Like most firms, we currently offer two routes to qualification as a Solicitor; a traditional training contract post-LPC and the Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship (SQE). But why are we different and why should you train with us? Let us explain why …
Kitson Boyce LLP is based in the South West of England – a beautiful and wonderfully diverse area in which to live and work. Our Head Office is located in purpose-built offices at Minerva House, Edginswell Park on the edge of Torquay which provide a spacious, open plan environment, superb client reception facilities and a fully equipped dining area which is perfect for mingling with colleagues over lunch.
Following the merger in October 2023 between the former firms of Kitsons LLP and Boyce Hatton LLP, we have increased the size and diversity of our workforce and now have branch offices in Exeter and Plymouth. It is important to us that trainees gain experience of all the offices and meet colleagues from across the business.
From the moment you walk through the door at the beginning of your training contract, you will be struck by the friendliness of our staff at all levels throughout the firm. Whenever a new member of staff joins us, we go out of our way to make them feel at home as quickly as possible and to provide them with all the support they need whilst they find their feet and become accustomed to our working practices and procedures. There are no exceptions to this custom as everyone is treated equally and with the same attention, courtesy and respect, regardless of their position or status within the firm.
Our Values
Our “People First” approach underpins our values of “We Care, Always Growing and Do Right Together” which expands beyond the internal firm itself, to the way we treat our clients and how we participate in the local community. It is at the core of everything we do and what drives us as a team.
These values are now supported by our “People First Awards” where we reward employees and partners who actively demonstrate and further these values in a positive and meaningful way.
It is important to us that our new employees and trainees similarly embrace this vision and our values.
Training
As a trainee solicitor, you will benefit from a formal structure of support and supervision throughout the duration of your training, from individuals who have been given specific responsibilities to ensure the successful completion of your training contract.
You will be allocated a “buddy”. This is someone who is either a trainee or a recently qualified solicitor who understands the ups and downs you will probably experience as a trainee. During each of your four seats, you will also have the support of the appointed supervisor (who will either be the Head of Department, a partner or an associate) who will endeavour to provide you with all the support, advice and experience you will need in order to successfully complete the seat in question.
Overseeing your contract will be the firm’s Training Principal, Cheryl Baxter, who is also Head of our Commercial Property department. Cheryl is totally committed to her role as Training Principal, having completed her training contract with the firm in 2013, and is passionate about providing opportunities for trainees, as well as continuous training and development opportunities for all staff as they, in turn, progress with the firm.
Seats
Your two-year training contract will consist of specifically selected seats offering you the opportunity to gain as much experience as possible across our practice areas, including contentious and non-contentious work. During each seat, you will be supervised either by the Head of Department, a partner or an associate. Where disciplines allow, we also encourage trainees to undertake certain seats in different offices throughout the firm, to enable them to gain the broadest possible experience of working with a wide variety of experienced lawyers for both private and corporate clients.
Although your first seat will usually be allocated for you, we recognise it is important for you to gain experience in areas which particularly interest you. We will therefore endeavour to plan seat allocations to accommodate your preferences, whilst also considering the needs of the business and compliance with the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s regulations in terms of the experience you are required to have gained upon qualification.
Your training programme will be designed to give you supervised experience in legal practice through which you can develop and refine your professional skills. We will ensure that you gain valuable experience at a number of levels during your training contract which will lay the foundations for a long and successful legal career.
Position: Trainee Solicitors
Contract: Two-Year
Hours of Work: 35 hours per week
Start Date: 1st September 2025
Closing Date: 9th May 2025
Social Events
We have a very active Social Committee who meet on a regular basis and organise staff social and fundraising events throughout the year. This includes the Staff Christmas Party, the annual Summer “Do”, quiz nights, sporting events, race nights at Newton Abbot racecourse and joint events with other local professional organisations. Staff from all our offices are encouraged to attend these events as we believe it is important for everyone to get to know one another and to feel part of the “KB Community” as opposed to being just a number on the firm’s payroll.
As well as attending the firm’s social events, we also encourage our trainee and newly qualified solicitors to join the Devon & Somerset Junior Lawyers Division which also organises great networking events for local junior lawyers throughout the year.
Corporate Social Responsibility
The partners and senior managers at Kitson Boyce are committed to managing the firm in a way that enhances the positive and minimises the negative economic, social and environmental impact of its activities and services provided. We therefore aim to combine the provision of high quality legal advice to clients with a rewarding working environment and an awareness of the wider community.
The firm has implemented a Corporate Social Responsibility policy which demonstrates its commitment to the well-being of its staff and to being a prominent member of the local community. The firm has already developed strong relationships with a number of local charities and actively encourages its staff to participate in local community events, projects and fundraising activities as and when such opportunities arise.
This year, a team of intrepid walkers from across our offices are aiming to complete the Jurassic Coast Ultra Challenge on 17th & 18th May 2025 in aid of raising funds for Rowcroft Hospice, a charity which is close to our hearts. Collectively, they are aiming to raise a magnificent £6,500 for Rowcroft Hospice.
The Reward
It is extremely important that all our team members feel valued and their hard work and commitment is recognised so we offer a generous remuneration package which makes Kitson Boyce an employer of choice.
If you work for us, you will enjoy a range of benefits which include:
* An employer pension contribution of 3% of your basic monthly salary.
* A discretionary bonus scheme.
* 33 days’ holiday per annum, which includes bank holidays.
* An additional day’s leave on your birthday.
* Enhanced family leave.
* Western Provident Association (WPA) – health care cash plan for all employees.
* A Death in Service benefit for your dependant(s) of 4 x your annual salary.
* Free staff legal services – wills and conveyancing.
* Cycle to Work Scheme.
* Employee Assistance Programme.
* Membership of Mindful Employer.
* A range of initiatives to support physical and mental health wellbeing.
* Opportunities for career progression.
The Application Process
If you would like to apply for a training contract with Kitson Boyce, the first step is to complete an application form. The application form provides us with information about your qualifications and work experience to date and also asks you some questions which will enable us to see if you have the skills and enthusiasm we are looking for.
Once you have completed the application form, please send it to:
Once we have shortlisted, all successful applicants will be invited to attend a first stage interview. Second stage interviews will then follow for candidates who impressed the interview panel. During the second stage interview, you will also be required to give a presentation to the panel on a specific legal topic.
Throughout this process, we are looking for someone special who stands out from the crowd and would recommend that you use this opportunity to demonstrate your key skills and attributes, including sharp commercial awareness, a flexible attitude, excellent communication skills, a flair for creative thinking and the ability to organise yourself and others efficiently. We would also like to understand how you would embrace our values of “We Care, Always Growing and Do Right Together” if you were to join us as a Trainee Solicitor.
Key Date for the Diary …
Closing date for Receipt of Completed Applications ~ Friday, 9th May 2025
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