successful at this stage, then we will invite you to a face‐to‐face interview between the dates given above. This will be held with 2 Partners of the Firm as well as the Head of HR and will usually comprise of a competency‐based interview at our Dorchester office.

We aim to provide feedback to our candidates as soon as possible after interview, but we ensure the outcome is provided to you within 21 days. If we are offering you the role, we will then confirm the details of the offer including start date, first seat details, and anything we need from you beforehand. If you are unsuccessful, we will provide you with as much detailed and constructive feedback as possible, to best enable you to prepare for future interviews.

Please upload your CV and covering letter detailing :

Your preferred qualification route/details/results (or predicted results)

Your preferred contract length (out of those listed above)

Any areas of law where you have a specific interest

Whether you are a driver with daily access to a car

Where you reside (please note that this is an office‐based position, and in order to be able to commute easily to our offices, you will need to live in the Dorset or South Somerset area by the commencement of the role)

Dates for Your Diary:

• Application deadline for 2027 intake: 31 July 2026
• Interview Period for 2027 Intake: During September 2026
• Outcome from interview provided by: 21 October 2026
• Start Dates for 2027 Intake: April 2027 or October 2027

Please be advised that only candidates shortlisted for interview will be contacted following review of applications in August 2026. Therefore, if you have not heard from us by the end of September 2026, please assume that your application has not been successful.

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