Social Justice QWE Training Contract (2 Years)

London | APPEAL & The University of Law

Help change lives. Challenge injustice. Qualify as a solicitor.

This is a unique opportunity to complete your two years of Qualifying Work Experience (QWE) through a partnership between APPEAL and The University of Law. You'll work alongside leading lawyers challenging wrongful convictions before developing your legal practice across our award-winning Pro Bono Clinics.

If you're driven by social justice, passionate about criminal law and want your legal career to create meaningful change from day one, this opportunity is unlike any other.

Click here to view the job description

About the Role

This two-year training contract has been designed to meet the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) requirements for Qualifying Work Experience.

Year One – APPEAL

Spend your first year at one of the UK's leading criminal justice charities, working alongside expert solicitors and barristers tackling miscarriages of justice.

You'll gain exposure to complex and high-profile criminal appeal work, including:

• Investigating potential miscarriages of justice

• Supporting live criminal appeal cases

• Legal research and drafting submissions

• Reviewing fresh evidence

• Attending prison visits, family meetings and court hearings

• Working alongside forensic experts and specialist counsel

• Contributing to policy work, campaigns and strategic litigation

• Supporting parliamentary engagement and legal reform initiatives

Throughout your placement you'll receive structured supervision, mentoring, CPD opportunities and regular feedback, while developing specialist knowledge in criminal appeals and social justice.

Year Two – The University of Law Pro Bono Clinics

Your second year will broaden your legal experience through The University of Law's Pro Bono Clinics at our Bloomsbury campus.

Working under the supervision of qualified solicitors, you'll advise and support real clients across a range of practice areas including:

• Employment Law

• Family Law

• Wills & Probate

• Small Business Law

You'll interview clients, conduct legal research, draft legal documents, manage case files and continue developing the professional competencies required to qualify as a solicitor.

What You'll Gain

This isn't just another training contract. It's an opportunity to build a legal career with purpose.

You'll benefit from:

• Two years of structured Qualifying Work Experience

• Experience at one of the UK's leading social justice organisations

• Exposure to criminal appeals, strategic litigation and law reform

• Supervision from experienced solicitors and legal professionals

• Hands-on client work from the very beginning

• Professional development, mentoring and CPD opportunities

• A unique blend of criminal justice and wider legal practice experience

About You

We're looking for someone who wants to use the law to make a genuine difference.

You'll need to:

• Have completed a qualifying law degree (2:1 or above) and/or completed SQE1 with The University of Law

• Be eligible to commence QWE in September 2026

• Have a genuine interest in criminal law, social justice and access to justice

• Be an excellent communicator with strong organisational skills

• Be able to work independently and collaboratively

• Demonstrate professionalism, empathy and excellent attention to detail

• Be committed to providing exceptional client care and upholding the highest ethical standards

Working Arrangements

Year One: APPEAL, London – minimum four days per week on site.

Year Two: The University of Law Bloomsbury Pro Bono Clinics – hybrid working.

This is a full-time opportunity with flexibility to support occasional evening and weekend clinics when required.

Why Join Us?

This is a rare opportunity to qualify as a solicitor whilst working on cases that have the potential to change lives.

You'll gain exceptional legal experience, work alongside some of the UK's leading criminal justice professionals and contribute to improving access to justice, all while developing the knowledge, skills and confidence needed for a successful legal career.

If you're looking for a training contract with purpose, challenge and real impact, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today and begin your legal career by making a difference where it matters most.

Closing date for application is 17th July 2026.

Along with a salary of £34,761, you’ll enjoy:

· A generous annual leave entitlement of 30 days plus bank holidays (pro rata)

· Access to a wide range of staff and student discount platforms

· Private Medical Scheme and Life Assurance

· Contributory Pension Scheme

· Season Ticket Loans and Student Discounts

Be part of a diverse and inclusive community

We are committed to ensuring our workforce is reflective of our diverse student population. We actively seek to increase representation across all backgrounds and identities, and we provide support and adjustments throughout the recruitment process.

For more information, please contact talentacquisition@law.ac.uk

Please note: For this opportunity, you must be able to prove you have the right to work in the UK - if in doubt please visit the following link Employers' right to work checklist - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). Please note we are not a licenced sponsor.

Some posts within the University are subject to a DBS check - you will be notified of this during the application process.