Apply now!
Trainee Solicitor opportunities
Applications for Trainee Solicitor roles, starting in September 2026, are open now!
At Nash & Co Solicitors, we're excited to open applications for our Trainee Solicitors scheme, starting in 2026. This is a fantastic opportunity for aspiring solicitors to qualify through the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) route, which combines practical experience with the knowledge and skills needed to become a qualified solicitor. Our programme is designed to offer you comprehensive training, valuable hands-on experience, and a strong foundation for a successful legal career.
The SQE route offers a more flexible and modern path to qualification, focusing on key competencies needed for a solicitor's role. At Nash & Co Solicitors, we’ll provide the structured support you need to prepare for and pass the two stages of the SQE exams, alongside a period of qualifying work experience (QWE). The programme will last for two years, during which time you’ll rotate through a couple of different departments within the firm, gaining exposure to a wide range of legal work. From employment law to business and corporate law, and commercial property to family law and private client work, our trainees will work alongside experienced solicitors and partners, getting to grips with the realities of practising law.
In addition to the on-the-job training, our scheme will ensure that you have ample time and resources to prepare for both SQE1 and SQE2 exams. Throughout your training contract, you'll be supported by a dedicated supervisor and mentor who will guide you through the complexities of legal practice, offering valuable feedback and helping you build confidence in your abilities. We’ll also give you study leave around the important lead up time to the exams.
Our aim is to develop well-rounded solicitors who are equipped not just with legal knowledge, but also the practical and interpersonal skills needed to thrive in the modern legal landscape. By the end of the scheme, you’ll be fully prepared to qualify as a solicitor and take the next step in your career with us.
What do Trainee Solicitors do?
Essentially, Trainees’ tasks are divided into fee-earning and non-fee earning work. Fee-earning tasks are those which are “client” hours, whereas non-fee-earning tasks are those which do not relate to billable hours.
General fee-earning tasks include:
Attending client meetings and events.
Drafting attendance notes.
Drafting letters and emails to clients.
Conducting legal research.
Bundling (i.e. preparing a folder of court documents).
Drafting and negotiating legal documents, such as NDAs, contracts, and submissions.
Proofreading documents.
Conducting due diligence.
Non-fee earning tasks include:
Administrative tasks, such as filing, printing, and scanning documents.
Speaking and meeting potential Trainee Solicitors at graduate recruitment events.
Preparing internal presentations and information
Attending training sessions and internal events.
Find out more about the SQE and how we can help you with your studies, by checking out our Tips and FAQs page
Career progression following qualification
At Nash & Co Solicitors, we’re committed to the long-term development of our team members, and for newly qualified solicitors (NQs), there is a clear and rewarding career path ahead. From day one as a newly qualified solicitor, you’ll have the opportunity to build on the skills and experiences gained during your training, taking on more responsibility and working closely with clients in your chosen practice area.
We offer a supportive and collaborative environment where continuous learning is encouraged. You’ll be mentored by experienced solicitors and partners who will guide you as you grow in confidence and expertise. Career progression at Nash & Co Solicitors is based on merit, and we provide clear development pathways so that you can see what’s required to move to the next stage, whether that’s becoming an associate, a senior associate, or even a partner within the firm. Regular performance reviews and goal-setting discussions ensure that you’re on track to achieve your career ambitions.
As you progress, you'll have opportunities to deepen your expertise in your chosen field or expand into new areas of law. We strongly believe in nurturing talent, and we make sure our solicitors are continually challenged and supported as they take on more complex cases and leadership roles. We’re proud to promote from within, and our aim is to help you build a long-term, rewarding and successful career with us here at Nash & Co Solicitors.
Current vacancies for Trainee Solicitors
Commercial Dispute Resolution Trainee Solicitor for 2025 start
We are looking for a Dispute Resolution Trainee Solicitor, starting in 2025.
Trainee Solicitor for 2026 entry
Applications are now open for our Trainee Solicitor programme for 2026 entry.
How does our Trainee scheme work?
