Train with Us

Trainee Solicitor Programme

Our Trainee Solicitors Programme has been suspended for 2020 due to restrictions as a result of COVID-19. We will be reviewing this throughout the year and hopefully be open to receiving applications again in 2021. If you have already submitted an application, then we will keep this on file and contact you when we reopen the Programme to see if you would still like to be considered. We appreciate your patience and understanding during this time and will be in contact in the future with more information

WSP Solicitors has a strong client base and excellent reputation for providing a full range of legal services to both private and commercial clients.

As one of our trainees, you will have regular and open communication with your training supervisor who will help you successfully develop your career. We offer extended specialised seats which will help you to specialise your career and stand out from the crowd as a newly qualified Solicitor.

This page will help you understand our training programme, but should you have any questions please contact us.

How you will be trained

All trainees will benefit from a comprehensive induction designed to provide the necessary skills to get off to a successful start. We appreciate each firm works slightly differently. The induction is supported by a compulsory three month paralegal period. During this period we will identify your learning style to help plan your training and integrate you into the firm.

Once you have completed your Paralegal period you will undertake a combination of seats including a specialised long seat. You will also have two shorts seats, one in our Litigation department, and a further in a department of your choosing from the below list:

• Company Commercial
• Family
• Private Client
• Residential Conveyancing
• Commercial Conveyancing
• Personal Injury

During each seat you will be allocated a training supervisor, generally a Director, and be mentored by an Associate. You will receive regular coaching and reviews to help prepare you for your career as a Solicitor. Throughout your training there will be plenty of opportunities for you to participate with the firm and the local community at social and networking events as well as charity work we undertake.

Rewards and Benefits

Trainees will be entitled to begin their training contract with:

• A salary in excess of the SRA recommended
• Bonus Scheme
• Employee Pension Scheme
• Company Sick Scheme
• Sponsored training
• 24 days of annual leave (plus Bank Holidays)
• Life assurance
• Opticians Scheme
• Staff discount

At the end of each training contract we will hold a review meeting to plan your next steps, hopefully within the firm, and where possible, build a career plan with you.

Applying for our Training Contract

Before applying it is important you carefully consider the Person Specification

In summary we naturally expect you to have strong academics ( preferably a 2.1 in your undergraduate degree in any discipline, but a 2.2 will also be considered ) which is complimented by a range of soft skills, such as: communication, team work and IT. On top of this you will need to share in the values of the firm and an interest in the Gloucestershire area. Paralegal experience is highly desired.

If you would like to apply please send a covering letter and CV to recruitment@wspsolicitors.com – NOTE: WE ARE NOT CURRENTLY ACCEPTING ANY NEW APPLICATIONS

Agency candidates will not be considered for this role.

Selection

You will be invited to interviewif your application was successful. Unfortunately, if you have not heard from us by then your application was unsuccessful.

The interview will take place in our Stroud Office and be followed by a simple presentation on a legal topic of your choosing and a short legal exercise. During your interview we encourage you to take time to find out more about the Practice, including viewing the offices and meeting the team.

We will also take copies of your ID and degree certificates in readiness for your application to the SRA (Solicitors Regulation Authority) for training approval.

WSP is an Equal Opportunities employer and will only select on merit.

Further Information

Please download the Job Description and Person Specification