Training Contracts

Trainee Solicitors

We recruit trainees who we believe will be part of our long-term future. We are looking for potential partners, not merely trainees. Our training programme provides comprehensive support and development to enable trainees to build a strong legal career within a collaborative environment. There are also opportunities to become involved in business development activities and attend networking events to broaden your experience.

Why Laytons?

Laytons is a commercial law firm providing advice to UK and international clients. We are big enough to attract quality clients but small enough to offer a personalised training programme where you will be ‘hands-on’ from day one.


Our clients are a diverse mix, from high-net-worth individuals to corporate household names. Many of our matters are multi-jurisdictional in nature and provide the opportunity to work with lawyers and other professional advisors from around the world. You will not be kept hidden away – our trainees are an integral part of our team, and you will be involved in client-facing work from the start.

 
As Laytons are part of the ETL Global network, opportunities may arise for trainee secondments within the legal ETL network.

Who we are looking for

It goes without saying that you should be hard-working, dedicated to a career in law, and a good team player. Good academics (at least a 2:1 degree in any discipline) are important, but if there is a reason why you feel your results do not reflect your ability, please tell us.

 

We welcome applications from those for whom law is a second career and, due to the international nature of a lot of our work, applications from those with additional languages are encouraged.

The application process

We do not operate an automated CV review process: this means that all application forms and CVs are assessed by lawyers within the firm who take into account not just academic results but also breadth of experience, personality and candidate's personal achievements. 

 

On top of academics, we want to see your personality shine through in your application. What are you passionate about? Where have you been and what have you experienced that will make you a brilliant lawyer?

 

Applications for training contracts and SQE placements should be submitted online by completing the application form on our site. Please note that we do not accept applications by post or email.

 

We recruit our trainees a year in advance with training contracts/SQE placements commencing in September annually.

 

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an assessment centre which will involve a written test, case study exercise and a panel interview.

 

Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we are not able to provide individual feedback to unsuccessful candidates.

 

Your training

Your training at Laytons will be focussed to ensure you acquire the skills required to become a well-rounded solicitor at the end of your training. Over the two-year training contract, you will undertake four six-month seats in different departments, working alongside lawyers who are experts in their field. You may also have the opportunity to undertake a secondment with a client or another law firm within the ETL network.

 

At the start, you will have a trainee induction so you know what to expect and can make a solid first step into your legal career with us. You will have a dedicated supervisor for every seat and will receive regular informal and formal reviews. There is also a partner with overall responsibility for trainees, whose metaphorical door is always open. We strive to create an environment where our trainees feel supported and driven to succeed.