Switching Careers: Brave Move or Bold Strategy?
Changing careers is not uncommon but making that change later in life can feel especially daunting. This blog explores Trainee Solicitor Priya Mahey’s journey and what she learned along the way.
Trainee Hub
Welcome to our Trainee Hub – here you can find a raft of information and resources to help you decide if you’d like to for a Training Contract at Machins.
A training contract is the first step in your legal career. We make every effort to provide our trainees with the opportunity to gain experience outside of just developing their technical expertise and to become well-rounded solicitors with a real investment in the firm.
Training contracts with Machins
We offer three training contracts each year for law and non-law graduates from a variety of backgrounds. Applications for training contracts are now open and will close on 1st March 2026.
The aim of the training contracts is to offer a rich variety of work experience providing on-the-ground team-based experience enabling each and every individual to find the practice area that they are best suited to. Trainee contracts last two years and usually comprise four seat rotations. As a Trainee Solicitor you will work directly with a partner in each department rotation who will be your training supervisor. You will also be allocated a mentor, who will be a partner or senior solicitor, who can provide ongoing advice, support and feedback along the way.
Training seats currently offered are:-
- Employment
- Family Law (Private and Public)
- Commercial Property
- Company Commercial
- Dispute Resolution
- Private Client
- Residential Conveyancing
Find out more
- Visit our careers pages to find out more about the Trainee Solicitor job role at Machins.
- Join us for either our in-person open evening or our virtual open evening to meet the team and find out more about opportunities at Machins.
Applications for positions starting July 2027 are now open and close on 1st March 2026.
Take the first step in your legal career
Applications are now open for training contracts starting in July 2027.
To apply for a Trainee Solicitor Training Contract please email our HR Department with a covering letter and a copy of your current CV.
(Please kindly note we request that your covering letter is written without the use of AI).
Latest from the Trainee Blog
Finding the Right Mindset as a Trainee Solicitor
Starting as a trainee solicitor can be challenging, but adopting the right mindset is key. Learn how to navigate unfamiliar situations, build confidence, and set the stage for a successful, rewarding, and fulfilling legal career.
Essential Cover Letter Tips for Your Law Trainee Application
Submitting a strong cover letter is crucial for your law trainee application. This guide provides valuable tips on making your cover letter personal, avoiding AI pitfalls, and ensuring proper formatting. Learn how to impress potential employers and enhance your chances of securing a training contract at Machins.”
Life as a First Seat Trainee at Machins
Starting your first seat at Machins offers a supportive environment with real responsibility, hands-on legal tasks, and client interaction in the Private Client department. Gain confidence, learn from mentors, and build essential skills as you embark on your legal journey
Five invaluable practices from my experience as a trainee solicitor
I have just embarked on my final six months as a trainee solicitor, and reflecting on my training contract experience so far, the past 18 months have undoubtedly been an invaluable learning curve. As I progress towards qualification, I have begun to reflect on the lessons learnt and experience gained. As a prospective trainee I
Trainee Solicitors – The Future of the Firm
It is important to note when applying for training contracts at regional firms, your role is more than understanding the law in which seat you are training in. Here at Machins, as a trainee you are viewed as the future of the firm and so from day one you will have an active role in
Tips on Considering the Area of Law to Qualify Into
Thinking about the area of law that you would like to qualify into can be tricky. Some trainees know exactly what area of law they want to qualify in before they even start their training contract and others have absolutely no idea. Some trainees start their training contracts thinking they know exactly what they want
Life as a Third Seat Trainee
I am currently in the third seat of my training contract in the Commercial Property department and this will be my second time working as a trainee in the team. I thought it would be good to give an overview of what a Commercial Property trainee does on day-to-day basis, although no two days are
Who are we?
Machins Solicitors is a highly regarded full-service law firm with over 120 staff working across our two offices in Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire. We offer a wide range of legal services across both commercial and private client sectors, with our client base ranging from individuals, soles traders, SMEs, national, international businesses and multinational corporations.
We are recognised in the latest edition of Legal 500 UK achieving seven practice area recommendations including a top-tier firm recommendation in the area of family law.
We are proud of our highly experienced legal team with backgrounds from reputable local and City firms. We achieve great results when it comes to staff retention; take a look at our partners, some of whom joined us as trainees! Cultivating a sense of pride in your work is at the core of our staff ethos – we aim to go above and beyond when it comes to valuing and investing in our employees.
We want Machins to be a great place to work so we take the time to listen to feedback and understand what we can do to support our workforce from both a personal and professional perspective. We understand the importance of well-being, home and family so we take the time to actively encourage a healthy work-life balance recognising that all our staff need to enjoy their life at work as well as outside the office
We have a great team and the winning combination of our friendly people and inclusive culture is what makes us great to work for. We’re down to earth, likeable and caring.
We are incredibly proud of our diverse workforce that reflects all backgrounds, talents and routes into the legal profession. We want you to achieve your full potential so our training programme ensures every employee has the chance to develop their core skills to progress and succeed in their legal careers.
What our trainees say
“Training contracts at Machins are designed to help people become rounded practitioners. The support I have received along with the breadth of exposure has enabled me to gain a strong foundation in multiple practice areas and a good understanding of how different areas of law interconnect. I have also benefitted from invaluable career support which has helped me consider my pathway carefully ahead of qualification.”
Aedan Courtney (Trainee Solicitor – Year 2 of Trainee Programme)
“Since joining Machins as a trainee, I’ve worked closely with clients, attended court hearings and client meetings, and received regular, constructive feedback. The work given to me across the three training seats I’ve completed so far has been varied and challenging, and each department that I have worked with has helped me to continue to progress throughout my training contract.”
Estella McMahon (Trainee Solicitor – Year 2 of Trainee Programme)
What our current trainees say
“My first seat in the Employment Team has given me great hands-on experience and client exposure. I’ve learned so much already, and with the help of my colleagues, I have been able to ask questions to develop my understanding of this area of law. It’s been an exciting start to my training contract and I’m really looking forward to seeing what the next seat is!”
Priya Mahey (Trainee Solicitor – Year 1 of Trainee Programme)
“Since starting at Machins just over a year ago as a Paralegal and now as a Trainee Solicitor, I have already had the opportunity to explore three different areas of law. Without exception, in every department I have been supported and given every opportunity to learn and develop my skills. I have been welcomed as a member of #TeamMachins and have enjoyed every minute of it!”
Ciara James (Trainee Solicitor – Year 1 of Trainee Programme)
“My first seat in the Public Family Team has been both fast-moving and rewarding. From attending court to handling day-to-day case work, I have been supported every step of the way by my supervising partner and the team, who are approachable, encouraging, and always ready to offer guidance. The fast pace has helped me learn quickly, adapt to new challenges, and build confidence in my work.”
Nadiyah Khanum (Trainee Solicitor – Year 1 of Trainee Programme)