The Role
Trainee solicitors complete a two-year training contract through LPC or SQE routes, rotating through legal departments including family, property, conveyancing, litigation and housing. They support solicitors and partners, conduct legal research, work on live matters, develop client-contact skills and progress toward qualification. Candidates need strong academic performance, legal training, commitment, teamwork, problem-solving ability and enthusiasm for a legal career.
Summary Generated by Built In
A number of trainee solicitor opportunities are available across our September 2027 and February 2028 intakes.
Assessment Centres will be held on Thursday 11th and Friday 12th March 2027.
Deadline for applications: Friday 20th November 2026.
Judge & Priestley LLP is a Legal 200 leading regional law firm, serving a wide range of commercial and private clients across South East London and the surrounding counties. From our Head Office in Bromley and additional offices in Beckenham, Blackheath, Sidcup and London, we provide expert legal services across a broad range of practice areas.
Established in 1889, we've evolved into a modern, progressive firm with a strong reputation for developing talent, promoting from within and creating an inclusive workplace where people can thrive. Our commitment to a People First culture means that the wellbeing, development and success of our people sit at the heart of everything we do. This dedication was recognised nationally when we received the LexisNexis Wellbeing Award, celebrating the firm's ongoing commitment to supporting employee wellbeing and fostering a positive working environment.
We are always looking for bright and enthusiastic individuals who share our values. In return, we will invest in your development, provide excellent learning opportunities, and support you in achieving your full potential. Our teams specialise in key areas of law, including Housing Management, Private Client, Debt Recovery, Family, Residential Conveyancing, Property Litigation, Property Development and Commercial Property, delivering forward-thinking legal solutions to a loyal and growing client base.
At J&P, you won't be just another trainee. You'll be part of a supportive and collaborative team where your contribution is valued from day one. We pride ourselves on providing meaningful responsibility, genuine career progression opportunities and a culture built on integrity, respect, wellbeing and community
Your Training and Attributes
Your training
You will be working with solicitors and partners to support their activities and your training will be split between at least two of the following departments: Family, Property Development, Commercial Litigation, Residential Conveyancing, Commercial Property, Property Litigation and Housing Litigation (unless you are undertaking a specialised seat). From an early stage, you will be encouraged, under supervision, to take on direct client contact and work on live matters as part of your training and progression. Successful candidates at J&P have, in the past, progressed their careers within the business up to partner level.
During your training you will be involved in intellectually challenging work and be provided with the support needed to flourish into an outstanding solicitor. You will be expected to put in lots of hard work and plenty of commitment to achieve the best results for the firm and for our clients. You will be expected to behave in a way that is representative and in line with our values and demonstrate these values on a daily basis.
Your attributes
You are a bright enthusiastic candidate with proven academic abilities and have a genuine desire and talent for a career in law. As an able and committed team player you enjoy legal research and are committed to taking the lead in enhancing your knowledge to ensure that you have a strong understanding of the law. You also have a practical problem-solving approach and the ability to think creatively whilst working efficiently in a fast-paced environment. You will be committed to developing the “soft skills” that our profession requires in order to develop and further good relationships with colleagues, our clients and fellow professionals.
Eligibility Criteria
Two-year Training Contract leading to qualification under the LPC route.
You have;
- A minimum 2:1 degree classification in Law or a relevant subject. We will also consider candidates with a 2:2 who can demonstrate strong potential and provide context regarding their academic results.
- If you do not hold a qualifying law degree, you must have achieved at least a 2:1 in your degree and a Commendation or above in the GDL. Applications from candidates with a 2:2 degree may be considered where supporting information is provided.
- Successful completion of the Legal Practice Course with distinction or commendation or are in the process of completing your Legal Practice Course at present with predicted grades of a distinction or commendation
SQE Training Contract (24 months)
- A minimum 2:1 degree classification in Law or a relevant subject. We will also consider candidates with a 2:2 who can demonstrate strong potential and provide context regarding their academic results.
- If you do not hold a qualifying law degree, you must have achieved at least a 2:1 in your degree and a Commendation or above in the GDL. Applications from candidates with a 2:2 degree may be considered where supporting information is provided. At least 6 months experience as a paralegal or a legal assistant gained in a legal organisation, preferably in private practice.
- This will be partially funded by Judge & Priestley
SQE1 Preparation Course | Courses | BPP
SQE2 Preparation Course | Courses | BPP
Salary & Benefits and How to Apply
Salary and Benefits
We offer an attractive salary and benefits.
The successful candidate will be paid £31,875 per annum in their first year and £32,875 per annum in their second year of training.
At J&P, we believe our people are our greatest asset. Alongside 25 days' annual leave plus bank holidays, you'll benefit from a market-leading package including a profit share bonus, Medicash plan with virtual GP access, birthday leave, paid volunteering days, long service awards, employer pension contributions, death in service cover, cycle to work scheme, and support with legal fees. As a firm that genuinely invests in its people, we are proud to offer clear progression opportunities, award-winning wellbeing initiatives and a supportive culture that helps our colleagues succeed.
How to apply
If you feel your attributes, experience and skillset match our requirements, we would be interested in hearing from you.
Please apply with your CV and a covering letter (limited to one A4-sized page). Your covering letter should succinctly set out:
- Why you consider yourself suitable for the role
- Which route you are applying for
- Your preferred training seats and whether you would prefer a specialised seat
Please note that while we cannot guarantee your preferred seat will be offered, we will endeavour to accommodate your request should you be successful.
About
We are a Legal 200 leading regional law firm, serving a wide range of commercial and private clients across London and the surrounding counties, from our Head Office in Bromley. Established since 1889, we’ve come a long way and today we are a modern, progressive practice, proud of our record on diversity and inclusion and reputation for training and promoting staff from within the business.At Judge & Priestley, we invest in our expertise. We recruit the best people and we are proud to retain them. Our teams have access to the latest resources and the continuing professional development opportunities they need to remain at the forefront of commercial legal practice.
Skills Required
- Minimum 2:1 degree in Law or a relevant subject; candidates with a 2:2 may be considered with evidence of strong potential and context for results.
- For non-law graduates, at least a 2:1 degree and a Commendation or above in the GDL; candidates with a 2:2 may be considered with supporting information.
- LPC route: successful completion of the Legal Practice Course with Distinction or Commendation, or current LPC study with predicted Distinction or Commendation.
- SQE route: at least six months of paralegal or legal assistant experience in a legal organisation, preferably private practice.
- Strong academic ability, enthusiasm for law, legal research skills, practical problem-solving, creativity, teamwork and commitment to professional development.
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The Company
What We Do
Judge & Priestley LLP is a leading regional law firm established in 1889, providing a diverse range of legal services to individuals, commercial organizations, and public sector clients.
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