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. 

appleby Jersey: trainee programme

Each year, we invite two of the most promising students onto our prestigious Trainee programme. Appleby Trainees are given the opportunity to study for the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (“SQE”) or to qualify via the Jersey Law Course, making the programme a diverse and adaptable route to qualification.

On our programme, you will cover a broad range of specialist areas during the 2 year programme, building your qualifying experience alongside your professional studies. During your training, you will gain experience in our Corporate, Dispute Resolution, Property and Private Client teams, rotating through 8 month seats in each practice area.

About Appleby

You will be joining a Global network of 10 global offices, 500 people, 200 of which are lawyers specialising in legal practice areas ranging from corporate restructuring, property transactions, employment to technology and innovation. For more details, please click here:

About Appleby (Law Firm) – Offshore Law Firm | Appleby

What we offer

As well as full funding and paid time off to study for and sit your professional qualification, we offer an excellent compensation and benefits package and a fantastic flexible working environment. Details of which will be discussed during the recruitment process.

Eligibility

To apply for our Trainee Scheme, you must meet the following criteria:

• Hold an undergraduate degree in any subject, including Law with a 2:1 or above
• Must hold ‘entitled’ or ‘entitled for work’ status in Jersey
• You will be committed to a career in law and your professional studies
• A team player with an enthusiasm for learning and developing new skills

The application process

Our application process is simple, just email a copy of your CV and a Cover Letter detailing your reasons for applying to [email protected]

Our Trainee Recruitment Calendar

20 September 2025            Our Trainee Scheme is now open for applications

17 December 2025             Trainee Social Event

31 December 2025             Trainee Scheme closes for new applications

January 2026                     Interviews are conducted and formal offers made to successful applicants

Need more information?

We appreciate this is a big step, if you need more details about the Trainee programme or want to know more about Appleby, then please do not hesitate to get in touch with our Team by emailing [email protected]