Maples Group Announces New Trainee Appointments, Showcasing Commitment to Developing Jersey’s Legal Talent

Notably, Phoebe is the first trainee to progress from the Maples Group’s highly regarded Jersey Bursary Scheme to the Trainee Programme. Having received financial support and in-office work experience while at university, Phoebe spent her vacation placements collaborating with multiple practice groups across the Group’s global network of 16 offices. Those placements gave Phoebe exposure to domestic and leading cross-border transactions originating in Jersey and enabled her to cultivate the technical skills and commercial awareness that the Trainee Programme is designed to refine further.

Under the 30-month Jersey Trainee Programme, Hannah and Phoebe will undertake a series of structured practice group rotations in the firm’s Jersey office, complemented by the opportunity to undertake an exciting and rewarding secondment to one of the Maples Group’s overseas offices. Phoebe and Hannah completed the SQE 1 preparation course earlier this year and undertook the July sitting of the SQE 1 exams. The firm covers the cost of all preparation courses and fees for the Solicitors Qualifying Examinations (“SQE”), as well as providing a grant for SQE 1 study being completed prior to starting the Trainee Programme. The trainees complete the SQE 2 preparation course and exams later in the Programme, which will enable both to qualify as a Solicitor of England and Wales upon completion of their training.

Nick Evans, Head of Office in Jersey, commented, “We are thrilled to welcome Hannah and Phoebe to the Jersey Trainee Programme. Hannah’s impressive academic record and practical experience, together with Phoebe’s outstanding progression from our Bursary Scheme, exemplify the calibre of talent we are committed to nurturing. Their appointments reflect the success of our early-career initiatives and our dedication to building a strong pipeline of future leaders within our firm.”

Nick added, “I would also like to acknowledge the pivotal roles played by Mark Crichton, Lead Partner of the Trainee Programme, and Amy Black, Lead Partner for the Bursary Programme. Mark’s leadership has been instrumental in shaping a rigorous and supportive training environment for our trainees, while Amy’s commitment to the Bursary Programme has ensured that aspiring lawyers like Phoebe receive the mentorship, financial support, and practical experience needed to excel. Their combined efforts are central to the ongoing success of our early-career pathways and to our mission of developing Jersey’s next generation of legal professionals.”

Hannah said, “Joining the Maples Group offers an unparalleled opportunity to train within a truly international practice while remaining rooted in Jersey’s dynamic legal market. I previously took part in a bursary programme with another Jersey firm, but it was the prospect of a secondment overseas and the variety offered by seat rotations that really set the Maples Group training contract apart for me. The chance to gain hands-on experience across different practice areas, combined with the Group’s investment in my professional development, made this the ideal environment in which to launch my legal career. I look forward to the breadth of experience the seat rotations will provide and to contributing to the firm’s continued growth.”

Phoebe added, “The Bursary Scheme provided invaluable mentorship and exposure to sophisticated legal work, and I am excited to build on that foundation as a trainee. During my time in the programme, I had the opportunity to work closely with experienced lawyers across several practice groups, which gave me a real insight into the complexities of both domestic and international transactions. I learned how to approach legal challenges with a commercial mindset, developed my research and drafting skills, and gained a deeper understanding of the importance of teamwork and client service in a global firm. I’m looking forward to bringing everything I’ve learned into the Trainee Programme, further developing my skills, taking on new responsibilities, and contributing to the innovative work the firm is known for.”

Applications for the Maples Group Jersey Bursary Scheme open on 1 October 2025 (closing on 30 November), and students in their final year of school or first year of university are welcome to apply.

The Jersey Trainee Programme accepts applications from all university graduates seeking to qualify via the SQE route, and applications for the 2026 intake open on 2 January 2026. Members of the Maples team will be present at selected university law fairs this autumn to meet interested students and offer insights into a career as a lawyer and the benefits of the Jersey Trainee Programme.

To learn more about the firm’s Jersey Bursary Scheme and Trainee Programme visit Jersey Bursary Scheme – Maples Group, and Jersey Trainee Programme (maples.com) or contact the team at [email protected].