Trainee Solicitor

Dutton Gregory, Solicitors; Cheltenham; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A respected UK legal practice in Cheltenham is offering a two-year training contract for ambitious individuals who have completed the LPC or SQE (1&2). This role includes rotations across key practice areas, hands-on supervised work, and direct client interaction. Trainees will receive skills-focused training and regular feedback to develop into outstanding solicitors. Successful candidates may be offered a newly qualified role depending on business needs post-training.

Qualifications

• Must have completed the LPC or SQE (1&2).
• Supportive, collaborative, respectful, and integrity-led characteristics essential.
• Must be approachable and a great communicator.

Responsibilities

• Rotate across key practice areas, gaining hands-on experience.
• Participate in client meetings, hearings and document drafting.
• Receive regular feedback to aid development.

Skills

Organised

Proactive

Analytical thinking

Attention to detail

Team player

Education

Completed LPC or SQE (1&2)

Job description

Overview

Are you ready to build a legal career with real momentum?

Applications are now open for candidates seeking a training contract who have already completed their LPC or SQE (1&2). We welcome motivated and ambitious individuals ready to take the next step in their legal career and gain hands-on experience within a supportive and professional environment.

Why Hughes Paddison?

Completing a training contract with us is exciting, interesting and full of opportunity. Our teams have a wealth of knowledge and experience and love nothing more than guiding and supporting trainees to develop the critical skills they need to become a qualified solicitor.

We value collaboration, commercial awareness and people who get things done. In return you can expect real responsibility, direct client contact, and support from everyone around you - we want to see you succeed!

What you can expect

• Two years, four seats - commencing in Autumn 2026 you'll rotate approximately every six months across key practice areas such as residential conveyancing, litigation, commercial property and private client etc. You will build a broad foundation of practical knowledge and experience.
• Hands on, supervised work - real responsibility from day one, with each seat having a dedicated supervisor to support your development.
• Client-facing experience - you'll have the opportunity to join meetings, attend hearings and learn to draft an array of client documents.
• Skills-focused training - Whether you're on an LPC or SQE route, you'll develop the core competencies you need to qualify as a solicitor.
• Regular feedback and progression - structured reviews to help you grow, stay on track and to help you shape your career path.
• Path to qualification - complete your seats, hit your competencies, and you'll be ready to qualify.

Upon successful completion, trainees may be offered an NQ role if we have an opportunity that aligns to your preferred practice area and dependent upon business needs.

What we are looking for

We're looking for candidates who have the LPC or SQE (1&2) under their belt, but also reflect the values that define us as a firm:

• Supportive - someone who lifts others, shares knowledge, and helps build a positive working environment. Helping others is at the heart of what you do.
• Collaborative - a genuine team player who works well with colleagues at all levels and with clients to achieve the best outcomes.
• Respectful - you communicate clearly, professionally, and with consideration for others. Treating people with dignity and respect and valuing their feedback and contribution.
• Integrity led - You do the right thing, even when no-one is watching. You are honest, fair, and transparent.
• Approachable - you are friendly, open, and easy to work with - someone clients and colleagues trust. You will be empathetic with a good sense of humour.

Alongside that, you'll be:

• Organised and proactive
• An analytical thinker with great attention to detail
• Ready to dive into real work from day one
• Hungry to learn, develop, and grow into an outstanding solicitor

About Hughes Paddison

We are an independent legal practice with 65 employees offering a wide range of legal services to private clients and businesses. Our purpose is to help you achieve the best outcome in business and in life.

We build teams by bringing in great people from different backgrounds and giving them space to thrive. We know a mix of perspectives leads to better decisions, better ideas, and better results for our clients. That's why we look for talent in all forms and create an environment where people feel supported, listened to, and able to contribute at their best.

You grow-we grow - we invest in a culture where ambition is encouraged and individuality is valued.

Application Process

Applications are now open - closing on Friday 27 February 2026.

To apply, send us your CV and a short cover letter telling us why you're a great fit. Keep it sharp and focussed on why you are applying. We are looking for clear motivation, an understanding of our work and evidence of the skills and qualities you will bring to the role.

Please send your application to Ursula Day, HR Manager via email to [e-mail] by Friday 27 February 2026.

Further information can be found at www.hughes-paddison.co.uk