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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 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 for 2024 Training Contracts has now closed.
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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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!

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.

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.

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Ampa Careers Express - Standing out from the crowd

Date: Tuesday 5 July
Time: 11:00 - 11:45
Hear from one of our recruitment advisors about our recruitment process, the types of roles we recruit, and what we look for in applicants. Then have the opportunity to jump in to break out rooms and chat with managers across the business about roles they are actively looking to fill right now. Find out more about what you would be doing in these roles, the skills you will gain, and the teams you would be part of.
Come to this session and hear directly from the people who manage our recruitment process about what works, what doesn't, and what you can do to get ahead.

Future Leaders Q&A: Embarking on your legal career & have questions? We've got the answers

Date: Tuesday 6 September
Time: 11:00 - 11:45
Starting your career in law? Got questions? We've got answers! At this Q&A we will be joined by two second year and two first year Trainee Solicitors, who will be able to answer your questions on life as a Trainee, why our firm, and give you tips on the application process!

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.

Visit our FAQ page for trainees

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.

We win top intellectual property award

16 Jun

Firm News