Legal Trainee (Contract)
Legal Trainee (Contract)

Legal Trainee (Contract)

Manchester Full-Time No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join our Flex Trainee programme to gain hands-on legal experience while qualifying as a solicitor.
  • Company: Flex Legal champions social mobility and diversity in the legal profession, supporting aspiring solicitors.
  • Benefits: Enjoy remote work options, professional development, and personal perks like private healthcare and nursery benefits.
  • Why this job: This role offers unique in-house training opportunities and a chance to build your legal network.
  • Qualifications: Must have a UK Qualifying Law Degree and meet specific criteria for either Flex Trainee or Apprentice routes.
  • Other info: Applications close on 27th April 2025; we support diverse candidates and offer reasonable adjustments.

A new way to qualify. The Solicitors Qualification Examination (SQE) route to qualify as a solicitor is designed to open the legal profession to a wider pool of talent. It represents a significant opportunity for organisations to support the next generation of lawyers, and improve social mobility and diversity in the profession. Our Flex Trainee programme helps socially mobile and diverse aspiring solicitors to make the most of this opportunity. We place our trainees in legal teams over the two years of their SQE, where they gather valuable qualifying work experience while completing the academic component of their qualification.

Flex works with the UK’s most forward-looking legal teams to make sure trainees are exposed to a wide range of work. Our trainees have been placed in renowned companies, including international banks and other financial services organisations, leading manufacturers and retailers, technology and telecoms companies, as well as charities. Trainees are employed by Flex Legal for two years and seconded to a client's in-house legal team where they will be exposed to a wide range of legal experiences. Trainees either complete their placement with one organisation for the two years or will be placed across two organisations for a year each. At the end of the two years, and subject to passing the SQE assessments and gaining the necessary QWE, candidates will be able to apply to the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) to become a fully qualified solicitor.

As part of the Flex Trainee programme, we offer two distinct pathways to qualification: Flex Apprentice and Flex Trainee. Your route will depend on your current qualifications and where you are in your legal journey. You will be asked questions during your application that will help us determine which route is more suitable for you.

With Flex, you will get exposure to a range of experiences in in-house legal teams across a variety of industries. Wherever you go during the programme, your 'home-base' will always be Flex, who will make sure that you're well taken care of.

  • Flex Apprentice: The SQE1 & 2 preparation course plus your SQE exams. You will also complete a Level 7 Solicitor Apprenticeship via Damar.
  • Flex Trainee: The SQE 2 preparation course plus your SQE exams.

You will receive:

  • An in-house supervisor, who will meet with Flex every month to review your progress.
  • Regular 1:1s with a Flex development mentor in Year 1 and a legal industry mentor in Year 2.
  • Professional development opportunities with Flex through professional and industry networking events.
  • Access to the Flex Legal SQE Journal, which is Flex’s proprietary tool to easily record Qualifying Work Experience.
  • Time off during term time to study for the SQE.
  • A range of personal benefits, including a cycle to work scheme, nursery benefits and private health care (upon successful passing of probation).

To apply for the Autumn 2025 Flex Trainee programme, you must meet all of the following criteria:

  • Social Mobility Eligibility: The Flex Trainee programme is designed to support socially mobile and diverse aspiring solicitors. As part of your application, you will be asked to provide details about your background, particularly your education and social circumstances.
  • Law-Related Qualifications: You must have completed a UK Qualifying Law Degree from any university with a 1 or above (or an equivalent grade) in at least one degree or postgraduate qualification. If mitigating circumstances prevented you from meeting this requirement, you should still apply and explain your situation in your application, as we will take this into account.
  • Meet criteria for either the Flex Trainee or Flex Apprentice route: Flex Apprentice: You must not be enrolled in or have completed the SQE1 or the LPC. Flex Trainee: You must have passed either the SQE or LPC but must not be enrolled in the SQE2. You will also ideally have 6 months legal experience.

If you are currently studying for or awaiting results from these qualifications, contact us to discuss your eligibility (trainee@f-lex.co.uk).

Legal Trainee (Contract) employer: Flex Legal

Flex Legal is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a diverse and socially mobile legal profession through its innovative Flex Trainee programme. With a strong emphasis on professional development, trainees benefit from tailored mentorship, exposure to a variety of in-house legal teams, and a supportive work culture that prioritises personal growth and well-being. Located at the heart of the UK’s legal landscape, Flex offers unique opportunities to build a robust legal network while enjoying comprehensive benefits such as private healthcare and flexible study time.
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Contact Detail:

Flex Legal Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Legal Trainee (Contract)

✨Tip Number 1

Research the Flex Trainee programme thoroughly. Understand its structure, benefits, and the types of legal experiences you will gain. This knowledge will help you articulate why you're a great fit during interviews.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with current or former trainees from the Flex programme. They can provide valuable insights into their experiences and offer tips on how to stand out in your application and interviews.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss your aspirations and motivations for wanting to qualify as a solicitor in an in-house setting. Be ready to explain how your background aligns with the values of social mobility and diversity that Flex champions.

✨Tip Number 4

Stay updated on current legal trends and issues, especially those affecting in-house legal teams. Demonstrating commercial awareness will show your commitment and understanding of the role you’re applying for.

We think you need these skills to ace Legal Trainee (Contract)

Understanding of Legal Principles
Research Skills
Attention to Detail
Communication Skills
Analytical Thinking
Time Management
Teamwork and Collaboration
Client Relationship Management
Commercial Awareness
Problem-Solving Skills
Adaptability
Networking Skills
Ability to Work Under Pressure
Ethical Judgement

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Programme: Familiarise yourself with the Flex Trainee programme and its unique offerings. Highlight your understanding of how this opportunity aligns with your career aspirations in your application.

Showcase Your Background: Since the programme focuses on social mobility and diversity, be sure to share your personal background and any challenges you've overcome. This will help demonstrate your fit for the programme.

Highlight Relevant Experience: If you have any legal experience, even if it's just six months, make sure to detail it in your application. Discuss what you learned and how it has prepared you for a role in an in-house legal team.

Express Your Motivation: Clearly articulate why you want to qualify as a solicitor and why you are interested in the Flex Trainee programme specifically. This is your chance to convey your passion for law and your commitment to the profession.

How to prepare for a job interview at Flex Legal

✨Know Your Why

Before the interview, take some time to reflect on why you want to join the Flex Trainee programme. Be ready to articulate your aspirations and what draws you to qualify as a solicitor, especially in an in-house setting.

✨Research the Company

Familiarise yourself with Flex Legal and its mission to support socially mobile and diverse aspiring solicitors. Understanding their values and the industries they work with will help you tailor your responses and show genuine interest.

✨Prepare for Competency Questions

Expect questions that assess your competencies as an in-house lawyer. Review the desirable attributes outlined by the company and think of examples from your experience that demonstrate these skills.

✨Ask Insightful Questions

Prepare thoughtful questions to ask at the end of your interview. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if the programme aligns with your career goals. Consider asking about the types of projects trainees typically work on or how Flex supports professional development.

Legal Trainee (Contract)
Flex Legal
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  • Legal Trainee (Contract)

    Manchester
    Full-Time

    Application deadline: 2027-04-24

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    Flex Legal

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