Trainee Solicitor

Watson Woodhouse Limited; Middlesbrough; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking passionate individuals ready to embark on a rewarding legal journey. This training contract offers a dynamic environment where you will gain hands-on experience in various legal areas. You'll work closely with experienced solicitors, participate in structured training sessions, and engage with a diverse range of clients. The firm is committed to nurturing the next generation of legal talent, providing extensive support and opportunities for growth. If you are proactive, eager to learn, and have a genuine interest in criminal law, this is the perfect opportunity to kickstart your legal career and make a meaningful impact.

Benefits

Hands-on experience from day one

Structured training sessions

Support from experienced solicitors

Collaborative team environment

Qualifications

• Completion of LPC or SQE is essential for this role.
• Strong academic performance and excellent communication skills are required.

Responsibilities

• Attend client meetings and support case preparation.
• Draft legal documents and participate in strategy discussions.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Advocacy skills

Negotiation skills

Interest in criminal law

Education

Completion of LPC or SQE

Strong academic record

Job description

Are you ready to take the next step in your legal career with a dynamic, forward thinking law firm that offers real experience and support from experienced Solicitors? If you're looking for a challenging and rewarding training contract in a modern environment, based in the heart of Teesside, look no further.

About Us

At Watson Woodhouse and Macks Solicitors, we pride ourselves on being a strong, ambitious firm with a national reputation for legal excellence. Recognised as standout specialist advisors across key legal sectors, we combine top tier legal work with a genuine focus on people, our clients and our team.

We are committed to developing the next generation of legal talent, and our trainees are at the very heart of our long-term vision. When you begin your training contract with us, you're not just joining a firm you're starting your future.

Why Choose Us?

• Work alongside experienced and respected legal professionals
• Gain hands-on experience from day one
• Participate in structured, firm-wide training sessions
• Engage directly with a broad range of clients
• Become part of a welcoming, collaborative and driven team

What to Expect

Our training contract is designed to give you a comprehensive introduction to the legal profession. You will gain exposure to multiple areas of law, with the opportunity to:

• Attend client meetings and support case preparation
• Draft legal documents & correspondence
• Take part in strategy discussions and team planning
• Develop advocacy and negotiation skills
• Work on a wide range of matters

You’ll be supported every step of the way by experienced solicitors, mentors, and our dedicated Talent Team.

Who We're Looking For

We’re seeking passionate, driven and proactive individuals who are ready to thrive in a challenging legal environment. You’ll need to demonstrate:

• Completion of the LPC or SQE
• A strong academic record
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• A genuine interest in criminal law
• A collaborative mindset and eagerness to learn

Start Your Journey with Us

If you’re ready to train with a firm that values your potential, supports your growth, and challenges you to be your best, we want to hear from you.

How to Apply:

If you aspire to join us in September 2025, we are eager to hear from you. We invite applications from both LPC and SQE graduates.

Please complete our online application form anytime from April 16th 2025, until the closing date on May 19th 2025.

For those shortlisted to the next stage of our assessment process, we will be in touch to schedule an interview with us in May/June 2025.

We are keen to learn more about you during this process, and you will have ample opportunities to engage with our Talent Team and other professionals across the firm.

Application Timeline:

• April 16th, 2025: Application window opens
• May 19th, 2025: Application window closes
• End of May/ June 2025: Shortlisted candidates invited to first stage interview
• July 2025 (date to be confirmed): Final stage interviews with our Head of Department and Talent Team for successful candidates
• End of July 2025: Offers made to join us in September 2025

Apply For This Job

If you would like to apply for this position, please fill in the information below and submit it to us for consideration.

First Name(s) *

Last Name *

Email Address *

Phone Number *

Home Address *

Are you authorised to work in this country? * Yes No

Do you hold a current UK driving license? * Yes No

Briefly describe why you are applying for this position *

What are your biggest achievements to date *

Have you applied for a position with us before? * Yes No

If so, what position did you apply for?

Are you related or friends with a current employee? * Yes No

If so, who?

How did you hear about Watson Woodhouse & Macks Solicitors * Reputation & or word of mouth Internet Search University Careers Search Personal Recommendation

The final step is for you to provide us with at least two different references from the past 5 years. These should be from managers you’ve worked with, but if you’ve been in one role over that timeframe, your second referee can be a colleague who has worked with you during this time.

Company Name *

Dates of Employment *

Referee Name *

Are you happy for us to contact this referee prior to interview? * Yes No

Company Name *

Dates of Employment *

Referee Name *

Are you happy for us to contact this referee prior to interview? * Yes No

Please upload a PDF or DOC file of your resume below, as well as a cover letter, or any other supporting documentation that you have which will help us to make our decision as to whether you are the ideal candidate for this job.