Trainee Solicitors

Candidate Selection

The interest expressed by new entrants to the legal profession is high, and significant numbers of applications are received by the firm for each available seat. The firm is very committed to providing opportunities for committed and talented people to qualify as Solicitors. Our trainees are an important part of the legal team and are given significant responsibility early on.

The firm is committed to equal opportunities and developing a diverse workforce. To ensure that fairness prevails in the selection of trainee solicitors and in accordance with the firm’s Equal Opportunities policy, the firm will make its selection by reference to this policy.

In recent years the firm has not directly recruited for trainees and has offered training seats to existing employees of the firm who have demonstrated aptitude against the measures in this policy. The firm recruits paralegals throughout the year based on the needs of the firm at any one time.

Key responsibilities of a trainee:

The training contract provides the opportunity to learn and execute the law in a work environment under supervision.  The role is multifaceted and includes:

1. Receiving a brief from the supervisor and following instructions in relation to the task in hand
2. Liaising with clients, counsel and external agencies as directed by the supervising fee earner
3. Conducting legal research, understanding the operation of quality and professional requirements set by Legal Aid Agency/Lexcel/SRA and relevant bodies
4. Applying the law by reference to the client’s instructions (under supervision)
5. Attending court, prisons and police stations on tasks relevant to experience
6. Expected to work as part of a team within JD Spicer Zeb with Partners, Solicitors, fee earners and support staff

Desirable Attributes:

1. Ability to receive instructions from the supervisor; carry out task in hand; aptitude to learn; ability to debrief to the supervisor. To provide an efficient friendly service to clients and colleagues.
2. Good communication skills, ability to convey the law accurately and succinctly. Ability to communicate clearly and appropriately both orally and written with other parties whilst maintaining and developing excellent working relationships.
3. Sound understanding of the law and its application and basic external quality/audit requirements. To keep up to date and comply fully with the Solicitors rules of conduct. Where appropriate to have a good knowledge of the public funding system.
4. Ability to problem solve within the legal framework
5. Organised and efficient; ability to contribute within the context of a group dynamic. Able to prioritise work loads at any given time, ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines, always paying attention to detail.
6. Housekeeping traits such as punctuality, IT skills, commercial awareness, enthusiasm, motivated, trust and integrity, team player. To adhere to the administrative procedures as set out in the office manual and any other procedures that may be introduced to ensure the smooth running of the practice.