At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and develop future solicitors through their training journey at Freshfields.
- Company: Join a leading law firm committed to nurturing talent and diversity.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with a focus on wellbeing and professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the careers of aspiring lawyers while enhancing your own skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in HR or early careers roles, with strong organisational and communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
We are seeking an Early Careers Development Specialist to play a key role in delivering a high-quality development experience for the firm’s Trainee Associates. This is a varied and people-focused role within our Early Careers team, offering the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on how we develop, support and retain future solicitors at Freshfields.
You will combine operational excellence with a strong service mindset, supporting trainees from pre-joining engagement through to qualification. Working closely with the Early Careers Development Manager and Specialists, you will help ensure trainees feel supported, informed and challenged throughout their training, while enabling the firm to develop, retain and qualify exceptional future lawyers.
Key responsibilities- Deliver day-to-day management of key Trainee Associate processes, including induction, seat moves, secondments and qualification.
- Work closely with Learning & Development and external providers to support trainee learning and professional development.
- Manage the firm’s cohort of future trainees through the firm-sponsored law school programme and SQE exams, supporting engagement, progression and transition into the Trainee Associate Programme.
- Co-ordinate and support the trainee performance review process, including mid-seat and end-of-seat reviews.
- Monitor trainee wellbeing and performance, escalating concerns sensitively and proactively in partnership with the Early Careers Development Manager and HR Business Partners.
- Support individual trainees through challenges relating to performance, wellbeing or personal circumstances, in line with firm policies.
- Build effective working relationships with Partners, Supervisors and HR colleagues to support trainee development and consistent standards across the firm.
- Attend trainee-related forums and meetings, contributing insights and supporting the implementation of agreed actions.
- Work collaboratively with the Early Careers Apprenticeship Specialist to ensure alignment and consistency across trainee and apprentice experiences where appropriate.
- Maintain accurate trainee data and reporting, producing insights to support decision-making and continuous improvement of the programme.
- Gather and analyse trainee feedback to identify trends, risks and opportunities to enhance the trainee experience.
- Support the Early Careers Recruitment team during peak recruitment periods, including assessment centres, interviews and events.
- Contribute to early careers projects and initiatives, including programme reviews, pilot activity and firm-wide people projects.
- Experience in an early careers, HR or people-focused role within a legal or professional services environment.
- Knowledge of the solicitor training route and the SQE framework.
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple processes and deadlines simultaneously.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with confidence engaging a wide range of stakeholders.
- A proactive, solutions-focused approach with strong attention to detail.
- The ability to handle sensitive matters with discretion, empathy and professionalism.
- Confidence working with data, systems and reporting to support informed decision-making.
- Experience working with trainee or graduate development programmes.
- A CIPD qualification or working towards CIPD accreditation.
Freshfields is an equal opportunities employer and all applications received by the firm will be considered on the basis of their merit alone. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals regardless of background. All offers of employment will be conditional on the candidate having/securing the right to work in the UK in the role in question and providing the firm with evidence of that right (as required by the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006) prior to employment commencing.
Freshfields is a Ban the Box employer. We ask applicants to disclose criminal convictions only if and when a conditional job offer is made. A conviction does not automatically lead to withdrawal of the offer: we make decisions on a case-by-case basis and take a number of relevant factors into account.
Early Careers Development Specialist (12 month FTC) in London employer: Dormont Manufacturing Co
Freshfields is an exceptional employer that prioritises the development and wellbeing of its Trainee Associates, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture. With a strong focus on professional growth, employees benefit from tailored training programmes, collaborative teamwork, and opportunities to engage with senior stakeholders, all within a prestigious legal environment in the heart of the UK. Join us to make a meaningful impact on the future of law while enjoying a fulfilling career path.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Early Careers Development Specialist (12 month FTC) in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Freshfields on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by knowing your stuff! Research Freshfields' values and recent projects. We want to see how you can fit into our culture and contribute to the Early Careers team.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your people skills! During interviews, share examples of how you've supported others in their development. We love candidates who can demonstrate empathy and a proactive approach.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Early Careers Development Specialist (12 month FTC) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Early Careers Development Specialist role. Highlight your relevant experience in early careers or HR, and show us how you can contribute to supporting trainees effectively.
Showcase Your People Skills:This role is all about people! Use your application to demonstrate your excellent interpersonal skills. Share examples of how you've built relationships and supported individuals in previous roles, especially in a professional services environment.
Be Detail-Oriented:We love attention to detail! Ensure your application is free from typos and clearly structured. This reflects your organisational skills and shows us that you can manage multiple processes and deadlines effectively.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Dormont Manufacturing Co
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the solicitor training route and the SQE framework inside out. Familiarise yourself with Freshfields' approach to trainee development, as this will show your genuine interest in the role and help you answer questions more confidently.
✨Showcase Your People Skills
This role is all about supporting trainees, so be ready to demonstrate your interpersonal skills. Think of examples where you've successfully engaged with a diverse range of stakeholders or helped someone through a challenging situation. This will highlight your ability to connect with others.
✨Be Organised and Proactive
Prepare for the interview by thinking about how you manage multiple processes and deadlines. Share specific examples of how you've handled similar situations in the past, showcasing your organisational skills and proactive mindset. This will resonate well with the operational excellence they’re looking for.
✨Data Savvy
Since the role involves working with data and reporting, brush up on your analytical skills. Be prepared to discuss how you've used data to support decision-making in previous roles. This will demonstrate your confidence in handling sensitive matters and your attention to detail.
