Career paths with Wolferstans
We’re passionate about nurturing the next generation of legal professionals. Our Early Careers programmes offer structured routes into law, from work experience and vacation schemes to training contracts and beyond.
Here, you’ll gain exposure to real client work, supported by experienced lawyers who want to see you succeed.
We look for individuals who share our values - curiosity, empathy, and commitment to excellence - and who want to build a meaningful, long-term career.
Vacation Scheme Applications are now open.
Training Opportunities
We offer a variety of approaches, depending on which route candidates wish to take; whether this is through our recently launched graduate solicitor apprenticeship, qualifying work experience under the SQE scheme or a period of recognised training for LPC graduates, all of which lead to qualification as a solicitor. Other routes to qualification, such as through the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives, are also available.
What Are We Looking For?
At Wolferstans, we offer a wide range of legal services. As a trainee, you will have the opportunity to work in a variety of departments and we welcome candidates who show enthusiasm, resilience and the ability to develop their skills when dealing with a variety of complex matters.
We are looking for trainees who are committed to their role in whichever area of law they are interested in. Candidates should embrace the opportunities presented and the wealth of expertise and experience available throughout the firm.
We seek candidates with strong communication skills, a proactive approach, and a positive attitude. As we select our Trainees, our aim is to identify and nurture future leaders within the Firm. It’s noteworthy that several of our present associates and partners embarked on their professional journeys at Wolferstans through this very program.
Benefits Of Training With Wolferstans
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At Wolferstans, we offer a quality and diverse training experience with the opportunity for future career progression. As a Trainee, you will receive guidance and support through reviews with one of our Mentors, regular meetings with your training buddy and close supervision within your team from your allocated supervisor.
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We value our employees and understand the importance of a healthy work/life balance. Our Trainees are given excellent opportunities to get involved with our local community initiatives and will be fully integrated into the Firm’s supportive and inclusive culture. We encourage our Trainees to join us in sporting and social events and a range of other activities to support their wellbeing.
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As part of our corporate social responsibility programme, we host charity events and take part in various activities to raise money for our nominated Charity of the Year. We want our Trainees to get involved and help the Firm raise awareness of local charities.
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After qualification, we continue to develop your knowledge by offering regular Firm wide and departmental training, ensuring that staff are in a strong position to evolve with changes to the law and continue to offer an exceptional service to our clients.
Our Training Programme
At Wolferstans we recognise everyone’s route to qualification is different and our training programme is designed to support this.
In March 2025, our first cohort of graduate solicitor apprentices will begin their apprenticeships with us. For the past 3 years, our programme has included trainees completing their period of qualifying work experience whilst undertaking their Solicitors Qualifying Exams (SQE). We continue to offer training opportunities to students who have completed their Legal Practice Course and wish to undertake their period of recognised training with us, also known as a Training Contract. All of our trainees are given the same opportunities and we encourage them to support each other, regardless of their route to qualification.
Over the course of two years, our trainees will work within four departments of the Firm, known as training ‘seats’. We make sure that we talk to our trainees about which areas they are passionate about experiencing before they start their training. During their training programme, our trainees will have an opportunity to work within nationally accredited teams and learn from industry experts across a range of specialist legal services.
Hear From Our Trainees & Training Team
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Molly Disney, Trainee Solicitor
Trainee life at Wolferstans is both rewarding and varied. As a trainee, there is the opportunity to have an in-depth experience of many departments whether that be through file work, client contact, attending Court and/or the chance to engage in various networking events. Wolferstans’ environment is friendly and supportive, the firm encourages the development of strong relationships with colleagues and other professionals outside the firm which creates a workplace where I feel valued and connected to others. During my time as a trainee, I have felt particularly supported with my studies and exams, with the firm being understanding and encouraging while I balance full-time employment. I would encourage anyone seeking to develop their legal career to apply to Wolferstans.
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Gracie Coleman, Trainee Solicitor
Training at Wolferstans was, in my view, the best career decision I could have made for myself. When deciding where to undertake my training contract, I knew I wanted to work somewhere where I would be seen as more than just a number, but a human being. Wolferstans is exactly that. It is a collaborative environment where you are seen for what you bring to the firm – your personality, your ideas, your determination, your experiences, your diversity. You need not have years and years of technical experience to earn your seat at the table and have your views and suggestions heard. No matter how junior, there are always opportunities to become involved in anything that you are willing to, and the support is always there from those in the senior roles, too. I would encourage anyone wishing to pursue a career in a supportive, friendly environment to apply for our training opportunities.
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Jasmine Tottel-Clarke, Trainee Solicitor
From my first day working as a Paralegal at Wolferstans, I recognised the firm’s strong commitment to my personal development and progression. I was ecstatic when I later received an offer to undertake my Qualifying Work Experience at the firm, and accepting the offer was the best (and easiest) decision I have made. I have consistently been given constructive feedback, offered all kinds of support when I have needed it, and empowered to take the next steps towards my career as a Solicitor. The main reason I have loved my time at Wolferstans so far is the people I have around me. I can regularly be found chatting with the ladies on reception or catching up with those in different departments, and I feel so lucky to be part of such a special, caring community. This is particularly appreciated when navigating the notoriously tricky SQE examinations and the day-to-day challenges of working in a high-pressure, fast-paced environment. I have so much support coming my way from all different directions, including from the training principals, my department supervisors, and my wider team of colleagues. No question is ever too silly, no time is too inconvenient, everyone just wants to contribute in whatever way they can to my learning and professional growth, and I am definitely reaping the benefits. I could not recommend the training programme at Wolferstans enough.
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Deborah Black, Partner & Training Principal
As Training Principal, I’m excited to work with our trainees and continue Wolferstans’ commitment to developing talent. With most trainees now undertaking the Solicitors Qualifying Exams whilst gaining Qualifying Work Experience with the firm, we recognise the challenges they face and are dedicated to supporting them taking the next step in their legal careers. We look for enthusiastic candidates who want to build their careers here, offering them high-quality work and a supportive culture. I closely mentor trainees to ensure they gain valuable experience while contributing to the firm’s growth.
