Trainee Solicitor ManchesterLeeds

About us

Stone King has supported clients and communities since 1785 and while our heritage spans more than two centuries we continue to embrace change and invest in the future.

Much of our work directly supports charities schools social enterprises faith organisations public bodies businesses and individuals who are building stronger communities and driving positive societal change.

Our collaborative culture and core values are intertwined with our ethos of doing the right thing by our clients communities and our people. Our passion for the sectors we work in and the purpose-driven work we do with our clients has resulted in SK being recognised as national leaders in our specialist fields across the country.

We embrace individuality and difference because diverse perspectives make us stronger more creative and more human. Our people matter and that means giving every colleague the chance to make a real contribution to who we are what we do and how we shape the future of the firm.

At Stone King our qualified solicitors are more than just lawyers: they are client experts problemsolvers communicators collaborators and trusted partners to clients navigating pivotal moments in their lives and businesses.

The opportunity

We have an opportunity for a Trainee Solicitor to join us here at Stone King in our Manchester and Leeds offices for commencement in September 2026 March 2027 and September 2027. This role will be split between both offices.

The legal profession is evolving and redefining what it means to be a lawyer. At Stone King we are embracing this change and invest in developing futureready lawyers who can adapt lead and make a meaningful impact.

Being a solicitor isnt easy. It means navigating intellectually and emotionally demanding situations supporting clients through some of the most challenging moments of their lives and showing up with professionalism and compassion in both daytoday work and inperson events. But the opportunity to make a meaningful difference to peoples lives is profoundly rewarding and its at the heart of why our work matters.

If youre looking for a training contract that prepares you to thrive in a changing world and gives you the chance to make a meaningful difference along the way youll find it here.

Your Training

While youll gain exposure across the firms sectors our Manchester/Leeds training contract will typically sit within the Charities and Social Enterprise pathway. The training contract may include seats in Ecclesiastical Property Employment Charity and Social Enterprise and Dispute Resolution

This structure gives you meaningful depth within a core area while still ensuring broad experience. It helps you understand client needs from multiple perspectives develop strong clientcare skills and gain the wellrounded foundation you need to become a trusted adviser.

• An enhanced 30 month training contract giving you the time giving you time to grow confidently thoughtfully and without compromise.
• Development in key skills: We invest in training that gives you the confidence to build relationships communicate your value and understand the wider commercial landscape our clients operate in skills increasingly essential for tomorrows lawyers.
• AIenhanced learning and assessment. We embrace technology including in our recruitment. Instead of policing AI use well test your judgement adaptability and critical thinking. Throughout your contract youll have opportunities to build emerging capabilities in AI and legal tech through handson work in our AI Hub.
• Reverse mentoring programme with the Board giving you the chance to shape our firms strategic direction while strengthening your own confidence communication and leadership skills.
• Presenting to our Partnership Council a rare opportunity to contribute to firmwide decisionmaking. Your voice matters here.
• Opportunities to build emerging capabilities in AI and legal technology preparing you for a rapidly evolving profession.
• Paid volunteering and community focused work is embedded into your training. Social purpose sits at the heart of Stone King. Youll take part in community projects and pro bono initiatives that connect directly with our firms values and commitment to social impact.
• A genuinely supportive people-first culture where development and wellbeing are at the forefront. Youll be surrounded by people who want you to thrive.

We accept applications from both those on the LPC and SQE pathways. See more detail around our qualification offering on our website. Whether youre starting your legal journey for the first time or bringing experience from another career we welcome the unique perspectives you can offer.

Essential

• Minimum 2:2 degree (or equivalent) in law or a nonlaw degree supported by a recognised legal conversion course.
• A genuine interest in Stone Kingour work our clients and the sectors we serve.
• Alignment to our core values TRUST.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated emotional resilience and composure able to support clients through challenging or sensitive circumstances.
• A collaborative and adaptable mindset able to work effectively with colleagues and clients in a fastpaced environment.
• Strong analytical and problemsolving skills.
• Good organisational skills with the ability to manage competing deadlines and shifting priorities.
• A willingness to learn and develop.

Desirable

• Experience that demonstrates alignment with one or more of our practice areas.
• Can demonstrate a commitment to making a meaningful impact motivated by the opportunity to positively influence clients lives and contribute to the wider purpose of the organisation.
• Prior exposure to legal environments (e.g. vacation schemes paralegal work legal clinics minipupillages or shadowing).
• Demonstrated interest in charity education faithbased or social enterprise sectorsthrough volunteering research extracurriculars or employment.
• Evidence of strong clientcare skills particularly in dealing with vulnerable individuals or sensitive issues.

The recruitment process

Details of the recruitment process can be found on our website here.

Diversity Equity and Inclusion

Individual differences are embraced at Stone King and we strive to create an environment in which people feel supported and able to be themselves. We are committed to promoting an inclusive working environment that supports the growth and development for all. We are proud to be signatories of the Mindful Business Charter the Race Fairness Commitment and the Age Friendly Employer Pledge and we are a Disability Confident Employer.

Stone King LLP is committed to offering an interview to any job applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the role as defined by the job description and person specification. A full copy of the person specification and job description can be provided by contacting our Recruitment some recruitment situations such as high-peak times we might need to limit the overall numbers of interviews we offer. This will include the number of interviews offered to disabled people who meet the minimum criteria. When that happens well still aim to offer a proportionate number of interviews to disabled applicants.

We aim to make our recruitment process as inclusive as possible and will make reasonable adjustments where needed. To discuss adjustments or request information in an alternative format please contact our recruitment team at or .

Stone King LLP is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to ensuring equality of opportunity by encouraging all our staff to achieve their full potential and guaranteeing that all employment decisions are taken without reference to irrelevant information or discriminatory practices.

• Profit Share Scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Private Medical Insurance
• Life assurance (4 x salary)
• Pension scheme
• 28 days holiday (in addition to statutory UK holidays)
• Additional day allocated for CSR activities per annum
• Two weeks celebration leave after qualification
• Additional study leave and support for SQE

Closing date: 9 April 2026

The advert will close at 5.30pm on this date.

Stone King LLP is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to ensuring equality of opportunity by encouraging all our staff to achieve their full potential and guaranteeing that all employment decisions are taken without reference to irrelevant information or discriminatory practices.

Required Experience:

Intern