An exceptional opportunity has arisen for a talented and ambitious aspiring solicitor to join Mills & Reeve as a trainee solicitor in our Norwich office, starting in September 2026.
The role
This vacancy has arisen unexpectedly, creating a rare chance to join our 2026 trainee cohort and begin your legal career at one of the UK's leading law firms.
As a trainee solicitor at Mills & Reeve, you will complete your Qualifying Work Experience (QWE) with us over a two-year period, gaining exposure to high-quality work, market-leading clients and outstanding colleagues across a range of practice areas. If relevant, we will also sponsor and support you through SQE2 during your training contract, leading to qualification in September 2028.
Joining our Norwich office offers the opportunity to be part of a friendly and close-knit trainee cohort while working on nationally significant matters for clients across the UK. You will train alongside other September 2026 trainees, benefiting from the Emerging Talent development programme, support network and opportunities to build relationships across the firm.
The person
To be considered, you must:
Be available to start in September 2026.
Have already achieved a pass in the LPC or a pass in SQE1.
Be seeking an opportunity to complete your Qualifying Work Experience and qualify as a solicitor.
Be available to complete online psychometric assessments the week commencing 17th August and be available to attend in person interviews/assessment centre in Norwich 24th and 25th August.
We are seeking candidates who can demonstrate:
Collaboration - Building positive relationships and contributing to a supportive culture across teams and all levels of the business.
Growth Mindset - Actively seeking opportunities to learn, develop and continuously improve.
Getting Things Done - Taking initiative, managing priorities effectively and delivering high-quality work to deadlines.
Resilience - Adapting to change, staying positive under pressure and remaining focused when faced with challenges.
Client Focus - Communicating effectively, understanding client needs and delivering excellent service with integrity.
Business & Commercial Mindset - Understanding the wider business environment and recognising how it impacts clients and the firm.
Analysis & Problem Solving - Evaluating information, thinking critically and using technology to develop effective solutions.
A genuine commitment to building a long-term career with Mills & Reeve.
The activities
During your training contract you will:
Undertake a series of seats across different practice areas.
Work directly with partners, legal experts and clients.
Develop your technical and commercial legal skills.
Build your understanding of different sectors and clients.
Participate in business development, networking and firm initiatives.
Receive structured training, mentoring and regular feedback.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.
The benefits
As you'd expect, we offer a competitive salary and a wide range of benefits. Click here to find out more about our core benefit offering.
Pre employment screening
If we offer you a role, we will conduct comprehensive pre-employment screening. This screening will include, but is not limited to, a basic DBS, verification of your right to work, a three year employment history and a self-declaration to assess your character and suitability for the role. Full details of our pre-screening employment process are available upon request.
Use of AI during the recruitment process
Technology is changing rapidly and we are all increasingly using AI software in our day to day lives, as well as using it to support our learning and professional development.
Here at Mills & Reeve, we embrace the use of technology and AI and we recognise that candidates may use AI tools to support their applications. As a regulated industry, we expect candidates to use such tools responsibly, honestly and in a manner that allows us to make a fair and accurate assessment of their individual skills, experience and suitability for the role.
Please ensure you have thoroughly read the document attached below to understand what we deem acceptable uses of AI.
The firm
Mills & Reeve is centred on achieving more for clients, their businesses and the wider communities we serve. Our clients and their industries benefit from our knowledge and learning, and receive consistent experiences with no surprises. We tell them what they need to know when they need to know it.
We build personal relationships, with advice individually tailored to individual need. And if clients need things we don't offer, we draw on our network to give recommendations. Our 1,450 plus people and over 850 lawyers share one vision - achieving more for clients.
By joining Mills & Reeve, you'll have the chance to build your skills and experience within a firm that's not only ranked in the top 50 UK law firms, but also one that truly values their people. We're also ranked in The Sunday Times Best Places to Work list, and have been awarded Platinum Investors in People. Our mantra is “Achieve more. Together.”, which we feel embodies our purpose and is more than just a catchphrase!
Our values are the principles that help us fulfil our purpose. Our people shaped them and live them every day.
- We're ambitious - We aim high, we embrace new ideas and we're passionate about our work
- We're open - We communicate openly and honestly to build trust, and we do what's right
- We care - We're committed to each other, our clients, our communities and the planet
- We collaborate - We're easy to work with, we offer help willingly and we get things done - together
And finally
Everyone at Mills & Reeve brings a unique perspective and ideas to the team and we do everything we can to help each person to thrive. We're committed to providing an inclusive and supportive working environment, are happy to consider flexible working arrangements, and want to achieve the right balance for both our people and the firm. We encourage everyone to ask if they feel they need any workplace adjustments, and will do our best to support with these.
To find out more about our diversity and inclusion work, visit our website.
