Training Programme 2026

We are dedicated to
supporting your early
legal career.

At Glaisyers ETL Solicitors, we’re proud to be one of the North West’s leading law firms, with offices in Manchester and Liverpool. We offer exceptional opportunities for ambitious lawyers, trainee solicitors, and legal professionals who want to build meaningful careers in a supportive, forward-thinking environment.

Whether you’re an experienced solicitor or just beginning your legal journey, you’ll find a firm that values ambition, balance and growth. As part of the ETL Global network, we combine local knowledge with international reach, giving you the chance to work on complex, high-quality matters while making a real impact across the North West.

Contact Us

Training Contract 2026

Deadline: Thursday 26 February 2026.

Be part of a supportive, close-knit team where you’ll gain real responsibility from day one. With one-to-one mentoring from experienced lawyers and four six-month seats across areas like commercial litigation, property, corporate, employment and private client, you’ll build a strong foundation, develop key skills and shape a career with real impact.

Training Contract 2028

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Training Programme at Glaisyers ETL

At Glaisyers ETL Solicitors, we’re committed to developing the next generation of exceptional lawyers through our Training Programme. As a trainee, you’ll join a close-knit and supportive team, gaining hands-on experience across multiple practice areas while learning directly from experienced solicitors. 

You’ll typically complete four six-month seats in departments such as commercial litigation, property, corporate, employment, and private client, giving you a solid foundation across the legal spectrum and exposure to a wide range of clients and cases. From day one, you’ll be encouraged to take on real responsibility, work on live matters, and contribute meaningfully to the firm’s success.

We provide one-to-one mentoring, continuous feedback, and structured learning opportunities to help you build both legal and commercial skills. You’ll be part of a firm that values collaboration, initiative, and intellectual curiosity, and where your professional development truly matters. 

Who We’re Looking For 

The ideal applicant will: 

  • Be on track for or hold a minimum 2:1 degree in any discipline. 
  • Demonstrate a genuine interest in law, intellectual curiosity, and a strong work ethic. 
  • Be a team player who is adaptable, eager to learn, and capable of thriving in a fast-paced environment. 
  • Show enthusiasm for working within a full-service law firm and a commitment to developing a long-term legal career. 

Eligibility Criteria 

To be eligible for the Glaisyers ETL Training Programme, applicants must meet one of the following: 

  • Be in the penultimate or final year of a qualifying law degree 
  • Be in the final year of a non-law degree 
  • Be a postgraduate in any discipline or hold a recognised degree certificate

Vacation Scheme 2026

Deadline: Thursday 26 February 2026

Spend a week with us in Manchester and see what life’s like at one of the city’s leading law firms.

You’ll shadow solicitors, work on real projects, and build key skills, gaining valuable insight into the profession and whether Glaisyers ETL is right for you.

Vacation Scheme 2026

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Glaisyers ETL Vacation Schemes – Manchester (April & June 2026)

Experience life at one of the North West’s most established law firms through our Spring and Summer Vacation Schemes in Manchester. 

Our law vacation schemes give aspiring solicitors a genuine insight into life at Glaisyers ETL Solicitors, offering hands-on experience, professional development, and exposure to real client work. 

 

Spend a week at our Manchester office either in: 

 

  • Spring: 13–17 April 2026 
  • Summer: 15–19 June 2026 

During your placement, you’ll work alongside solicitors and current trainees on live client matters, attend interactive workshops and networking sessions, and take part in skills development sessions focused on communication, teamwork, and client care. 

By the end of the week, you’ll have a genuine understanding of our culture, clients, and what it’s like to build your career at Glaisyers ETL. 

 

Who We’re Looking For 

We’re looking for ambitious, proactive, and commercially minded individuals who thrive in a team environment and are eager to learn. You’ll have strong attention to detail, excellent interpersonal skills, and a real enthusiasm for helping clients solve complex problems. 

If you’re ready to make an impact and want to experience what sets Glaisyers ETL apart, our Vacation Scheme is the perfect place to start. 

 

Eligibility Criteria 

Our Vacation Schemes are open to applicants in their penultimate or final year of study, as well as graduates from any discipline who are interested in pursuing a career in law. We welcome applications from candidates who can demonstrate strong communication skills, curiosity, and a genuine interest in commercial legal work. 

Our Hiring Process

FAQs

Who can apply?

We welcome applications from law and non-law students, graduates, and career changers who are genuinely interested in pursuing a career in law. You don’t need prior legal experience , just curiosity, commitment, and a strong motivation to join Glaisyers ETL.

