Graduate trainee programme

Build a career that matters, with a firm that puts people first.

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Moore Barlow’s graduate trainee programme is not currently open for submissions.

At Moore Barlow, we believe in being a true career firm. That means investing in our people so they can grow, achieve their potential and enjoy rewarding, long-term careers.

As a trainee solicitor here, you’ll gain experience across our specialist legal teams, build the skills to become an outstanding lawyer, and benefit from a supportive, human-first culture that values balance as well as ambition. You’ll be trusted with real work from the start, learn directly from experts in their fields, and have the space to ask questions, try new things and find the areas of law that inspire you.

We structure our training so you can develop with confidence — through hands-on experience, regular feedback and access to clear learning and development pathways. You’ll be encouraged to take responsibility, grow your professional judgment and build strong relationships with colleagues and clients.

Already ranked as a Times Top 100 law firm to work for, we’re proud to offer a trainee programme that combines high-quality legal work with an environment that puts people first. You’ll join a team that values collaboration over hierarchy, looks after each other and wants you to feel at home here. And as you progress, you’ll have genuine opportunities to shape your future and build a long-term career with us.

Debbie Moors

Emerging Talent Manager

023 8071 8085

Email Debbie

Our trainee programme

We recruit around 10–15 trainees each year, with intakes in March and September. During your two-year training contract, you’ll complete four seats across different practice areas. These may include:

Corporate & commercial
Dispute resolution
Real estate
Employment
Family
Private wealth
Personal injury & medical negligence

This rotation gives you the chance to explore different areas before choosing your specialism on qualification.

From day one you’ll be immersed in real client work, taking on responsibility early and learning alongside experienced lawyers who are committed to mentoring and supporting you.

Vacation Schemes and Assessment days

We offer two routes to securing a Training Contract with us – the vacation scheme and assessment days. Our Vacation Scheme takes place in June/July each year across several of our offices.

Candidates will spend 4 days working in one of our teams before attending an assessment day in the Southampton office on their final day. If you’re not looking for a vacation scheme, you can apply for a place on one of our separate assessment days. These will take place in early July at our Guildford and Southampton offices. The assessment day is designed to help us get to know you and for you to understand what we’re about. It typically includes a group exercise, a written task, interviews and a short presentation.

We want you to be at your best on the day, so we’ll give you full guidance in advance. If you need reasonable adjustments for any element of the day our Emerging Talent team will be able to discuss these with you.

Trainee programme guide

Discover more about the programme in our trainee programme guide.

Find out more

Attracting the next generation of leaders

Every year, Moore Barlow attends law careers fairs across the South of England to meet and encourage the next generation of lawyers. This video explains what we’re looking for. It’s not only about academic results, but the attitude, curiosity and drive that fit with the Moore Barlow culture.

The support network available to us is also excellent, through our fantastic early careers team led by Debbie Moors, people support team, a mentor, and a fellow Trainee buddy. You feel valued even before you start your Training Contract, and especially so once you begin. I can’t wait to carry on and compete the rest of my Training Contract at Moore Barlow, as I know I will be obtaining the vast skills and knowledge typical of every Moore Barlow solicitor.

Michael Osner, Trainee Solicitor

From the moment I came across the firm, they have not wavered in their commitment to supporting me through the application process and now a successful training contract. I feel very lucky to be part of a firm that values each one of its trainees so highly – something that’s reflected in the client work that I have had the opportunity to be involved in since the very first day, as well as the relationships I have quickly begun forming with others across the firm.

Alessia Ricchi, Trainee Solicitor

The assessment day itself is designed to settle nerves and allow you to shine by beginning with socialising with your fellow candidates and a fun group activity. The tasks can be challenging but with the help of the Insight Sessions and careers events the firm hold, you have all the tools to do well.

Siobhan McClatchey, Trainee Solicitor

Life as a trainee

You’ll be given meaningful responsibility, from drafting documents to attending client meetings and negotiations. Our people value collaboration and mentoring, so you’ll always have guidance while building your confidence and skills.

We also support you through:

Formal training: access to our Learn to Thrive programme, a dedicated training programme focussing on non-legal skills development and continuous feedback
Mentoring: from colleagues who’ve been through the process
Career development frameworks: to help you progress beyond qualification