Start your career at Ramsdens
At Ramsdens, we firmly believe that our people are our greatest asset, and this is reflected in the time and care we invest in every aspiring solicitor who joins us.
We are passionate about your development, and committed to providing you with a supportive, collaborative and inclusive environment to help you grow into a confident, capable and compassionate solicitor.
A comprehensive training experience
Our Qualifying Solicitors Programme combines both practical experience and theoretical knowledge with structured learning, creating an environment where you can confidently develop both your professional abilities and personal skills.
Working alongside our highly skilled and experienced colleagues, you will rotate through a variety of departments, gaining invaluable insight into the legal profession while continually developing and refining your skills. This mirrors our long standing approach to training, where trainees are encouraged to turn their passions into careers and are supported every step of the way.
A supportive culture that helps you thrive
We aim to attract and retain the best candidates for our Training Contracts, and expect candidates to have ambition, drive and motivation for their own career and for the future of Ramsdens. Our culture is built on teamwork, openness and shared success, and many of our lawyers choose to build long term careers with us as a result.
Throughout the programme, you will benefit from:
- Hands on experience across multiple practice areas
- Mentorship from skilled and approachable solicitors
- Opportunities to develop both personally and professionally
- A collaborative environment where your growth truly matters
We have a strong training programme that provides high quality legal training alongside the people skills required to develop you as a well-rounded trainee and beyond, into your career as a fully qualified Solicitor.
We look forward to supporting you as you begin this exciting journey.
Your path to qualification
We currently offer two routes to qualification — the Traditional Training Contract and the Graduate Entry Legal Apprenticeship — ensuring accessibility for candidates from diverse academic and professional backgrounds.
The criteria differs for each route, please review the information below and ensure you meet the required criteria before applying.
Traditional route
Whilst we place emphasis on a strong academic background – requiring three A-Levels BBB+ together with a minimum 2:1 and have completed LPC or SQE 1&2 on commencement of the Training Contract (or equivalent) – we firmly believe that our Trainees need to have more to offer than good grades.
We expect a positive “can do” attitude and commercial awareness, along with a real passion for law and a determination to succeed.
Over the two years of their contract, our Trainees experience four seats from the following departments:
Child Law, Clinical/Medical Negligence, Real Estate, Corporate and Commercial, Court of Protection, Employment, Family, Dispute Resolution, Personal Injury, Private Wealth & Succession and Residential Conveyancing.
Trainees are involved in client matters straight away, with constant support and supervision guiding them through. A review process has been designed to provide valuable feedback on progress, with a view to maximising everyone’s performance and allowing Trainees to take ownership of their own development.
We encourage networking and have plenty of opportunities to represent the firm at careers events, participate in events at local schools, colleges and universities, as well as attending social events.
Please note – the application window for our 2026 intake has now closed. See below for a full breakdown of the remaining dates in the application process.
Hear what our current trainees say
Contract start date: September 2025
“I am currently completing my first seat of my Training Contract with Ramsdens in the Court of Protection department, based in our Halifax office. Prior to this, I worked as a Legal Assistant in our Child Law team in Dewsbury.
Since the start of my Training Contract, I have been given the opportunity to take on a high level of responsibility from the outset, including drafting court documents and applications, attending conferences, helping to manage complex files, and carrying out client visits independently, all within my first month as a trainee. This has helped me to gain so much confidence already, as I know that the rest of the team are waiting in the wings with support and encouragement at every step.
The Court of Protection department is a growing team and an evolving area of law. No two days are ever the same, and, whilst it is challenging at times, it is so rewarding to know that the work we do is having a genuine impact on improving our vulnerable clients lives. At Ramsdens, it is clear that our clients are at the centre of everything we do. This is evident with the personal care taken to get to know our clients and the invaluable opportunities I have been given so far to develop and strengthen relationships, not only with our clients themselves but also their relatives and other professionals involved in their care.
One of the best things I’ve found about Ramsdens is that, despite the different offices, it does feel like one big team. Right from my first day, I felt so welcome by not only the Court of Protection team, but everyone in the office and across the wider firm. It feels like those around me genuinely value my opinions, contributions, and want me to succeed. Ramsdens excels at fostering a collaborative and supportive atmosphere, and I couldn’t have asked for a better environment to begin and develop my legal career.
I feel privileged to be able to learn from such talented and experienced lawyers, and I am excited to see what the rest of my time in COP, and my Training Contract, will bring.”
Contract start date: September 2025
“I am currently completing my first seat of my Training Contract with Ramsdens Solicitors in the Child Law Department, based in Leeds.
From the very beginning, I have been impressed by the level of support, training, and responsibility given to trainees. Ramsdens is genuinely committed to helping you grow, and the trust placed in me from day one, despite being new to the firm, has allowed me to develop my confidence and practical skills far more quickly than I ever expected.
During my time in the department, I have attended client meetings, conferences, and court hearings on a range of complex cases, including cases where King’s Counsel were instructed. I have also drafted position statements, prepared and issued various court applications, and instructed experts across multiple disciplines. The level of involvement I have been given in each matter has been both challenging and rewarding, and it has shown me how much the firm values hands-on learning.
Child law is also an extremely personable area of the law, and its clear to me even in the first month how important it is to develop a strong network from the outset. I have been able to do this by attending various networking events with the firm, the most recent being an Autumn party hosted by a local barrister’s chambers.
