Do you want to join a legal force with its sights set firmly on being one of the most admired top 30 law firms in its chosen markets by 2025?
The law and the world we live in is changing rapidly and we are looking for the creative thinkers and brave leaders of tomorrow.
People who will embrace chance, drive ingenuity and challenge the norm. In return, we will provide you with first-class training, responsibility and access to high profile complex work and the opportunity to work with some of the firm’s top clients.
Could that be you?
90%
of our employees would recommend us
to a friend as a great place to work
93%
of our employees feel they
can be themselves at work
What do we offer?
Fun | OK, so it’s virtually at the moment, but our trainees have a very active social life and are big contributors to the law societies and professional organisations in our cities.
Experience | high profile, high-quality work – supporting some of the most exciting and groundbreaking projects and cases across dynamic sectors and areas of law.
Mentoring and support | through close support and guidance, we let our trainees drive their own futures. You will benefit from a personalised professional skills course which we supplement with our award-winning academy which provides business and personal additional training and coaching.
Be yourself | we are looking for authentic individuals, there are no SHMA types, and we don’t ever want there to be. We want people to bring their whole selves to work and show us what matters to them.
Individuality is encouraged and celebrated.
How do you apply?
Our application process for 2023 training contracts is now closed.
Following the closing date, we now shortlist all applicants and if selected you will be invited to our assessment centre.
We've put together a whole host of frequently asked questions on the application process which you can find here.
We also have a host of live events that you can attend to hear from our current trainees on what life is like here.
What else do we offer? Take a look out some of our trainee benefits
27 days holiday
per year plus bank holidays
(plus your birthday!)
Empowered working
we value what you do, not where you do it
LPC fees
we pay for your LPC fees
Employee assistance
to help you with support and advice
The Academy
award-winning training & mentor programme
Plus, a whole host of other benefits for you to pick from!
We couldn't do what we do without our people
Rewarded, respected and fulfilled people are the key to the success of our teams.
By understanding what our people want, giving them the support they need, recognising everyone’s contribution and realising the unique power of teams; together we win.
Find out more about our experienced lawyers and current trainees and what they think about life and business at Shakespeare Martineau by clicking on their profile images.
Want to find out more about our trainee contracts, the application process or whether the legal world is for you? Visit our FAQs page.
Read or download our latest firm news, blogs and our inspiring SHMA Talks
We hope our firm news provides you with a snapshot of our journey, our celebrations and how we continue to invest in our people! Catch up on our SHMA Talks where you can hear from national and local disruptors, industry experts, entertaining and motivational speakers, as well as Shakespeare Martineau leaders and rising stars.
12 Oct
Firm News
Agricultural Law Team Expands to Meet Growing Demand
5 Oct
Firm News
Our response to The Lawyer Top 100 rankings 
20 Sep
Firm News
Leicester consultant recognised for pro-bono contributions
Want to find out more about our trainee contracts, the application process or whether the legal world is for you? Visit our FAQs page.