Yolk Recruitment Ltd
Associate- Inquiries & Investigations

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Inquiries & Investigations Associate
Cardiff | 1-3 PQE | Specialist Investigations & Public Inquiry Work
£67,000-£73,000
Looking for a role that takes you beyond traditional fee-earning and into high-profile investigations, public inquiries and complex evidence work?
Yolk Legal is working with a leading international law firm seeking an Inquiries & Investigations Associate with 1-3 years' PQE to join its specialist team in Cardiff.
This is a role suited to someone who enjoys working through complex material, getting into the detail and handling matters where judgement, accuracy and discretion really matter.
What You'll Be Doing
The team works across both public and private sector instructions, including major inquiries, independent investigations and reviews.
Your work could include:
Inquiry & Investigation
- Supporting legal teams acting for inquiries and Core Participants
- Assisting with independent investigations and reviews
- Researching and analysing complex factual and evidential issues
- Preparing for and supporting inquiry hearings
Evidence & Disclosure
- Reviewing substantial volumes of documentation
- Assisting with disclosure exercises
- Analysing and categorising evidence using document management platforms
- Identifying and appropriately redacting confidential or sensitive material
Witness & Client Work
- Assisting with witness interviews and statements
- Working with clients, Counsel and other stakeholders
- Supporting advice around inquiry procedure and fair process
- Contributing to issues involving privilege, data protection, FOI, judicial review and reputation
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
See breakdownIt searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
You'll need to be comfortable moving between detailed analytical work and working collaboratively with colleagues, clients and external stakeholders.
Your Background
You'll ideally bring:
- 1-3 years' post-qualification experience
- Qualification as a solicitor in England & Wales
- Experience of public inquiries or investigations
- Experience gained in private practice, government, regulatory or public sector environments
- Previous exposure to disclosure or document review work
- Excellent analytical and organisational skills
- Strong attention to detail
- Good judgement when handling sensitive information
- The confidence to work independently and contribute within a wider team
- The ability to deliver high-quality work under pressure and within deadlines
The successful candidate must also be capable of obtaining the relevant UK security clearance.
Why Consider It?
This is a chance to join a specialist practice working on complex and often nationally significant inquiries and investigations.
Rather than being limited to one type of matter, you'll gain exposure across:
- Public inquiries
- Independent investigations
- Large-scale disclosure
- Witness evidence
- Hearings
- Public sector work
- Sensitive and confidential investigations


Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
There is also scope for exposure to colleagues and matters across a wider international platform.
The work can require travel and periods of client-site working, so flexibility is important.
Ready for Something Different?
If you're a 1-3 PQE solicitor with experience in inquiries, investigations, disclosure or related contentious/public sector work, this could be an excellent opportunity to broaden your experience.
Get in touch with Nicole Smith at Yolk Legal for a confidential conversation or apply today.
Yolk Recruitment is an equal opportunities employer and embraces diversity in our workforce. We employ the best people for the job at hand and actively encourage applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, age, race, religion, sexual orientation, disability, educational background, parental status, gender identity or any other protected characteristic. We champion and celebrate diversity at Yolk allowing our team to bring their whole selves to work.
Please note, whilst we do our best to contact all candidates, due to the high number of applications we receive we cannot guarantee this for every role. If you have not heard anything from us within 7 days of applying - then unfortunately you have been unsuccessful. Please keep an eye on our website for more opportunities.
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