Training contracts

Are you ready to join one of the UK’s most exciting law firms?

Apply for 2023 training contracts

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?

Our application process is now open for 2023 training contracts. If you would like to find out more information keep scrolling or check out our FAQ page where we answer a host of commonly asked questions.

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93%
of our employees would recommend us
to a friend as a great place to work

92%
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 is now open for 2023 training contracts - apply here!

The closing date for applications is 13 June 2021.

After the closing date, all applicants will be shortlisted and if selected you will be invited to our assessment centre.

Assessment centre days will be taking place:
Wednesday 14 July 2021 & Monday 19 July 2021

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.

APPLY NOW

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!)

Flexible 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!

Join the conversation at our next future lawyers event

Each month our future lawyers events take place and are a great opportunity to find out more about us and what we can offer you.

We will have two trainees from across the business talk about their journey so far, answer any questions you have and provide some advice and top tips.

Can't make any of the upcoming sessions? Register your details using the button below and we'll keep you updated on the next sessions.

Live Q&A

Date: Tuesday 4 May

Time: 11.00 - 11.45am

As the deadline on 2021 applications looms, this session is a fantastic opportunity to get advice on constructing successful applications and deepen your knowledge of the firm. Robin Gronbech and Kate Bartels will be here to answer your questions about Shakespeare Martineau and life as a Trainee Solicitor. Prior to her Training Contract, Kate was an administrator at Shakespeare Martineau, so for those of you also looking at other legal opportunities, Kate is happy to share her invaluable insight about how her administrative experience prepared her for life as a Trainee Solicitor.

Live Q&A

Date: Tuesday 1 June

Time: 11.00 am - 11.45 am

Looking for some final advice before clicking submit on your Training Contract applications? Our application deadline is 13th June 2021, and Sukhpal and Charlotte are available to answer any last minute questions you might have. Whether they be about our More in Common diversity network, application tips, market knowledge, or their own experience, Sukhpal and Charlotte have the answers you are looking for.

Summer Insight Evening

Date: Wednesday 23 June

Time: 6.00 pm - 8.30 pm

Our insight evenings put a spotlight on a selection of our areas, and provide you with insight into what they do and what a career in these areas could be like.

At our June insight evening, we want to give you a flavour of the work we do in Infrastructure & Specialist Markets so have invited four of our leading Partners to share their thoughts with you and answer your questions. You will have the opportunity to hear from Lou Drew, Smita Jamdar, and Andrew Mellor about the work they do and how their teams drive our firm's growth, while also having the opportunity to take a deep dive into our Energy sector with Sushma Maharaj. You will get the opportunity to ask our panel your questions in breakout rooms and also receive some hints and tips on assessment centres and interviews.

This event is aimed at higher education students, or those who have completed their higher education and are looking to start their legal careers.

Want to find out more about our trainee contracts, the application process or whether the legal world is for you? Visit our FAQs page.

Visit our FAQ page for trainees

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.

Meet Kerry

Meet Jamilah

Meet Oscar

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.

Shakespeare Martineau announces 13 promotions including two partners

14 Apr

Firm News