Solicitor Training Contract

We provide four seat rotations during the training contract, which are designed to provide a wide breadth of experience, and opportunities ranging from Corporate Commercial, Residential and Commercial Property, Dispute Resolution, Family, and Private Client.

During the two-year training contract, you will be exposed to all aspects of work within each training area, working with lawyers who are experts in their field and a supervising Partner who will support your learning and development. We endeavour to assign seats according to candidate preference whilst balancing this against business needs. We will ensure that allocated seats are complementary to ensure you gain the maximum benefit for your longer-term career.

How we will support you

To ensure you achieve the best results during your training contract, you will have a wealth of support at your fingertips including: 

     - Supervising Partner

     - Training Principal

     - HR & Early Careers Manager

     - Trainee buddy

Training Contract Sponsorship

We typically offer five training contract places each year and provide sponsorship for the cost of the LPC or SQE if applicants haven’t already enrolled on one of these courses.  We have partnered with the University of Law for our LPC and SQE courses.

Applying for our Training Contract

Applications for our Solicitor Training Contract for our 2025/2026 trainee intake are now open. To apply for our Training Contract you will need to submit your application form and CV to our Training Contract vacancy. 

What are we looking for?
In addition to our eligibility criteria we are looking for bright and enthusiastic people who share our Firm values. Our recruitment process is designed to identify people who have the potential to succeed and grow with Porter Dodson and encompasses a variety of assessments to test your academic abilities, interpersonal skills and aptitude for our Training Contract. 

Our Recruitment Process

If you are successful following your application you will be invited to complete a short video interview and online assessment. If you are successful in your video interview and online assessment you will be invited to our Assessment Centre which will be in-person in our Yeovil office. During the Assessment Centre you will take part in a group exercise, a written task and an individual Partner interview. 

Application Top Tips

Do your research. Take your time to get to know us and what we stand for, personalise your application and show us you have taken the time to understand our expertise and what we stand for. 

Proofread your application. Ensure the accuracy of your application by proofreading at least twice. Don’t let an otherwise brilliant application fail because of unnecessary spelling or grammatical errors.

Be yourself. Our recruitment process is designed to help us get to know you as an individual so please don’t be tempted to use AI tools to help create any of your written answers. Let your individual qualities and passion for a career in law shine through.
  

Training Contract Eligibility

We continue to run a parallel intake of LPC and SQE candidates and invite applications from candidates pursuing both routes to qualification. All future trainees will be required to have completed either the LPC or the SQE1 and SQE2 exams prior to joining the firm to undertake your 2 years’ qualifying work experience (QWE).

To apply for a training contract, you will need to either be in your final year of study of a law degree or non-law degree, or have already graduated. 

We typically encourage applications from those with a 2:1 Degree and who have connections to the South-West. We consider all applications on their individual merits and will consider any mitigating circumstances, please reach out to our Recruitment and Early Careers team with any queries in relation to this on recruitment@porterdodson.co.uk

Legal Apprenticeships 

At Porter Dodson we are committed to nurturing talent and providing opportunities for individuals to develop their skills and expertise in the legal profession. Our apprenticeship programme is designed to offer a structured pathway for aspiring solicitors to embark on a fulfilling career journey within our Firm. 

Our legal apprenticeship programme offers individuals the opportunity to gain practical experience, valuable skills, and a recognised qualification while working within our legal environment. We offer two types of apprenticeships: Solicitor Apprenticeships & Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeships: Designed for ambitious individuals aiming to qualify as solicitors through a structured apprenticeship programme. 

Apprenticeship Programme Duration

Solicitor Apprenticeship (non-graduates)

This is a rigorous and structured programme of six and a half years, providing the opportunity to qualify as a solicitor. Apprentices will undertake the Solicitor Apprentice Standard Level 7 and work towards the LLB and SQE exams. 

Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship (degree holders)

This 27-33 month programme is designed for applicants who have already completed a Bachelors degree (law or non-law) and prepares them for the Solicitors Qualifying Examinations, parts 1 & 2. Upon successful completion, subject to SRA character and suitability tests, apprentices will become a qualified solicitor, ready to practice from day one.

Training Provider and Study Arrangements

Our apprenticeship programme is conducted in partnership with the University of Law, a leading provider of legal education and training. Apprentices will have the opportunity to study remotely, accessing a range of resources and support provided by the university working in close collaboration with the Early Careers Manager and Training Principal.

Apprentices will work four days a week within our firm, gaining hands-on experience under the guidance of experienced legal professionals who have completed the Trainee Supervisor training course. On the fifth day, apprentices will engage in remote study, completing coursework and assessments as set out by the University of Law.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for those who have obtained a 2:1 degree (or equivalent) for the Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship. For the Solicitor Apprenticeship we are asking for minimum A-Level grades BBB or equivalent.
If you have not achieved your expected grades and have extenuating circumstances or if you received a contextualised offer at university, please make a note of this on your application so we may consider your application further. 

What is the recruitment process?

Following the initial application review and phone interview, shortlisted candidates will be invited to carry out a remote, timed written exercise and successful applicants will be invited to attend an assessment centre interview. The assessment centre is designed to assess candidates' suitability for the apprenticeship program based on various criteria, including:

•    Analytical skills and problem-solving abilities.
•    Communication and interpersonal skills.
•    Motivation and commitment to a career in law.
•    Ability to work effectively within a team.

How to Apply

Applications have now closed for our September 2024 and January 2025 intake. To apply for the apprenticeship programme keep an eye out for our next application window.

Key Dates for your Diary

Bristol Uni Law Fair - 10th October 2024
Training Contract Application window opens - 14th October 2024
University of Law (Bristol) Law Fair - 16th October 2024
Cardiff Uni Law Fair – 30th October 2024
UWE Law Fair - 6th November 2024
Taunton School Business, Law & Apprenticeships Fair - 13th November 2024
Exeter Uni Law Fair - 20th November 2024
Training Contract Application window closes - 6th January 2025
Taunton Independent Schools' Careers
Convention - 25th February 2025
Trainee Assessment Centre, Yeovil - TBC