WORKING AT WINNS
Graduates
Winns is committed to recruiting the brightest graduates in the region. If you’d like to gain experience working within a successful and ambitious law firm, Winns could be just the place for you.
Graduate Recruitment
There are many opportunities for graduates across the group in a variety of roles and disciplines, with excellent training and development opportunities. Whichever path you choose, Winns provides the ideal first step for your career, whilst supporting you with the opportunity to progress.
Legal Graduates
You’ll join us in a legal role, gaining experience in our teams before having the opportunity to apply for a training contract. Our entrepreneurial culture means that from day one, you can begin to forge your own path within the firm.
Our policy of only offering training contracts to those staff who are already working at Winn Solicitors means that graduates have a real opportunity to progress within the firm. From starting out as a Paralegal, it is entirely possible for our staff to work their way up to Associate Solicitor level.
Read on for more information on the opportunities for law graduates at Winn Group.
Training Contracts
As a growing firm, we can provide you with a wealth of opportunities that match your interests and ambitions. Due to our success, we are able to offer internal training contracts as part of an annual rolling programme.
Initially, you’ll join us in a paralegal role; your training contract is the next step. We only offer training contracts to internal applicants, so if you can demonstrate that you’re hardworking and dedicated, you stand an excellent chance of being awarded one.
Over the course of your training contract, you’ll gain an insight into the key departments within the firm: Costs, Personal Injury and Vehicle Damage as well as Business Energy and Wills, Probate and Trusts. We will support you in developing your interests and experience, and shaping your future with the firm.
“Even now I have completed my training contract, I continue to learn and develop as a solicitor, which for me personally is very important. There is also a real sense of team spirit within the department. Everyone supports and encourages each other to do their best.”
Andrea, Part 7 Solicitor
What it's like to be a Trainee Solicitor at Winns
Current trainees, Anna and Reece, gave us quick-fire answers to tell us what it is really like to be a Winn Solicitors trainee.
What did you study before joining Winn Group and where?
Anna: I did the MLaw (Exempting) Course at Northumbria University.
Reece: I studied Law at Northumbria between September 2013 and July 2017.
When did you join Winn Group and what was your first role?
Anna: I started working at Winns in June 2019 as a Legal Assistant in the Part 7 Department. I assisted the Part 7 Fee Earners by negotiating credit hire, valuing personal injury and drafting Court documents.
Reece: I joined in November 2017 as a Legal Clerk in Portal.
What is your current job role and which team do you work in?
Anna: I am currently a Trainee Solicitor in the Part 7/Personal Injury Department.
Reece: I’m a Trainee Solicitor, still in Portal.
Why did you choose Winn Group?
Anna: I applied for a job at Winns because I have an interest in Medicine and I knew Winns was a market leader in Personal Injury.
Reece: I knew someone who worked for Winns and was told the atmosphere was really good and it was a good place to work.
What do you like about working here?
Anna: My colleagues, the amount of responsibility you are given and the opportunities that arise from this.
Reece: Everyone is really friendly and easy to get along with. The work is challenging and there is good room for growth. The flexible hours are really helpful as well.
What support have you received for training and progression?
Anna: I have had amazing support and guidance from my team leaders. I think, at Winns, you feel trusted with the responsibility given and encouraged to perform as well as you can. At the same time, you have the benefit of supervision. Team leaders are very accessible and will work with you to come to decisions.
Reece: I have always been encouraged to push myself to do more and to take on more challenging cases. In my training contract I have been asked to research areas of law that wouldn’t normally come up in my day-to-day role.
What do you see as the next steps at Winn Group? What opportunities are available for further progression?
Anna: I will be carrying out my training contract for the next two years in the hope of qualifying at the end of it. I think the main opportunities for progression will be the opportunities to practice different areas of law as Winns expands in Wills, Probate and Trusts and Business Energy claims.
Reece: Hopefully to qualify as a Solicitor first! With the recent expansion at the company there is plenty of room to learn new areas.
What experience have you gained working at Winn Group?
Anna: Primarily, case management, client care, litigation, drafting and negotiation.
Reece: Throughout my training contract I have gained experience in the different departments i.e. Wills and Part 7 as well as advocacy attending CMC’s and IAH’s.
What do you think are the best staff benefits at Winn Group?
Anna: I think flexible hours is a huge benefit to balance your work and personal life. Winns also has good bonus schemes for hitting targets as well as the referral bonus for referring new employees. You are also guaranteed your birthday off as a holiday.
Reece: Flexible hours, free physiotherapy, free eye tests, a Metro discount and Tait Walker employee discount scheme.
We're hiring! Take a look at our vacancies and apply online.
What our Graduates Say
"I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities for development which I have had in the firm. which I have fully embraced and have led to me being promoted to Deputy Head of Costs."
Vic
Deputy Head of Costs
"There is a great team spirit and I've learnt a great deal from my supervisor. She gave me a massive confidence boost when she chose me to join her Multi-Track team; the rest of the team were already qualified solicitors ."
Andrew
Solicitor / Team Leader
"I started at Winns as a fee earner in the Vehicle Damage department and within a year of starting at the firm I was successful in securing a training contract."
Emma
Solicitor / Training and Development Coordinator