At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our bespoke legal training programme and gain hands-on experience while preparing for the SQE.
- Company: Maples Group, a global organisation with a focus on collegiality and wellness.
- Benefits: Fully funded SQE courses, competitive salary, health insurance, and overseas secondments.
- Other info: Enjoy a vibrant lifestyle in Jersey with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Experience unique work-life balance in Jersey while kickstarting your legal career.
- Qualifications: Final year undergraduate students in law or non-law are encouraged to apply.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 70000 £ per year.
We have created a bespoke legal training programme that offers any aspiring solicitor a stimulating balance of hands‑on legal experience comprised with the learning and qualifications offered by the Solicitors Qualifying Examination ("SQE") route to qualification as a solicitor in England and Wales. We cover the full cost of the SQE preparation courses and exams, and ensure that trainees receive exposure to a wide variety of interesting commercial legal work to build the two years’ Qualifying Work Experience ("QWE") required by the Solicitors Regulation Authority ("SRA") to qualify as a solicitor in England and Wales.
Upon qualification and successful completion of the programme, trainees will be encouraged to apply for newly‑qualified positions with the Jersey office. To ensure your relocation to Jersey is as smooth as possible, we cover the cost of flights from the UK and provide you with serviced accommodation for your first month with us. As a global organisation which values a culture of collegiality, we send each trainee on a six‑month overseas secondment as part of the programme.
This is a truly unique offering and opportunity to commence QWE at an early stage, to learn while you earn, to be part of a leading global organisation and to embrace the lifestyle and high standard of living Jersey provides: one which endorses work‑life balance and goes hand‑in‑hand with Maples' positive approach to encouraging wellness.
We are looking for applicants who want to embrace something different to the well‑trod path of a City training contract, and who are excited about embarking on spending two years (and hopefully beyond!) living and working in Jersey.
When can I apply? You must, as a minimum, be in the final year of your undergraduate degree (law or non-law). We recruit a year in advance. In the year you start the Trainee Programme, you will be required to complete the 20‑week SQE1 preparation course between March and June and sit the SQE1 exams in July. Maples funds both the course and the exams.
- First Year: £45,000
- Second Year: £50,000
Our competitive salary offering for our trainees is complemented by a tax regime in Jersey which is more advantageous than in the UK. The application window for our 2028 intake will open on 1 January 2027.
Benefits include:
- Travel Insurance
- SQE courses & exams fully funded
- Health Insurance
- Life Assurance
- Critical Illness Cover
- Income Protection Cover
- Dress for your day policy
- Paid study leave
- Hybrid Working
- Overseas secondments
I have really enjoyed my training so far and the culture of the Jersey office has enabled me to learn a lot in a relatively short period of time. I am currently completing a secondment in the Dublin office in the Funds & Investment Management Group which has been an incredible opportunity to broaden my experience, gain insight into one of the larger Maples Group offices and meet more colleagues in‑person.
More information on our Trainee Programme → employer: Maples Group
The Maples Group is an exceptional employer located in Leeds, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters collaboration and professional growth. With benefits such as hybrid working, comprehensive health coverage, and educational assistance, employees are supported in their career development while enjoying a vibrant work culture that promotes well-being through social events and wellness programmes. Join us to be part of a team that values integrity, innovation, and a proactive approach to achieving shared goals.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land More information on our Trainee Programme →
✨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 Maples Group, 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 More information on our Trainee Programme →
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 Maples Group. 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 Maples Group. 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 Maples Group
✨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 Maples Group 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.