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
Applications are now closed for the Autumn 2025 Training Programme.
To view our other roles, visit our vacancies page.
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!
I’ve always known I wanted to help people but ruled out several professions before deciding on law. The first seat of my training contract was in commercial property, working between the Leeds and Knaresborough offices. I found the work very interesting especially drafting documents. I recently moved to the clinical negligence team, for my second seat, which I am finding both stimulating and challenging. Since joining, my integration into Switalskis has been seamless as everyone has been very welcoming and inviting. I think it helped that I often brought in brownies and cakes that I’d baked!
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 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.
I began my career as a paralegal within the Care team at Switalskis. I joined the team after completing my law degree at The University of York and have been surrounded by a team of motivated and supportive colleagues ever since. The care team represent parents, family members, carers of children and children (via their Children’s Guardian) in care proceedings.
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.