At Nash & Co Solicitors, we’re passionate about developing ambitious graduates into the next generation of top legal professionals. Our Trainee Solicitor programme offers a unique combination of support, challenge, and hard work as you progress towards qualifying through the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) route. We’ve designed a comprehensive programme that blends real-world legal experience with dedicated exam preparation, giving future trainees an in-depth understanding of the diverse legal services we offer across our firm.
Qualifications and Skills
We seek candidates who are on track to achieve or have already obtained at least a 2.1 degree (or equivalent) in any discipline. We understand that everyone’s journey is different, and we encourage applicants who may have faced challenges or mitigating circumstances to reach out to us directly. Beyond academic qualifications, we look for individuals who embody the skills and qualities that are key to thriving as a trainee solicitor at Nash & Co:
Legal Skills
Developing Legal Knowledge: A willingness to learn the core principles of law and apply them in practice.
Analytical Thinking: Approaches legal research and problem-solving with a methodical and thoughtful mindset.
Effective Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills, with a focus on clarity and precision.
Personal and Professional Growth
Self-Improvement: Actively seeks opportunities for learning and developing new skills.
Collaboration: Works well within a team, supporting colleagues and contributing to group success.
Business Insight
Leadership Potential: Shows an understanding of Nash & Co’s goals, values, and strategic vision, with an interest in leading projects.
Time Management: Balances workload efficiently to deliver high-quality results on time.
Client Focus
Client Understanding: Demonstrates a genuine interest in meeting clients’ needs and providing exceptional client service.
Relationship Building: Cultivates strong relationships with clients and colleagues to foster trust and collaboration.
A Path to Grow and Succeed
Our trainee programme at Nash & Co is more than just a stepping stone; it’s a place where you can train, qualify and progress through your whole legal career. We’ve had lawyers who have gone from Admin staff or Paralegals right through to Partners and Associates. Over the two years as a Trainee, you’ll rotate through two different practice areas, gaining hands-on experience in the legal fields that interest you most. We believe that broad exposure to various legal disciplines will help you discover your strengths and guide you towards your ideal career path.
Your Qualifying Work Experience (QWE), will help you build a network within the firm, gain confidence in interacting with colleagues and senior leaders, and develop a clear understanding of our client-focused approach. We’ve structured the programme to provide ample study leave during critical times, so you can fully concentrate on your SQE exams without compromising on your hands-on learning.
A Supportive Start to Your Career
Your journey at Nash & Co starts with a comprehensive induction programme, designed to help you hit the ground running from day one. You’ll get to know your fellow trainees and establish the first of many professional connections that will support you throughout your career. We also match you with a ‘buddy’—an experienced solicitor who will be there to guide you through your first few months, offering advice, encouragement, and insider tips to help you settle in smoothly.
Qualifying Work Experience
We believe that the best way to learn how to be a lawyer is through practical, hands-on experience. During your Qualifying Work Experience, you’ll gain in-depth knowledge across a variety of legal areas, receive constructive feedback from your supervisors, and participate in regular progress appraisals. Our goal is to ensure that every trainee leaves the programme as a confident, competent, and well-prepared solicitor, ready to take on the challenges of a legal career.
At Nash & Co Solicitors, our Trainee Solicitor programme is your opportunity to transform from a talented graduate into a skilled legal professional, with the support and guidance you need to reach your full potential. We're here to help you build a lasting and successful career in law.
Applying for a Trainee Solicitor position
If you’re interested in applying for a Trainee Solicitor role with the firm, have a look at the Current Vacancies page. We’re on the lookout for trainees throughout the year, not just the standard October to April time frame. All of our roles will be listed on the vacancies page. You can also sign up to our Trainee role notifications, where we’ll contact you as soon as a new Trainee position is listed.
Wait! Before you fill in an application form…
When you complete the application form, please, make sure that you tell us all about yourself. We don’t just want to know how well you did at University. It’s vitally important that we know about you as a person as well. We’d love to know about your interest in law and what’s driving you to become a Solicitor. What qualities do you have that will help you to stand out from other applicants and eventually become a good Solicitor? For us, our decision to appoint someone is as much about the person themselves, as it is about their qualifications.
Also, please don’t forget to attach your current CV AND a cover letter. You’d be surprised just how many people forget to send us a cover letter to go with the application.
Thank you, we really look forward to hearing from you!