Solicitor Training Contract 2025 (Birmingham)

To apply for a training contract, candidates must complete the application form on our website. Please note that applications via Indeed will not be considered.

The form and additional information on what we are looking for in candidates, can be found at www.wilkes.co.uk/trainee-recruitment/

A two-year training contract with the Wilkes Partnership is made up of four 6-month seats that give you the chance to experience issues from private client to commercial litigation, and business recovery to personal injury and clinical negligence.

The exact seats will be determined according to business requirements, but could include:

• Corporate & Commercial
• Real Estate
• Business Recovery
• Commercial Litigation
• Property & Probate Litigation
• Private Client
• Family
• Personal injury and clinical negligence

We are recognised as providing some of the highest quality training contracts in Birmingham and the West Midlands, with individuals having the opportunity to work in a wide range of practice areas not always offered at other firms. Our size means that individuals get the benefit of more hands-on experience they may not get at larger firms, balanced with the support of more senior colleagues that may not be the case at smaller firms.

Alongside your day-to-day work, we also provide a number of formal training courses that aim to develop the additional skills you will need as a solicitor, such as networking, financial knowledge and marketing.

We pride ourselves on attracting quality candidates and aim to retain as many as possible at the end of their training contracts. We will have regular discussions with you throughout your training contract to understand your preference in the area of law you wish to pursue. Any available newly qualified (NQ) vacancies are notified to trainees as soon as they are known and trainees can apply to any team with a vacancy, whether or not they have done a seat in that team.

At Wilkes, we don’t have the traditional hierarchical feel of a lot of law firms. We are a friendly, down-to-earth bunch and promote the attitude that everyone in the firm is approachable. Whilst our team is busy, ambitious and work hard, we do not have (or foster) an "excessive hours culture" found in many larger firms doing similar quality work. We aim to provide flexibility where possible for staff in their working hours and location and support all staff in maintaining a good work-life balance.

A career as a solicitor is intellectually demanding, and as such we require a high level of academic achievement from candidates. In general, we ask for:

• A minimum of ABB at A Level, or equivalent.
• At least a 2.1 classification at degree level.

However, we consider all applicants holistically and we will not automatically discount your application if these have not been gained. You should ensure your application form reflects any mitigating circumstances we should take into account when looking at your academics.

Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract, Graduate
Contract length: 24 months

Salary: £25,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Additional leave
• Casual dress
• Company events
• Company pension
• Cycle to work scheme
• Employee discount
• Life insurance
• Referral programme
• Sick pay
• Store discount
• Wellness programme
• Work from home

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Birmingham B3 2RT: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Education:

• Bachelor's (preferred)

Work authorisation:

• United Kingdom (required)

Work Location: One location

Expected start date: 01/09/2025