Training Contract Applications

Your Path to a Successful Legal Career

We are delighted to invite you to apply for a training contract at Cartmells. We are committed to nurturing the next generation of legal professionals. Our training contracts are designed to provide you with comprehensive legal training, hands-on experience, and the support you need to excel in your legal career.

Why Choose Us?

We offer a blend of academic training and practical experience. Here are some of the key benefits:

• Comprehensive Training: Our programme will see you train in at least three to four major areas of law, ensuring you develop a well-rounded skill set.
• Mentorship: You will be working alongside experienced mentors who will guide you through your journey, providing valuable insights and support.
• Hands-On Experience: Gain practical experience by working on real cases, attending court sessions, and interacting with clients.
• Networking Opportunities: Build connections with industry professionals, partners, and fellow trainees.
• Career Development: Benefit from career development workshops, seminars, and one-on-one coaching sessions.

Application Process

Our application process is designed to identify talented individuals who are passionate about the law and eager to learn. The process is as follows:

• Applicants must submit a detailed CV together with a cover letter telling us more about you and your passion for law.
• Interview: Successful candidates will be invited for an interview with our recruitment panel. This is an opportunity to showcase your skills, experiences, and motivations and will include written assessments, skills workshops working in teams, a tour of the offices with a current trainee and a final interview with some of our Directors/Heads of Departments.
• Offer: Candidates who excel in the interview will receive an offer to undertake a training contract, usually within one to two years from the interview process, dependent on the individual training pathway.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for our training contract programme, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Hold a law degree or an equivalent qualification.
• Demonstrate strong academic performance.
• Exhibit excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Show a genuine interest in pursuing a legal career.
• Be legally eligible to work in England and Wales.

Programme Structure

Our training contract programme is structured to provide a balanced and comprehensive learning experience. It includes the following components:

Seat Rotations

During the training period, you will complete several ‘seat’ rotations in different practice areas. This will give you exposure to a variety of legal fields and help you identify your areas of interest. Those seats could be in:

• Agribusiness
• Dispute Resolution
• Residential Property
• Family
• Private Client
• Business services

Professional Development

We are committed to your professional growth. Our programme includes:

• Continuing Legal Education: Attend seminars and lectures on current legal topics and industry trends.
• Soft Skills Training: Develop essential skills such as time management, teamwork, and leadership.

Support and Resources

We provide comprehensive support and resources to ensure your success:

• Mentorship: Access to experienced mentors who provide guidance and feedback.
• Library and Research Facilities: Utilise our extensive legal library and online resources.
• Wellbeing Programmes: Participate in initiatives that promote work-life balance and mental health.

Life at Cartmells

Joining our training contract programme means becoming part of a dynamic and diverse community. Here’s what you can expect:

• Inclusive Culture: We foster a culture of inclusivity and respect, where everyone is valued and supported.
• Social Events: Participate in social events, networking functions, and team-building activities.
• Community Engagement: Get involved in charitable work and community projects.

Hear from Our Trainees

Don’t just take our word for it. Here’s what some of our current and past trainees have to say about their experience:

“Before I started, I felt lucky to be given such an amazing opportunity and now that I’ve begun, I feel lucky to have found such a great close-knit team to work with. In a business world that can feel very cut-throat, being at Cartmells feels like being part of a family; one that offers a wide range of accessible training and social impact causes, as well as social events outside of work. Most of all I was happy to find out that Cartmells only has good, experienced lawyers, because they prioritise developing them from the ground up.”

Lewis Jackson

“I feel very lucky to be able to start my legal career at Cartmell Shepherd, not only due to their great reputation but also being part of a really supportive and experienced team.”

Josephine Britton

“Joining Cartmell Shepherd as a trainee solicitor has meant working alongside experienced and incredibly supportive colleagues across the departments and offices. Everyone understands what it feels like to be in the early stages of training and the nerves that come along with it but will be encouraged and supported to get stuck in straight away.”

Carolina Brianezi-Melchior

Apply Now

Ready to embark on an exciting and rewarding legal career? Apply for a training contract with Cartmells today and take the first step towards your future.

Applications should be submitted to Lindsay Berry, Assistant Practice Manager, lindsay.berry@cartmells.co.uk. Applications close on 31 August, with interviews to be held in October.