Fletchers Group, a national law firm specialising in personal injury and clinical negligence, has launched the latest intake of its Fletchers Academy — a structured 12-month training programme aimed at supporting people starting their careers in law.
The Academy is designed to provide practical experience, legal knowledge, and support for individuals who may not have had traditional access to opportunities in the legal profession.
This year, seven new trainees have joined the programme and will spend the coming months building their legal and professional skills before potentially moving into permanent roles within the firm.
Andrew Clark, Director of Learning and Development at Fletchers, said: “Of all the things we do in the Learning & Development team throughout the year, hosting our Academy is one that I always find particularly enjoyable and rewarding.
“It’s a brilliant way to support aspiring young lawyers—especially those who might have faced challenges breaking into the profession.
“The Academy helps open doors and show that a legal career can be within reach, regardless of background. I’ll be spending the next few weeks working closely with our seven enthusiastic new Academy trainees before they join our legal teams and take a major step in their careers. On a personal level, I’m very excited to be a part of their journey!”
The Academy combines on-the-job experience with structured learning, including an introduction to civil litigation, personal injury and clinical negligence law, legal business skills, and mentoring from experienced lawyers. Much of the programme is delivered through virtual modules, with opportunities to shadow working teams across the business.
Trainees completing the programme can pursue a range of development pathways, including solicitor apprenticeships, graduate routes to qualification, or the CILEX and costs lawyer training programmes.
One of this year’s new trainees, Shannen Millar, said: “After struggling for years to gain legal work experience, the opportunity to learn and grow within the supportive environment of the Fletchers Academy seemed too good to be true — but it isn’t.
“Fletchers’ commitment to supporting early careers is clear, and I feel fortunate to have a place where I can develop and contribute. The welcome I’ve received has been incredibly reassuring, and I’m looking forward to building my career here and working with clients who are going through difficult times.”
The Academy launches once per year and is open to candidates from a wide range of backgrounds and academic routes. In its fourth year, it is part of Fletchers’ broader efforts to improve access to the legal profession and offer long-term development within the firm.
Image provided by Fletchers
