Skip to content
Menu
Join us

Join us:

Six reasons to begin your legal career with us

Which path is best for me?

Training contract

Which route do you plan to go down to become a qualified lawyer?

Trainee? Find our more about becoming a trainee and how to apply below.

Find out more

Apprenticeship

Which route do you plan to go down to become a qualified lawyer?

Or apprentice? Find our more about becoming an apprentice and how to apply below.

Find out more

Your journey in law begins here. At Ward Hadaway, we are committed to nurturing the next generation of legal talent through comprehensive training, hands-on experience, and unwavering support.

A comprehensive training program

For trainees, our two-year training contract is designed to give you a broad and balanced foundation in law. You’ll complete four six-month seats across key departments, gaining exposure to areas such as Corporate, Commercial, Dispute Resolution, and Real Estate. With opportunities for client secondments, you’ll also experience the inner workings of in-house legal teams, enhancing your understanding of client needs.

Apprentices can look forward to a structured six-year program that combines academic learning with practical experience. By the end of your apprenticeship, you’ll have a qualifying law degree and six years of hands-on legal experience, culminating in solicitor qualification.

Support every step of the way

We understand that starting your legal career can be daunting. That’s why we provide a two-week induction program to help you settle in, a dedicated buddy system to guide you, and regular feedback to ensure your development stays on track. Our experienced supervisors are always on hand to offer advice, share insights, and support your growth.

Opportunities to thrive

You’ll have access to a range of soft skills development programs, legislation update seminars, and networking opportunities. Our goal is to equip you with the skills, confidence, and knowledge to excel in your legal career.

A responsible firm

Our commitment to sustainability, social value, wellbeing and equality, diversity, and inclusion is reflected in everything we do. By joining us, you’ll be part of a firm that not only delivers excellence to clients but also contributes positively to society.

A culture of inclusion and respect

As a trainee or apprentice, you’ll be welcomed into a supportive and inclusive culture where your contributions are valued, and your voice is heard. From wellbeing initiatives to social events, we ensure that your experience is both rewarding and enjoyable.

You can read more about us in law.careers.net and the Chambers student guide.

Start your legal career with a firm that’s as committed to your future as you are.

 

At Ward Hadaway, we believe in investing in our people.

We are passionate about helping our people to fulfil their potential and grow their careers with the firm. This is why we ensure that the training experience is rich and rewarding for each of our junior lawyers, with a focus on allowing our people to develop successful, fulfilling careers in the law.

We are members of The Sustainable Recruitment Alliance and we make sure the impact on the environment during our search for early talent is minimised.  As such we are very proud to have won the 2022 Award for Sustainability in Early Talent Recruitment. The Sustainable Recruitment Alliance have also written about our win, which you can read about here.

A message from our training principal

Hear from our apprentices, trainees and newly qualifieds

Emily Stott, Solicitor Apprentice

Name: Emily Stott

Role:   Solicitor Apprentice

Office  Newcastle

Year of Qualification: 2029

 

 

What made you choose to do an apprenticeship?

Law can be massively different in practice compared to education, and I felt that having the balance of both would be extremely helpful in my approach to qualification.

Why Ward Hadaway to train to become a solicitor with?

I saw that the firm provided a pro-active environment and pushed its people to be the best versions of themselves both inside and outside of work, which was really appealing.

What was your experience like with the recruitment process?

The Emerging Talent Team were friendly and helpful, and this really made me feel welcome and at ease throughout the whole process.

What is one thing you’ve learnt so far?

Your contribution is recognised, and your colleagues want you to achieve, which is very exciting and encouraging as a school leaver working in a law firm for the first time!

What do you do outside of work?

Outside of work, I like to spend time with my friends and family and my cat Buster.

Ross Henderson, Trainee Solicitor

Name: Ross Henderson

Role:   Trainee Solicitor

Office: Leeds

Year of Qualification: 2025

University / Degree: University of Glasgow (MA Politics), University of Leeds (LLB Law) and BPP (LPC)

Favourite Module: American Politics and Healthcare Law

What did you do in the two years before your training contract?

I worked as a Banking Paralegal.

What made you choose Ward Hadaway? 

Since I was first introduced to the firm at a university talk in 2016, the firm has experienced exponential growth in Leeds and I have long wanted to be part of this exciting future.

What’s been the highlight of your last month at the firm?

I enjoyed attending my first client event as a trainee, where we attended the Ripon Races. This proved an excellent social and networking event.

What is one tip you’d give to a future trainee solicitor who is starting their training contract?

Keep an open mind and be ready to embrace new areas/challenges. The results can be amazing.

Do you have any hidden talents?  

Despite being uneasy around heights, I am actually quite a capable rock climber

Sarah Crawford, Solicitor

Name: Sarah Crawford

Role:   Solicitor

Office: Manchester

Department: Commercial Dispute Resolution (Family & Matrimonial)

Year of Qualification: 2023

University / Degree: Newcastle University (English Literature & History) and University of Law Manchester (GDL & LPC)

What made you choose Ward Hadaway to qualify with?

One reason is that the firm is small enough to gain a high level of exposure and responsibility at an early stage in your training, but also large enough to provide a wide range of cases and constant support and supervision.

What was the highlight of your training contract?

Moving around the office to different teams every six months and having the opportunity to work with and learn from lots of great people.

What has the step up from trainee to NQ been like?

Exciting! I have been supported in the step up from trainee to NQ and although I do have more responsibility, I still have constant supervision and the team are always willing to answer my questions as they understand that I am still learning.

What’s your favourite holiday destination?         

Salzburg – it’s so pretty and feels like you are exploring a fairy tale setting.