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?
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.
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 Shakespeare Martineau 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 2024 training contracts is now closed
Applications opened: 20 January 2022
Applications closed: 23 May 2022
Following the closing date, we will shortlist all applicants and if selected you will be invited to our assessment centre and contacted prior to 10 June 2022.
Assessment centres: Successful candidates will be invited to one of our assessment centres, on either Friday 24 or Thursday 30 June 2022.
Candidates successful on the assessment day will be invited back for an interview over the following two weeks.
We've put together a whole host of frequently asked questions on the application process which you can find here and a video series to help guide you through the process 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.
Meet Kerry
One of our legal directors
Meet Jamilah
One of our newly qualified solicitors
Meet Arron
One of our new trainees
Learn more about our training contracts with our video series...
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.
7 Jun
Firm News
Lawyers trade office for canal as part of litter pick
27 May
Firm News
We are recognised as top large employer nationally
11 May
Firm News
We support new Muslim youth mentoring scheme
27 Apr
Firm News
3 tonnes of surplus leeks rescued from Lincolnshire farm to help tackle food poverty
Want to find out more about our trainee contracts, the application process or whether the legal world is for you? Visit our FAQs page.