Gaby Hardwicke is an award-winning south-coast firm established over 130 years ago with a substantial client base. We operate from offices in Eastbourne, Bexhill and Hastings and act for clients across Sussex and beyond.

We have an established reputation for excellence, innovation and a caring approach. Over the last ten years, we have trained more than 30 solicitors; 25 have stayed with us after qualifying, and seven of our partners trained with the firm. 

Find out what you can you expect from a training contract with Gaby Hardwicke Solicitors with an insight from past and present trainees: Watch the video »

We offer

A rewarding, dynamic and progressive workplace

A commitment to your professional training and development, including our highly regarded weekly lunch + learn sessions open to all trainee solicitors  – we were Highly Commended in the Learning and Development category of The Law Society’s Excellence Awards 2018

Excellent potential for growth and progression throughout your career

A range of benefits including flexible working, generous holiday allowance and funded staff social events

What do we look for?

High levels of academic achievement

Commitment to excellence

Enthusiasm to develop and impress

A willingness to take on responsibility

Independent thought and curiosity, and

A team player who works well with others

“It’s our people who make the firm what it is, which is why we want everyone to have the opportunity to reach their full potential. In recruitment we look for candidates who share the firm’s values – committed, positive and determined to succeed” – David Getty, managing partner.

A training contract with us lasts for two years, and typically comprises three or four seats each lasting a minimum of six months.

Each seat covers a different area of law with at least one seat in a contentious area of the law, at least one in a non-contentious area, and at least one in a property department. Prior to joining us you will be asked to indicate which areas of the law and practice areas you are most interested in. We will do our best to accommodate your preferred options.

Each seat will give you excellent hands-on experience. Levels of responsibility are high with many of our trainees having direct contact with clients.

Your seat supervisor (who is a partner) will meet with you on a weekly basis to ensure that you are developing the relevant technical and personal skills, to discuss the details of your weekly training record and to address any concerns that you may have.

Our training principal will meet you towards the end of each seat to review your progress and to give you the opportunity to discuss your experiences. He is available at any point during your training contract should you wish to discuss any specific concerns.

Your ongoing training and development needs are met through our weekly lunch and learn sessions, webinars, regular updates by lawyers in your team, the Professional Skills Course, file reviews, close supervision by your seat tutor and many more learning opportunities.

Our training contract programme is open to candidates on both the LPC and SQE routes. 

However, it is a traditional training contract route. We do not currently offer apprenticeships or appointments specifically to obtain QWE.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion policy

Gaby Hardwicke is committed to avoiding discrimination in its dealings with its personnel, clients and all other third parties that have dealings with the firm. It is also committed to the promotion and maintenance of the firm as a diverse and inclusive workplace.

Everyone at the firm is expected and required to treat all others equally and with the same attention, courtesy and respect they expect to be treated with regardless of: 

Age

Disability

Gender reassignment

Marital or civil partner status

Pregnancy or maternity

Race

Colour

Nationality

Ethnic or national origin

Religion or belief

Sex or sexual orientation

In addition, the firm will ensure that nobody with whom it has dealings will suffer any substantial disadvantage through any disability that they might have. The firm is committed to making reasonable adjustments for those with a disability in relation to job opportunities, promotion and training within the firm and the provision of services to clients.

• Corporate & commercial
• Commercial property
• Commercial litigation
• Dispute resolution
• Property litigation
• Employment
• Residential property
• Rural & agriculture
• Family
• Personal injury
• Wills trusts & estates
• Care for the elderly

• Corporate & Commercial
• General Commercial
• General Practice

• Eastbourne
• Bexhill
• Hastings