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  1. Home
  2. Training Contracts
  3. Law
  4. Trainee Solicitor Pathway 2025
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First things first: why have we changed the name of the ‘training contract’ to ‘Trainee Solicitor Pathway’? It’s because training contracts, as they used to be, are no longer the way you train and qualify as a solicitor. Our Trainee Solicitor Pathway will take you through the new requirements: to take the Solicitors’ Qualifying Exam (SQE1 & 2) and to do two years’ Qualifying Work Experience (QWE). 

About the role

Our Trainee Solicitor Pathway is just one of our pathways to become a lawyer with us: we’re passionately inclusive and are proud that our trainee solicitors are, together with our pupil-barristers, trainee CILEx lawyers and solicitor apprentices, all our Future Lawyers. 

Our Trainee Solicitor Pathway sets you up for success in the new way to qualify as a solicitor: on it, you’ll do your first year as a trainee solicitor with us, then one year of SQE study and assessments, and then return for your final year as a trainee solicitor before qualifying.  You’ll be assessed in year one to secure sponsorship for SQE study/assessments, and whilst studying you’ll be paid a bursary equivalent to our trainee solicitor salary.

We’re here to help you shape your career. Our Trainee Solicitor Pathway (previously called a training contract) aims to give you the best possible start, this is why: 

  • Your choice of career - we welcome those who aren’t sure which sector or service is their passion and those who already have one in mind and are keen to build on it. You’ll be given seat options and guidance to ensure you get a broad mix of experience. This enables you to obtain an overview of our practice whilst gaining valuable qualifying work experience in a commercial law firm. 
  • Location, location, location - we offer opportunities each year at all our office locations; 
  • Inclusivity – this is at the heart of everything we do, and we want everyone to feel that they have an equal access to opportunities, that’s why we offer part-time opportunities on our Trainee Solicitor Pathway; 
  • The level of work you’ll receive aims to prepare you for SQE assessments and qualification - this puts you in good stead for the realities and expectations of working as a qualified solicitor. With us, you’ll gain invaluable practical experience before sitting your SQE assessments; 
  • Interested in pro bono work - we give back to our community and many of our Future Lawyers are on our Community Action Committee; and 
  • You’ll receive all the support you need – as the first law firm to partner with O Shaped we’re proud to create a safe and productive learning environment where you’ll be comfortable to give and receive feedback, discuss your progress, and address the challenges you face (we all have challenges) to ensure we set you up for success. You’ll also have support from our HR team, who you’ll be in contact with right from recruitment until qualification and beyond.

Closing date for applications is 1 April 2024.