Trainee Solicitor (QWE) - Vacation Scheme Applications

Holmes and Hills LLP; Colchester; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Holmes & Hills LLP in the East of England is offering a one-week Vacation Scheme for aspiring Trainee Solicitors. You will rotate through multiple departments, work on real tasks with our solicitors, and attend networking events to understand the firm’s culture and practice areas.

The scheme targets those who have passed or are due to pass the SQE by September 2028/29, and emphasizes immersion, supervision, and progression planning within a supportive, people-focused firm.

Qualifications

• SQE passed or due to pass by Sep 2028/29
• Genuine interest in pursuing a long-term career at Holmes & Hills in East Anglia
• Willingness to participate in structured training and networking

Responsibilities

• Rotate through several departments and work alongside our solicitors.
• Complete real tasks and gain practical exposure to the areas of law we specialise in.
• Attend a networking event with Partners and Associates.
• Speak openly with current Trainees about their journeys.

Skills

SQE passed

Interest in law

Networking

Job description

Trainee Solicitor (QWE) - Vacation Scheme Applications

Marks Tey, Witham

Full-time

Trainee

Job Vacancy

**This role is aimed at those who have already passed their SQE exams and are looking for Qualifying Work Experience or those who plan to have passed the SQE by the relevant start date i.e. September 2028/29**

Our Summer Vacation Scheme is your opportunity to experience life as a Trainee Solicitor at one of East Anglia’s leading regional law firms.

Over the course of one week, you’ll work alongside our solicitors, take part in live client work, and get a real sense of what it means to build your career with a progressive, people-focused firm. You’ll meet our Partners, Associates and current Trainees, take part in group activities and networking events, and gain insight into the quality of work and support we provide.

We believe in investing in those who choose to build their careers with us.

Scheme Dates

• 14th to 18th June 2027

The week will be split across our Marks Tey and Witham offices and you will need to be able to travel to both offices (both offices are accessible by public transport).

What You’ll Experience

• Rotate through several departments and work alongside our solicitors.
• Complete real tasks and gain practical exposure to the areas of law we specialise in.
• Attend a networking event with Partners and Associates.
• Speak openly with current Trainees about their journeys.

Our Vacation Scheme is designed to be both immersive and selective.

It’s your chance to experience life at Holmes & Hills - and our chance to get to know you. Throughout the week, we’ll be looking to understand your approach, curiosity, and potential to thrive as part of our team.

Offers of Training Contracts/Qualifying Work Experience will be made shortly after the end of the vacation scheme for start dates in September 2028 and September 2029.

Who We’re Looking For

• SQE passed (or due to pass by September 2028/29)
• A genuine interest in pursuing a long-term career at Holmes & Hills and contributing to the firm’s continued growth in East Anglia.

Why Train at Holmes & Hills

Our goal is simple: to recruit future solicitors who will grow with us.

We invest in our trainees through structured supervision, continuous feedback, and opportunities to get involved in real client work from day one. You’ll rotate through at least two of our seven offices and experience a variety of practice areas - including property, family, planning, commercial, dispute resolution, and clinical negligence.

We also encourage you to take part in networking, marketing, and social events through our Junior Lawyers Network, helping you build connections and commercial skills that go beyond law.

"Life as a trainee at Holmes & Hills is varied, sociable and supportive." - Current Trainee, Dispute Resolution

"It’s hands-on from day one. I’ve worked on real disputes, contract reviews and even attended industry conferences." - Current Trainee, Construction Division

About us

Holmes & Hills Solicitors is a large regional firm of solicitors with seven offices across Essex and Suffolk and over 200 legal professionals across a number of specialist departments. Holmes & Hills works in partnership with clients across East Anglia, including businesses, individuals, families and local authorities, to build long standing relationships, protect clients' interests and support clients' growth and development.

Working in partnership with businesses and individuals

Holmes & Hills' large team of legal experts work in partnership with individuals and organisations to provide them with truly proactive legal services through personal relationships. Acting as a trusted advisor to clients, we take the time to understand clients' needs and objectives before delivering practical advice through a personal and accessible approach.

Independently recognised as a leading law firm

Holmes & Hills Solicitors is independently recognised by The Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners - two independent directories of the UK’s top law firms - as being a leading supplier of legal services in the region.

These accreditations give our clients the confidence that the legal advice and representation they receive from Holmes & Hills is some of the best available.

Our clients range from established and growing businesses whose brands are recognised and sold around the world and local authorities across the region, through to families and first-time home buyers.