Careers

In Your Corner From Day One

Your career matters. We’re here to back it.

At Ellisons we believe careers thrive when people feel supported challenged and trusted. Whether you’re just starting out or bringing years of experience, we’ll be right there with you.

Just as we’re in our clients’ corner, we’re in yours too. You’ll find meaningful work, people who care and the space to shape your career.

You’ll be given real responsibility with real support, and we’ll help you identify and achieve your career goals. We’ll stand by you when things go well and support you when you need someone to have your back.

• We trust you early and help you grow
• We listen to your goals and support your journey
• We celebrate progress and help you through challenges
• We give you space to build a career that’s truly yours

We’re proudly independent rooted in our communities and built on more than 250 years of trusted advice. This is a firm where your development is personal, your growth is supported and your voice is heard.

Explore our current opportunities

Early Careers

Your future in law deserves more than a foot in the door. At Ellisons we offer early careers pathways that are personal practical and backed by a team that’s genuinely in your corner.

Whether you’re joining from school or university you’ll be given real responsibility real mentoring and the opportunity to grow with confidence. We don’t expect you to have all the answers, just the curiosity to ask and the willingness to learn.

• Apprenticeships

You’ll earn while you learn, contribute to real client work and grow alongside experienced professionals who are invested in your development from day one. Many of our apprentices stay with us as they progress through qualification and beyond.

Find out more about solicitor apprenticeships

• Graduate Training Contracts

As a trainee you’ll rotate through teams work with clients and build confidence in your legal and commercial thinking. With regular feedback and open-door support you’ll be encouraged to develop your strengths and find your voice.

Learn more about training contracts

• Ellisons Vacation Scheme

Our vacation scheme gives aspiring solicitors insight into real legal work and team life. You’ll spend time in our offices, experience different departments and meet people who could one day be your future colleagues.

Explore the vacation scheme

• Work Experience Placements

If you’re a student in Year 10 or 11, our placements offer a supportive introduction to legal work and life inside a leading regional firm. This is your chance to learn, ask questions and see how a team that wants you to succeed really feels.

Explore work experience opportunities

Associates

As an associate at Ellisons you’ll be trusted to do meaningful work with clients who value continuity and care. You’ll have space to shape your role, build expertise and develop in the direction that’s right for you.

• High value client matters
• Scope to specialise or diversify
• Flexibility built on trust
• Recognition for your contribution

Senior Associates

As you step into leadership we’ll help you do it with confidence. We identify talent early, support business development and give senior associates a genuine voice in how the firm grows. You’ll lead client work, mentor others and help shape what comes next.

• Clear pathways to partnership
• Business development mentoring
• Input into firm strategy
• Support as you grow your presence and practice

Partner & Lateral Hire Opportunities

We understand that joining a new firm as a partner is a big decision. At Ellisons you’ll find clarity openness and a commitment to collaborative long-term success. You’ll be welcomed as a leader, given space to build and supported to transition your clients with care.

• Seamless onboarding and lateral integration
• Trusted brand and strong referral networks
• Strategic freedom to grow your practice
• Support for client handover and internal visibility

Business Services Careers

At Ellisons our business services professionals are core to how we operate and grow. From BD to HR and IT to Compliance, you’ll have real influence and room to innovate. We respect your expertise and back you to make an impact.

• Strategic involvement from day one
• Opportunities to innovate and grow
• Hybrid working built into how we work
• Development opportunities at every level

“What stood out to me was how integrated business services are in the firm. We’re not just support staff, we’re part of the team shaping strategy and driving change.”

Matthew Rowe, Head of Marketing

Flexible Legal Careers

Whether you’re returning from a break adjusting your hours or shifting your focus, we’ll work with you to make it sustainable. From phased returns to part time roles, we back talented people at every life stage.

• Part time and hybrid roles
• No judgment no assumptions
• Support for returners and career changers

Learning & Development

We don’t do one-size-fits-all development. Whether you’re looking to step up, deepen your expertise or shift direction we’ll support your growth with structure feedback and real conversations.

• Personalised development pathways
• CPD and leadership learning
• Mentoring and coaching that adapts to your goals
• Lateral and upward progression options

Diversity and Inclusion

At Ellisons we’re working every day to create a culture of respect belonging and representation. That means listening, learning and standing alongside our people to challenge inequality and celebrate difference.

• Inclusive recruitment and clear progression
• Active staff networks and regular conversations
• Commitment to ongoing learning and action
• Leadership accountability

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and performance bonus
• Flexible and hybrid working
• Generous leave and enhanced family policies
• Private medical insurance
• Mental health and wellbeing support
• Professional development and leadership coaching
• Community partnerships and pro bono opportunities
• Recognition and celebration of your milestones

What to Expect When You Apply

Our process is designed to be transparent and human. From application to onboarding, we’ll keep you informed, give you feedback and treat your time with respect.

1. Apply online
2. Initial review and informal chat
3. Interview with your future team
4. Offer and onboarding

We aim to keep the process straightforward and usually move from application to decision in four weeks.