Trainee Solicitor (Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship) with Slater Heelis
Hours Per Week: 35
Salary: Competitive
Short Description:
An exciting opportunity to join Slater Heelis as a Trainee Solicitor Apprentice.
Full Description:
Slater Heelis is a leading full-service law firm with a rich history of providing exceptional legal services to clients across the UK. Based in Manchester, we are recognised for our client-focussed approach, professional integrity, and commitment to excellence. At Slater Heelis, we are dedicated to delivering high quality legal advice while fostering an inclusive and dynamic work environment. We believe in nurturing and investing in our talent and we are looking for passionate individuals ready to get qualified and kickstart their legal careers with us.
In May 2024, Slater Heelis became part of Lawfront, a national Law Group providing legal services to individuals and businesses through leading regional law firms. Lawfront supports its regional firms to achieve their growth ambitions through investment in people, technology and cross-group collaboration with the support of a highly experienced central team.
Our colleagues are some of the very best in the profession and we’re adding 3 more Trainee Solicitor opportunities to our 2025 intake as we continue to expand and grow!
Our commitment to quality is supported by our accolades which all combine to ensure that the quality of service and advice delivered by Slater Heelis exceeds expectations:
- Review Solicitors – Our Review Solicitor reviews speak for themselves >> https://www.reviewsolicitors.co.uk/greater-manchester/sale/slater-heelis-llp-Cheshire
- Lexcel – the Law Society’s Practice Management Standard.
- CQS – The Law Society’s Conveyancing Quality Scheme.
- Legal 500 – What the Legal 500 say about us.
- Chambers & Partners – What Chambers and Partners say about us.
- Resolution – an organisation of lawyers who believe in a constructive, non-confrontational approach to family law matters.
- We’re proud to be an accredited Living Wage Employer.
- We’ve been nominated for far too many awards to list on here.
What we offer:!
- We’re fortunate to work with truly great people at Slater Heelis many of whom are leaders in their fields. As well as being provided with a high-quality training programme and learning from expert solicitors, we also offer:
- Full SQE funding: If you have yet to enrol onto the SQE route, we are proud to offer sponsorship of the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) route to qualification, including course fees and exam costs (subject to eligibility).
- A clear path to qualification: We’ll guide you through your Qualifying Work Experience (QWE), offering structure, feedback, and development opportunities.
- Dedicated training mentors in each department: You will have access not only to central training support but also to a mentor in each team to ensure your training needs are met and you have all you need to succeed.
- Comprehensive training: Gain hands-on experience across a wide variety of practice areas, both private client and corporate, working alongside experienced solicitors who are passionate about nurturing the next generation.
- Seat rotation: During your training programme, you will complete up to four training seats across different legal departments. You will be able to indicate your preferences and let us know which area of law you would like to include in your programme.
- Real responsibility: From day one, you’ll be given meaningful work and direct client exposure in a supportive environment.
- A place to belong: Be part of a dynamic, inclusive firm with a strong regional presence and a reputation for excellence.
Slater Heelis Legal departments:
- Corporate/Commercial
- Litigation – Commercial and Personal
- Employment
- Insolvency
- Real Estate Finance
- Commercial Property
- Residential Property
- Family
- Crime
- Personal Injury
- Wills, Trusts and Probate
- Court of Protection
Key Responsibilities:
- To provide high quality support to fee-earners and to clients.
- Undertaking a wide variety of work under supervision but not as a designated matter handler.
- Drafting legal documents, including contracts, briefs, court documents and correspondence.
- Assisting with legal research and analysis to support ongoing cases.
- Attending client meetings and court hearings and interacting with clients, barristers, opponents and experts.
- Collaborating with various departments to ensure comprehensive case management.
- Contributing to business development activities including attending external events and networking opportunities, client engagement initiatives, blogging and growing your professional social media presence.
- Developing and advising on relevant options, strategies and solutions.
- Demonstrating an adequate understanding of the commercial, organisational and financial context within the department.
- Attaining a level of competence to SRA and Practical Skills standards working towards qualification as a solicitor.
Why join us?
In addition to getting the opportunity to work with exceptionally talented people, being a part of a fast-growing business with huge ambition across Lawfront, and being a great place to work, we have a range of benefits including:
- A funded SQE route to qualification at a prestigious full-service Law Firm based in Sale/Manchester.
- A supportive and engaging training environment with mentorship from experienced professionals.
- Opportunities to work on a diverse range of legal matters.
- Access to continuous professional development and training programs.
- A collaborative and inclusive workplace culture.
The process:
1.Applications will close on 5 May 2025.
