Training Contracts at GN Law
At GN Law, we are committed to developing the next generation of solicitors through our structured Paralegal to Solicitor pathway.
Unlike many firms, we do not recruit trainee solicitors externally. Instead, all of our training contracts are offered to members of our existing paralegal team. This allows us to provide an intensive, high-quality training programme from the outset, enabling our future trainees to develop their legal knowledge, practical skills and client care before commencing their training contract.
If you are interested in qualifying as a solicitor with GN Law, we encourage you to apply for one of our paralegal vacancies when they are advertised on our website or LinkedIn. These roles are the route into our trainee solicitor programme.
What We Look For
We are looking for individuals who demonstrate:
- A strong academic background (normally a minimum 2:1 degree or equivalent, although mitigating circumstances will always be considered).
- A genuine interest in the areas of law in which GN Law specialises.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- The ability to work collaboratively within a team.
- Commitment, resilience, initiative and a willingness to learn.
Above all, we value attitude as much as aptitude. We are looking for people who are passionate about providing an excellent service to vulnerable clients and who are eager to develop as legal professionals.
The GN Law Training Pathway
Our paralegals are not simply administrative support. From day one, they are immersed in legal practice through structured supervision, hands-on experience and continuous professional development.
As individuals progress through the firm, they develop the knowledge, confidence and practical skills needed to manage their own work, build strong client relationships and prepare for the responsibilities of a training contract.
Training contracts are offered through our internal recruitment process, allowing us to invest in people who have demonstrated both their commitment to the firm and a genuine enthusiasm for the work we do.
Life as a Trainee Solicitor
Life as a trainee solicitor at GN Law is busy, rewarding and hands-on.
Our trainees undertake legal work for clients from an early stage, with responsibility appropriate to their level of experience. Depending on the department, trainees will often manage files in their own name under close supervision and become the first point of contact for many clients.
Alongside practical experience, trainees benefit from:
- A comprehensive induction programme.
- Ongoing legal and professional skills training.
- Regular departmental training sessions.
- Close supervision from experienced solicitors.
- Continuous feedback and mentoring.
Our aim is to produce confident, capable solicitors who are ready to practise independently upon qualification.
Coaching and Professional Development
Professional development at GN Law is continuous and extends well beyond day-to-day casework.
We hold regular training sessions to ensure our teams remain up to date with the latest legal developments, changes in legislation and emerging case law. These sessions may be department-specific, focusing on developments within a particular area of practice, or firmwide, where topics are relevant across multiple departments.
By continually investing in legal training and knowledge sharing, we ensure our practice remains contemporary, our advice remains accurate and our clients continue to receive the highest standard of service.
Alongside legal training, our supervisors also benefit from coaching, leadership development and practical communication training, helping them build confidence, strengthen client relationships and develop the professional skills needed to become outstanding solicitors.
Supervision
Support and supervision are central to our training culture.
Working within our collaborative office environment means trainees have daily access to experienced solicitors for guidance and feedback. Formal supervision is complemented by weekly departmental meetings, quarterly performance reviews and structured discussions to support professional development.
Progress throughout the training contract is formally reviewed every six months, typically alongside any seat changes.
Seats
Training contracts usually consist of two primary 12-month seats, allowing trainees to gain in-depth experience across our specialist practice areas.
Seat combinations vary depending on business need but commonly include:
The available seat combinations are determined each year based on departmental requirements and communicated before the recruitment process begins.
Applying for a Training Contract
Training contracts are offered exclusively through an internal recruitment process.
Applications open every October for existing GN Law paralegals. Interviews are held during November, after which the Directors review applications alongside departmental capacity and future business needs. Offers are normally made before Christmas, with successful candidates commencing their training contracts at the beginning of March.
Unlike many firms, we do not have a fixed number of training contracts available each year. The number of places varies depending on departmental capacity, business requirements and the firm’s ability to provide the high standard of supervision and training that we expect.
There is no minimum length of service required before a paralegal can apply. Instead, applications are assessed on merit. We look for individuals who have demonstrated a genuine passion for our areas of practice, commitment to our clients, enthusiasm for learning and the potential to develop into excellent solicitors.
SQE, LPC and Qualification
GN Law supports candidates qualifying through both the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) and, where applicable, the Legal Practice Course (LPC) pathway.
Whichever qualification route a trainee is following, our structured two-year training contract provides the supervised legal experience, professional development and practical skills required to qualify as a solicitor. We work closely with trainees to support them throughout their studies and examinations.
Study Leave
We understand the demands of studying alongside full-time employment.
Trainees are entitled to five days’ study leave each year for SQE, LPC or other required professional examinations. Additional leave may be requested using annual leave or unpaid leave, subject to approval.
Interested in Joining GN Law?
If you aspire to qualify as a solicitor with GN Law, we encourage you to begin your journey by applying for one of our paralegal vacancies.
Current vacancies are advertised on our Careers page and our LinkedIn page.
Please submit your CV, covering letter and completed Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form to hr@gnlaw.co.uk when applying for a vacancy.
We look forward to hearing from you and supporting you on your journey from Paralegal to Solicitor.
