Applications are now closed for 2026.  The next intake will be for 2027.

During the two year training period trainee solicitors usually spend six months in four of the top leading law firm, Payne Hicks Beach LLP’s six specialist departments, so that they have experience of a wide cross-section of the Firm’s work.

These departments are:

• Private Client
• Family
• Company and Commercial (including Employment)
• Property
• Dispute Resolution
• Citizenship & Immigration

As far as possible, the trainee’s choice of department will be taken into consideration. Trainees are involved in the day to day activities of the department to which they are assigned. They attend conferences with clients, counsel and other professional advisers and may be asked to assist in all aspects of the department’s work. Since there is usually only one trainee per department at any one time, the trainee plays a very important role.

During each six month period the trainees are given increased responsibility, depending on their ability and aptitude, and are subject to continued assessment. Mid and end of seat appraisals take place.

The Firm considers the continuing academic learning of its trainees to be extremely important. In addition to the Professional Skills and induction courses, the Firm runs a formal training programme and trainees are required to attend all lectures and seminars, on various legal topics, held throughout the two year period.

Partners, Senior Associates and many others devote a great deal of time to your development. As one of a small intake of trainees each year, you will need to be ready for real work and supervised client contact from the very start.

All trainee solicitors must complete the Professional Skills Course (PSC) or the Solicitors Qualifying Exam during their training contract. The PSC comprises two sections: Core and Electives. In addition to the PSC, you will attend a general induction to the firm, equipping you with the basic skills you need for the first day in your seat.

Salary & Benefits

The current salary paid to our trainee solicitors who started in 2023 is £47,000 per annum, rising to £50,000 per annum for the second year. These figures are reviewed on an annual basis.

The firm also offers a wide range of benefits including private medical insurance; permanent health insurance; employee assistance programme; life assurance scheme; health screening; contributory pension scheme; cycle to work scheme; season ticket loan; wellbeing programme; staff introduction bonus; dental cover; and gym membership

Course Fees and Maintenance Grant
The fees for the Postgraduate Diploma in Law, the Legal Practice Course, the Solicitors Qualifying Exam and a maintenance grant (currently £7,000 per annum) whist studying are paid, if incurred after selection. These are not repayable provided examinations are passed at the first attempt, training is completed and the trainee remains with the Firm for a period of at least two years post qualification.

We have an exclusive arrangement for the provision of legal training with BPP.

Academic Requirements
We expect successful applicants have obtained, or be on course for a 2:1 degree classification for their undergraduate course, unless there are exceptional circumstances.

Selection Process
Trainees are selected from a large number of applicants, so very high standards are set in the selection process. The Firm recruits both law and non-law graduates and also mature students. Although good academic qualifications are essential, (an upper second class degree is a minimum requirement), we are also looking for applicants with personality and enthusiasm.

If you have any enquiries, please forward these to recruitment@phb.co.uk

Trainees are selected from a large number of applicants, so very high standards are set in the selection process. The Firm recruits both law and non-law graduates and also mature students. Although good academic qualifications are essential, (an upper second class degree is a minimum requirement), we are also looking for applicants with personality and enthusiasm.

Trainees need to develop a range of skills to enable them to become a successful solicitor.

All trainee solicitors must complete the Professional Skills Course (PSC) during their training contract and the PSC comprises two sections: Core and Electives. In addition to the PSC, you will attend a general induction to the firm, equipping you with the basic skills you need for the first day in your seat.

If you have any enquiries, please forward these to recruitment@phb.co.uk

The Firm is a sociable environment in which to work. It organises various cricket, tennis, sailing and other sports and social activities including the London Legal Walk, wine tasting and quiz nights.

All members of staff also participate in events laid on in support of our chosen charities.

The Firm is committed to providing equal opportunities in employment and all applicants will receive equal treatment regardless of race, colour, ethnic or national origin, gender, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion or belief.

The Firm ensures that everyone is equally valued, respected, and treated with dignity and fairness.

To view our diversity statement please click here

Matthew Franks, trainee, Payne Hicks Beach LLP

Departments to date: Private Client, Family, Citizenship & Immigration and Corporate.

University: University of Warwick

Click here to read Matthew’s article

Click here to read more about our wins across five categories in the Legal 500 Future Lawyers survey.

The full feedback from the 2022 survey can be found here:

If you have any enquiries, please forward these to recruitment@phb.co.uk