Qualifying Solicitors Programme
At Switalskis, we pride ourselves on nurturing talent and providing a platform for aspiring solicitors to kickstart their legal careers. Our Qualifying Solicitors Programme is designed to offer a blend of practical experience and theoretical knowledge to prepare you for a successful legal career within our firm.
Our programme is structured to provide a comprehensive understanding of various legal practices while promoting personal and professional growth. During this period, you’ll rotate through different departments, gaining invaluable insights into the legal profession and honing your skills under the guidance of our experienced solicitors.
Joining Switalskis’ Qualifying Solicitors Programme is a step towards a rewarding and fulfilling legal career. With a foundation of comprehensive training and a supportive work environment, joining the programme will set you on your way to becoming a proficient and compassionate solicitor.
For more information on the Qualifying Solicitors programme, take a look at our guide.
The Qualifying Solicitors Programme is open to both internal and external applicants and is based entirely on merit. To be eligible to apply for the programme, you must have taken the traditional Legal Practice Course (LPC) or the Master of Law and Practice route, or taken the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE).
You will also be required to have:
Training will slightly differ depending on the route you’ve taken. Please make sure you are familiar with the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) requirements for the route that you are opting for.
Here at Switalskis, we aim to equip our trainees with a broad spectrum of relevant skills and knowledge in areas of business, as well as law. This really helps them to pursue a successful career as a solicitor.
In my role as training principal, I love to see each trainee develop their skills and confidence, and flourish as a qualified solicitor. I feel privileged to play a part in their journey.
Amy ClowreyDirector and Solicitor
The deadline for applications for 2023 has now passed. This page will be updated when the next round of applications is open.
We’re committed to providing a progressive and inclusive Career Development Programme that starts from the moment you join us. Our programme is designed to provide a well-rounded training experience. You’ll be exposed to various legal disciplines, allowing for a broad understanding and the ability to discover the area of law you’re most passionate about.
With a rich history of legal practice, Switalskis has established itself as one of the most reputable firms in the industry. Being part of our programme means you’re learning from the best in a firm with a legacy of excellence and integrity. Our efforts have been recognised as we were named in the top 50 fastest growing companies in Yorkshire in TheBusinessDesk.com’s Yorkshire Growth Index 2023 and we won ‘Large Firm of the Year’ at the Yorkshire Legal Awards 2023.
We pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and supportive culture. Our experienced solicitors are accessible and keen on sharing their knowledge, making sure you receive the mentorship necessary to navigate the legal landscape successfully. Through our programme, you’ll also have the opportunity to engage in meaningful community initiatives, enhancing your understanding of the law’s impact on society.
Your growth is our priority. We provide ample opportunities for career advancement within the firm itself. Our structured development plans are geared towards not only honing your legal expertise but also nurturing leadership skills for future roles within Switalskis.
Find out what our employees have to say about their experience at Switalskis:
I enjoy hybrid working. When I am in the office, I use this as time to speak with colleagues about their thoughts on cases and anything relevant within the news for example, a judgment. When I am at home, I use this time to complete detailed pieces of work without the distraction of the office. I’m also able to get out on a lunch time to walk my Sproodle!
In the summer of 2019, I was a summer intern and assisted the in house counsel at Pearsons Education in Beijing. I found this opportunity on Instagram. It was a challenge for me as I don't fluently understand Mandarin. While I was out in Beijing, I hiked the Great Wall of China and camped there. I'm very proud of this achievement as I normally find this type of activity very challenging.
In 2012 I joined the Costs Team and in 2014 started studying the ACL Costs Lawyer course. I qualified as a Costs Lawyer in August 2017 and in 2023 I was promoted to Associate Costs Lawyer. I've not worked anywhere prior to Atherton Godfrey who integrated with Switalskis in December 2022, my entire career since the 90s has been at the same firm.
I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do when I left school. I thought I wanted to be a hairdresser, and this is what I ended up doing, but if I’m honest I never really felt like it was for me. I worked hard and achieved my qualifications but never felt content. However, I always had an interest in the legal profession due to personal circumstances and I enrolled on an access course when I was 26 and here, I am!
I start my day by responding to any emails. I then check my task list and I complete any urgent tasks first. I complete records reviews, draft letters of instruction to experts and review expert reports. I also have cases that are in litigation where deadlines need to be adhered to and documents must be served. I also liaise with clients on a daily basis providing updates and taking instructions.
There’s not a typical day in the Court of Protection, and that’s what I love most about it. Each client is so different and so we need to be able to take each client as they come to try and work out what will be best for them and how best to achieve it. I love travelling and meeting the clients but there is also lot of time in the office - preparing advice, drafting documents, and attending court, as many of our hearings are still being heard remotely.
If you have any questions about our Qualifying Solicitors Programme, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Call us on 0800 138 0458 or send us a message and we’ll be happy to help.