Social Justice QWE Training Contract (2 Years)
Liverpool | The University of Law, Broudie Jackson Canter & Vauxhall Law Centre
Qualify as a solicitor whilst making a real difference.
Are you ready to begin your legal career by helping those who need it most?
This is a unique opportunity to complete your two years of Qualifying Work Experience (QWE) through a partnership between The University of Law, Broudie Jackson Canter and Vauxhall Law Centre. Rather than following a traditional training route, you'll develop your legal skills whilst supporting individuals, families and businesses who may otherwise struggle to access legal advice.
If you're passionate about social justice, committed to access to justice and want your work to have genuine impact from day one, we'd love to hear from you.
About The Role
This two-year training contract has been designed to meet the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) requirements for Qualifying Work Experience.
Year One (6 months) – The University of Law Pro Bono Clinics (Liverpool)
You'll gain hands‑on experience working alongside experienced solicitors across a range of legal practice areas, including:
- Employment Law
- Family Law
- Wills & Probate
- Small Business Law
You’ll interview clients, undertake legal research, draft legal documents and correspondence, manage case files, and help establish a brand‑new Pro Bono clinic. From your very first day, you’ll play an active role in delivering legal services that make a positive difference.
Year One (6 months) – Broudie Jackson Canter (Liverpool)
During the final six months of the first year, you’ll be working with Broudie Jackson Canter. A law firm committed to social justice. You will be involved in assisting lawyers with their cases by reviewing and drafting legal documents, preparing instructions to Counsel, taking new enquiries and attending on client meetings.
Examples of Firm’s Practice Areas
- Actions Against the Police
- Community Care Law
- Crime & Prison Law
- Family & Children Law (including Legal Aid)
- Mental Health & Capacity
- Inquests & Inquiries – Covid Inquiry – DES Campaign UK – Southport Inquiry
Year Two – Vauxhall Law Centre
Building on your first year, you’ll join one of Liverpool's leading Law Centres, supporting clients with matters including:
- Housing
- Welfare Benefits
- Debt
Working alongside specialist lawyers, you’ll provide frontline legal support, assist vulnerable clients and continue developing the practical skills and professional competencies needed to qualify as a solicitor.
What You’ll Gain
- Two years of structured, supervised Qualifying Work Experience
- Exposure to a broad range of legal practice areas
- Regular mentoring and feedback from qualified solicitors
- Real client responsibility from the outset
- Opportunities to develop advocacy, interviewing and case management skills
- A career built around purpose, ethics and access to justice
About You
We're looking for someone who is passionate about using the law to improve people's lives.
To Be Eligible, You’ll Need To
- Have studied SQE1 with The University of Law
- Have successfully passed SQE1
- Be eligible to commence QWE in September 2026
- Demonstrate a genuine commitment to social welfare law and pro‑bono work
- Be organised, compassionate and able to communicate confidently with a wide range of clients
- Be committed to delivering outstanding client care and upholding the highest professional standards
Working Arrangements
During your first year, you’ll be based initially within The University of Law’s Pro Bono Department at our Liverpool campus, with hybrid working available. Your final six months will be working with Broudie Jackson Canter, Merseyside.
Your second year will be based primarily at Vauxhall Law Centre, with a minimum expectation of four days per week on site.
Flexibility is required to support occasional evening and weekend clinics.
Why Join Us?
At The University of Law, we believe legal education should create opportunities not only for our students, but for the communities we serve.
This role offers an exceptional opportunity to qualify as a solicitor whilst developing practical legal skills, working alongside experienced professionals and making a lasting impact through access to justice.
If you’re looking for a training contract with real purpose, we’d love to hear from you.
Closing date for application is 17th July 2026.
Along With a Salary Of £29,374, You’ll Enjoy
- A generous annual leave entitlement of 30 days plus bank holidays (pro rata)
- Access to a wide range of staff and student discount platforms
- Private Medical Scheme and Life Assurance
- Contributory Pension Scheme
- Season Ticket Loans and Student Discounts
Be Part of a Diverse and Inclusive Community
We are committed to ensuring our workforce is reflective of our diverse student population. We actively seek to increase representation across all backgrounds and identities, and we provide support and adjustments throughout the recruitment process.
For more information, please contact talentacquisition@law.ac.uk.
Please note: For this opportunity, you must be able to prove you have the right to work in the UK – if in doubt please visit the following link: Employers’ right to work checklist – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
We are not a licenced sponsor.
Some posts within the University are subject to a DBS check – you will be notified of this during the application process.
Social Justice Qualifying Work Experience Scholarship in Liverpool employer: The University of Law
The University of Law in Manchester is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises teaching excellence and student success. With generous benefits such as 35 days of annual leave and a private medical scheme, employees are supported in achieving a healthy work-life balance while also having access to professional development opportunities that foster growth in higher education. Joining our team means being part of a collaborative environment where your contributions directly impact the future of computing and AI education.
