Wolferstans Training Opportunities
Wolferstans is one of The Times Best Law Firms of 2022, providing exceptional legal experiences for our clients. We guarantee a combination of outstanding legal knowledge, practical experience and advice that is easily understood.
Wolferstans is a growing law firm that has a long and proud history of offering training opportunities to those within and outside the Firm.
We offer a variety of approaches, depending on which route candidates wish to take; whether this is a period of recognised training (as part of a ‘traditional’ training contract) or qualifying work experience under the new SQE scheme, both of which lead to qualification as a solicitor. Other routes to qualification, such as through the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives, are also available.
What Are We Looking For?
At Wolferstans, we offer a wide range of legal services. As a trainee, you will have the opportunity to work in a variety of departments and we welcome candidates who show enthusiasm, resilience and the ability to develop their skills when dealing with a variety of complex matters.
We are looking for trainees who are committed to their role in whichever area of law they are interested in. Candidates should embrace the opportunities presented and the wealth of expertise and experience available throughout the firm.
We look for candidates with good communication skills, initiative and a positive attitude. When we recruit our Trainees, we are looking for the future leaders of the Firm. Many of our current associates and partners started their careers at Wolferstans in this way, including our training principal, Samantha Buckthought. You can see her story below.
Benefits Of Training With Wolferstans
At Wolferstans, we offer a quality and diverse training experience with the opportunity for future career progression. As a Trainee, you will receive guidance and support through reviews with one of our Mentors, regular meetings with your training buddy and close supervision within your team from your allocated supervisor.
We value our employees and understand the importance of a healthy work/life balance. Our Trainees are given excellent opportunities to get involved with our local community initiatives and will be fully integrated into the Firm’s supportive and inclusive culture. We encourage our Trainees to join us in sporting and social events and a range of other activities to support their wellbeing.
As part of our corporate social responsibility programme, we host charity events and take part in various activities to raise money for our nominated Charity of the Year. We want our Trainees to get involved and help the Firm raise awareness of local charities.
After qualification, we continue to develop your knowledge by offering regular Firm wide and departmental training, ensuring that staff are in a strong position to evolve with changes to the law and continue to offer an exceptional service to our clients.
Our Training Programme
At Wolferstans we recognise everyone’s route to qualification is different and our training programme is designed to support this.
A common route for our trainees is to complete their Legal Practice Course and then complete their period of recognised training with us, also known as a Training Contract. In September 2021, we welcomed our first group of trainees that are completing their period of qualifying work experience, whilst undertaking their Solicitors Qualifying Exams (SQE). All of our trainees are given the same opportunities and we encourage them to support each other, regardless of their route to qualification.
Over the course of two years, our trainees will work within four departments of the Firm, known as training ‘seats’. We make sure that we talk to our trainees about which areas they are passionate about experiencing before they start their training. During their training programme, our trainees will have an opportunity to work within nationally accredited teams and learn from industry experts across a range of specialist legal services.
What Our Trainees Say
James Portman, Trainee Solicitor
"The reason I applied for a training contract originated from my graduation in 2021. I was awarded the Wolferstans best property student and Joshua Chauhan not only took the time to present me with the award, he waited until the end of the ceremony and took the time to introduce himself and speak to my family. This simple act stood out to me compared to other firms and reinforced my intention to work for a supportive, collaborative and progressive firm."
Abigail Russell, Trainee Solicitor
"I chose to apply for a training contract with Wolferstans because of the support that they provide to employee career progression. With a high number of female employees, Wolferstans have proven they can support women in the workplace at all stages of their careers and provide an avenue for consistent progression. I felt that this was therefore a great place to learn and grow in my career for a long time. I have been welcomed to the firm kindly and supported by so many in my training, which has been an amazing way to develop in my department."
Ikra Ghani, Trainee Solicitor
"I chose to train with Wolferstans because of the previous experience I have had with them within the MedLaw Clinic. Upon arrival, the support and friendliness has been overwhelming. I have enjoyed not only the legal work, but the supporting events the firm has put on for us trainees. Joining a firm with a large cohort of trainees has made the experience less daunting. From team meetings, training, to the quality of work itself, it has been in depth and so fascinating already."
What Our Mentors Say
Samantha Buckthought, Senior Partner and Training Principal
"I started at Wolferstans on a work placement whilst at secondary school in Plymouth. After my law degree at Exeter University and my LPC, I did my training contract with the firm, qualifying in 2001. I have been a partner since 2004 and became Head of the Private Client team in 2008, a role I held until I became a senior partner.
We are passionate about encouraging talent within the firm and giving opportunities to those who start their career with us and aspire to progress. I am only one of many examples of people who have been with the firm for a long time, receiving their training here and progressing, whether in a legal role or a non-legal one. I work closely with the trainees throughout their training, both on distinct projects and through mentoring their seats."
Deborah Black, Partner and Trainee Mentor
"I joined Wolferstans in 2021 as a Partner in the Commercial Property team. I trained at an Exeter based firm, qualifying as a Solicitor in 2008 and becoming a Partner in 2015, but I have longstanding connections to Plymouth and was delighted to return to work here. As a fairly new member of the firm, I have been really impressed by the commitment to developing junior lawyers in all the roles available to them. I have been involved in trainee recruitment for many years and the introduction of the Solicitors Qualifying Exams means it is a very interesting and exciting time for those starting a career in law. Wolferstans looks for candidates who are committed to building their career here, and in return, as well as the high-quality work available, you will be welcomed into a supportive culture that aims to develop your talents and help you achieve your career goals."
Training applications are now closed. Please follow us on social media @Wolferstans to stay up to date with our upcoming training opportunities.