Ready to become a solicitor?
At Swinburne Maddison, we’re a contemporary law firm rooted in tradition. Our Trainee Solicitor Programme reflects that. It’s designed for graduates who want hands‑on experience, real responsibility and the reassurance of being supported every step of the way.
Our programme
From day one, you’ll be trusted with meaningful work, all while being supported by lawyers who will take the time to understand what you need to grow.
We believe in developing people properly. We have two upcoming intakes:
- October 2026 – four trainee solicitors
- October 2027 – four trainee solicitors
All qualifying work experience undertaken with us is referred to as the training contract, including SQE Qualifying Work Experience.
Eligibility
- The Legal Practice Course (LPC)
- The Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE)
What’s involved
- Drafting legal documents and correspondence
- Carrying out clear, practical legal research
- Attending and supporting client meetings and calls
- Assisting with case preparation
- Supporting transactions, negotiations and ongoing matters
Supervison and support
- Day‑to‑day guidance
- Regular check‑ins
- Honest, constructive feedback
- A safe space to ask questions and build confidence
We have a dedicated Training Partner, David Low, who will meet with you regularly to discuss your progress and development.
Seat rotations
You’ll complete a series of seat rotations across key areas of the firm, giving you a broad view of practice and helping you discover where your strengths lie. Not every trainee will complete every seat. Rotations are shaped by business needs, capacity and your development goals. Seats typically include:
If property is your thing, you’re in the right place. Our Real Estate team is award‑winning and works across a broad spectrum of matters, from high‑value commercial property and development projects to fast‑paced residential conveyancing.
Trainees learn from experienced lawyers handling some of the most interesting property work in the region. You’ll see how commercial transactions are structured and supported, while also playing a key role in helping individuals and families move home, often one of the biggest moments of their lives.
Our Dispute Resolution team handles a wide range of contentious matters, from complex property, employment and commercial disputes to deeply personal and emotionally charged family issues. This is an area of practice where technical skill and human understanding go hand in hand.
As a trainee, you’ll see how disputes are managed strategically and sensitively, whether that’s protecting commercial interests, resolving workplace issues or supporting individuals through difficult family situations. You’ll be involved in real cases from the outset, learning how to balance robust advice with empathy and clear communication.
Private Client is about more than the law, it’s about making a genuine difference at important moments in people’s lives. The team advises on wills, trusts, estate planning and probate, often working closely with other departments to provide joined‑up, practical advice.
As a trainee, you’ll gain exposure to work that requires care, discretion and strong client relationships. You’ll see first‑hand how thoughtful legal advice can reassure individuals, particularly where family dynamics or long‑term planning are involved.
Our Corporate & Commercial team is recognised as a leading practice in the North East and a top‑tier firm outside of Newcastle. The work is high‑value, fast‑moving and comparable to what you’d expect to see in a City firm, without losing the supportive culture.
As a trainee, you’ll be involved in big, exciting deals, advising businesses at critical stages of growth, investment and change. You’ll gain hands‑on experience across corporate transactions and advisory work, building strong foundations in commercial awareness and client‑focused problem‑solving.
What our trainees had to say…
“My Training Contract was an incredibly rewarding experience, allowing me to develop an array of skills whilst gaining exposure to different areas of law. Each seat challenged me to grow, both technically and professionally, and I was fortunate to have extremely supportive mentors and role models throughout, who were always generous with their time, guidance and encouragement. That supportive environment played a big part in my Training Contract and why I loved it so much. The breadth of experience and encouragement I gained has truly shaped me into the Solicitor I am today.”
– Grace Ridsdale, Solicitor (Qualified 2025)
Professional Skills Development
- Black letter law knowledge
- Drafting, research, advocacy and negotiation skills
- Commercial awareness
- Client care and relationship‑building skills
- Time management, communication and teamwork
Beyond the legal work
We encourage trainees to get involved beyond their legal work.
We help you to build new skills which will help you to excel in your career. You will receive training and support enabling you to network and contribute to business development initiatives.
You will have the opportunity to contribute to marketing, including thought leadership projects. We also have a number of exciting internal working groups and firm events that you can participate in.
Ready to begin?
Our Trainee Solicitor Programme offers a supportive, challenging and rewarding route to qualification, with real responsibility and clear progression, supported by people who genuinely want you to succeed.
We are proud to have a number of aspiring solicitors currently undergoing their training contact/qualified work experience. You can see them all on our team page.
Please feel free to reach out to them. They are more than happy to answer any questions.
Yes, but successful applicants must have completed the LPC or SQE by their start date. Offers will be conditional on successful completion.
Yes, there is no requirement to be a law graduate as long as you have completed the LPC or SQE prior to your start date.
Applications are reviewed on a case by case basis and we are happy to receive applications from anyone with a 2:2.
We are also interested in hearing about your experience, whether it is working in a law firm as a secretary or paralegal or working in a law clinic.
Absolutely! Please select the relevant box on the application form.
The assessment day is our opportunity to see beyond your written application and get to know the real you.
On this day you can expect to be interviewed, meet members of our team and carry out some individual and group exercises. Don’t panic – we’re not trying to catch you out, but it’s so we can see how well you think on your feet.
Applications are reviewed by David Low, Partner & Training Partner, and Lyndsey Pitt, Head of People and Culture.
Those who we plan to invite to the assessment day may also be reviewed by our partners.
Our aim is to rotate our trainees into each of our departments throughout the two year training contract period. We aim for each trainee to spend at least 5 months in each seat, however this may alter depending on the needs of the business.
We do like to know in your application and interview which departments you are interested in – but do keep an open mind as being in practice is incredibly different to the classroom.
Of course. Our training contracts are overseen by our Training Partner, David Low. You will have frequent meetings with him to talk about your progress.
In each seat, you will also have 1-2-1 meetings with the Head of Department who will supervise your work and give you guidance and training.
No question is ever too silly or too small – please ask, and ask anyone in the team. We’re all here to help!
We require all of our trainees to be in our office at Durham each day. We have made this decision as it’s important that as well as learning in person, you listen to the conversations around you.
We have found from experience that this ensures the best quality of learning and development, preparing you to become the best solicitor you can be upon qualifying.
