Typically, your two-year training contract will provide you with hands-on experience in a number of different areas of the law, one of them non-contentious. The training period will be split into four six-month placements.
For some part of your training contract, you may spend time at more than one of our offices in order to give you experience in different types of clients and work. However, we do flex our training contracts to suit the needs of the business, and you as our trainee.
Applications are open for training contracts to commence in 2026 and 2027
The departments that you are likely to gain experience in include dispute resolution; corporate and commercial; real estate; recoveries; family law; Wills, estates, tax & trusts; personal injury; or regulatory.
However, not all services are offered from each office. Full details of services offered in different office locations can be found on the individual service pages on this website.
The areas of law that you will experience will depend on previous training, your stated preferences, the availability of training placements at the time and the firm’s business needs.
We believe that we can only provide the best service by recruiting and supporting the development of the best people. This is why we place great emphasis on ensuring your training programme is robust, providing you with the best opportunities to develop your career progression to becoming a solicitor.
One of our key strengths is working together as a firm. We have a friendly and professional working environment which focuses heavily on a teamwork approach, ensuring our trainees are highly valued team members. You will be provided with the opportunity to attend internal training sessions across all departments throughout your time with us as a trainee, expanding your knowledge and expertise.
We offer a competitive salary structure with annual pay reviews and great benefits too. Trainee salaries are reviewed annually and are in accordance with performance and successful progression through the trainee programme.
From September 2022, where new trainees are offered a placement to commence their LPC/SQE study with the firm, we will fund course fees to a maximum contribution of £13,500. This funding does not apply to existing training contracts, or where the LPC/SQE was applied for or where studying has commenced, before receiving our trainee offer.
You will be expected to attend additional relevant training designed to equip you with the skills required of a practising solicitor. This will be paid for by the firm and areas will be chosen to suit your career path.
Applications are open for training contracts to commence in 2026 and 2027
To be considered for a training contract you will need to apply via an online application form. Other information about yourself concerning interests, teamwork and any previous work experience all help to build up a picture of you as a person.
The deadline for applying is 31 January* two years prior to entry. Training contracts commence yearly, in September.
Shortlisting takes place two years before the intake date. Successful candidates will be invited to attend an assessment centre, which will last approximately four hours. This will include a test, an interview and a case study exercise. You will also be shown around the office and given an opportunity to meet our partners, lawyers and, in particular, our current trainees.
For more information:
Telephone: 01472 262626
At Wilkin Chapman, we run two separate work experience schemes which are designed for undergraduates and A Level students. The placements are structured differently across the three groups, which enables us to tailor the experience to your needs to ensure that the time you spend with us is at the right level and is meaningful for you.
Go to our work experience page to find out more.
Training contracts are offered in the hope that you will become a solicitor and eventually a partner of the firm. Over the last 10 years, the majority of those who have trained with us have stayed with us.