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Our training contracts offer a hands-on, exciting entrance into the world of law.
We provide a complete suite of city-quality legal services to businesses and private clients from the heart of some of the most beautiful towns and cities in Britain. Through our team of over 1,100 legal advisors and employees, we provide exceptional service quality and client care, making HCR a great place to kick start your legal career.
Choosing a law firm to undertake your training contract with is one of the most important decisions you will make in your legal career, and not one to take lightly. You’ll have to consider the areas of legal work you want to work in, the nature of the firm you want to work for, whether you’ll get proper training and also the opportunities that you’ll have to secure a permanent role at the end of your training period. However, we think that we offer an exceptional place to train, and unique learning opportunities you won’t find anywhere else.
To be eligible to apply for a Trainee Solicitor role, you’ll need to have the following qualifications:
*Please let us know on your application form if you have any extenuating circumstances which you would like us to take into account should you not meet this criteria.
Partner, Head of Thames Valley Corporate Team
“We are passionate about developing talent at HCR and recognise that when selecting our Trainees we are really selecting HCR’s future Partners. So we make sure our training programme covers everything our clients expect from our lawyers… the best”
Rachel Turner, Training Principal
We open for Trainee Solicitor applications on an annual basis, with assessment centres held every summer.
Step one
Our annual window for applications will open again on Monday 5th January 2026. You will need to return a written, example-led, competency-based application form along with your resume for consideration; this is to be submitted through our careers website during the application window.
Step two
Shortlisted applications will be sent a link to take part on our online skills indicator test. This short test will help to illustrate your potential and suitability for starting your legal career with HCR.
Step three
Following your results, successful candidates will be invited to attend a first stage interview, which will take place at a HCR office in your selected region.
Step four
Successful candidates will be invited to attend our assessment centre. This is a full-day assessment led by our Early Talent Team and our Partners. You will have the opportunity to demonstrate your ability to work as part of a team, prioritise work and showcase your technical skills.
