Training Contracts & Vacation Placements
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Thank you for your application which has been submitted to the Recruitment team.
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We are looking for motivated individuals to join our team as trainee solicitors. Our structured training programme is designed to give trainees a range of experiences across multiple areas of law, preparing them for a fulfilling career as a solicitor. Our application form can be found at the bottom of the page.
About Us
Paris Smith is a regional, full-service law firm committed to delivering high-quality legal services across our offices in Southampton, Winchester and Bournemouth. We work with a diverse range of clients from individuals to larger corporations and our trainees receive exposure to meaningful, hands-on experience as a result.
We place real value on teamwork, professional development and building strong relationships both with our clients and each other. We are keen to hear from talented individuals who share our values and are looking to build a career in a firm where they can make a genuine contribution.
We currently recruit 6 trainee solicitors each year and have 4 vacation placement opportunities. The training contract application deadline is 31 May 2026 and we review applications after this date. We typically recruit two years ahead of the start date but please let us know in your application if you can join us earlier.
What We Offer
Our trainee solicitor programme is challenging and rewarding and we are proud that, in most years, we have a 100% retention rate. The training contract is typically a two-year journey across three or four seats, tailored as far as possible to each trainee, within our main areas of practice below.
SQE and Funding
We have partnered with BARBRI to prepare trainees for the SQE 1 and 2 exams as they offer flexible full-time and part-time courses, and a foundations in law course for non-law graduates. More details can be found on the BARBRI website.
Most successful applicants will study for the SQE 1 and 2 and pass the exams before starting their training contract, but we recognise that this may not work for everyone. Some trainees may study, and pass, the SQE 1 and 2 alongside working at the firm as a trainee solicitor. If you are successful in our selection process we will discuss which route will work best for you.
Subject to some sensible conditions which we will be discussed with each trainee, we will cover 100% of BARBRI’s fees for the SQE 1 and 2 preparation courses and the foundations in law course for non-law graduates, and the fees for the first sittings of the SQE1 and SQE2 exams.
We are also committed to paying our trainees a competitive salary.
Application Process and How to Apply
The process comprises three stages of application and CV, assessment day, and interview. Applications close 31 May 2026. We send invitations to candidates who have been selected for our assessment day soon after.
The assessment day takes place on 23 June 2026 with a morning or afternoon session, consisting of an introduction to the firm, group exercises and a short written exercise. Candidates who are successful following our assessment day will be invited back for interview around two weeks later.
In considering applications we take account of academic achievements (a minimum of a 2.1 degree obtained or predicted is required) but also a genuine desire for a career in the profession and an interest in working and living locally. We place great importance on good interpersonal skills in the context of both the workplace and client care. Our aim is to continue to recruit trainees who upon qualification will wish to continue as valued members of the firm.
We also operate an annual vacation scheme giving successful candidates the opportunity of experiencing daily life of the firm. The deadline for applications is 31 January 2026 and we select on the basis of application and CV only. The dates for the scheme are yet to be set.
Former trainee solicitors Kim and Alicia have produced videos describing the sort of things a trainee solicitor does on a daily basis.
Whether you are applying for either or both schemes please complete the application form below.