Graduate Trainee Solicitor Scheme
Start your legal career with a firm that puts people first
Join a small trainee intake and work closely with experienced lawyers, gaining early responsibility and building relationships across the firm from day one.
We’re looking for people who combine strong academic ability with character and a positive attitude. People who are approachable, hardworking, commercially minded and ready to get stuck in.
You’ll gain hands-on experience and direct client exposure throughout your training contract. Along the way, you’ll be supported by mentors, supervisors and colleagues who are invested in helping you succeed.
Some of our future trainees also join us as paralegals before starting their training contract, helping them hit the ground running.
Every application is reviewed and scored by our recruitment team, not AI. We take the time to read each one and, if you’re successful, you’ll have the opportunity to meet some of our solicitors and share more about yourself.
Our culture is built around our ethos of People First. Lawyers Second. We believe great lawyers are developed by supporting people to be themselves, learn from others and grow in confidence.
Applications for the 2029 trainee scheme are now open.
Apply here.
Gordons in numbers
Clients we work with
What will you gain from the experience?
Explore different areas of law before you qualify
Over two years, you’ll complete four six-month seats across a range of practice areas, including:
Support every step of the way
You’ll be supported throughout your training contract by people who are invested in your development.
- A dedicated partner mentor for the duration of your training contract
- A trainee buddy to help you settle into life at Gordons
- A supervisor in each seat providing guidance and regular feedback
- Structured appraisals at the end of every seat to support your development
- Internal and external training covering both technical and personal skills
Build your profile & network
Trainees are encouraged to get involved in business development from an early stage, including:
- Attending networking and client events
- Representing the firm at recruitment fairs and law fairs, sharing your experiences with future trainees
- Writing articles for our website and social media channels
- Assisting with client events and taking an active role in charity fundraising initiatives
Benefits & sponsorship
Alongside a competitive salary, you’ll benefit from:
- Sponsorship towards future SQE studies
- 25 days’ holiday plus statutory holidays
- Membership of the local Junior Lawyer Division
- Employee Assistance Programme, including 24-hour counselling support
- Colleague Hub, including wellbeing resources, reward and recognition and employee discounts
- A range of additional benefits, including pension, life assurance and interest-free season ticket loans
Sports & social
We work hard, but we know there’s more to life than work. Throughout the year, there are plenty of social, sporting and wellbeing activities to get involved in, including:
- Summer and Christmas social events
- Charity activities
- Football and netball teams
- Lunchtime fitness sessions
- The Gordons band
- Workplace Choir
- Running Club
Community
We’re committed to supporting the communities around us. Each year, we support a chosen charity through fundraising and volunteering activities.
From charity walks and fundraising events to volunteering projects, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved.
Our trainees often help organise fundraising and volunteering activities throughout the year.
Graduate Stories
Settling In: My First Months as a Trainee Solicitor
Isobel Pryor shares her experience of starting life as a trainee solicitor at Gordons.
> Read more
My Path to Gordons
Dymphna Lewis reflects on her route into law and how she came to join Gordons.
> Read more
Getting Involved - Wellbeing & Inclusion Group
Abbie Little shares her experience of being part of the firm’s Wellbeing & Inclusion Group.
> Read more
Why Paralegal?
Joe Cunningham reflects on his journey from paralegal to trainee solicitor at Gordons.
> Read moreThinking about applying?
Every application is reviewed and scored by a person, not AI.
Top Tips for Securing a Training Contract at Gordons
Advice from our recruitment team on making a strong application.
> Learn More
What We Look For In Future Trainees
Training Principal Amy Pierechod shares what stands out when reviewing trainee applications.
> Read MoreApplications & key dates
Applications for the 2029 trainee scheme are now open.
Apply here.
If you have any questions about the process, please email recruitment@gordonsllp.com.
Employment Applicant Privacy Notice
Want to know more?
You can meet us at law fairs throughout the year and at our annual Trainee Insight Evening, where you’ll have the opportunity to visit our office, hear from partners, solicitors and trainees, learn more about life at Gordons and get a feel for the firm before applying.
Follow our Gordons Graduates LinkedIn page for trainee news, events and recruitment opportunities.
This autumn you can find us at the following law fairs:
- 5 October – Newcastle University
- 19 October – University of Leeds
- 21 October – University of York Law Fair
- 3 November – University of Law, Leeds Fair
- 12 November – University of Sheffield
Following the success of previous in-house events, we will again be hosting a Trainee Insight Evening at our Leeds office on Thursday 12 November 2026 from 5.30pm. Come join us to learn more about our firm, culture and application process from our Partners, Solicitors and Trainees, and network in a relaxed environment.
To register your interest please sign up here.
Or you can download our latest trainee guide here:
Our current cohort
If you would like some advice on applying or have a general question, then please email recruitment@gordonsllp.com and one of our trainees will be happy to help.
Join our mailing list
Keep up to date with the latest information on the Gordons Trainee Solicitor Scheme by providing your details here.