Prospective Legal Trainees

Train under our experienced legal team

Nockolds offers a training contract that encourages a hands-on approach from the outset. We encourage individuality and drawing on previous experiences. We offer our trainees responsibility, exposure to the firms business and clients, and a tailored training contract to ensure you are well-prepared and equipped for life as a fully-rounded solicitor. Nockolds's trainees are encouraged to handle their own caseload under the supervision of a Partner.

Nockolds training contract is divided into four seats lasting six months in each chosen department. Seats are offered in Commercial and/or Residential Property, Dispute Resolution, Employment Law, Family & Childcare Law and Wills & Probate. Opportunities are also available to gain some level of training in other departments such as, Company Law, International and Personal Injury.

Nockolds prides itself in recruiting trainees who have something different to offer. If you feel you have done something different and have an appreciated level of individuality, we would like to hear from you. We also like our trainees to have some experience in the law, whether this is by way of a vacation placement or other pro bono or work experience. Language skills are also welcome.

If Nockolds sounds like the type of firm in which you would excel and the training contract offered is something that you are looking for, then look no further and follow the link below to apply. We look forward to hearing from you.

Sue Stevenson
HR Manager, Nockolds Solicitors, Market Square,Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire, CM23 3UZ United Kingdom or email her at: sts__AT__nockolds__DOT__co__DOT__uk

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Top of Page ↑Trainee life at Nockolds

This is what Nockolds' trainees have to say about their training contracts at Nockolds:

The Training Contract

"The Training Contract offered at Nockolds is not about standing at the photocopier for the best part of the day although admittedly you do your fair share of preparing bundles for Court! Nockolds are keen for you to accept responsibility and become involved in matters from the outset. This is invaluable experience as you gain the confidence required for when you qualify as a Solicitor.

In a number of departments you also have conduct of your own files, will meet with clients, attend Court and in some cases actually address Judges in Chambers personally! Nerve racking but definitely a confidence boost!"

Life at Nockolds

"Nockolds is a really friendly firm! It feels like you can talk to anyone here and you never feel intimidated, which is great at a trainee level. The people firm-wide will always offer a helping hand and will take that extra step to make you feel comfortable and part of the Team. The people are down-to-earth who do not conform to a one-dimensional lawyer stereotype.

Being a trainee at Nockolds is exciting and fun, you get involved at all levels and the Partners, who supervise you, are always helpful and more than willing to give you their time. No question is ever considered a silly one, as development in skills and knowledge is always encouraged. The open-door policy, supportive working environment and relaxed professional people all add up to make Nockolds a great place to work".

Social side of Nockolds

"It is a universal truth that all work and no play makes a Trainee a dull Trainee! Since we spend most of our time with our colleagues it is important to have a good working relationship with them and at Nockolds the social events are a great opportunity to get to know everyone and to mix with people in other departments. One of the reasons I chose to train at Nockolds is because the staff here are extremely friendly and supportive and meeting with colleagues in a socially makes for a better working environment.

Every Friday the firm goes out for lunch and we also regularly socialise after office hours. There is a vibrant group of young professionals in the area who organise various social and networking opportunities (The Bishop's Stortford Young Professionals). We also have ad hoc departmental lunches and drinks, together with various departmental activities which have included a trip to Spain.

Nockolds also has a social committee which organises various events including trips to the theatre, comedy clubs etc… And of course how can I forget the annual Christmas Party, where traditionally the new batch of trainees are encouraged to organise the entertainment! This is actually a lot of fun as it is an excellent opportunity to get to know your fellow trainees".

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Top of Page ↑Frequently asked questions

1. Do you accept applications from non-law students?

Yes, we prefer to recruit a mix of candidates with strong academics.

2. Can first year university students or graduates apply for a training contract?

You should apply one or two years before you wish to start your training contract so it would be too early for first year students.

3. If I have previous legal experience, can it count towards my training contract?

Yes! We appreciate and understand that future potential trainees may have relevant previous legal experience and therefore all “time to count” forms are considered during the training contract.

4. I wish to apply for paralegal work. Is this possible?

Yes, please send in your CV to sts__AT__nockolds__DOT__co__DOT__uk

5. I have passed the Bar Vocational Course exams and wish to change direction to become a solicitor. Would you consider my application?

Yes, just send in your CV to sts__AT__nockolds__DOT__co__DOT__uk but make it clear your reasons for changing direction.

6. How do you feel about taking a year out?

We welcome applications from all types of people and if you wish to take one year out, consider the year you wish to apply for.

7. I haven’t had any work experience yet in a law firm. Will my application be down graded because of this fact?

No. We find that students often feel obliged to undertake vacation placements every year, or as often as they can, because it will look good on their CV. Vacation placements are good for you because they give you a good look at different firms. It also gives the firm a chance to interact with you. However, if you have done something else very interesting or challenging, we would like to see that on your CV.

8. Do you specify which electives trainees should take at law school?

No, you may sit whichever electives you prefer.

9. Do you have a preferred institution for the LPC/PGDL?

No, again, we feel this is your decision especially in terms of location.

10. Do you pay fees and maintenance grants?

No, unfortunately not.

11. Does the firm organise any social events?

Yes! Work at Nockolds can be demanding, so it's important that you enjoy yourself and we have a genuinely sociable and fun culture. Events are organised by the firm, social committee, and by individuals.

12. What are the people like?

Unstuffy, friendly but very focused on their work. We have always sought to hire people who have personality and a sense of humour to go with the required skills and commitment. Everyone is pleasant to deal with and this makes a good working environment.