Take the first step in your legal career with Machins.
Welcome to our Trainee Hub – here you can find a raft of information and resources to help you decide if you’d like to apply for either a Training Contract or a Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship at Machins.
A training contract or apprenticeship 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.
We offer three training contracts each year for law and non-law graduates from a variety of backgrounds. Alongside our training contracts, we also offer Level 7 Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeships. Applications for both training contracts and apprenticeships open on 1 December each year and close on 31 March the following year.
More information on both these positions can be found here:
The aim of both the training contracts and graduate apprenticeship programme 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 comprise four seat rotations. The apprenticeship route takes 30 months (2.5 years) and comprises five seat rotations. In either role 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:-
We welcome law and non-law graduates every year from a variety of backgrounds.
To apply for a Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship or Trainee Solicitor Training Contract please email our HR Department with a covering letter and a copy of your current CV. Please make sure you let us know in your cover letter which role you would like to be considered for.
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.
Explore exciting trainee solicitor opportunities at Machins Solicitors. Join a leading regional firm, gain hands-on experience in diverse legal areas, and contribute to our vibrant community. Apply by 1st April 2025!
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.”
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
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
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
During the application season, it can feel like the whole world is announcing that they’ve accepted an offer for their top choice firm or are choosing between three placements. So, how do you stay focused and avoid the trap of comparison culture? You’re already trying to balance ongoing studies alongside writing applications, attending events, networking
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
Take a look at what it is like to work at Machins.
Who are we?
Machins Solicitors is a highly regarded full-service law firm with over 119 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
“As a trainee I feel well respected as I have been given work that challenges me from the outset. All of my colleagues at Machins have invested their time in me, making sure no question goes un-answered and I have all the resources I need to develop into a better solicitor.”
Amelia Chivers (Trainee Solicitor in the Corporate Commercial Team)
“My move in July wasn’t just from paralegal to trainee but also a move from the Employment department to the Private Family department and from our Luton office to our Berkhamsted office. Since staring my training contract I have had the opportunity to be directly involved in client matters from start to finish including attending court and conferences with counsel. I look forward to expanding my knowledge on family matters and seeing what other opportunities this seat will bring.”
Ramiya Aktar (Trainee Solicitor in the Commercial Property Team)
