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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

Carry out your training with us

It’s important that all of our junior lawyers, whether they are trainees or apprentices, are the right fit for us as a firm. And it’s equally important that we are the right fit for them. You can read more about Ward Hadaway here.

Applications to our Vacation Scheme are now closed, but you can still make an application to our Training Contract  until 31st May 2024, which will run in the Spring – Click here to apply.

Apprenticeship applications have now closed, but will reopen January 2025.

We are currently supporting both the SQE and LPC routes to qualification as part of our training contract as follows:

  • For any applicants who have not yet completed or commenced an LPC course, our training contract offer will include sponsorship of the SQE.
  • We are still accepting applications from individuals who have already commenced or completed an LPC course (to include any courses which build in the LPC, such as 4 year combined undergraduate in Law and LPC course), and these candidates will not need to complete the SQE as part of our training contract.

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

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.