2.First stage interview w/c 12/19 May (virtual). This will be relatively short and informal, giving you the opportunity to share your authentic self. The hiring team will be looking to understand more about your experience and why you're interested in working with us.
3.There will then be a second stage assessment day and longer interview w/c 26 May – w/c 2nd June (in-person). This will enable you to demonstrate your skills and suitability for the role and for us to get to know you better.
Future Prospects:
Potential for a full time role on completion.
Employer Description:
We are a respected, full-service law firm, celebrating 250 years in 2023, reaching out to service clients nationwide through face-to-face and digital communications.
With origins dating back to 1773, we pride ourselves on our long-standing reputation, experience and expertise.
Employer Website:
https://www.bpprecruitment.co.uk/Search/Job?id=259664&asid=1
Training Provided:
One day per week will be spent with BPP University, working towards your LLB Hons) Law and Legal Practice degree and the Solicitor Level 7 apprenticeship. Upon completion of your law degree, you will sit the Solicitors Qualifying Examinations (SQE) 1&2 and qualify as a solicitor.
Your Level 7 apprenticeship shall be delivered by a blend of online and face-to-face from BPP. Coupled with the on-the-job learning, completion of the apprenticeship will lead to obtaining your solicitor qualification.
The apprenticeship standard is based on the SRA's Statement of Solicitor Competence. Achievement of the standard and the associated apprenticeship assessment plan will satisfy the SRA's regulatory framework for qualification as a solicitor, subject to the SRA's usual tests of character and suitability.
Duration: 30 Months
Skills Required:
What we’re looking for:
You’ll be passionate about getting qualified and about a career in law. You’ll have a genuine commitment to joining Slater Heelis and adding to the culture and growth of the firm.
We’re also looking for:
- Skills: Strong analytical skills, excellent written and verbal communication, accuracy and attention to detail.
- Tech savvy: proficient with different IT/legal tools and platforms including AI.
- Personality: A proactive and adaptable mindset, with a passion for learning and a commitment to delivering outstanding client service.
- Proactive: ability to work autonomously at pace.
- Excellent time management: capable of multi-tasking, prioritising and adapting to changing demands.
- Ability to maintain absolute discretion and a high level of confidentiality
- Reliable, dependable and agile.
Qualifications Required:
- You have graduated with a law degree within the last 5 years (or are due to graduate in 2025).
- You have graduated with a non-law degree and completed the PGDL, GDL or equivalent law conversion course within the last 5 years
- You have already completed the LPC, and you are seeking a training contract/Qualifying Work Experience.
- You are currently undertaking the SQE and are seeking a training contract/Qualifying Work Experience (please note we will be unable to sponsor the SQE qualification in this scenario).
Perks and benefits
- Flexible time off - 25 days annual leave + 1 day for birthday + 8 bank holidays + additional days for your 3-, 5- & 10-year anniversary.
- Career progress – we’ll support your career progression by providing you with the opportunity to grow within.
- Agile working.
- Life & Income Protection Insurance.
- A wellbeing support package that includes- a 24-hour virtual fully qualified GP service, the ability to book a virtual GP appointment/ ask for a second opinion, 24-hour confidential Employee Assistance Programme, mental health support including free of charge CBT or counselling sessions. Nutritional support sessions Individual physiotherapy consultations and 1-2-1 lifestyle coaching including a 360-wellbeing assessment.
- Up to 4% matched pension contributions.
- A sociable community of like-minded professionals with regular on-site and off-site socials and events.
- Critical illness insurance.
- Cycle to Work salary sacrifice scheme and Tech discount scheme.
- Health cash plan – Giving you back the cost of routine or regular healthcare treatments such as eye care, dental treatment or physiotherapy.
- 1000+ Discounted gym partnerships.
- The opportunity to join an employer that takes Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging seriously - all amazing people are welcome at Slater Heelis.
- Up to a £2,000 (less tax & NI) bonus for each candidate that you refer to join Slater Heelis who passes probation.
- A benefits portal enabling you to purchase an array of other benefits via salary sacrifice, such as, the opportunity to buy and sell annual leave, season ticket loans, and travel insurance amongst other attractive perks.
- Enhanced maternity and paternity entitlements.
IND123
Job Type: Apprenticeship
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Cycle to work scheme
- Employee discount
- Employee mentoring programme
- Enhanced maternity leave
- Health & wellbeing programme
- Private medical insurance
Schedule:
Application question(s):
- Have you studied Law previously?
- Have you had any experience in property litigation/litigation?
Education:
Location:
Work Location: In person
Reference ID: Slater Heelis - Ref - 9776
