Ashfords is a national provider of legal, professional and regulatory services. We combine legal expertise, commercial experience and our wider network to help our clients achieve their goals, providing value for time and value for money. Our commitment to excellence is reflected by the quality of our employees and partners, our client testimonials and industry awards. We are also delighted to have been voted a UK 300 employer by students and graduates in the UK for the sixth year running. We’re proud that our priorities go beyond business; our people-led responsible business programme is committed to making a positive social and environmental impact.

Whilst we recognise that no two clients’ legal issues are the same, we aim always to provide straightforward, timely advice, delivered in clear and simple language. As a full service firm we cover a wide range of practice areas across three divisions: Real Estate, Commercial Services and Private Wealth. We advise clients across a number of industries with a focus on technology, energy and waste, retail and the public sector. We service clients internationally through our ADVOC network of independent law firms, and work on a number of cross border transactions.

You will experience four areas of law during your training contract, spending six months getting to grips with each department. You have a choice of either a Bristol or a South West based training contract. Our South West trainees will have the opportunity to work across our Exeter, Taunton and Plymouth offices. Our trainees play an integral role in business development and marketing so you will be involved in a variety of events giving exposure to our diverse client base for networking.

Our trainees experience real work and are very much part of the team – you go to meetings, attend court, engage with our clients and understand the cases you are working on. We believe there's no better way to learn than by experience, and it provides an excellent start to your legal career.

To see if we’re right for each other, you can attend one of our summer schemes, which will provide an honest insight into working at Ashfords.

You can choose to spend a week in either our Bristol or Exeter office, where you will be provided with some challenging yet rewarding trainee tasks. You’ll also spend time with our current Trainees, gaining first-hand knowledge of what it’s like to be a Trainee Solicitor at Ashfords.

You will then have the opportunity to secure a training contract with us by taking part in an assessment centre on the final day of the summer scheme.

Ashfords are proud to have offered apprenticeships for four years running to over 25 legal and business apprentices. Apprenticeships at Ashfords provide a great opportunity to get stuck into the world of work and gain practical experience in a professional environment. The apprenticeships are between 18 - 24 months long and you'll develop key skills that are highly transferable.

How do I become an apprentice?

We are looking for people who are motivated to learn and have a positive, can-do approach. You will also need to demonstrate excellent communication skills, be highly organised and have good attention to detail. We expect a good standard of education and are looking for our apprentices to have 8 GCSEs at grade A*- C (including Maths & English). To apply for our Paralegal apprenticeship, you must also have (or be expecting) 3 A Levels at grade C or above.

Further information on how to apply and available roles can be found on our website:www.ashfords.co.uk/careers#apprenticeships

Salary varies with location

Full course bursary given for the LPC when you study at any University of Law.  All PSC courses and Practice Certificate fees are paid by the firm.

The annual benefits include:

23 days paid leave (increases to 25 on qualification)

Birthday day off

Additional Ashfords Christmas day off

Holiday purchase scheme

Free in-house gym (Exeter office)

5% firm contribution pension

Membership of The Junior Lawyers Division

Cycle scheme

Annual bonus scheme 

Firm-funded healthcare cash plan (Medicash)

We receive a large number of applications and look for trainees with a minimum 2:1 degree. However, if you have a different background – such as another degree, or you've taken an unusual qualification route, this might not be a barrier. Just make it clear what you think you can offer us in your application! We are always interested in applicants who can recognise their own unique skills.

When you’re ready, apply here.