Trainee Solicitor - Manchester/Leeds

About us

Stone King has supported clients and communities since 1785, and while our heritage spans more than two centuries, we continue to embrace change and invest in the future. Much of our work directly supports charities, schools, social enterprises, faith organisations, public bodies, businesses, and individuals who are building stronger communities and driving positive societal change. Our collaborative culture and core values are intertwined with our ethos of doing the right thing by our clients, communities, and our people. Our passion for the sectors we work in and the purpose-driven work we do with our clients has resulted in SK being recognised as national leaders in our specialist fields across the country. We embrace individuality and difference, because diverse perspectives make us stronger, more creative and more human. Our people matter, and that means giving every colleague the chance to make a real contribution to who we are, what we do, and how we shape the future of the firm.

The opportunity

We have an opportunity for a Trainee Solicitor to join us here at Stone King in our Manchester and Leeds offices for commencement in September 2026, March 2027 and September 2027. This role will be split between both offices. The legal profession is evolving and redefining what it means to be a lawyer. At Stone King, we are embracing this change and invest in developing future-ready lawyers who can adapt, lead and make a meaningful impact.

Being a solicitor isn’t easy. It means navigating intellectually and emotionally demanding situations, supporting clients through some of the most challenging moments of their lives, and showing up with professionalism and compassion in both day-to-day work and in-person events. But the opportunity to make a meaningful difference to people’s lives is profoundly rewarding, and it’s at the heart of why our work matters. If you’re looking for a training contract that prepares you to thrive in a changing world and gives you the chance to make a meaningful difference along the way, you’ll find it here.

Your Training

While you’ll gain exposure across the firm’s sectors, our Manchester/Leeds training contract will typically sit within the Charities and Social Enterprise pathway. The training contract may include seats in Ecclesiastical Property, Employment, Charity and Social Enterprise, and Dispute Resolution. This structure gives you meaningful depth within a core area while still ensuring broad experience. It helps you understand client needs from multiple perspectives, develop strong client-care skills, and gain the well-rounded foundation you need to become a trusted adviser.

An enhanced 30 month training contract, giving you the time to grow confidently, thoughtfully and without compromise.

Development in key skills:

• We invest in training that gives you the confidence to build relationships, communicate your value and understand the wider commercial landscape our clients operate in, skills increasingly essential for tomorrow’s lawyers.
• AI-enhanced learning and assessment. We embrace technology, including in our recruitment. Instead of policing AI use, we’ll test your judgement, adaptability and critical thinking. Throughout your contract, you’ll have opportunities to build emerging capabilities in AI and legal tech through hands-on work in our AI Hub.
• Reverse mentoring programme with the Board, giving you the chance to shape our firm’s strategic direction while strengthening your own confidence, communication and leadership skills.
• Presenting to our Partnership Council, a rare opportunity to contribute to firmwide decision-making. Your voice matters here.
• Opportunities to build emerging capabilities in AI and legal technology, preparing you for a rapidly evolving profession.
• Paid volunteering and community focused work is embedded into your training. Social purpose sits at the heart of Stone King. You’ll take part in community projects and pro bono initiatives that connect directly with our firm’s values and commitment to social impact.
• A genuinely supportive, people-first culture, where development and wellbeing are at the forefront. You’ll be surrounded by people who want you to thrive.

Requirements

We accept applications from both those on the LPC and SQE pathways. See more detail around our qualification offering on our website.

Whether you’re starting your legal journey for the first time or bringing experience from another career, we welcome the unique perspectives you can offer.

Essential

• Minimum 2:2 degree (or equivalent) in law, or a non-law degree supported by a recognised legal conversion course.
• A genuine interest in Stone King—our work, our clients, and the sectors we serve.
• Alignment to our core values, TRUST.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated emotional resilience and composure, able to support clients through challenging or sensitive circumstances.
• A collaborative and adaptable mindset, able to work effectively with colleagues and clients in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Good organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing deadlines and shifting priorities.
• A willingness to learn and develop.

Desirable

• Experience that demonstrates alignment with one or more of our practice areas.
• Can demonstrate a commitment to making a meaningful impact, motivated by the opportunity to positively influence clients’ lives and contribute to the wider purpose of the organisation.
• Prior exposure to legal environments (e.g., vacation schemes, paralegal work, legal clinics, mini-pupillages, or shadowing).
• Demonstrated interest in charity, education, faith-based, or social enterprise sectors—through volunteering, research, extracurriculars, or employment.
• Evidence of strong client-care skills, particularly in dealing with vulnerable individuals or sensitive issues.

The recruitment process

Details of the recruitment process can be found on our website.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Individual differences are embraced at Stone King, and we strive to create an environment in which people feel supported and able to be themselves. We are committed to promoting an inclusive working environment that supports the growth and development for all. We are proud to be signatories of the Mindful Business Charter, the Race Fairness Commitment, and the Age Friendly Employer Pledge, and we are a Disability Confident Employer. Stone King LLP is committed to offering an interview to any job applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the role as defined by the job description and person specification.

Benefits

• Profit Share Scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Private Medical Insurance
• Life assurance (4 x salary)
• Pension scheme
• 28 days holiday (in addition to statutory UK holidays)
• Additional day allocated for CSR activities per annum
• Two weeks' celebration leave after qualification
• Additional study leave and support for SQE

Closing date: 9 April 2026. The advert will close at 5.30pm on this date.