At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to learn, train, and work alongside experienced lawyers.
- Company: Hart Reade Solicitors, a supportive law firm with a focus on career development.
- Benefits: Excellent salary, benefits package, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Friendly environment with a track record of promoting talent within the firm.
- Why this job: Kickstart your legal career without university and gain valuable experience.
- Qualifications: 3 A levels at Grade B or above and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 32000 £ per year.
Hart Reade Solicitors (Eastbourne, Hailsham and Polegate) are recruiting for legal trainees to join our busy team. This is an exciting and rare opportunity to work, learn and train alongside our experienced team of lawyers and study for legal qualifications.
The successful candidates will be required to have good written and spoken English and the confidence and ability to communicate well with clients, colleagues and other external contractors. Much of what we do requires strong IT skills but training will be provided on the various systems and online services we use.
Qualifications Required:- 3 A levels at Grade B or above (or predicted Grades) or equivalent.
- 7 GCSEs (including English and Mathematics) - 6 and above.
- An A-Level in Law would be preferred but is not essential.
We may consider lower grades for an exceptional candidate; we are equally interested in your attitude, aptitude, commitment, and willingness to learn. There are now various routes available to qualification including apprenticeships, training as a legal executive, and also potentially progressing through to the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE). This is an entry-level role that will suit candidates looking for an alternative to university. It is a golden opportunity for non-graduates to earn, work for and train with a law firm and become a lawyer.
We are therefore looking for candidates who can clearly demonstrate their drive, passion and ambition to develop and build a successful legal career with us. We are happy to provide support to candidates who demonstrate the above and commit to qualifying as a Lawyer over a number of years whilst being an effective and valued member of our team. We have a strong track record of progressing talent within the business with a number of our current Partners starting out as trainees of the firm.
Candidates must be motivated and enthusiastic, and it is essential they are prepared to work hard, both in the office and with their external studies. Attention to detail is essential.
We offer a friendly, supportive and professional working environment and an excellent salary and benefits package. Our office hours are 9.00am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday. The roles are based in our Eastbourne office, but you may be required to work at our Polegate and Hailsham offices as required.
Closing date: Thursday 20 August 2026
No agencies please.
Hart Reade LLP are an equal opportunities employer and all applications will be considered from suitably qualified candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity.
Hart Reade LLP take your privacy very seriously. Please read our Recruitment Privacy Notice as it contains important information about the personal data we hold about you, how we collect it, and how we will use and may share information about you during the application process.
Legal Trainee Positions – Hart Reade Solicitors employer: Sussex Law Society
Barwells Solicitors is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth and career progression. Located in the picturesque town of Seaford, our flexible working arrangements allow for a healthy work-life balance while you engage in meaningful litigation work, handling diverse disputes and building strong client relationships. With a competitive salary and bonus package, we are committed to fostering a rewarding environment for our team members.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Legal Trainee Positions – Hart Reade Solicitors
✨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 Sussex Law Society, 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 Legal Trainee Positions – Hart Reade Solicitors
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 Sussex Law Society. 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 Sussex Law Society. 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 Sussex Law Society
✨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 Sussex Law Society 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.
