Trainee Solicitor

As a Trainee Solicitor, you will gain experience and knowledge within four separate department seats over a minimum period of two years. At least three seats must be completed from the core department list below. The fourth seat will either be a core seat or an elective seat as listed below, dependent on business needs:

The role

During the training contract, you will have the opportunity to develop and apply the practice skills that you are likely to use as a qualified solicitor. You are likely to carry out the following tasks to gain these skills:

  • Interviewing and advising clients.
  • Reporting to clients and others by telephone.
  • Taking notes in meetings and keeping accurate records.
  • Drafting letters of advice, internal notes and memos.
  • Drafting a range of legal documents, including witness statements, court forms and applications, Wills and trust deeds, corporate resolutions, leases, transfer of property documents, instructions to counsel and contracts.
  • Attending court to observe and take notes at hearings. As training progresses, and under appropriate supervision, you may be asked to conduct interim applications before a District Judge.
  • Helping to prepare cases for trial, including the preparation of trial bundles.
  • Planning out phases of work to include identifying the client’s goals, possible outcomes, time, cost and risk management.
  • Undertaking legal research.
  • Undertaking file opening and closing procedures, including the recovery of costs and disbursements.
  • Meeting deadlines and keeping clients informed of progress.
  • Assisting with administrative work as required.
  • Becoming involved in presentations for clients or in preparing or delivering in-house training.

In addition to the above tasks, you will be required to:

  • Work in accordance with the requirements of the Trainee Solicitor Programme at all times, including maintaining your training record.
  • Maintain high standards of client care.
  • Deal with any communications promptly, including those from clients and business contacts.
  • Work in accordance with all of the firm’s stated procedures and policies.
  • Consider and comply with Data Protection regulations at all times.
  • Comply with the Solicitors’ Accounts Rules and the SRA.
  • Effectively operate the firm’s software systems including Word, Excel, Outlook and SOS Connect.
  • Keep colleagues updated as to the progress of any work delegated to you.
  • Work effectively and professionally with colleagues.
  • Complete any other reasonable duties as directed by your Partner/HoD or supervisor.

The ideal candidate

Our ideal candidate will have a degree (in Law, or another subject plus GDL) and have completed the Legal Practice Course (LPC) or Solicitors Qualifying Exams (SQE 1 and 2).

You must be IT literate, and confident using and adapting to new systems and processes. You will also have marketing and business development skills, plus experience in social media and networking.

Legal work experience is desirable but will not count towards qualifying work experience.

About us

Barcan+Kirby is well known in the Bristol legal market both as a provider of excellent legal services for individuals and businesses, and as a progressive firm with an excellent reputation as an employer.

We pride ourselves on promoting the work/life balance of employees and promoting positive wellbeing and mental health is incredibly important to us.

Our core values drive our culture and are at the heart of everything we do, and we are far from being a stuffy, rigid law firm.

Location and working hours

  • Full-time/on-site (office hours are 9am – 5.15pm, Monday to Friday).
  • You will be expected to move offices depending on the seat.
  • You can be required to work in any of our five offices.

The Application Process

  • Friday 2nd February 2024: Applications close
  • Thursday 8th February 2024: Successful candidates are invited to the Assessment Centre
  • Thursday 29th February 2024: Assessment Centre, held at Gloucestershire Cricket Club
  • Monday 4th March 2024: Successful candidates invited to a second-stage interview (interviews will be held at our office in Bristol city centre (including a written task)
  • Thursday 14th March: Interviews with the Executive Partner and Training Principal

Closing date for applications

Applications for this role close on Friday 2nd February.

Salary

  • £24,175

How to apply

Ready to apply for a training contract? Simply download the application form, fill it out and email it to our Recruitment team, alongside your CV and covering letter.

Find out more about our training contracts and what you can expect here.

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