Step into the World of Wilkes

Each year, we recruit 4 to 5 trainee solicitors. Applications are accepted from anyone in their second year of a degree onwards. If you would like to apply, complete the application form on our website, detailing your academic achievements, work experience, and reasons for applying. Ensure all sections are fully completed before submission. After submission, you'll receive a confirmation email; if not, contact us at [email protected]. Applications are reviewed after the closing date, and candidates typically hear back within a month regarding interviews. In rare cases where academic requirements are not met after an offer, each situation is reviewed individually, with offers withdrawn only in exceptional circumstances.

A career as a solicitor is intellectually demanding, so we require strong academic achievement: a minimum of ABB at A Level (or equivalent) and at least a 2.1 degree classification. However, we assess applicants holistically, considering any mitigating circumstances. If offered a training contract, you must successfully pass your Legal Practice Certificate (LPC) or complete the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) requirements. LPC candidates must meet SRA transitional arrangements and complete the LPC before starting. SQE candidates must pass SQE1 before starting, with the option to complete SQE2 during the training contract, supported by a £1,500 contribution. We're also looking for curiosity, drive, teamwork, client focus, and integrity in our trainees.

Future trainees may have the opportunity to work as paralegals at Wilkes before starting their training contracts, gaining valuable practical experience. During your training, you'll be supervised by qualified staff and have regular meetings with our Training Principal, Mark Hodgson. You’ll also access online webinars and a Junior Fee Earner programme focused on essential soft skills like networking and negotiation. Your training contract typically includes four 6-month seats across various practice areas, such as Corporate & Commercial, Real Estate, and Personal Injury. Trainees at Wilkes handle significant work, from drafting documents and attending client meetings to participating in trials and mediations.

We don't want our candidates to jump through hoops to secure a role with us. Instead our focus is on getting to know you as an individual, what your strengths are and what you aim to achieve in your career as a solicitor.

We have a single interview day. You will firstly complete a short exercise which aims to help us ascertain whether you have the practical skills needed to be a solicitor. After this you will have a face-to-face interview with, amongst others, our Training Principal, Mark Hodgson and another Partner.

Following the interview, we aim to get back to candidates as soon as possible.

Our trainee salaries are reviewed annually to stay competitive, with a starting salary of £26,000 for 2023 and a minimum of £46,000 upon qualifying. Benefits include 24 days of annual leave (with options to purchase more), 2 days paid for volunteering, 4% matching pension contributions, life assurance at 4x base salary, a Medicash health cash plan, and discounts on conveyancing, wills, gym memberships, and more. Training seats are based in either our Birmingham City Office or Stanton Office in Shirley, Solihull. We aim to retain as many trainees as possible, with regular discussions about your preferred area of law and opportunities to apply for newly qualified vacancies as they arise. For any queries, contact [email protected], or reach out to our current trainees via the provided links for insights into life at Wilkes.

Wilkes Insight Days are an opportunity to visit our office, participate in practical sessions, meet our trainees, and gain insight into life at a city-centre law firm.