back to Careers

Trainee solicitors

People choose to work at Capsticks because we aim to be the firm of choice for organisations that make a difference and in return our teams feel like they have had a role to play in making that difference. We’re a full service law firm specialising in public sector law, with key sector coverage including regulatory, emergency services, NHS and private healthcare, social care, housing, local government and insurance.

As a prospective trainee, you will be looking for a first class training experience and supportive supervision. We provide both.

To ensure our trainees have up to date training for the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE), we partner with the College of Legal Practice. This allows for the best and most flexible learning programme whilst you undertake your training. College of Legal Practice offers a modular learning programme which will provide you with the core skills needed to be successful in your career. This is delivered online to give as much flexibility as possible and each of our trainees is given a dedicated tutor/mentor to guide them throughout the course.

We also give our people real responsibility early on in their careers. As a trainee you will have autonomy to run your own cases, whilst knowing that you have the support of an approachable supervisor.

Our Training Principal, Ian Cooper and our Early Careers Business Partner ensure that they have regular contact with the trainee group, to receive feedback about the training experience we provide and ensure that our program is always fit for purpose.

Choosing Capsticks for your training contract

Watch our video for an insight into life as a trainee at Capsticks.

Why Capsticks?

  • Equity, Diversity & Inclusivity

    We take a proactive approach to diversity to ensure all of our people are recognised for their unique talents and skills. We have a very open and welcoming culture with robust recruitment procedures and compulsory diversity training.

    Find out more
  • Corporate social responsibility

    Our trainees are usually the first to get involved in the variety of corporate social responsibility activities the firm has on offer.

    Whether it is helping elderly Wimbledon residents get to grips with new technology, mentoring children and young adults in Leeds and Birmingham or serving up meals to the homeless in Winchester, we value making connections with our local community. We also hold lots of charity events, such as the competitive football and netball tournament, and love any excuse for a bake off.

    Find out more
  • The training process

    Our current Trainee Solicitor programme is operated on a division sponsored basis. Where Paralegals are successful in their application and receive a training contract offer from their team, they will go on to spend the majority of their training within their own division, with a single short rotation into another division to gain other valuable experience. Our HR and Talent team work closely with our Trainee Solicitor group to ensure they are getting the most from the programme, to help facilitate secondment opportunities, and deliver bespoke training courses to develop their skills. Where possible, we will support qualification as soon as we can for those who have relevant Paralegal experience that can form part of their period of recognised training.

  • Who should apply?

    We are committed to recruiting the best people to maintain our market leading position. We welcome applications from candidates who are either on course for or have achieved at least a 2.1 (or equivalent) in their undergraduate degree. We also expect candidates to be able to demonstrate they are committed to a career in our specialist sectors and to be highly driven, but well rounded, team players, with good problem solving and communication skills.

  • How to apply

    At the current time we only recruit into our Trainee Solicitor programme from our internal team of Paralegals, who play an invaluable role in the success of the firm. Therefore, the best way to secure a training contract with Capsticks is to join as a Paralegal. In doing so, you will have the opportunity to work in a truly varied role, with lots of responsibility early on. This experience is excellent preparation for progressing to become a Trainee Solicitor. Please see our list of current vacancies here.

Show allHide all

Life as a trainee

Diandra Bennett
Trainee solicitor

Diandra shares her experience as a trainee solicitor and her advice to future trainees hoping to join Capsticks.

Read more
Manaar Dayoub
Trainee solicitor

Meet Manaar Dayoub, trainee solicitor at Capsticks.

Read more