2027 Placement Scheme / 2029 Training Contract - Manchester

Addleshaw Goddard LLP; Manchester; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Addleshaw Goddard LLP in Manchester offers a structured placement scheme to experience trainee life, with supervision from solicitors, a trainee buddy, and exposure to real work for clients. It combines learning sessions, group exercises, and social events to help you settle in and build your network.

Successful placement leads to automatic consideration for a two-year training contract starting September 2029, with four six-month seats across Corporate & Commercial, Disputes, Finance &

Qualifications

• Eligible if penultimate year of a law degree, final year of a non-law degree, or beyond, with a 2:1 or above (or 2:2 with mitigating circumstances).
• Two-year training contract with four six-month seats across Corporate & Commercial, Disputes, Finance & Projects, Real Estate.
• Manchester placement does not currently meet Home Office sponsorship for a Skilled Worker visa; see guidance and contact for questions.

Skills

Ambition and curiosity

Problem solving

Relationship-building

Ownership mindset

Education

Law degree (penultimate year) or final year of non-law degree

2:1 or above (or 2:2 with mitigating circumstances)

Job description

ABOUT THE SCHEME

Our placement scheme is your chance to experience the everyday life of a trainee at Addleshaw Goddard. You'll be immersed in the firm and our culture, joining a department and getting involved in real, trainee-level work for clients. From day one you'll be supported by an experienced solicitor who supervises your work and a trainee buddy who is on hand to answer questions and help you settle in. You'll also take part in information sessions with teams from across the firm, group exercises and assessments, giving you a rounded view of what we do. And it's not all work: our planned social events are a great way to step outside the office, get to know our trainees and other colleagues, and see for yourself the people and culture that make this a great place to build your career.

Everyone who secures a place on the scheme will automatically be considered for a training contract, commencing in September 2029, in the office you applied to. Please note that it is not possible to change the location of your training contract at a later stage. We would therefore encourage you to be sure of your preferred location before applying, and to make sure you are applying to the office where you genuinely want to train.

Please note that the Manchester placement scheme will take place Monday 14th - Friday 25th June 2027.

WHOARE WE LOOKING FOR?

There is no Addleshaw Goddard type. As a firm, we are shaped by different perspectives, experiences and ideas, and our success depends on recruiting talented people from a wide range of backgrounds. Whether you studied law or another discipline, we are interested in what you can contribute and in the different thinking you bring. It is the range of people here that strengthens our work for one another and for our clients.

We are looking for authentic people who are ambitious, curious and genuinely committed to becoming great lawyers.

Everyone's path into this profession looks different, and we welcome that. What unites the people who do well here is a real drive to learn, to work closely with talented colleagues and clients, and to do work they can be proud of. If you enjoy solving problems, building relationships and taking ownership, this is a place you can grow.

You are eligible to apply if you are in the penultimate year of a law degree, the final year of a non-law degree, or beyond, and you are on track for (or have already achieved) a 2:1 or above. We also welcome applications from candidates who have a 2:2 with mitigating circumstances.

TRAINING CONTRACT

If you are offered a training contract following a successful placement scheme, your two-year training contract will be made up of four six-month seats across the following groups:

• Corporate & Commercial
• Disputes
• Finance & Projects
• Real Estate

We offer a wide range of seats within these groups across our offices. You will receive training tailored to your needs and interests and gain first‑hand insight into life at one of the UK's most respected law firms. You will be supported by talented colleagues, challenged with meaningful work, and given the space to stay curious, keep your willingness to learn, and build the connections and skills you need to become a trusted lawyer.

INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS AND SPONSORSHIP

We welcome applications from candidates from all locations and do not make recruitment decisions based on an applicant's current location or immigration status. However, please note that this Placement Scheme/Training Contract role in Manchester does not currently meet the Home Office requirements for a Skilled Worker visa, therefore, we may not be able to sponsor visas for these roles at the point of hire. If, at the point of hire, we are unable to sponsor you, but you have already undertaken further education studies funded by Addleshaw Goddard, (e.g. PGDL, Diploma or SQE course, maintenance fees and interest free loan) you will be required to repay the full amount to the firm. If you have specific queries regarding your current circumstances please get in touch by emailing [e-mail]. Note we cannot give individual immigration advice and recommend you seek independent advice if you do not have right to work in the UK. More information can be found on gov.uk.

Use of AI

We know AI tools are part of everyday life, and we're happy for you to use them thoughtfully when applying to us. Think of AI as an assistant, not a ghostwriter.

It's fine to use AI to: research our firm and the legal market, brainstorm ideas, and check your spelling, grammar and clarity.

Please don't use AI to: write your answers for you, invent or exaggerate your experience, or complete any online tests or assessments.

Above all, we want to hear your genuine voice — because only you can be you.

OTHER INFORMATION

Application window: 1st October 2026 – 12pm, midday 5th January 2027.

All of our assessment centres take place in person in the location to which you apply.

We are committed to making our recruitment process accessible to everyone. If you need any reasonable adjustments at any stage of the application or assessment process, please let us know by emailing [e-mail] and we will be happy to help.