Trainee Programmes

In Bermuda the Appleby trainee programme begins in September of each calendar year.

As a matter of Bermuda law a ‘legal pupillage’ lasts for one year before the trainee is eligible to be called to the Bermuda Bar upon the conclusion of that year. In the initial year, each trainee has to complete two six-month seats in two of the following practice areas: Corporate, Dispute Resolution, Private Client & Trusts or Property. Each trainee is assigned a mentor in each seat and is assessed by that mentor on a quarterly basis.

On the successful completion of the initial year of training, following call to the Bar, the lawyer is then given the title of ‘Associate’ and will have a further year of supervised practice in our Bermuda office in two additional six-month seats in two of the practice areas listed. Again, the Associate is assigned a mentor in each seat and assessed by that mentor on a quarterly basis. The aim is that the final seat would be in the area in which a trainee would be offered full-time employment.

Please Note: Due to local immigration restrictions, our qualification programme in Bermuda is open to Bermudians only.

Application Process

All applications should be submitted electronically via the website. To do this, please view our Positions Available, and follow the application process.

Applications for 2024 and 2025 are now open.

Cayman Islands Trainee (Articled Clerk) Programme

In Cayman the Appleby trainee programme begins in September.

The Cayman Articled Clerk programme is 18 months long. During this time each trainee has to complete six different three month seats in the following core practice areas: Corporate, Trusts, Property and Dispute Resolution.

Each Articled Clerk is assigned a mentor who assesses their performance on a quarterly basis. At the end of the year’s training contract, Articled Clerks may be offered full-time employment with Appleby.

Upon successful completion of articles, the trainee is admitted as an Attorney.

Please Note: Due to local immigration restrictions, our qualification programme in Cayman is open to citizens of the Cayman Islands only.

Application Process

Submit the following documents to  [email protected]:

• Proof of Caymanian citizenship
• Cover letter
• Curriculum vitae
• Educational transcripts & qualifications
• Sample piece of writing

Isle of Man Trainee programme

To qualify as an Isle of Man Advocate, each trainee must undertake two years’ articles with an Isle of Man law firm and pass five exams during the same period. Those already qualified as an English Solicitor or Barrister with a minimum of 3 years PQE may qualify as an Isle of Man Advocate after completing one year of articles and passing all five exams.

At present, Appleby does not offer training contracts to qualify as an English Solicitor.

Application Process

All applications should be submitted electronically via the website. To do this, please view our Positions Available, and follow the application process.

For more information about the Isle of Man Legal Trainee Programme please contact Julia Featherstone. 

Jersey’s trainee programme

Aspiring lawyers have the opportunity to join an international law firm on a two-year training contract and rotate through various transactional teams, known as “seats”.

During the training contract, trainees gain 2 years of practical work experience while developing their skills in both contentious and non-contentious areas of legal practice and studying the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (“SQE”) or Jersey Law Course. Appleby covers the full cost of the courses and exams.

Trainees are assigned a mentor and buddy from day 1 who will provide support and guidance, as well as constant feedback, to build on strengths and tackle areas for development.

Upon successful completion of the programme and qualification, trainees are encouraged to apply for a newly qualified position within our Jersey office.

Application Process

The next Trainee Intake will be in 2026 and this page will be updated in due course.

For more information about the Jersey Legal Trainee Programme, please contact Julia Featherstone.