Training contracts

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

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 for 2023 Training Contracts has now closed. Our application process for 2024 Training Contracts will be opening early in 2022.

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 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 will also be holding a welcome event over lunchtime on Wednesday 6 July, which you will be required to attend.

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.

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.

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 3 August

Time: 11:00 - 11:45

Have you recently entered the legal job market and looking for some application advice, or for someone to talk to you about the different options available? We normally have a couple of people to speak to at our Future Lawyer Q&A events, but this is an event with a difference. We have not two, nor three but four special guests joining us.

Vicki Blodwell and Grace Strawford both manage teams with a lot of juniors looking to launch their careers. They can provide their advice on what roles in Managed Legal Services hold, what they look for in team mates, and how they help support their colleagues careers.

Emma Humpherson started her career in Managed Legal Services and has progressed to a Claims Handler role. Emma is on hand to give her advice on how to make the most out of your first legal role, as well as her tips on finding a great role that will provide the building blocks to assist you in becoming a great lawyer.

Finally, we are joined by Natasha Naughton in our Recruitment team. Natasha is heavily involved in the recruitment process for many of our junior roles. If you are planning on submitting an application, Natasha will probably see it. Natasha is on hand to answer your questions on the things that stand out in applications for junior roles in law firms, helping you to get ahead of the competition.

Live Q&A

Date: Tuesday 7 September

Time: 11.00 - 11.45

At this live Q&A, we are joined by Charlotte Cassells and Santina Taylor. Charlotte and Santina qualify respectively into Commercial and IP, and Corporate at the end of August 2021. They will be looking back on their training contract, identifying things they learnt along the way, and considering what advice they would give themselves two years ago at the start of their Training Contract.

Got questions on how to get the most out of a Training Contract? Want to learn more about Shakespeare Martineau and our Ampa Group? Join us.

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 has increased its rankings in the 2021 edition of the Chambers High Net Worth Guide

30 Jul

Firm News