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Bates Wells Jobs

Bates Wells offer both a training contract and vacation scheme. The training contract is uniquely structured and vacation schemes take place over two weeks. 

Training Contract

We’re looking for future lawyers who understand the work we undertake, the clients we work for and our values, and who are passionate about our principles. We encourage candidates with a range of outside work interests, which we’d like to see maintained and developed over the coming years. If this sounds like you and you are also a good communicator who can demonstrate academic potential please get in touch.

Finding and developing home-grown talent is important to us. We recruit six trainees each year and look to retain all of them at the end of their training contracts where possible.

We are happy to consider applications for part-time training contracts. Please use the dedicated space on the application form to let us know if you would like to train part-time.

Over the two years of the training, you’ll complete four seats of six months each.

Trainees must complete a seat in our Charity and Social Enterprise department during their training contract. Other seats available include: Corporate & Commercial, Dispute Resolution, Employment, Immigration, Public & Regulatory and Real Estate.

As a trainee, you will have the opportunity to input into the seat allocation process throughout the two years, which provides excellent flexibility during your training. We’ll work with you to help you choose the seats that will best prepare you for your future career.

You’ll have a dedicated supervisor in each seat, who’ll make sure your work is relevant and varied, with plenty of training and support. At the interim and final appraisals for each seat, your supervisor will give feedback on your performance and set objectives for the next stage.

Vacation Scheme

You’ll sit in two different departments during your fortnight with us. But from day one, you’ll feel part of something bigger. You’ll have the chance to explore the firm and the values that drive us, and we’ll always support you to be yourself.

You’ll meet a wide range of our people, and you’ll get to know our shared sense of purpose and values. We encourage you to get involved with the whole department and any events happening during your time with us.

If you are successfully invited to, and attend our vacation scheme, you will automatically be invited to attend a final stage interview with our Managing Partner and another Partner. Following this, we will offer successful candidates a training contract. When applying for the Vacation Scheme, please ensure that you are ready to start a training contract with us in August 2027.

We want you to feel as prepared as possible for your Vacation Scheme with us, so that you can really enjoy your experience. Before joining the vacation scheme you will receive an overview agenda of the scheme, what has been planned for you, including the different events happening during your time with us. You will have contact with the Emerging Talent Manager, so can reach out with any questions about the scheme.

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