Wilkes Solicitors

Values & Culture

Practice Areas

• Corporate & M&A
• Commercial Contracts
• Banking & Finance
• Employment
• Immigration
• Dispute Resolution & Litigation
• Real Estate
• Insolvency & Restructuring
• Environment & Planning
• Private Client & Wealth
• Personal Injury & Clinical Negligence
• Construction & Engineering
• Regulatory & Compliance
• Energy & Natural Resources
• Transport & Logistics
• Tax

Geographic Focus: UK (Birmingham-based) with national reach and international associations/coverage in over 40 countries.

Training Contract

Two-year training contract; firm recruits 4–5 trainees annually. Applications accepted from second year of degree onwards. Academic requirement: minimum ABB at A-level (or equivalent) and at least a 2.1 degree classification. LPC or SQE route accepted; LPC candidates must meet SRA transitional rules

• Application Deadline: 30th June 2026

SQE Support

Firm will fund the cost of SQE2 exam; financial assistance towards SQE2 provided. SQE candidates must pass SQE1 before starting; option to complete SQE2 during the training contract.

Mentorship

Direct mentorship from partners from day one; culture of 'open doors' and minimal hierarchy with active support from partners and senior staff.

Apply on the Wilkes Solicitors website →

Notable Matters

What Wilkes Solicitors Looks For

Key Competencies

• Determination and ambition
• Client-centric focus
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Curiosity and drive
• Integrity

Evidence Signals

• Academic achievements (minimum ABB at A-level and at least a 2.1 degree expected, though assessed holistically)
• Relevant work experience and completed application sections (academic achievements, work experience, reasons for applying)
• Demonstrable client-focus, teamwork and examples of ambition/determination
• Engagement with CSR or community activities and interest in partner-led mentorship

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

• Focus on talent rather than the prestige of universities when selecting trainees and graduates
• Writing clear and unbiased job descriptions and adverts to prevent bias
• Using diverse panels in recruitment
• Partnering with recruiters who focus on diversity and recruit from a range of backgrounds
• Inclusive culture supported by social activities, regular events, storytelling and publications
• Strict policy against discrimination, harassment and bullying
• Shortlisted and recognised at Women and Diversity in Law Awards 2026

Pro Bono

Active CSR and charitable partnerships including a two-year Charity of the Year partnership (Marie Curie) and 2025/2026 Charity of the Year When You Wish Upon a Star; employees given two volunteer days per year; firm organises fundraising events, volunteering (coaching youth sports, litter picking,)

Innovation

Wilkes emphasises sustainable, paperlight operations and uses online learning/portal technology for training and compliance; innovation focus is currently on operational efficiency and sustainability rather than explicit legaltech products.

• Paperlight working – prioritising paperless and hybrid files (86% reduction in printing)
• Hybrid working model to reduce carbon footprint and increase flexibility
• Dedicated Sustainability Team driving environmental initiatives
• Online Learner Management Service / training portal used for compliance training and reporting
• Energy-saving IT measures (printer sleep schedules, equipment shutdown encouragement)

Quick Application Angles

• Emphasise client-focus and examples where you took responsibility for client outcomes or delivered practical solutions.
• Highlight teamwork and collaboration—give examples of working with others or external partners to achieve results.
• If your university is not a traditional 'prestige' school, stress talent, relevant experience and demonstrable skills (the firm focuses on talent over university prestige).
• Demonstrate commitment to CSR, volunteering or sustainability (the firm values community engagement and has an active CSR/Sustainability programme).
• Mention openness to partner-led mentorship and early client responsibility; show you can manage real client work from an early stage.