Training Contracts

If you are looking for a training contract in a forward-thinking law that provides hands on exposure to a diverse range of work from real clients with support from leading lawyers, then Laceys could be right for you.

Why Laceys?

Qualifying as a solicitor is a challenge and that is why its so important to make sure that you choose the right firm for you. At Laceys, we believe in nurturing the next generation of exceptional solicitors. You have the opportunity to gain experience in some of the following teams; corporate and commercial, commercial property, private client, family law, dispute resolution and residential property, helping you shape your future in law.

Our culture values collaboration and growth. Many of our team members started their careers at Laceys, and we’re committed to developing and promoting talent internally. We are a local firm who performs beyond our size and location, please check out our accreditations and some of our client testimonials here.

But it’s not all about work – we are a sociable bunch, hosting events throughout the year to bring our team together.

What are we looking for?

There is no “one size fits all” for solicitors at Laceys. Our team is made up of individuals from a range of backgrounds, which is key to maintaining the inclusive and dynamic culture of our firm. We want you to be passionate about your career, not just in law, but at Laceys!

Being a lawyer today is multi-faceted. Here’s what we value;

Technical Skills: you will need to be details orientated, solutions focussed and a critical thinker.

Communication: a great lawyer knows how to connect with clients and colleagues alike.

Teamwork: collaboration is at the heart of what we do.

Professionalism: market our services effectively, handle matters compliantly and be ready to lead when needed.

Your Training Journey

We normally recruit 2 trainee solicitors a year, two years in advance. Training contracts usually start in September. Applications are accepted from April to August, just over two years before the start date. Your qualifying work experience (QWE) will focus on developing your hands on experience across our different specialist areas. We’ll support you in deciding which direction you’d like to take your career with us.

Whilst our QWE is flexible, generally, it will take place as follows:

Year 1 – experience four 3-month seats across different teams.

Year 2 – if you have decided the area you would like to qualify into, you will complete your final year within that seat.

Qualification is subject to passing SQE1 and SQE2 or having successfully completed the LPC. We prefer trainees to rotate through different seats. While you may have enjoyed certain areas of law at University, we ask that you join us with an open-mind as many graduates find reading law is very different to practising it.

From day one of your QWE, you’ll gain variety and client interaction, which makes Laceys attractive for our successful applicants. You’ll be both challenged and supported throughout your journey. Our graduate cohort consists of trainees, apprentices and paralegals undertaking the CILEX qualification, providing a supportive and social environment.

The application process

The application process consists of two interviews, a written assessment and a presentation.

The first interview will take place during the first two weeks of August with Victoria Boynes-Butler, one of our partners who oversees graduates at Laceys.

If you progress to the second stage in early September, you will receive the written task and presentation topic in advance, giving you time to prepare. You will need to submit your written assessment before the second interview, which will be conducted by three partners.

If you would like to apply for qualifying work experience starting in September 2027, please download our Application Form 2025. Please submit your completed form, curriculum vitae (CV), and academic results (if not included on your CV) to Gemma Freeman at g.freeman@laceyssolicitors.co.uk.

Be sure to put the key dates in your diary.

Rewards and Benefits

In return for your hard work, we offer a competitive package of rewards and benefits. Please refer to our pdf below.