Trainee Solicitor Recruitment

Trainee Solicitor Recruitment Information

JMW recognises the importance of developing emerging legal talent by supporting people to apply to train with us.  

This is why we believe in providing our trainees with a high-quality training experience and a path to qualification over the course of two-years. 

JMW’s 2027 Trainee Intake 

We are pleased to announce that applications for our 2027 Trainee Intake are now open until Monday, 26th October. 

About us

We are an award-winning, full-service law firm offering straight-talking advice that delivers positive outcomes with a commercial edge. We have a well-deserved reputation for excellence and entrepreneurship.  

We have three offices: our head office in Manchester, a full-service office in London and one of our specialist family law teams based in Liverpool.  

We are proud of our heritage and work closely with a wide variety of charities and fundraising initiatives to give back to the local communities in each of our locations.   

What we do 

We have been providing first-class legal advice and guidance to businesses and individuals since 1978. Our deep understanding of all aspects of the law means we are highly sought after for our expertise throughout the UK, and all our specialist departments are partner-led, offering our clients carefully considered, straightforward and concise advice, no matter the complexity of the issue at hand. 

Our priorities 

 Protecting what we’ve built, whilst delivering sustainable and profitable business growth, by: 

• Strengthening our client base through the acquisition of new clients, development of existing ones, and the delivery of consistently great results for both. 
• Creating an entrepreneurial environment where our people collaborate to share work and grow the business as a whole. 
• Developing and improving our processes and systems, for the benefit of our people, our clients and our business. 
• Continuing to offer all our people an environment where they can thrive, so that we attract and retain the very best talent. 

Our values

What we look for in our trainees

Our offer to trainees

JMW believes in championing our trainees as developing lawyers, providing regular opportunities for everyone to have a well-rounded training contract that will prepare them for life as a qualified solicitor.   

 Additionally, we provide the following benefits to our trainees: 

Eligibility Requirements

We welcome applications from candidates who: 

• Have achieved 5 GCSEs (or equivalent) at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), including Maths and English 
• Have completed, or will complete by July 2027, one or more of the following:  
• a law degree (or Level 6 equivalent);  
• a non-law degree and a law conversion course such as the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL);  
• a postgraduate law course (such as LLM/LPC) 
• Achieved or will achieve by July 2027 a minimum of 2:1 in their degree 
• Be meeting the required performance expectations in their current role (for internal candidates only) 

JMW will consider applications from candidates who may not meet the required academic requirements but have mitigating circumstances.  

Desirable criteria 

• Achieved strong A-Level grades (or equivalent qualifications, excluding EPQ) 
• Evidence of prior legal work experience (such as participation in a work experience/vacation scheme and/or time spent working in a law firm in roles such as a paralegal or legal assistant) 

The recruitment and selection process

Stage One

Submission of an online application form.  

Stage Two

Screening and shortlisting of applications by the Trainee Recruitment team.  

Stage Three

In-person assessment centre formed of the following: 

• a written task;  
• a group commercial exercise;  
• and a presentation.  

Screening and shortlisting of applications by the Trainee Recruitment team.  

Stage Four

Final stage interview with Training Principal and a Partner.  

Key dates

FAQs

Q

How many trainees does JMW typically recruit per intake?

A

For our 2027 Intake, we are likely to recruit circa 20-25 trainees, apportioned according to the needs of each of our office locations. 

Q

Are JMW’s Training Contracts solely aligned to the SQE route to qualification?

A

We expect that most trainees from 2027 onwards will train and qualify via the SQE route. However, we welcome applications from those who are LPC graduates and will determine whether the route to qualification will be in line with the SRA’s transitional SQE arrangements or via a more traditional period of recognised training on conclusion of our selection process. 

Q

Does JMW cover retrospective costs for professional courses that were started and/or completed before applying for a training contract?

A

Unfortunately, JMW is unable to offer retrospective funding for courses that occurred prior to the conclusion of the recruitment process.  

Q

What advice and guidance does JMW recommend applicants consider during the application stage?

A

In the first instance, we advise reviewing our trainee recruitment webpage in detail, as well as JMW’s website to understand more about life at the firm and the work we do.  

When completing the application form, we recommend completing each section carefully, ensuring that you read all questions carefully before answering them.  

Finally, don’t forget to proofread your application before submitting it! 

Q

Is the use of AI permitted during the recruitment and selection process?

A

JMW permits the use of AI during the application stage to assist candidates with such things as reviewing and proofreading their application form. However, the use of AI will not be permitted during any of the exercises in the assessment centre stage.  

Q

Does JMW provide sponsorship for anyone who requires a skilled worker visa?

A

We welcome applications from candidates who may require visa sponsorship, provided they meet the essential requirements set out above. However, the Skilled Worker visa is subject to specific criteria set by the UK Home Office, including minimum salary thresholds that vary by occupation. As such, we will review this on a case-by-case basis, where required, on conclusion of the selection process. 

Q

When will I receive an update on the status of my application?

A

Applicants will receive a notification confirming receipt of their application form after it has been submitted.  

Once applications close on the 26th of October, we will then endeavour to provide an update on the status of each application during w/c 9th November. 

Q

I do not meet the eligibility criteria for the 2027 intake, will there be other opportunities to apply in the future?

A

Confirmation on our plans for Trainee Intakes to commence in 2028 and 2029 will be provided in due course.  

Blogs