Trainee Solicitor (SQE Route)

Location: Manchester 
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience 
Contract: Full-Time, Fixed-Term (24 Months) 

About Us 

Olliers Solicitors is an outstanding criminal defence and regulatory law firm representing clients across England and Wales in a wide range of criminal matters. We are committed to providing high-quality legal services and developing future legal professionals through meaningful practical experience and structured supervision. 

The Opportunity 

We are seeking a motivated and ambitious individual to join our team as a Trainee Solicitor (SQE Route). 

This opportunity is suitable for candidates who have successfully completed SQE1, whether or not they have also completed SQE2, and who wish to gain practical experience within a busy criminal defence practice. 

The successful candidate will work alongside experienced solicitors and legal professionals across a broad range of criminal matters, developing practical legal skills, professional competence and client care experience. 

The role is intended to provide Qualifying Work Experience (QWE) in accordance with the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s requirements. The firm intends that the work undertaken during the appointment will be capable of counting towards the successful candidate’s QWE requirements, subject to compliance with applicable SRA rules and procedures. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Assisting solicitors with the preparation and conduct of criminal cases. 
• Attending clients at police stations, courts and offices under appropriate supervision. 
• Drafting correspondence, statements and other legal documents. 
• Conducting legal research and preparing case summaries. 
• Liaising with clients, counsel, courts and external agencies. 
• Assisting with Magistrates’ Court and Crown Court case preparation. 
• Maintaining accurate and compliant file management. 
• Developing advocacy, professional and client care skills. 

Essential Requirements 

• Successful completion of SQE1. 
• Strong interest in criminal defence law. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. 
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail. 
• Professional, resilient and proactive approach. 
• Ability to work effectively within a team environment. 

Desirable Requirements 

• Completion of SQE2. 
• Previous legal work experience. 
• Criminal law, advocacy, mooting, voluntary or pro bono experience. 
• Full UK driving licence. 

What We Offer 

• A structured 24‑month period of supervised legal experience. 
• Exposure to a wide range of criminal defence work. 
• Supervision and mentoring from experienced solicitors. 
• Regular feedback and professional development support. 
• A collaborative and supportive working environment. 

Benefits 

• On site free gym 
• Employee assistance programme 
• Ongoing training and development via the Olliers Academy 
• Wellbeing – The wellbeing of the Olliers team is at the heart of everything we do. We organise fortnightly wellbeing activities for small groups which allow for relaxation and ‘time out’ from the law 

Important Information 

This position is offered on a fixed-term basis for 24 months. Whilst the firm intends that the experience gained during the appointment will contribute towards the successful candidate’s Qualifying Work Experience requirements, admission as a solicitor remains subject to the individual’s compliance with all applicable Solicitors Regulation Authority requirements. 

Completion of the fixed-term appointment does not guarantee qualification as a solicitor, admission to the roll of solicitors, or the offer of any further role within the firm. 

To Apply

Please send your CV and cover letter to staceymabrouk@olliers.com. The deadline for submissions is 30th September 20206.