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- Tasks: Engage in top-quality legal work across various law sectors with direct client interaction.
- Company: SWS Lawyers, a supportive firm located in the heart of Newcastle.
- Benefits: Work-life balance, sensible hours, and strong mentoring from experienced lawyers.
- Why this job: Kickstart your legal career with hands-on experience and rapid development opportunities.
- Qualifications: Final-year law students or recent graduates with strong academic performance.
- Other info: Limited intake ensures quality support and exposure to high-stakes legal work.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
SWS Lawyers seeks exceptional Law Graduates for a 2026 intake to work on corporate, M&A, property, planning, and litigation matters in Newcastle.
Your Role
Key responsibilities include:
- Engaging in top-quality legal work across corporate law, mergers and acquisitions, property and planning, and commercial litigation.
- Working directly with Principals in a small, close-knit team with client engagement from day one.
- Drafting and negotiating documents, managing transactions, briefing and instructing counsel.
- Participating in site visits to assess complex environment, planning, and property law issues.
- Providing practical and timely advice on property deals, land use, environmental problems, and litigation matters including shareholder disputes, intellectual property, construction, and consumer law.
About You
The company is looking for:
- Final-year law students or recent graduates available to commence as Law Graduates in February 2026.
- Strong academic performance in law school.
- Genuine interest in understanding clients and creating business value.
- An enquiring mind capable of applying legal knowledge to complex problems.
- Ambitious, collaborative, intellectually strong, and willing to work hard.
Compensation & Benefits
- Work-life balance with sensible working hours and no expectation to work late unnecessarily.
- Opportunity to live and work in the heart of Newcastle.
Training & Development
- Strong mentoring and day-to-day on-the-job training from experienced Principals and senior lawyers.
- Supportive culture fostering rapid learning and development as a junior lawyer.
Career Progression
- Limited number of graduates accepted annually to ensure quality support and learning opportunities.
- Exposure to complex, high-stakes legal work and direct client contact from early days.
- Potential to transition from paralegal roles during final year to graduate program.
How to Apply
Submit your application including:
- A one-page letter explaining why you are a good fit.
- Your CV.
- Your latest unofficial academic transcript.
- Details of one non-lawyer referee.
This job may close before the stated closing date, you are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
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Graduate Lawyers Program (Feb 2026) employer: Notre Dame
Contact Detail:
Notre Dame Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Graduate Lawyers Program (Feb 2026)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to alumni or professionals in the legal field, especially those who have been through similar programmes. A friendly chat can lead to valuable insights and even job leads.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common legal scenarios and questions. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to build your confidence and refine your responses.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for law during interviews. Be ready to discuss specific cases or legal issues that excite you. This will demonstrate your genuine interest and help you stand out from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Graduate Lawyers Program (Feb 2026)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make sure to explain why you're the perfect fit for the Graduate Lawyers Program. Highlight your academic achievements and any relevant experiences that show your genuine interest in corporate law and client engagement.
Tailor Your CV: Don’t just send a generic CV! Tailor it to reflect the skills and experiences that align with the role. Emphasise your strong academic performance and any practical experiences that demonstrate your ability to tackle complex legal issues.
Get Your Transcript Ready: Make sure your unofficial academic transcript is up-to-date and clearly shows your achievements. This is a key part of your application, so don’t leave it until the last minute!
Choose the Right Referee: Select a non-lawyer referee who knows you well and can vouch for your work ethic and character. A good reference can make a big difference, so pick someone who can speak positively about your strengths!
How to prepare for a job interview at Notre Dame
✨Know Your Law
Make sure you brush up on key areas of corporate law, M&A, and litigation. Familiarise yourself with recent cases or changes in legislation that could be relevant to the role. This shows your genuine interest and helps you engage in meaningful discussions during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare specific examples from your studies or internships where you've applied your legal knowledge to solve complex problems. Highlight your drafting and negotiation skills, as well as any experience working in teams. This will demonstrate your readiness for the collaborative environment at SWS Lawyers.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the firm's culture, the types of cases they handle, and the mentoring process. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you assess if the firm is the right fit for you. Remember, interviews are a two-way street!
✨Be Yourself
While it's important to be professional, don't forget to let your personality shine through. SWS Lawyers values ambitious and collaborative individuals, so be genuine about your interests and motivations. This will help you connect with your interviewers on a personal level.