Although this is my first seat and I was completely new to the firm, everyone in both the Child Law team and across Ramsdens made me feel incredibly welcome as soon as I stepped through the door. The culture here is open, supportive, and collaborative, which makes it an ideal environment to begin a legal career. I’m extremely excited to see what the remaining five months in my Child Law seat will bring and to continue building on the skills and experiences Ramsdens has already given me.”
Graduate Entry Legal Apprenticeship
The Graduate Entry Legal Apprenticeship leads to qualification as a Solicitor, which is achieved whilst working for the firm and at no additional cost to yourself. You’ll earn while you learn, contribute to real client work and grow alongside experienced professionals who are invested in your development from day one.
Apprenticeships offer on-the-job development and are a viable route for those who want to progress in a particular career through work-based study.
The minimum entry requirement is three A-Levels BBB+, together with a 2:1 honours degree in law or a 2:1 honours degree in a non-law subject with a pass on a GDL or PGDL.
Please note: If you have commenced study of the LPC, CILEx, SQE or any other legal professional qualifications you do NOT meet the criteria for the apprenticeship programme. We do not set the criteria and there is no room for negotiation here.
The programme runs across two years and eight months, and throughout this period you will work four days each week, plus one day a week to study with BPP University of Law. It is anticipated that you will remain in one department for a minimum of 12-18 months, at which point a decision will be taken as to whether it is beneficial for you to gain experience in another area. This way, you will develop skills and knowledge within the workplace alongside the learning and teaching at BPP.
The first six months of the Apprenticeship will be a steep learning curve. A successful Apprentice will need to understand how to conduct themselves in a professional environment whilst learning key skills such as time management and organisational skills. These skills will be the foundation for a successful apprenticeship, the key to combining work and study.
At the start of the Apprenticeship, you are likely to work closely with support staff to learn the key processes of the department and the firm as a whole. Once mastered, the Apprentice will then move onto conducting work such as research, drafting and general assistance that is required by the Fee Earners in the department.
Please note – the application window for our 2026 intake has now closed. See below for a full breakdown of the remaining dates in the application process.
Hear what our current trainees say
Contract start date: September 2025
“I am a first year Trainee Apprentice Solicitor working within the Real Estate Team at our Leeds office. Prior to this, I worked as an Onboarding Paralegal in the Risk and Compliance Department at our Head Office in Edgerton.
The Graduate Entry Solicitor Apprenticeship is an ideal route for those wanting to advance their legal career and who benefit from on-the-job learning. This pathway has allowed me to build my legal knowledge with BPP, whilst simultaneously developing the skills required to apply the knowledge in real life scenarios. The practice of law can often be different compared to the academic theory you are taught at University, so having the experience of both is extremely beneficial for developing your approach to legal issues whilst also gaining commercial awareness. My first module is Property Practice, meaning that the content covered on my study day aligns perfectly with the work I am currently involved in at Ramsdens.
Despite only being in the early stages of my Training Contract, I have had the opportunity to draft various legal documents, attend client meetings and have been provided with a high level of responsibility from the outset with an appropriate level of supervision throughout. Working within such an experienced team of lawyers has given me exposure to a wide range of work and skills, which I hope to take forward in my own career.
Ramsdens also places a strong emphasis on networking and building your personal brand to place you in the best position for the future. During my time so far, I have been invited to a networking event at York Races by one of our commercial clients and next month will be representing the firm at University Careers Fair and attending a Commercial Property Conference. The opportunities afforded are endless and there is something suitable for everyone. Ramsdens believe that their employees are their greatest asset and this is felt throughout the culture of the firm. I feel privileged to be progressing my legal career with such a supportive firm and I am excited for what my future at Ramsdens holds.”
Contract Start Date: September 2025
“I am currently in my first seat as a Trainee Apprentice Solicitor at Ramsdens, working in the Will, Trust and Estate Disputes team in Huddersfield.
Commencing my training contract in this department has been a really positive experience. Having previously worked in the team as a paralegal, I’ve enjoyed the opportunity to build on that foundation and take on more responsibility in my trainee role.
From day one, I’ve been trusted with meaningful tasks such as attending court hearings and mediations with counsel and solicitors, drafting position statements, letters of claim and settlement agreements all with the reassurance of a team that genuinely wants you to learn and succeed. There’s a real emphasis on learning by doing, with guidance and support always close by.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my role so far has been the opportunity to meet and build relationships with clients. It’s clear that client care is at the heart of everything the firm does. It’s incredibly motivating to see the impact of our work and to know that clients feel heard, supported and well looked after throughout their cases.
At Ramsdens, it feels as though my professional development has already taken off. I’ve been given plenty of opportunities to expand my legal knowledge while also growing my own network by attending a range of networking events with like-minded peers.
Ramsdens is certainly a firm where you feel involved, supported and challenged from the very start. The culture is one of collaboration, encouragement and genuine investment in your future. I’m excited to continue growing throughout the remainder of my training contract, both as a future solicitor and as part of an ambitious, forward-thinking firm.”
Recruitment timetable
- Closing Date – 31st January 2026
- Open Evening – 4th March
- Assessment Days in the offices – 18th or 25th March
- Panel Interviews – 8th April
- Offers by – 30th April
- To start – 1st September, however external candidates are expected to commence by 3rd August as a paralegal ahead of commencing their training contract
By submitting your application you are agreeing to be available for the above dates. If you are unable to attend on any of these dates then please specify in your cover letter.