Please select this vacancy to apply for a Training Contract to start in September 2029 in our Birmingham, Bristol, London or Watford offices. You'll be able to choose your preferred location on the application form. 

Your Future in Law Starts Here

At VWV, we know that becoming a solicitor is about more than just excellent legal training; it's about feeling supported, challenged, and inspired as you grow. Our Trainee Solicitor programme is designed to give you real responsibility from the start, with opportunities to work closely with experienced lawyers on meaningful matters that make a real difference to our clients.

We're looking for people who are curious, collaborative and eager to learn. In return, we'll provide structured development in a culture where you'll feel valued as an individual. With us, you'll gain the skills, confidence and experience to shape a career you're proud of.

Don't just take our word for it, here's what some of our current trainees have to say about life at VWV:

"I've had meaningful responsibility on matters as a trainee, including handling client contact and delivering key pieces of work, creating the perfect environment to develop my skills and build my confidence"

"The supportive and collaborative culture at VWV makes you feel valued and encourages your personal ambitions and professional growth"

What does the recruitment process look like?

We're excited that you're considering applying for a trainee solicitor role with us. Here's what the process will look like:

• Application Form: The deadline for submitting your online application form is 8 January 2027.
• Video Interview: Next, you'll be invited to complete a recorded video interview. The interview has two questions and you'll have one week to do it.  
• Online Assessment: Eligible candidates will be asked to complete a short bespoke stregnths based assessment.  This should take no more than 10 minutes and is designed to help us better understand your potential for success at VWV.
• Virtual Interview:  We'll review your application form, video interview and assessment together.   Shortlisted candidates will then be invited to attend a short interview on Microsoft Teams  with two members of the Early Talent Panel. Interviews will taken place in February and you'll receive full details and guidance at the time.
• Assessment Centre: If you're succesful athe interview stage, you'll be invited to an assessment centre at either our London (18 March 2027) or Bristol office (11 or 16 March 2027).
• Vacation Scheme: Successful candidates will be invited to participate in a vacation scheme at their preferred office in June.  You'll also have a training contract interview during the vacation scheme. 

• Offers: Training contract offers will be made in late June/ early July.

Use of AI

AI is a valuable workplace tool, and you're welcome to use it to support your application preparation, however your final application and assessments should be in your own words. The strongest applications are the ones which show authenticity, personality and a specific explanation of your skills and motivations, so using AI-generated content may make it harder for us to fully assess your potential and could even work against you. 

We don't use AI tools to review your application.  

What's involved in the Training Contract itself?

Your two-year training contract will be varied and hands on, offering you the opportunity to experience four different practice areas, with each seat lasting six months.   

You'll be supervised by an experienced solicitor in each seat, and our Early Talent team will be there to provide additional support throughout your journey to qualification. 

During your training contract, you'll have the chance to:

• - Engage with high-profile cases and clients, providing practical legal advice.
• - Attend client meetings, drafting documents, and gaining real-world legal skills.
• - Collaborate with colleagues from different departments and offices to deepen your commercial understanding.
• - Explore how AI and legal technology can best help us support our clients.

In addition, you'll receive ongoing support from your fellow trainees, including a buddy from an earlier cohort, quarterly knowledge-sharing sessions and trainee away days. These are e a chance for trainees to gather, exchange insights, and connect with the wider firm. And of course, there's always time to socialise and build lasting connections.

 Why choose us?

There are so many reasons to stop and explore us further.  We're known for our friendly and welcoming culture where teamwork and collaboration are key. We invite you to watch this short video on the right hand side to see what our own people have to say about us and, in the words of one of our current trainees: "Everyone is incredibly friendly and wants to support you in doing your best. You feel like a valued team member and that your work is making a difference"

We're committed to making your experience as rewarding as possible. If you haven't started your SQE or LPC, we'll sponsor you to study an LLM in Legal Practice (SQE1 & 2) at the University of Law, along with a £4,000 grant. If you've already completed the LPC, we still welcome your application and may even offer you the chance to start your training contract early.

We're striving to create an inclusive environment where everyone, regardless of background, can reach their full potential.  If you require any adjustments to be made in order to be considered for this role, whether in the recruitment process or as part of your training contract, please get in touch as we're happy to discuss the necessary adjustments and allowances.

Who are we hoping will apply?

Training to be a solicitor is academically challenging, so we'll be looking for good academic results. If you're a non-law graduate, you will need to have completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Law (PGDL) or another conversion course before starting the LLM (SQE1 & 2), but you are welcome to apply without one. 

Although legal experience isn't required, any paralegal work or relevant commercial experience will help you demonstrate your commercial awareness. We value all kinds of experiences (whether legal or not, paid or not), so don't hesitate to share your story with us and discuss those transferable skills.

We're looking for individuals who are passionate about commercial law, and who share our core values of teamwork, client focus, and a commercial approach. If you're adaptable, resilient, and eager to make a difference, then you're the kind of candidate we'd love to hear from.

You're interested so what happens now?

If this sounds like the right opportunity for you, click the apply button to begin your online application. The deadline is 8 January 2027 and we don't review applications on a rolling basis, so you have plenty of time to perfect your application.

We are holding two information evenings so you can find out more and meet us in person:

• - Bristol focus on 24 November 2026 at 5:30 pm in our Bristol office. Register here
• - London/Watford focus on 2 December 2026 at 6 pm in our London office. Register here

Applying for a training contract can be a daunting experience, so if you have any questions, please do get in touch by emailing careers@vwv.co.uk