How To Apply
There are two ways to obtain a training contract with our firm. The first option is to apply to spend a week with us during our Vacation Scheme weeks. Students that impress and show an interest in pursuing a training contract will either be invited to a follow up assessment with our trainee recruitment panel or offered a place at the next available Trainee Assessment Day.
You can also apply to attend our Trainee Assessment Day. We don’t like long application forms so all we ask for is a CV and a cover letter to tell us a little bit about you and why you want to train with us. The assessment day gives us the chance to get to know you and decide whether we can see you fitting into the LP team. Likewise, this day is a chance for you to meet us and see if LP is a good fit for you.
We take all applications by email to traineerecruitment@leathesprior.co.uk.
The application deadlines for the 2025/26 Trainee Assessment Day and Vacation Schemes are as follows:
Summer Vacation Scheme - 23 July 2025
Trainee Assessment Day - 26 November 2026
Easter Vacation Scheme - 25 February 2026
Click here to get in touch and apply.
FAQs
I am a little further along in my studies and have started/ completed the LPC/ SQE course, will I be recruited for a 2026 start?
We encourage candidates to apply as early as possible to get a place on their preferred training year. Having said this, we do sometimes have a space available in the preceding years so do let us know if you wish to be considered for an earlier start.
I am not sure whether my grades will be sufficiently high, should I still apply?
Whilst we do like to see top grades we will not filter out applications purely based on this. That being said, we do receive high volumes of strong candidates so if your grades are lower, we would be looking to see something else on your application to make you stand out from others with stronger academics.
Do you have a preferred LPC provider?
We do not have a preference so will let you make this decision. It will have no impact on your offer, nor will it affect the LPC loan we offer to successful candidates.
Can I study the LPC whilst completing my training contract?
We only make such arrangements for students who are already close to completing their LPC and who we invite to start with us in the same year. Our standard practice is to start the training contract after the completion of the LPC. The LPC is not an easy course and our trainees are given real client work from day one so this ensures that trainees are able to put 100% into their development at the firm and balance this with home life.
Do you have opportunities available for first year students?
Choosing your Training Contract is a big decision and if you are starting your search in your first year then we commend you for being so pro-active! Whilst our Trainee Assessment Day is aimed at second/third year students (or final year for non-law) we do take applications from first year students for our Summer Vacation Scheme week allowing students starting their applications at the end of year one to take part. We also encourage first year students not yet ready to apply, to connect with us on social media and stay in the loop with our news and events.
Thinking about the upcoming Solicitor Qualifying Examination (SQE) route?
The SQE is a new way of qualifying as a solicitor and you can find more details on the SRA website. Whilst the transitional arrangements are in place, we intend to continue to offer our usual Vacation Scheme and Training Contract programmes. If you do have a particular interest in switching to the SQE route soon, let us know when you apply. We are flexible in our approach to how we train our future lawyers so if your application is successful we can explore this with you.