Early Careers/Graduate Recruitment & Development Specialist

We're working with a well-regarded, international Law Firm that is seeking an experienced Early Careers/Graduate Recruitment & Development Specialist to take ownership of their trainee solicitor programme and graduate recruitment efforts across the London offices.

Salary – up to £70k

Hybrid approach – 3 days in office per week.

This is an exciting, first of its kind role in the firm, for someone who thrives in legal early careers (both graduate recruitment and development), enjoys building strong relationships with stakeholders and candidates, and is excited to shape a best-in-class trainee recruitment and development experience from attraction through to qualification.

Key duties will include:

• Developing and delivering the London graduate recruitment strategy in partnership with the Training Principal and senior stakeholders.
• Managing the full recruitment lifecycle for training contracts, vacation schemes and other early careers initiatives.
• Building strong relationships with universities, law schools and external partners, and representing the firm at campus events and law fairs.
• Leading assessment centres and selection processes, ensuring fairness, consistency and an excellent candidate experience.
• Overseeing all offer and contract administration for trainee solicitors.
• Monitoring market trends and competitor activity to ensure the firm’s early careers offering remains competitive and engaging.
• Managing the structure and delivery of the trainee solicitor development programme, working closely with Knowledge Management.
• Coordinating trainee seat rotations and supporting supervisors to complete mid-seat and end-seat evaluations.
• Acting as the primary point of contact for trainee solicitors, supporting their development, performance and progression throughout their training contract.
• Managing the qualification and newly qualified (NQ) retention process, and ensuring compliance with SRA, SQE and QWE requirements.