Trainee Solicitors

Get your legal career off to a flying start with an award-winning Wiltshire law firm

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A training contract that will give you the opportunities to apply the skills and knowledge you have acquired during your studies

We have a diverse, wide ranging workforce with over 100 employees based across our seven offices.

We have a robust strategic plan and vision for each department and the firm as a whole. All employees are valued and play an important part in the success of the firm.

Our support team members occupy a variety of roles from Receptionist to Legal Assistant. Our lawyers have varying backgrounds; some work as Paralegals whilst others are qualified Solicitors, Chartered Legal Executives and Licensed Conveyancers. We also have a department of Business Support Professionals who support the running of the firm.

All our employees have regular personal development reviews and at this meeting, career progression opportunities are discussed. On an annual basis employees have the option to submit an application for promotion which is then assessed against specific criteria relevant to the role they are applying for. All applications are reviewed objectively by the Partnership and then each individual has a tailored feedback meeting to discuss the outcome of their application.

What's it like to be a Trainee Solicitor at Goughs?

"From day one of my training contract I was speaking with clients, attending meetings with my supervising partner, and after a short while I was working on my own files. Throughout my training contract there has always been an open-door policy and at all times I have felt supported and a valued member of each department I have worked in."

Hollie Plumb, Trainee Solicitor

"The best thing about my training contract is the responsibility you are given over cases, even from an early stage, and the ability to run your own caseload."

Louis Mancini, Trainee Solicitor

Your training contract questions answered

What qualifications do I need to have to apply for a training contract?

At the moment we still require candidates to have successfully attained a law degree or the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) and to have completed, or be on track to complete, the Legal Practice Course (LPC) at the time of application.

What personal qualities do you look for in your Trainee Solicitors?

We look for individuals who are driven and eager to learn. You will need to be able to take the initiative, work methodically and have good attention to detail.

Being professional and presentable at all times is essential along with excellent communication and people skills.

How much will I be paid?

We currently offer a starting salary of £28,000 per annum.

Where will I be based?

We try to ensure that each training seat is located at a different office so that you get to experience working in different offices.

Do I have a say in what training seats I do?

Where possible we always try to accommodate the trainee’s preference as to which departments their seats are in. Our Training Principal will have regular catch ups with you to find out which areas you are keen to explore.

How many training seats will I do?

The minimum number of training seats required is no longer specified by the SRA but you will have to undertake at least one contentious seat.

Will I have much contact with clients?

You will be encouraged to interact with clients and will be given autonomy and responsibility to conduct matters and files from start to conclusion with supervision.

Will I be given a mentor?

Your training contract will be overseen by our Training Principal, Dawn Moir, but on a daily basis you will report to the Training Supervisor aligned to your seat.

You will also have regular contact with other fellow trainees and newly qualified solicitors who have recently themselves been through the same process.

Will I have appraisals?

At the end of each training seat you will have a review meeting with your Training Supervisor and a member of the HR team. You will also have regular catch up meetings with the Training Principal.

When and how do I apply?

We advertise all trainee solicitor vacancies on our main jobs post page. If we are currently recruiting then further details on the application process will be detailed there.

What does the recruitment process involve?

If your application is shortlisted then you will be invited to attend an initial interview with the Training Principal and a member of the HR team. If you successfully make it through to the second interview stage then you will be invited to attend our assessment centre.