We are looking for trainees for our Channel Island offices to qualify as an England and Wales solicitor
We will sponsor you to complete your Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE) studies and provide you with the qualifying work experience you need by developing your skills in both contentious and non-contentious areas of law as well as experiencing the opportunity to work in different practice areas. Once qualified you will join one of our highly regarded legal teams and complete your development to become one of the offshore world's leading lawyers.
Why apply to Carey Olsen?
We're the largest and most pre-eminent law firm in both Jersey and Guernsey. We have the longest running and most successful SQE Trainee Programme in the Channel Islands – we invest in you and support you to pass the exams first time.
Our offering
- Full sponsorship for study fees and exam costs
- Generous study leave package
- Rotations across our practice areas (with opportunities in Corporate Finance, Funds, M&A, Litigation, Trust & Private Wealth and Property)
- Required qualifying work experience
- Mentoring programme
- Predominately office based to offer full support for practical learning
- Bonus scheme
- 25 days annual leave with the ability to buy or sell up to 5 days per financial year
- Plus other benefits
Our Requirements
Strong academics are vital, and we require you to be on track for, or to have already achieved a minimum of a 2(i) degree (or the equivalent) and a minimum of AAB (or equivalent) at 'A' Level.
If you are currently a student, you should apply in the final year of your degree.
Applicants will be based in one of our Guernsey or Jersey offices and must have the right to work along with residential qualifications in the relevant jurisdiction. Immigration support is not available for individuals on the training programme.
The 2025 Trainee Solicitor Schemes in the Channel Islands are now closed to applications. Applications for the 2026 scheme will open in December 2025.
What is the SQE?
A new route to qualification as a lawyer, the SQE is the Solicitors Qualifying Examination, which can be studied for with any undergraduate degree.
It is a two-part course, made up of the SQE 1 and the SQE 2. Once you have completed the exams and 2 years qualifying work experience, you will be admitted as an England and Wales Solicitor.
How is the SQE structured?
- SQE 1 is a closed book assessment made up of 360 multiple choice questions. There are two assessments, with 180 questions each.
- SQE 2 is a two part exam, made up of 4 oral assessments and a total of 12 written assessments.
You will need to pass the SQE 1, before starting the SQE 2.
Who can study for the SQE?
You can study for the SQE with any undergraduate degree, you do not need a law degree.
If you have completed the LPC, you can claim an exemption for SQE 1.
What is qualifying work experience?
Qualifying work experience is the work you carry out while training (usually whilst studying for the SQE). Your work experience will need to be signed off by a qualified England and Wales Solicitor.