What qualities do you look for in candidates?

We look for people who are:

  • Curious and commercially aware
  • Good communicators and team players
  • Proactive and eager to learn
  • Empathetic and professional with clients

There’s no single “type” of trainee here, we value individuality and authenticity.

Do I need prior legal work experience?

Not necessarily. Experience that demonstrates transferable skills such as teamwork, organisation, and problem-solving is just as valuable. We’re more focused on potential and attitude than on a specific background.

Can I apply for both the Vacation Scheme and the Training Programme?

Yes — you can apply for both. The Vacation Scheme offers insight into our firm, while the Training Programme is the next step toward qualification.

Do you offer hybrid or flexible working?

Yes — while our trainees and placement students are primarily office-based for learning purposes, we offer flexibility where appropriate for client work and personal circumstances.

Diversity and Inclusion

We value diverse backgrounds and the fresh perspectives they bring. At Glaisyers ETL, we believe that different experiences make us stronger.

Our culture celebrates inclusion and authenticity — whether you’re a law graduate, a career changer, or exploring alternative routes into law, you’ll find genuine support and encouragement here.

We are committed to creating an environment where everyone feels supported, valued, and empowered to bring their full selves to work.

What's next? (Training Programme)

If your application for a Training Programme is successful, you'll be invited to attend our Assessment Day - a key step in the selection process and an opportunity to meet the people who will support your journey at Glaisyers ETL.

What to Expect:

  • Group Exercise: Work collaboratively on a practical challenge, reflecting our team-oriented approach.
  • Short Presentation: Present briefly on a topic of your choice - a chance to showcase your interests and individuality.
  • Written Exercise: Demonstrate analytical thinking and clarity of expression.
  • Interview: Discuss your motivations and aspirations in a friendly, conversational setting.

Assessment Days take place on 28 and 29 July.

We encourage you to approach the day as a learning opportunity - we're as interested in your potential and attitude as we are in your achievements.

What's next? (Vacation Scheme)

Once you’ve submitted your Vacation Scheme application form, our Early Careers team will review it carefully.
If your application is successful, we’ll get in touch directly to confirm your place and provide all the details you need.

If you’re not successful this time, we’ll always aim to notify you promptly, and we encourage you to reapply for future opportunities.

Not sure whether to apply?

If you’re passionate about a career in law but unsure whether you meet every requirement, we encourage you to apply. We’re looking for potential, enthusiasm, and a willingness to learn just as much as prior experience.

At Glaisyers ETL, we understand that people take different paths into law, whether you’re a final-year student, postgraduate, or career changer, your unique background could make you a great fit for our team.

Take the first step, you might be exactly who we’re looking for.

Life at Glaisyers ETL

Niamh Howarth

“What surprised me most about training at Glaisyers ETL was how quickly I felt part of the team.
You’re not just shadowing lawyers, you’re contributing to live matters, meeting clients, and seeing the direct impact of your work.”

- Niamh Howarth

Patrick Dutton

“From day one, you feel part of the team. You’re involved in real client work, see how our advice makes a difference, and get a true sense of what life at Glaisyers ETL is like, it’s the best way to discover if this is where you want to build your career.”

- Patrick Dutton

Practice area focus: what it’s like to work at Glaisyers as a trainee

Niamh Howarth
Host: Niamh Howarth

Date: Tuesday 25th November 2025
Time: 12:00 -13:00

Discover the type of work Glaisyers’ trainees handle day-to-day and what makes the firm’s practice areas stand out.

Meet the Partner: insights into practice areas and your legal career

daniel varney - Partner, head of corporate
Host: Daniel Varney

Date: Monday 19th January 2025
Time: 15:00 -16:00

Join a Glaisyers Partner for an engaging discussion about the firm’s key practice areas and the skills needed to excel in each.

Careers
Fair

Manchester University Law Fair

Date: Tuesday, 11th November 2025
Time: 11:00 – 15:00

Location:
Whitworth Building, Oxford Rd,
Manchester,
M13 9PL

 

Meet the Glaisyers team at the University of Manchester Careers Fair to learn about our key practice areas, trainee opportunities, and what makes our firm stand out.

University of Liverpool Law Fair

Date: Wednesday, 19th November 2025
Time: 13:30 – 15:30 


Location:

Justice Building, Chatham Street,
Liverpool,
L69 7ZR

Join us at the University of Liverpool Careers Fair to discover our trainee pathways, explore our practice areas, and get first-hand career advice from the Glaisyers team.

Our training programme offers hands-on experience, structured learning and close mentorship