A very personal recruitment process
How does it all work?
To apply for a training contract at WS you need to apply for our Assessment Day.
All applications are screened by our Recruitment Manager, Ash Evans. We review applications using blind screening and contextualised recruitment. First round interviews are conducted by Ash via Microsoft Teams, Zoom or telephone if more convenient for you.
A shortlist of candidates is then given to our Training Partner to review. If you are successful at first interview you will be offered a place on our assessment day.
On the Assessment Day you will undertake group and individual tasks and will be assessed by partners at the firm. If successful, you will be invited to an interview with two of our partners later in the week. Once the partner interviews have taken place we will decide who to offer our eight training contracts to.
We will be holding two assessment days in July 2024.
How to Apply
For 2026 training contracts:
Applications open on 7th December 2023
Applications close on 29th February 2024
Applications are screened after the deadline. We will hold two assessment days in July 2024.
Please apply via our online application system.
We accept applications from law and non-law undergraduates and graduates. We will not be reviewing any applications until after the closing date.
Requirements
We recruit 8 trainees a year and we pride ourselves on our high retention rate which means that most years we retain the majority of our trainees as NQs. Our trainees are usually from a variety of backgrounds, and each has the potential to thrive as a lawyer in our firm. You should be intelligent, personable, confident and committed.
You should have:
- A strong academic record both at school and university
- Attributes that demonstrate how you would make a positive contribution to the firm
- An empathetic approach to clients
- A clear business head
- Evidence of interests and success in non-academic pursuits
- The ability to think creatively and flexibly in a fast-paced and changing legal environment
Hints and tips for applying
- Please make sure you check your application for grammar and spelling mistakes
- Try to make your application stand out from the crowd by highlighting your skills and achievements inside and out of university. This is your chance to sell yourself!
- Think about why you really want to work for Winckworth Sherwood rather than any other law firm and make sure that this comes across in your application
Useful links
FAQs
Do you accept applications from law and non-law students?
Yes we welcome applications from all degree disciplines. We tend to get an even split of applications from law and non-law students.
Do you select candidates from specific universities?
No we enjoy receiving applications from all universities.
Do you accept applications from mature students and people who are changing careers?
Yes we welcome applications from mature students and career changers.
Do you fund the LPC?
No. We no longer fund the LPC as we are moving to the new SQE route.
Do you fund the SQE?
Yes. If you secure one of our 2025 training contracts we will fund the SQE1 and SQE2 exams. We will also fund the PGDip (for non-law graduates) and the LLM in Legal Practice (SQE1 and SQE2 prep courses plus tailored key practice content).
Shorter prep courses are available too (if you have already completed the LPC). Our chosen provider is The University of Law.
Do you still accept the GDL/LPC?
Yes we will accept the GDL and LPC if you have already started / completed your course.
Do you offer maintenance grants or assistance towards living expenses?
No, only in exceptional circumstances.
How many trainees are kept on at qualification?
We normally do well at retaining all of our trainees.
In the past two years we have retained 7 out of our 8 trainees.
If I am unsuccessful after my interview, can I re-apply next year?
No. You can only apply again if you were not selected for an interview.