Blacks Solicitors LLP

Overview

Blacks Solicitors LLP is a leading Leeds-based full-service law firm with a strong regional presence across Yorkshire and a serviced presence in London. The firm combines partner-led client service with broad sector specialisms (real estate, corporate, employment, dispute resolution and niche sectors such as healthcare, hospitality and holiday & home parks) and promotes an accessible, client-first approach (including a Four Hour Call Back Promise). Blacks is prize-winning and recognised in national directories and rankings, positioning itself as a mid-market firm that emphasises organic growth, trainee development and community engagement.

• Headquarters: Leeds, City Point, 29 King Street
• Lawyers: 240+
• Partners: 32
• Trainees: 3 (typical per year)
• Offices: 3

Values & Culture

Practice Areas

• Banking & Finance
• Corporate & M&A
• Commercial Contracts
• Dispute Resolution & Litigation
• Employment
• Insolvency & Restructuring
• Family Law
• Real Estate
• Data Protection & Privacy
• Construction & Engineering
• Hospitality & Leisure
• Healthcare & Life Sciences
• Sports Law
• Intellectual Property
• Tax
• Professional Negligence

Geographic Focus: Strongly focused on Yorkshire with a national UK offering; head office in Leeds and London client-facing presence (Kings Cross and Canary Wharf) run by appointment. The firm targets commercial clients across the UK and acts for sector-specialist clients (healthcare, energy, telecoms, leisure & hospitality, holiday & home parks and education).

Training Contract

Two-year training contract comprising four seats (trainees spend two years working in four different areas of law). Contracts typically commence on 1 September each year. Trainees receive significant client contact and are expected to manage matters with a high level of responsibility, supported by supervision from partners and team mentors.

• Trainee Intake: 3 (typical per year)
• Academic Requirements: A strong academic record: 340 UCAS points (AAB) or the Tariff equivalent from best three A-Levels, together with a strong 2:1. If you have undertaken the GDL or LPC the firm requires a Commendation or above.
• Application Deadline: 2026-01-31

Seat Options

• Employment
• Dispute Resolution & Litigation
• Real Estate
• Family Law
• Private Client & Wealth
• Corporate & M&A
• Insolvency & Restructuring

Mentorship

Mentoring structure includes mentors in each team and a General Supervisor for apprentices; trainees are supported by the Training Partner and HR. Apprentices specifically report mentors in each team, a General Supervisor and academic support via partner universities (BPP).

Apply on the Blacks Solicitors LLP website →

Programmes & Schemes

Notable Matters

What Blacks Solicitors LLP Looks For

Key Competencies

• A strong academic record
• 340 UCAS points (AAB) or the Tariff equivalent from best three A-Levels
• Strong 2:1 degree (or equivalent)
• For GDL/LPC: Commendation or above
• Attention to detail
• Ability to prioritise and work to tight deadlines
• Self-motivated with a strong work ethic
• Ability to communicate effectively
• A common sense approach
• Enthusiastic and ability to use initiative
• An outgoing personality (a sense of humour is essential)

Evidence Signals

• Paralegal experience within a relevant team (Employment, Property, Commercial Disputes, Family etc.)
• Demonstrable client contact or commercial experience
• Relevant academic results (UCAS points, degree class; GDL/LPC commendations where applicable)
• Apprenticeship experience or demonstrable work-based learning
• Participation in mentoring, volunteering or community activities
• Commercial awareness and examples of business development or networking activity

Benefits & Wellbeing

• Paid apprenticeship schemes (apprentices are paid as they learn)
• Mentors in each team and a General Supervisor for apprentices
• Partner accessibility and visible partner-led support
• Active social programme (firm football team, Christmas parties and other social events)
• Opportunities to attend seminars, business development and networking events
• Significant exposure to client work and responsibility during training/apprenticeship

Wellbeing

Blacks participates in community and wellbeing initiatives including Dementia Friends (firm is part of the Leeds Dementia Action Alliance and has a Dementia Friends Champion). The firm also supports charity fundraising and community volunteering.

Awards & Recognition

• Legal Employer of the Year
• Lexcel Accreditation
• Listed firm 2025: The Lawyer UK 200 Rankings
• World Class Company to Work For: Best Companies
• Leading Firm: The Legal 500 UK 2025
• Shortlisted for Family Law Team of the Year Award 2024
• Shortlisted for Property Law Firm of the Year Award 2023
• Anushka Nicholas: Shortlisted for Solicitor of the Year
• Leading Firm: The Legal 500 UK 2024
• Ranked across 20 practice areas with 4 ranked lawyers in recent national directory listings

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

We are committed to promoting equality of opportunity for all employees and job applicants as well as creating a working environment in which all individuals are able to realise their full potential; free from discrimination and harassment.

• Equal Opportunities & Diversity Policy (available upon request)
• Blacks Solicitors Diversity Survey 2025 submission
• Mentoring schemes with College of York, Leeds Beckett University, BPP, Notre Dame, and Roundhay School
• Blacks Charity of the Year and annual staff-nominated giving (Sunshine & Smiles – Leeds Down Syndrome Network)
• Membership/involvement with Leeds Dementia Action Alliance and Dementia Friends training
• Support for local charities including Martin House Children’s Hospice, Heart Research UK, Candlelighters, Macmillan, Barnardos, Marie Curie and Simon on the Streets

Pro Bono

Blacks supports charitable causes and the Yorkshire Legal Support Trust; the firm undertakes community volunteering, fundraising and mentoring and provides work experience to students (no published firm-wide pro bono hours target on the website).

Innovation

The firm is described by clients as embracing technology to deliver efficient services and runs an active programme of seminars and events; there are no detailed, named internal legal‑tech platforms or innovation programmes documented on the website.

Quick Application Angles

• Emphasise your Yorkshire connection and commercial awareness of the regional market — Blacks positions itself as a leading Leeds firm that acts for regional and national clients.
• Highlight hands-on client experience or paralegal work (especially within Employment, Real Estate, Commercial Disputes or Family) — the firm values real client contact and practical responsibility.
• Reference the firm’s apprenticeship and trainee ethos (mentoring in each team, General Supervisor, partner accessibility) and give examples showing initiative, resilience and business development potential — the Training Partner looks for dynamic, driven candidates who can become future partners.
• For property- or hospitality‑facing applications, mention the firm’s recent work on holiday/home park investments and regeneration acquisitions to show sector alignment with Blacks’ transactional pipeline.