Trainee Solicitors
At Gard & Co we do not usually recruit direct to a trainee solicitor role, but have a program for law graduates to progress through to qualification as a lawyer, either as a solicitor or a legal executive.
This program involves acting as a legal assistant (aka para legal) in one of our departments for a period of 18-24 months to gain practical legal skills and knowledge. After this foundation period, financial support is available, for those who merit it, through post graduate courses and examinations (including ILEX/LPC, SQE1 & SQE2). Overlapping this will be any appropriate period of recognised training or qualifying work experience (QWE) leading to legal professional qualification.
Part of our criteria when looking for new trainees is to seek people who have the potential to become partners in the firm. Gard & Co has been providing legal services for 200 years so we are used to taking a long term view when it comes to building the foundations for the future.
We are not in the habit of taking on a large batch of trainees without prospects of onward employment. Our culture is to nurture and encourage rather than to pitch trainees against each other in a competition for places. However, you will be expected to work hard, to develop and stretch your skills throughout your training contract, and beyond.
Gard & Co lawyers require business and personal skills as well as legal knowledge. We seek candidates who demonstrate an aptitude in these areas and then help them to develop their skills to meet the needs of a qualified lawyer.
As a Gard & Co lawyer you will need:
- business acumen
- a natural flair in dealing with people
- flexibility
- energy and drive, to develop yourself and the business
- a desire to grow strong relationships with clients
- a down to earth approach
At Gard & Co we find the best way to learn is to do the job, so there is real client work to be done from the beginning. Of course you will have plenty of support from associates and partners.
To find out more about our trainee solicitor programme, email your CV to careers@gardandco.com or contact Royston Wood on 01752 668246.
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