Trainee Solicitor - Vacation Scheme

Trainee Solicitor - Vacation Scheme Applications

Join to apply for the Trainee Solicitor - Vacation Scheme Applications role at Holmes & Hills Solicitors.

Our Summer Vacation Scheme is your opportunity to experience life as a Trainee Solicitor at one of East Anglia’s leading regional law firms.

Over the course of one week, you’ll work alongside our solicitors, take part in live client work, and get a real sense of what it means to build your career with a progressive, people‑focused firm. You’ll meet our Partners, Associates and current Trainees, take part in workshops and networking events, and gain insight into the quality of work and support we provide.

We believe in investing in those who choose to build their careers with us.

• 22nd to 26th June 2026
• 29th June to 3rd July 2026

The week will be split across our Marks Tey and Witham offices and you will need to be able to travel to both offices (both offices are accessible by public transport). We’ll do our best to accommodate your preferred week, but places are limited and final allocations will depend on availability and the selection process.

• Rotate through several departments and work alongside our solicitors.
• Complete real tasks and gain practical exposure to the areas of law we specialise in.
• Attend a networking event with Partners and Associates.
• Speak openly with current Trainees about their journeys.

Our Vacation Scheme is designed to be both immersive and selective. It’s your chance to experience life at Holmes & Hills – and our chance to get to know you. Throughout the week, we’ll be looking to understand your approach, curiosity, and potential to thrive as part of our team.

At the end of the scheme, you’ll take part in a formal interview for a Training Contract/Qualifying Work Experience position starting in September 2027. Offers of Training Contracts/Qualifying Work Experience will be made shortly after the end of the vacation scheme.

• A strong academic record at A-Level.
• A 2:1 degree (law or PGDL) — predicted or achieved.
• Either completed or working towards SQE 1 & 2 (usually through a Masters) by September 2027 (or studying alongside your Training Contract/QWE).
• Or have completed or working towards your LPC (if eligible) by September 2027 (or studying alongside your Training Contract).
• A genuine interest in pursuing a long‑term career at Holmes & Hills and contributing to the firm’s continued growth in East Anglia.

Our goal is simple: to recruit future solicitors who will grow with us.

We invest in our trainees through structured supervision, continuous feedback, and opportunities to get involved in real client work from day one. You’ll rotate through at least two of our seven offices and experience a variety of practice areas — including property, family, planning, commercial, dispute resolution, and clinical negligence.

We also encourage you to take part in networking, marketing, and social events through our Junior Lawyers Network, helping you build connections and commercial skills that go beyond black‑letter law.

“Life as a trainee at Holmes & Hills is varied, sociable and supportive.” – Current Trainee, Dispute Resolution

“It’s hands‑on from day one. I’ve worked on real disputes, contract reviews and even attended industry conferences.” – Current Trainee, Construction Division

All trainee recruitment at Holmes & Hills is through our Summer Vacation Scheme.

Applications for our 2026 Vacation Scheme (for September 2027 start) open January 2026 and close February 2026.

Please note on the application form you will need to specify your plans for studying LPC/SQE - e.g. I plan to stay at my current university and complete their masters programme which includes SQE1 & 2.

• Click Apply Now and upload your CV.
• You’ll receive our Application Form to complete and return.

We look forward to hearing from you – and helping you start your career with Holmes & Hills.

Holmes & Hills Solicitors is a large regional firm of solicitors with seven offices across Essex and Suffolk and over 200 legal professionals across a number of specialist…