Trainee Solicitor and Training Contract Management

• Ensure compliance with Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) requirements and maintain awareness of regulatory developments.
• Maintain accurate records relating to training contracts, seat rotations, study leave, performance and qualification.
• Provide guidance and support to trainees throughout their training contracts.
• Advise managers on employee relations, performance, conduct and absence matters.
• Manage sickness absence and other leave processes, including family leave arrangements.
• Coordinate trainee seat rotations, balancing development needs with business requirements.
• Support trainees with career planning and seat selection.
• Manage appraisal processes and ensure meaningful performance feedback is delivered.
• Monitor trainee performance, engagement and wellbeing, escalating issues where appropriate.
• Provide coaching and support to supervisors to ensure effective trainee development.
• Coordinate professional skills and qualification programmes.
• Oversee SQE sponsorship, study leave and examination processes.
• Identify and coordinate development opportunities to support trainees' technical and professional growth.
• Analyse engagement and feedback data and recommend improvements to the trainee experience.

Qualification

• Manage the Newly Qualified (NQ) recruitment and qualification process.
• Engage with trainees and business leaders to understand qualification preferences and future resourcing needs.
• Coordinate qualification timelines, applications, interviews and offers.
• Ensure a fair, transparent and consistent qualification process.
• Provide guidance and support throughout qualification, including for unsuccessful candidates.
• Organise qualification events to celebrate trainee achievements.
• Manage qualification leave and associated administrative requirements.
• Support admission and practising certificate applications.
• Ensure all qualification records are maintained accurately.
• Facilitate a smooth transition from trainee to qualified solicitor.

Vacation Scheme

• Lead the delivery of the annual Vacation Scheme.
• Support the recruitment process for Vacation Scheme participants.
• Coordinate onboarding and department allocations.
• Design and deliver a structured programme providing insight into the organisation and legal career opportunities.
• Ensure participants receive appropriate training, support and meaningful work experience.
• Coordinate presentations, workshops, networking opportunities and social events.
• Oversee assessment and feedback processes.
• Gather and analyse feedback from scheme participants and stakeholders.
• Maintain accurate records and management information.
• Evaluate scheme effectiveness and recommend enhancements for future programmes.

Person Specification

Essential Requirements

• Degree educated, with a 2:1 or above (or equivalent).
• CIPD Level 7 qualified or currently studying towards qualification.
• Minimum three years' experience within a legal or professional services environment.
• Experience supporting Trainee Solicitors through induction, seat rotations, performance management and qualification processes.
• Knowledge of both traditional Training Contracts and the SQE route to qualification.
• Experience designing and delivering assessment centres and Vacation Schemes.
• Strong Microsoft Office skills, particularly Outlook, Excel and Word.
• Sound knowledge of HR best practice and HR strategy.
• Commercially minded with a focus on delivering results.
• Demonstrated ability to identify opportunities for improvement and implement effective solutions.
• Excellent stakeholder management, influencing and communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to process compliance.
• Excellent organisational and prioritisation skills with the ability to manage competing deadlines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Self-motivated, proactive and highly organised.