Legal Trainee Programme (September 2026 Entry)

DMH Stallard; Kemp Town Estate; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading law firm in the UK is offering training contracts starting in September 2026. The position includes a comprehensive training programme with four six-month seats across various departments, including corporate and dispute resolution. Candidates should be motivated LPC graduates who possess essential skills like communication, adaptability, and good client care. The firm looks for enthusiastic team players who are tech-savvy and have a strong work ethic.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Comprehensive training programme

Qualifications

• Enthusiasm and a commercial outlook are essential.
• Good client care skills are important for early client access.
• A flexible approach to working across various practice areas is required.

Responsibilities

• Engage in a comprehensive training programme across various legal departments.
• Contribute to the firm's client care and case management.
• Participate in assessments and demonstrate learning throughout the training.

Skills

Communication skills

Adaptability

Client care skills

Research skills

Tech savvy

Strong work ethic

Education

Completed LPC or SQE1

Job description

The firmWith offices in Gatwick, Guildford, London, Horsham & Brighton and 93 partners and 278 staff, our firm provides a comprehensive range of commercial, dispute resolution and litigation, employment, cyber security and cyber-crime, corporate, intellectual property, real estate and technology, media and telecoms. We hold the Gold Investors in People accreditation and consider trainees to be the future of the firm. Our policy is to select and develop trainees who will at the end of their training contract have the skills and enthusiasm to continue their career with the firm.

Training Programme

We are now accepting applications for training contracts to commence in September 2026, based across a variety of our offices, departments and teams. Our training programme comprises four six‑month seats across the business, giving trainees the chance to experience working in both contentious and non‑contentious practice areas. Seats are usually offered in corporate, dispute resolution, family, personal injury, private client, planning, real estate and real estate dispute resolution. Trainees may be required to undertake seats in any of our Brighton, Horsham, Gatwick, London or Guildford offices and it is important that they have the flexibility and willingness to do so.

What We Are Looking For In a Trainee

We welcome applications from motivated LPC graduates from all backgrounds. Enthusiasm, a commercial outlook, good communication skills and adaptability are all essential skills. DMH Stallard views trainees as an important asset of the firm and we expect them to make a significant contribution. As our trainees have direct access to clients from an early stage it is important that good client care skills are developed, which includes being aware of the client's business or personal goals. In addition, we expect our trainees to be tech savvy, have a strong work ethic, be team players and have excellent research skills.

Salary

• First year region – £30,700
• Second year region – £33,400
• First year London – £37,000
• Second year London – £39,700

Application

To be eligible to apply you must have completed your LPC (or be due to complete it ahead of the September 2026 start date) or have completed and passed SQE1. To apply, you will need to complete an online application form, along with a copy of your CV and a cover letter including your response to the following questions (in no more than 300 words for each):

1. Please explain why you have decided on a career as a solicitor.
2. Please explain why you are seeking a training contract at DMH Stallard.

The closing date for applications is 31 January 2026.

Assessment Process

There are two assessment days. The first round includes a written exercise, a range of tests and a brief interview. The second stage comprises a presentation and interview with the panel, along with further assessments/tests. Should you be successful in the first round, you will be invited back to a second assessment day.