Graduate opportunities

How to apply

Applications can be made by completing the application form and returning it to recruitment@hay-kilner.co.uk. We typically look at vacation scheme and training contract applications as part of one process but in exceptional circumstances we would consider an application solely for a training contract. We do not accept applications solely for the vacation scheme.

While academic excellence is important, we are also interested in your other achievements. You must have a desire to work in the North East and for Hay & Kilner. We welcome applications from those with both law and non-law backgrounds, and our current and past trainees reflect this. We require applicants to have a 2.1 or higher, unless there are genuine mitigating circumstances to explain a lower grade.

Applications open 1 January and close on 28 February for a vacation scheme in the summer of that year and training contracts to commence two years after. Unfortunately applications received after 28 February will not be considered.

What happens next

Our recruitment process consists of the following stages:
• An application
• An initial interactive session, which lasts approximately one hour
• A written exercise

Our recruitment team will carry out the interactive session and you will get the opportunity to meet our current trainees and to ask them questions.

The process is intended to test your written and interpersonal skills and to see how you deal with certain situations.

Selected candidates may be interviewed at a later stage. If a candidate is abroad and cannot come to our office, we can make alternative arrangements. We are always happy to provide feedback or answer any questions that you may have, please get in touch with Jan.

Our Summer vacation scheme

Our vacation schemes take place over two weeks in June or July and we will select up to 8 candidates to join us in each week.

You will have the chance to sit in up to 5 different departments and we will ask you which areas of law you would like to experience. We will try to accommodate all requests where possible. During the week, you will sit with a Partner or a Solicitor in each seat.

Our trainees will also be on hand to ensure that you enjoy and get the most out of the week, with the opportunity to have lunch with them so that you can get to know them better and ask them questions.

How your training contract works

Your training contract will consist of four 6-month seats in both contentious and non-contentious areas of law. As a trainee you will be given early responsibility and work as part of the team.

We think that it is very important to recruit our solicitors from our trainees and many of the members of our firm, including our Managing Partner Jonathan Waters, Jan, Tom, and Bethany were also trainees at the Firm.

The recruitment process for training contracts is generally completed by the end of July and offers made soon after.