Trainee Solicitor

Holmes and Hills LLP; Essex; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading regional law firm is offering a Summer Vacation Scheme in Essex for aspiring solicitors. Participants will gain valuable experience through live client work, networking, and mentoring from legal professionals. Strong academic performance and a law degree (or equivalent) are essential to apply. The scheme will help candidates develop their careers and potentially lead to Training Contracts starting in 2027 or 2028.

Benefits

Opportunities for hands-on client work

Networking with legal professionals

Qualifications

• Must be a current 2nd or 3rd year undergraduate.
• Plans to complete SQE 1 & 2 or LPC prior to intake start.

Responsibilities

• Experience life as a Trainee Solicitor.
• Complete real tasks in various departments.
• Attend workshops and networking events.

Skills

Strong academic record at A-Level

Genuine interest in long-term career

Education

2:1 degree (law or PGDL) predicted or achieved

Job description

Summer Vacation Scheme

Our Summer Vacation Scheme offers you the 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 gain a real sense of what it means to build your career with a progressive, people‑focused firm. You’ll meet partners, associates and current trainees, and attend workshops and networking events that give you 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

• 22nd to 26th June 2026
• 29th June to 3rd July 2026

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 are accessible by public transport). We will do our best to accommodate your preferred week, but places are limited and final allocations will depend on availability and the selection process.

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.

At the end of the scheme you’ll take part in a formal interview for a Training Contract/Qualifying Work Experience position starting in September 2027 or September 2028. Offers of Training Contracts/Qualifying Work Experience will be made shortly after the end of the vacation scheme.

Who We’re Looking For

• A strong academic record at A‑Level.
• A 2:1 degree (law or PGDL) predicted or achieved.
• A genuine interest in pursuing a long‑term career at Holmes & Hills and contributing to the firm’s continued growth in East Anglia.

2027 Intake

• Current 3rd year undergraduate or post‑graduate.
• Either working towards or completed SQE 1 & 2/LPC (or with plans to study alongside your QWE).

2028 Intake

• Current 2nd year undergraduate or above.
• Either intending to complete SQE 1 & 2 prior to 2028 commencement or intending to enrol to study alongside your QWE.

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 black‑letter law.

How to Apply

All trainee recruitment at Holmes & Hills is through our Summer Vacation Scheme. Applications for the 2026 scheme (for September 2027/28 start) will close on 28th February 2026.

When you apply you’ll need to specify your plans for studying LPC/SQE (e.g. “I plan to stay at my current university and complete a masters which includes SQE 1 & 2” or “I plan to enrol with X and complete a post‑graduate diploma in SQE 1 & 2 during QWE”).

To apply:
1. Click Apply Now and upload your CV.
2. You’ll receive our Application Form to complete and return.

Required Experience

Intern

About Us

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

Our firm is independently recognised by The Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners as a leading supplier of legal services in the region, reflecting the confidence our clients have in the quality of our advice and representation.

We value a proactive, people‑focused culture and are committed to supporting our trainees from day one.