Building Your Legal Career with Knights plc
Securing a training contract is the critical step for aspiring solicitors on the road to qualification. If you are considering Knights plc, you are looking at one of the UK’s fastest-growing legal businesses. Unlike many traditional partnerships, Knights operates as a publicly listed company, combining commercial innovation with a strong regional presence. For trainees, this means an opportunity to gain high-quality legal training while being part of a forward-thinking, entrepreneurial firm.
This guide explores what makes Knights plc distinctive, what the firm looks for in trainees, the application process, and how you can maximise your chances of securing a training contract.
About Knights plc
Knights plc has grown rapidly in recent years, both organically and through acquisitions of smaller regional firms. It is now one of the UK’s largest legal services businesses, listed on the London Stock Exchange since 2018.
The firm operates across multiple regions with offices in:
- Birmingham
- Manchester
- Leeds
- Nottingham
- Oxford
- Exeter
- Chester
- Cheltenham
- Several other UK locations
Knights’ key practice areas include:
- Corporate and Commercial – M&A, commercial contracts, and governance.
- Dispute Resolution – litigation, arbitration, and commercial disputes.
- Real Estate – development, investment, and planning law.
- Employment and Pensions – workplace issues, tribunals, and HR advisory.
- Private Client – wills, trusts, estate planning, and family law.
The firm’s model focuses on efficiency, transparency, and delivering client value — values that shape its approach to trainee development.
Why Apply for a Training Contract at Knights plc?
There are several reasons why a training contract at Knights plc appeals to many aspiring solicitors:
- Innovative structure – As a listed business, Knights offers a commercial model distinct from traditional partnerships.
- Regional presence – With offices across the UK, trainees can access high-quality work without relocating to London.
- Diverse practice areas – Opportunities to experience corporate, disputes, real estate, and private client work.
- Entrepreneurial culture – A forward-thinking environment that encourages initiative.
- Supportive training – Smaller cohorts mean closer supervision and earlier responsibility.
What the Firm Looks For
Knights is looking for candidates who can adapt to its innovative structure while demonstrating strong academics and personal qualities.
Key attributes include:
- Academic strength – A 2:1 degree or above is typically required.
- Commercial awareness – Especially an understanding of how law firms operate as businesses.
- Adaptability – The ability to handle change in a dynamic and growing firm.
- Teamwork – Collaboration across offices and practice areas.
- Communication skills – Clarity and professionalism in both written and verbal interactions.
- Entrepreneurial mindset – Initiative and independence are highly valued.
The Application Process
1. Online Application
The process begins with an application form covering academics, experience, and motivation.
Tips:
- Highlight why Knights’ listed company model appeals to you.
- Show genuine interest in its regional presence and culture.
- Use examples where you’ve shown independence, adaptability, or resilience.
2. Online Assessments
Applicants may be asked to complete psychometric or situational judgement tests.
Tips:
- Practise similar tests in advance.
- Approach questions with client focus and commercial judgement.
3. Video Interview
Shortlisted candidates often complete a video interview.
Tips:
- Structure answers clearly with the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
- Speak confidently about your motivation for joining a firm like Knights.
- Demonstrate understanding of its business model and regional growth.
4. Assessment Centre
Successful candidates are invited to an assessment centre, which may include:
- Group tasks assessing teamwork.
- Written case studies simulating client problems.
- Interviews with partners or senior lawyers.
Tips:
- Contribute thoughtfully in group exercises while listening to others.
- Keep written advice practical and client-centred.
- Be prepared to discuss issues affecting regional businesses and law firms.
5. Vacation Scheme Route
Knights also recruits trainees through vacation schemes. Performing well during the scheme is an effective way to secure a training contract.
What to Expect as a Trainee
A training contract at Knights plc lasts two years and is divided into four six-month seats. Typical seat options include:
- Corporate and Commercial – M&A, contracts, and business transactions.
- Dispute Resolution – litigation, arbitration, and settlements.
- Real Estate – development projects, investments, and planning.
- Employment – HR advice, disputes, and workplace regulation.
- Private Client – wills, trusts, estates, and family law.
Trainees at Knights can expect:
- Early responsibility – Smaller cohorts provide exposure to live client matters.
- Regional opportunities – Work with local and national clients outside London.
- Close supervision – Partners and associates provide regular feedback.
- Structured learning – Technical and professional training programmes.
- Exposure to innovation – Experience in how a listed law firm operates.
How to Stand Out
To secure a training contract at Knights plc, you need to demonstrate more than good grades. Here’s how to differentiate yourself:
- Understand Knights’ model – Research its listed structure and regional growth strategy.
- Show adaptability – Highlight examples where you’ve embraced change or innovation.
- Demonstrate commercial awareness – Be ready to discuss how law firms function as businesses.
- Highlight independence – Provide evidence of initiative and self-direction.
- Be personable – Knights values approachable and professional trainees who can build client trust.
Example Interview Questions
- Why do you want to train at Knights plc?
- How do you think our listed structure changes the way we operate?
- Tell us about a time you worked independently to achieve a goal.
- What challenges do regional law firms face compared to City firms?
- How would you explain a complex legal concept to a small business client?
How LawGrad Launch Can Help
At LawGrad Launch, we know how competitive it is to secure a training contract at ambitious and growing firms like Knights. With its listed model and regional focus, you’ll need to show strong academics, commercial awareness, and adaptability.
We provide tailored support, including:
- Application coaching – Crafting persuasive applications that reflect Knights’ values.
- Commercial awareness development – Building your understanding of the regional and national legal market.
- Assessment centre practice – Group tasks, case studies, and written exercises with feedback.
- Interview coaching – Boosting your confidence to deliver clear, compelling answers.
We’ve helped students secure training contracts at leading firms — and we can help you too.
Final Thoughts
Knights plc offers one of the most distinctive training contracts in the UK. With its listed company structure, regional presence, and diverse client base, it provides an innovative and supportive environment for aspiring solicitors.
To succeed, you’ll need to demonstrate academic strength, adaptability, commercial awareness, and an entrepreneurial mindset. By tailoring your application, preparing for assessments, and being authentic in interviews, you can put yourself in the strongest position to secure a training contract.
At LawGrad Launch, we’re here to guide you every step of the way — from applications to interviews and beyond.
Get in touch with us today and let us help you secure your training contract at Knights plc.