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- Tasks: Join us as a Trainee Solicitor, working closely with clients and teams across various legal areas.
- Company: Trethowans is an award-winning law firm known for its supportive culture and ambitious goals.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, a bonus scheme, pension, and social events with your fellow trainees.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience in a top-ranked firm while building lasting relationships and advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Open to law students and those from non-law backgrounds; we value potential and drive over just academics.
- Other info: Applications for the 2028 intake will open soon; stay tuned for updates!
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 35000 £ per year.
Trainee Solicitors at Trethowans get the best of both worlds: a firm with big clients and major ambitions, but also a tight-knit, supportive team who value each new staff member from day one.
Every year, we look for bright, talented individuals to join ouraward-winning firm as Trainee Solicitors. On average, we recruit 3 to 5 Trainees per year, and we warmly invite applications from those who have studied law, as well as those who have a non-law background. Our process means we generally recruit Trainees two years before they start with us, which means candidates have the comfort of knowing they have secured a training contract before they commit to further post-graduate studies.
What are we looking for?
We are not just looking for academic achievement when we recruit Trainees. Identifying candidates who have potential, who have the characteristics and drive we are looking for, and who are able to demonstrate the qualities we seek is of equal importance to us. Our culture is something we are very proud of as a Firm, and so we are looking for people who share similar values and aspirations as us. Our aim is to recruit Trainees who, upon qualification, wish to continue their career with Trethowans.
Training contracts at Trethowans
Our two-year training programme is usually divided into four six-month ‘seats’ with different teams. These will ideally take place in at least two of our five offices in Bournemouth, Poole, Salisbury, Southampton and Winchester. The seats available will depend on our growth objectives and business requirements, but we will always talk to you and try to accommodate your preferences wherever possible. Throughout the programme, you will work closely with your allocated supervisor to make sure you are getting the most from your training.
We aim to give every Trainee a stimulating and challenging experience with plenty of direct client contact. From day one, you will play an active and important role in your team. We will expect hard work, enthusiasm and commitment – and, in return, we will offer lots of support and encouragement.
When you join us, we strive to develop and advance your career from the outset. In fact, many of our Partners, Team Leaders and Solicitors were once Trainees at the firm. Our aim is to ensure that Trainees learn to apply the knowledge they have already gained academically on a practical basis.
You will be challenged and given responsibility, but also have plenty of opportunities to have fun too. We hold various social events and activities throughout the year and our trainees often meet up as a group – with their own budget allocated to be able to socialise together.
As a trainee, you will also receive a comprehensive benefits package, including 25 days of holiday, a bonus scheme, pension, income protection, and many other benefits.
Ranked in The Legal 500 Future Lawyers student guide to the legal profession
Trethowans is top ranked in four categories in The Legal 500 Future Lawyersstudent guide, out of 110 top UK law firms:
- Top 5 UK law firm for ‘Confidence of being kept on’
- Top 10 UK law firm for ‘Overall job satisfaction’
- Top 10 UK las firm for ‘Job Satisfaction’
- Top 20 UK law firm for ‘Sustainability’
Application Process
Applications are now closed for our 2026/27 intake. The application date for 2028 intake applications will be confirmed at a later date, watch this page for updates.
For further information about Trethowans, including some helpful FAQ’s. Please download the brochure .
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Trainee Solicitors employer: Trethowans Solicitors
Contact Detail:
Trethowans Solicitors Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Solicitors
✨Tip Number 1
Research Trethowans thoroughly to understand their values and culture. This will help you align your personal aspirations with the firm’s goals, making it easier to demonstrate your fit during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current and former Trainees at Trethowans. Engaging with them can provide valuable insights into the firm’s environment and expectations, which you can leverage in your discussions.
✨Tip Number 3
Participate in relevant extracurricular activities or internships that showcase your commitment to law and your ability to work in a team. Highlighting these experiences can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for potential interviews by practising common legal scenarios and questions. Being able to articulate your thoughts clearly and confidently will demonstrate your readiness for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Solicitors
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Firm's Values: Before applying, take some time to understand Trethowans' culture and values. Reflect on how your personal values align with theirs and be prepared to articulate this in your application.
Tailor Your CV: Craft a CV that highlights not only your academic achievements but also any relevant experiences that demonstrate your potential and drive. Include internships, volunteer work, or extracurricular activities that showcase your commitment to a legal career.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should express your enthusiasm for the role and the firm. Discuss why you want to join Trethowans specifically and how you can contribute to their team. Make sure to highlight any unique qualities or experiences that set you apart from other candidates.
Prepare for Potential Interviews: While this step comes after your application, it's wise to prepare early. Research common interview questions for trainee solicitors and think about how you would respond. Be ready to discuss your motivations, experiences, and how you embody the qualities Trethowans is looking for.
How to prepare for a job interview at Trethowans Solicitors
✨Understand the Firm's Culture
Before your interview, take some time to research Trethowans' culture and values. They pride themselves on a supportive team environment, so be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute positively to their team.
✨Showcase Your Potential
While academic achievements are important, Trethowans is also looking for candidates with potential and drive. Be ready to share examples of challenges you've faced and how you've overcome them, demonstrating your resilience and commitment to growth.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street. Prepare thoughtful questions about the training programme, the types of cases you might work on, and opportunities for professional development. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration
Given the firm's emphasis on a tight-knit team, highlight your experiences working in teams. Discuss how you’ve collaborated with others in past roles or projects, and how you can bring that collaborative spirit to Trethowans.
