Private Client Solicitor Apprentice – Kingswood

We have a fantastic opportunity for a Solicitor Apprentice to join our expanding Private Client team in Kingswood.

Our Solicitor Apprenticeship Programme is perfect for school leavers and aspiring solicitors who have A-Levels, but not a university degree. You will have the opportunity to work closely alongside the team with their busy caseloads in a well-supported environment.

This apprenticeship is a five-to six-year programme run by the University of Law or Weston College and prepares budding lawyers for qualification as a Solicitor or Chartered Legal Executive. You can find out more about our Apprenticeship Programmes here.

Download the application form here.

The role

You will assist in all areas of work the team covers, including Wills, Powers of Attorney, Probate and Trusts. We assist all clients, including individuals and business owners.

Your day-to-day role includes:

• Opening files and some administrative work.
• Attending client meetings with fee earners.
• Preparing Wills.
• Preparing LPAs for Property/Finance and for Health/Welfare.
• Reviewing Wills and intestate estates for administration purposes.
• Assisting with Estate Administration tasks, including contacting HMRC and DWP, Liaising with banks and investment institutions.
• Assist with arranging funerals and the valuation of the deceased’s assets, including property and contents.
• Organising documents for estates and entering information into our practice management system.
• Preparation of letters, attendance notes, file notes and bills.
• Placing Trustee Act notices.
• Placing Unclaimed Asset searches and Will searches.
• Obtaining Bankruptcy searches.
• Payment of liabilities and receiving estate funds.
• Preparation of Estate and Trust accounts.
• Distributing assets to beneficiaries and charities.
• Dealing with anti-money laundering requirements.
• Using different systems for case management, accounting and preparing legal documents.

You will also be encouraged to get involved with marketing and business development activities on behalf of the department.

Full training will be given so that you are confident with our systems

Apprenticeship expectations

• You will be expected to pass the probationary period of at least six months before enrolment on the Apprenticeship Programme.
• You will be enrolled on the earliest possible date following the successful completion of probation.
• When enrolled, you will work four days a week and one day a week ‘off the job’ studying as required.
• You will work five days a week during probation before being enrolled, and when there is no requirement for ‘off-the-job’ studying or study leave.
• The Apprenticeship is delivered mainly online, so you must be prepared to study independently and in your own time

All other expectations are summarised in the Apprenticeship Programme Pack, which will be given to the successful candidate.

About us

Barcan and 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 employer.

We are committed to developing and nurturing our people, and encouraging positive wellbeing and mental health is central to our culture. We encourage open communication and foster a culture where colleagues are supported in achieving a real work/life balance.

At Barcan and Kirby, we work hard to maintain a culture of kindness and friendliness and welcome applications from individuals who fit with our values.

We like to think that we do things a bit differently from other law firms.

The ideal candidate

• An enthusiastic team player with a good eye for detail and high organisational skills.
• Have three predicted or confirmed A-Levels at grade C or above (or equivalent).
• Have five GCSEs, including Maths and English, at grade 4 or above (or equivalent).
• Computer literate.
• Confident in using and adapting to new systems and processes.

All applicants must have the right to work in the UK for the full duration of the apprenticeship. You will be required to provide evidence of your eligibility as part of the recruitment and onboarding process.

Please note, candidates with certain legal qualifications are ineligible to apply. Please contact HR if you need any guidance on this point.

Location and working hours

• Full-time (office hours are 9am – 5.15pm, Monday to Friday)
• The role is based at our Kingswood office, but with the option to apply for hybrid working post-probation.

Salary

The starting salary for this role is £15,080 per annum.

Belonging at Barcan and Kirby

We are committed to creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive working environment. We want you to bring your true self to work and encourage applications from anyone who embodies our values, regardless of age, ethnicity, religion, disability status, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, neurodiversity or anything else that makes you, you.

If there is anything we can do to make things more comfortable for you as part of the application process, including making a reasonable adjustment, please let us know by emailing recruitment@barcankirby.co.uk.

Application process

Applicants are required to:

• Attach your application form, your CV and your covering letter (this should include why you want to become a solicitor, why you want to work for Barcan and Kirby, and what interests you about working in the Private Client team)

Applicants invited to interview will be expected to:

• Complete a pre-interview task
• Attend an interview, during which you will present your pre-interview task, answer set questions and complete a written task.

Closing date for applications

Applications for this role close at 9am on Monday 6^th July, with in-person interviews at our Kingswood office on Monday 20^th July.

How to apply

1. Download and complete the Apprenticeship Programme Application Form.
2. Send your CV, a covering letter and completed application form to recruitment@barcankirby.co.uk.