A minimum 2:1 degree classification in Law or a relevant subject; candidates with a 2:2 may be considered if they demonstrate strong potential and provide context about their academic results.
Candidates without a qualifying law degree must have achieved at least a 2:1 degree and a Commendation or above in the Graduate Diploma in Law; applicants with a 2:2 degree may be considered when supporting information is provided.
For the Legal Practice Course route, candidates must have completed the Legal Practice Course with distinction or commendation, or be completing it with predicted grades of distinction or commendation.
For the Solicitors Qualifying Examination route, candidates need at least six months of experience as a paralegal or legal assistant in a legal organisation, preferably in private practice.
Candidates should have proven academic ability, a genuine desire and talent for a career in law, and commitment to developing their legal knowledge through legal research.
Candidates should demonstrate a practical problem-solving approach, creative thinking, efficiency in a fast-paced environment, commitment to developing professional interpersonal skills, and the ability to build good relationships with colleagues, clients, and other professionals.
Responsibilities
Work with solicitors and partners to support their activities during a two-year training contract.
Train in at least two departments from Family, Property Development, Commercial Litigation, Residential Conveyancing, Commercial Property, Property Litigation, and Housing Litigation, unless undertaking a specialised seat.
Take on direct client contact and work on live matters under supervision as part of training and progression.
Perform intellectually challenging legal work and demonstrate commitment to achieving strong results for the firm and its clients.
Represent the firm's values through daily conduct.
Complete training leading to qualification through either the LPC or SQE route.
Desired Qualifications
For the SQE Training Contract, six or more months of paralegal or legal assistant experience in a legal organisation, preferably in private practice.
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
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.
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