Mills & Co. Solicitors

Overview

Mills & Co. is a Newcastle upon Tyne–based boutique specialist in maritime and international trade law, established to provide London‑standard shipping and trade advice from the North East. Founded in 1993, the firm acts for P&I clubs, hull & machinery underwriters, shipowners, charterers, commodity traders and other market participants and is regularly instructed in High Court proceedings, arbitration (LMAA, GAFTA, FOSFA, LCIA, ICC) and cross‑border disputes. The firm positions itself on quality over quantity, offering technical maritime expertise and frequent international work while operating from Newcastle at lower overheads than London firms.

• Headquarters: Newcastle upon Tyne, Portland House (54 New Bridge Street West)
• Founded: 1993
• Lawyers: 23
• Partners: 9
• Trainees: 6
• Offices: 1

Values & Culture

Practice Areas

• Shipping & Maritime
• Dispute Resolution & Litigation
• International Arbitration
• Energy & Natural Resources
• Insurance & Reinsurance
• Commercial Contracts
• Personal Injury & Clinical Negligence
• Construction & Engineering
• Transport & Logistics

Geographic Focus: Based in Newcastle upon Tyne with a client base across the UK and internationally; the firm’s work spans major maritime and trading hubs (clients and matters with cross‑border elements, arbitration clauses and High Court work) and it positions itself as providing London‑standard advice from a regional base with regular overseas travel for solicitors.

Training Contract

Two‑year training contract. Trainees generally sit with three to four Directors over the two years rather than fixed traditional 'seats'—this model provides exposure to how different Directors work and mixes shipping litigation, admiralty and commodities/international trade work. Training is primarily live case work under supervision (research, drafting, client contact, court/filing and some own-case responsibility) supplemented by internal seminars, webinars and mentoring. Trainees keep training records and report to a Training Principal.

• Starting Salary: £33,000 (starting salary for 2025/advertised Trainee Solicitor role)
• Trainee Intake: 6
• Academic Requirements: A 2:1 degree or above (not necessarily in law); the firm welcomes non‑law graduates and values strong academics. Additional languages and previous seafaring experience are desirable but not required.
• Application Deadline: 2026-06-30

Seat Options

• Shipping & Maritime
• Dispute Resolution & Litigation
• International Arbitration
• Commercial Contracts
• Energy & Natural Resources
• Insurance & Reinsurance

Sponsorship

The firm usually meets the cost of course/exam fees for approved PGDL/LPC/SQE providers and pays a maintenance allowance of £5,000 (subject to certain criteria and conditions).

SQE Support

The firm sponsors candidates through PGDL and LPC/SQE studies, meeting the costs of course fees/exams subject to approval of the course, provider and location.

International Opportunities

Frequent opportunities to travel overseas on matters; trainees are involved in multi‑jurisdictional files and client meetings (the firm notes opportunities comparable to work done from London and Singapore).

Client Secondments

Examples of personnel on external secondment appear on the people pages (e.g. Jacob Murray and Elina Jordan‑Shehadeh are listed as on external secondment).

Mentorship

There is a formal mentoring programme; trainees work closely with Directors and have a Training Principal who reviews training records. Internal talks and on‑demand webinars supplement practical supervision.

Apply on the Mills & Co. Solicitors website →

Programmes & Schemes

Notable Matters

What Mills & Co. Solicitors Looks For

Key Competencies

• Commercial awareness (particularly in shipping and commodities)
• Strong academic record (2:1 degree or above)
• Teamwork and communication skills
• Attention to detail
• Flexibility and ability to thrive under pressure
• Interest in shipping law and international trade
• Commitment to a long-term career in the North East

Evidence Signals

• Relevant shipping or commodities work experience or internships
• Mooting, arbitration experience or advocacy (shows litigation/arbitration interest)
• Language skills (French, Italian and other languages noted as beneficial)
• International or multi-jurisdictional experience (travel/foreign study/placements)
• Seafaring experience or maritime industry exposure (desirable)
• Strong academic transcripts (2:1 or above)

Benefits & Wellbeing

• Trainee starting salary: £33,000 (2025 figure)
• Yearly salary progression and annual bonus scheme
• Hybrid working (flexible split between home and office)
• Group/private health insurance for employees and family members
• Private health care plan
• Pension scheme
• Mental Health and Wellbeing Committee
• 33 days annual leave (including bank holidays)
• Support for PGDL/LPC/SQE fees and maintenance allowance of £5,000 (subject to criteria)
• Travel expense reimbursement and accommodation arranged/paid for vacation scheme participants living outside the locality
• Opportunities to travel overseas for work, deliver talks, publish articles and attend events
• Internal talks, on‑demand webinars and mentoring programme

Wellbeing

Group health insurance for employees and loved ones; a Mental Health and Wellbeing Committee provides internal support; the firm offers a private health care plan.

Awards & Recognition

• Legal 500: Commodities disputes (London) – Tier 2 (listed in supplementary data)
• Legal 500: Shipping (London) – Tier 3 (listed in supplementary data)
• Chambers and Partners — firm recognition and client quotes published on the firm's website (2025)

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

The firm commits to equality of opportunity across age, sex, gender reassignment, marital/civil partnership/caring status, race, nationality, caste, disability, religious belief or sexual orientation; recruitment, training and promotion on merit. The firm states compliance with SRA Code of Conduct and equality legislation (including the Equality Act 2010) and reviews its policy regularly.

• Equality and Diversity Policy (published)
• Regular training on equality and diversity
• SRA equality and diversity data collection and reporting
• Mental Health and Wellbeing Committee

Innovation

Quick Application Angles

• Demonstrate a clear, genuine interest in shipping and international trade — reference specific service lines (admiralty, charterparties, bills of lading, commodities) and explain why maritime law appeals to you.
• Highlight commitment to the North East and to a long‑term role in Newcastle — the firm values candidates who plan to build a career in the region.
• Show commercial awareness with reference to recent firm‑published matters or industry developments (e.g. arbitration appeals and commodity disputes covered on the firm’s news pages such as Mercuria and V Ships updates).
• Emphasise practical experience and adaptability — give examples of live case work, translations, multi‑jurisdictional teamwork or travel for work; language skills and any maritime / seafaring experience are strong differentiators.