Training Contracts

As an Ellis Jones Trainee Solicitor you will be joining a firm that takes pride in providing the very best quality in training and development for your future legal career. To view our full list of key dates for legal placements, vacation schemes and training contracts please click here.

Our 2 year Training Contract or period of recognised training will enable you to build on the knowledge that you have gained through your degree and LPC in a supportive and practical environment whilst you are mentored and trained by some of the best legal minds within their field of expertise.

We are proud of our values and culture. Training Contract applications open on 27th November. If you are interested in applying for a training contract for 2025 and 2026 and think that you would fit into our culture, please give us at least one example of how in a covering letter attaching your CV when applications open. Please send your CV/Covering letter to recruitment@ellisjones.co.uk. Applications for training contracts close 31st May 2024.

Every year we offer several training contracts for those who are looking to qualify following LPC. Equally, if you have decided on the SQE route, we are happy for you to apply for a training contract to gain your qualifying work experience.

Our training contracts typically include experience of four seats in our legal teams of six months each. The training contract is however, flexible to accommodate those who have time to count, wish to experience more or less specialist areas.

Trainees will be working in one of our offices BournemouthCanford CliffsRingwoodWimborne and Swanage. There is an opportunity to move between offices, to include London.

During your training contract, you will be supported by a training contract partner, and be part of our mentoring group. You will have access to a partner and mentor to support your development within the law and the firm, and introduce you to new contacts.

In each training seat, you will be supported by a partner in the team, and will get lots of on the job training. You will also have access to external training, for example MBL.

You will have access to core skills training through the mentor programme and our regular lunch and learn sessions.

You will receive regular informal feedback through each seat, and a formal end of seat review. You will be asked to carry out regular motivational maps, and we will support you in ways to enhance your motivation using MOJO.

We welcome applications from law and non law graduates.  If you would like to get an insight into the Ellis Jones Training Contract, click here to read an article from one of our newly qualified solicitors.

27th November 2023

Applications open for 2025/2026 Training Contracts

31st May 2024

Applications close for 2025/2026 Training Contracts

June/July 2024

Interviews for 2025/2026 Training Contracts

August 2024

Successful 2025/2026 Training Contract applicants notified.

Speculative CVs
If we do not have a suitable vacancy, no matter what stage you are at in your legal career, we are always happy to receive speculative applications for ad hoc work, flexible work, and permanent candidates.

We are proud of our values and culture. If you think that you would fit into our culture, please give us at least one example of how in a covering letter attaching your CV. Please send your CV/Covering letter to recruitment@ellisjones.co.uk.

What our Trainees say:

“The firm’s forward thinking culture and outstanding reputation is what initially attracted me to Ellis Jones. This was epitomised by the approachable and positive atmosphere I had experienced during my previous role with the firm, prior to commencing my training contract.  It is very evident that there is the opportunity to grow and progress within the firm, with a particular focus on promoting internal talent. The firm provides for an ideal training environment, in that they offer a good balance between support and responsibility for trainees. In each of my seats undertaken so far, I have been both welcomed and integrated into the teams and have been given a high level of support and encouragement.” Georgia McWilliam, Trainee Solicitor.

I was attracted by the firm’s broad range of practice areas, together with its outstanding reputation for training and legal expertise. The firm is renowned for being supportive and approachable and this has been apparent throughout my training contract. In each seat, I have been encouraged to take on a level of responsibility appropriate to my level of experience and I have been afforded a great deal of client contact.  At each stage of my training contract, I have been given the opportunity to pursue practice areas that interest me, and I have felt that I am a valued member of the team. Florence Newton, Trainee Solicitor.