FAQs
From induction and requirements to the process – find out everything you need to know about your training contract with us at Harbottle & Lewis.
Yes, we do and we review applications as we receive them.
Yes, we understand that securing a training contract is very competitive. We welcome candidates to apply again if they are initially unsuccessful but are still interested in a career with us. If you’ve gained further experience please include this on your application form.
We don’t have a minimum grade requirement, however we do look for candidates with strong A-levels. We’ll look at a candidate’s application as a whole and don’t solely base a rejection on A-level results because we realise that there may have been circumstances beyond your control that have impacted your academic performance.
If you have a disability and require any special arrangements to enable you to participate fully in the recruitment process, please let us know by completing the relevant section in the application form.
We recognise that there may have been circumstances beyond your control that have impacted your academic performance. You’ll have the opportunity to inform us of any mitigating circumstances when completing the application form.
The Firm is currently recruiting trainees for its March and September 2025 intakes. Therefore, any non-law graduates recruited this year, who have not completed the Graduate Diploma In Law (GDL), will be required to undertake the University of Law’s Post-Graduate Diploma in Law (PGDL), followed by the SQE 1 and 2 Preparation Courses and Examinations prior to commencing their 2025 Qualifying Work Experience (QWE)/training contract. Any law graduates including those who have completed the GDL will qualify through the LPC route, although we expect most trainees will complete the SQE by 2025.
Any trainee wanting to qualify as a solicitor with the Firm will be required to complete their QWE through its two-year training contract. As before, trainees will continue to be supervised by a Group Training Supervisor and the QWE will be authorised by the Firm’s Training Principals.
We don’t currently offer a vacation scheme but hope to do so in the future.
Saville Assessment provides the aptitude test.
We recruit trainees with the intention that they will qualify at the Firm and go on to enjoy a long and successful career at Harbottle & Lewis. Upon qualification, you’ll need to choose an area of law to specialise in and business rationale will determine whether there’s a vacancy in any particular group. On successful completion of your training contract, you will qualify and if offered a permanent role, you will become an Associate at the Firm.
At Harbottle & Lewis, we take wellbeing seriously. We have an extremely popular wellness programme with daily yoga, meditation and fitness classes. Our Employee Assistance Programme is available for 24/7 confidential support on a range of topics and we provide monthly one-to-one wellness sessions with a registered psychotherapist.
Prior to starting your first seat, you’ll have a one-week induction designed by our People & Culture team where you’ll be introduced to the different areas of the Firm and meet your colleagues. You’ll attend a mixture of in-person and online sessions including meeting the Training Principals, attending practical learning and insight sessions and getting to know your trainee ‘buddy’. Your induction will end with a social event with current and future trainees.
Throughout each seat you’ll get support from a Trainee Supervisor who is responsible for overseeing your day-to-day work, training and development. The Trainee Supervisor will conduct a middle- and end-of-seat appraisal to review your overall performance, assess the development of your skills and plan future training.
