Wilkin Chapman Rollits rated among top UK law firms for trainee satisfaction
From left, Eve Ostler, Trinity Herberts, Hannah Hall, Lottie Warsop, Angela English (learning and development manager), Esme Bayliss, Lisa Boileau (lead training partner), Wiktoria Bulczynska, Jessica Jopling, Thomas Smith and Libby Dunham.
THE Lincolnshire and Yorkshire firm has been ranked among the top 10 "Elite" for “training and development”, “supervision and contact time” and “qualification” in this year’s Chambers Student Guide, and in the top 25 in two further categories.
The Chambers Student Guide 2027 reviews firms across the country based on feedback from trainees and newly qualified solicitors.
Wilkin Chapman Rollits achieved a total of six ratings this year – improving on the two it achieved last year – including “excellent” ratings for “overall satisfaction” and “hours and work-life balance”, and a “strong” rating for “compensation”.
Of the trainees and newly qualified solicitors surveyed at the firm, 100 per cent said they were happy in their role and felt they had chosen the right firm. Trainees also spoke positively about the responsibility they are given, access to senior colleagues and the sense of being part of a team.
One told Chambers: “You have some of the best expertise and support, but also the independence and ability to carry out your own work.”
Angela English, learning and development manager at the firm, said: “Chambers Student gives trainees the opportunity to talk honestly and independently about their experience of working and training with the firm.
“To see every trainee surveyed say they are happy in their current role and feel they chose the right firm is wonderful feedback. The three 'Elite' ratings recognise the support our trainees receive as they develop.”
The next generation
The recognition comes as the firm welcomes 10 new trainee solicitors:
- Esme Bayliss
- Jessica Jopling
- Libby Dunham
- Lottie Warsop
- Thomas Smith
- Wiktoria Bulczynska
- Erin Culhane
- Eve Ostler
- Hannah Hall
- Trinity Herberts.
Four of this year’s cohort, Erin, Eve, Hannah and Trinity, have progressed into training contracts from existing roles within the firm.
Ten solicitors from the 2024 cohort have also recently qualified and taken up permanent positions across the firm. They are:
- Barney Seamer, Jack Herring and Charlotte Milligan (Corporate and Commercial);
- Elliot Dawson (Employment);
- Abigail Bolton and Jessica Stabler (Real Estate);
- Danielle Firth (Family);
- Aaron Grantham, Jessica Badics Maeers and Leila Bolton (Disputes and Regulatory).
Lisa Boileau, lead training partner and head of the private client division at the firm, said: “It is particularly pleasing to be recognised for "Qualification" as we welcome 10 new trainees and celebrate another 10 colleagues qualifying and choosing to continue their careers with us.
"We have also just opened applications for training contracts starting in 2028 and 2029 and encourage anyone who is thinking of applying to
“We want people who train with us to see a long-term future here, with opportunities to build on their training and develop their careers at the firm after qualification.”
In feedback published by Chambers Student, one trainee said: “People certainly tend to stay for the long haul. It’s a good firm to stay at and develop, and they really try their best to help you do that.”
Wilkin Chapman Rollits has more than 530 partners and staff located across Grimsby, Lincoln, Louth, Hull, York and Beverley.
Two-year training contracts at the firm Rollits include both private client and business services work, with trainees generally undertaking four six-month placements, or “seats”.
The firm has just opened up applications for training contracts at the firm that begin in 2028 and 2029. The deadline to apply is 31 January 2027. Applicants can find out more and apply through the firm’s website.
To read the firm's full Chambers Student 2027 profile, visit Chambers Student | Wilkin Chapman Rollits.
