Trainee solicitor programme
Are you looking for high quality training in a leading law firm working with diverse and interesting clients? Apply to join our training contract programme and get your career off to a flying start.
Our recruitment window is open.
Our application window for this year is now open for training contracts commencing in September 2026. Applications will close on 12 January 2025.
The first step in your career is a vital one. It’s important to get broad experience, acquire a good understanding of the law and appreciate the commercial side of the business. Only then can you decide which area to specialise in.
At Cripps, you’ll carry out challenging and interesting work for a wide range of clients from blue chip household names and entrepreneurial businesses to high net worth private clients. Holiday Extras, Deliveroo, Harrow School, Formula One and Wates Group are just a few of our better known clients.
You’ll experience a wide range of different practice areas covering all aspects of commercial property, corporate and commercial law as well as private client matters. This will give you the diverse experience you need.
Support will be provided throughout your training contract, in a culture that encourages you to:
- care about your work, clients and those around you
- use your imagination and challenge the status quo
- enjoy yourself, developing personal interests in and out of work
- be ambitious in your desire to achieve successful outcomes for you, our clients and the wider community.
We don’t believe in hierarchies. You’ll be encouraged to express your opinions and be yourself. If you’re enthusiastic and tenacious, you’ll have endless opportunities to develop your career and make a difference from day one. This goes beyond training to be a lawyer. You will get involved in all aspects of Cripps life, where our brand purpose is to ‘be the difference’. This means participating in initiatives such as our wellbeing or EDI group, volunteering on a community or environmental project or carrying out some pro bono work – whatever piques your interest.
Our offices
Seats are based across our three offices in Tunbridge Wells, London and Horsham. On the whole you will be office based, feedback from previous cohorts indicates that being physically present with their supervisor and team results in a more effective learning experience, however there is flexibility to work from home when needed.
"We are one dedicated, integrated team, helping to solve problems and champion ambitions for our clients. As a people-first business, we are inclusive and collaborative. Everyone is encouraged to think creatively, challenge the norm, take informed risks, learn from our mistakes and let nothing inhibit our thinking.
All of our people embody our values of care, imagine, achieve and enjoy. We are looking for people who share in our passion to make a positive and lasting difference and take an interest in the wider world and our our purpose.
Many of our partners started as trainees at Cripps, and it’s fulfilling to see them thriving in their careers.”
Managing partner, James Beatton
Key dates
Date | Stage in the process |
---|---|
14 October 2024 | Application window opens |
12 January 2025 | Application deadline |
10 March 2025 | Assessment day |
March 2025 | Vacation scheme offers made to successful candidates |
7 April – 11 April 2025 | Spring vacation scheme |
May 2025 | Training contract offers made to successful candidates from the Spring vacation scheme |
23 June – 27 June | Summer vacation scheme |
July 2025 | Training contract offers made to successful candidates from the Summer vacation scheme |
September 2026 | Start training contact |
The recruitment process
Genuine interest
As a firm, our key areas of focus are commercial real estate, corporate and commercial law, and high net worth private clients. A keen interest in at least one of these areas is essential for successful applicants.Personality/aptitude
We are looking for people who start each day asking themselves how they can make a difference; who look for ways to help their team, clients, communities and the environment; high achievers who take personal responsibility and know it’s not just big gestures, but everyday actions that count. People who feel empowered to ask questions and take informed risks; who use their energy, empathy and problem-solving skills to make a positive impact on the lives and businesses of others. Many of our current partners began their careers as trainee solicitors with the firm and successful candidates may see their future with us not just in the short term but as part of a long term career development plan.- The first step in securing a training contract with Cripps is to apply for a vacation scheme. Applications are now open, apply now.
- Once you have applied, if successful, you will be invited to an assessment day.
- Following the assessment day, if successful, you will be offered a one week vacation scheme at Cripps. We recruit all our trainees through our vacation scheme, giving you the opportunity to really understand what life is like at Cripps.
- We will run two vacation schemes, predominately from our Tunbridge Wells office, in April and June.
- The Spring vacation scheme will take place between 7 April and 11 April 2025.
- The Summer vacation scheme will take place between 16 and 27 June 2025.
- Following the vacation scheme, we may then invite you back for a training contract interview.
Online application form
The application form will ask you to provide your employment details, education history and details of any work experience. There will also be some questions which help us get to know you better and understand your motivations for applying to Cripps.Online assessment & video interview
Candidates will be invited to complete online assessments and an on-demand video interview. These do not require any legal knowledge or experience, but we would encourage you to complete thorough research on the Firm beforehand.Assessment day
This will be a full day spent at our offices. You will have the opportunity to hear more about the Firm, as well participating in some individual case studies and group exercises.Vacation scheme
Successful candidates will then be offered a place on one of our vacation schemes. You will have the opportunity to learn from our lawyers and other professional staff. You’ll conduct research that extends your knowledge of the law and present project work to our legal professionals. All with encouragement and honest feedback. Following completion of the scheme, we may then ask you back for a training contract interview.Talk to us about
Related services
Our training contract programme
FAQs
SQE
Cripps will pay 100% of your course costs if you study BPP’s SQE preparation courses (including the Essentials for Practice course). We will also pay the SRA candidate fee for one attempt at SQE1 and SQE2.PGDL
Where needed, we will pay 100% of the course costs of BPP’s Law Foundations Course (PGDL). We cannot fund the cost of a law conversion course delivered by any other training provider.LPC
We no longer fund the cost of the LPC. However, candidates who have already completed and passed the LPC are free to apply and Cripps will sponsor the costs of sitting SQE2.Training costs already paid
Unfortunately, Cripps are unable to reimburse any training costs already paid to BPP or any other training provider.Stage | Salary |
---|---|
First year | £32,000 |
Second year | £35,000 |
NQ (Tunbridge Wells and Horsham) | £58,000 |
NQ (London) | £70,000 |
Contact us
If you have a question or need advice, please let us know how we can help.