At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Equans UK Legal Team with diverse legal services and gain hands-on experience.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking company committed to sustainability and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, and wellness support.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive graduate scheme with excellent networking opportunities.
- Why this job: Kickstart your legal career with real-world experience across various sectors.
- Qualifications: Must have a qualifying law degree and interest in construction and technical services.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 30000 £ per year.
As a Trainee Solicitor, you will support the Equans UK Legal Team in delivering contentious and non‑contentious legal services across the full range of the company's business lines, including Sustainable FM, Places & Communities, Digital & Energy Services, as well as corporate governance and regulatory compliance. In addition, you will complete two seats as a secondee to our sister companies, Bouygues Construction in the UK and Colas (Road) in London and Birmingham. You will be part of the Equans UK & Ireland Graduate scheme, starting Wednesday 9 September in London and lasting for two years. You will work closely with qualified lawyers and non‑lawyers within the team and gain hands‑on exposure to a broad range of legal work, including commercial, construction, energy, M&A, corporate, dispute resolution, employment, property, insurance, ethics and data protection. Your training is expected to be split into four 6‑month seats, with your workload organised to develop competencies in the Statement of Solicitor Competence. You will be expected to be in the office at least three days a week, and where possible regular site visits will be organised.
Responsibilities
- Provide practical, commercial legal advice across a range of business areas
- Support drafting, review and negotiation of a range of legal documents
- Support decision‑making and ensure regulatory compliance
- Help monitor and manage legal risks in ongoing business activities and projects
- Liaise proactively with internal stakeholders
- Monitor deadlines and ensure compliance with them
- Maintain thorough and accurate legal records, databases and documentation
- Contribute to continuous improvement of legal processes
- Support adherence to Equans’ and the Bouygues Group’s governance, ethics and regulatory standards
Example Tasks
- Assisting with the review and drafting of proposed contracts and ancillary documents at bid stage and providing input into the legal sections of bid submission documents
- Assisting with advice on legal aspects of proposed and existing subcontracts, appointments, bonds, guarantees, warranties and similar documents
- Assisting with the monitoring and progression of disputes and potential disputes – both as Claimant or Defendant – including the preparation of documents for proceedings
- Liaising with the business to obtain instructions on specific matters
- Providing legal research and guidance on topics relevant to our business lines
- Assisting with the review of current and planned future legislation and regulations and advising on their potential impact
Benefits
- A competitive starting salary of £30,000
- 24 days annual leave (+ public holidays)
- Life Cover equivalent to 1 times annual salary
- Employee discount shopping schemes on major brands and retailers
- Gym membership discounts
- Cycle to work scheme
- Holiday purchase scheme
- 2 corporate social responsibility days per year
- Attractive Employee Referral Rewards Scheme
- Access to growing employee networks including WOMEN Together, RISE, Encompass, WPN, YPN, AccessAbility and Green Network
- 24/7 Employee Assistance Program and access to a mental wellbeing app
Qualifications
Essential:
- A qualifying law degree (LLB or GDL) or equivalent
- Currently studying towards or having recently completed the SQE (SQE1 and/or SQE2) or LPC
- Interest in working in the field of construction and technical services across energy, facilities management, decarbonisation and digital transformation projects
Desirable:
- Previous experience working within a legal team, law firm or in‑house legal department
- Experience of legal research, document review or case management; and/or
- Experience of working in a professional office environment, whether through employment, a placement or voluntary work
- A full UK driving licence
Applicants must have the right to work in the UK for the duration of the scheme. Equans is an equal‑opportunity employer. We encourage applications from diverse candidates.
Trainee Solicitor in Birmingham employer: Equans UK & Ireland
Equans UK & Ireland is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. Located at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford, employees benefit from a stable work schedule, competitive remuneration, and unique perks such as a company share scheme and paid volunteering days, making it a rewarding place to build a career in healthcare facilities management.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Solicitor in Birmingham
✨Join Local Law Societies
Get involved with local law societies in your area. These groups often host networking events, workshops, and panels that can provide insider insights and potential job leads. It’s a great way to meet professionals who can vouch for you!
✨Leverage University Resources
Swing by your uni’s career centre and see what they’ve got on offer for law students. They usually have connections with firms looking for trainees, and can help you polish your interview skills through mock interviews. Don’t forget to ask about any upcoming recruitment fairs!
✨Connect with Trainee Alumni
Reach out to past trainees from your network or alumni groups. They can offer invaluable advice on their experiences and might even point you to firms that are hiring. Plus, you never know when a friendly face could help your application stand out!
✨Submit Direct Applications through Our Website
Don't wait around for listings! If you’ve got your heart set on a certain firm like Equans UK & Ireland, drop them a direct application through their website. Tailor your cover letter to reflect your passion for law and what you can bring to their team!
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Solicitor in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Legal Acumen:Make sure your CV highlights your knowledge of legal principles and any relevant coursework. This is super important for a trainee role, so if you've got any practical experience like mooting competitions or internships, be sure to include those to show us what you've learned in practice!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Let us know why legal services excite you and detail your motivation for wanting to be a trainee with us at Equans UK & Ireland. Share any unique experiences or insights you've had that relate to our work — we love to see passion!
Demonstrate Your Research Skills:As part of a legal team, strong research skills are key. If you've conducted any legal research during your studies or previous roles, mention specific cases or legal documents you've worked with. Including these details can set you apart from other candidates applying for your trainee spot.
Tailor Your Documents to Us:When applying through our website, make sure you're tailoring your CV and cover letter specifically for the role at Equans UK & Ireland. Use our job posting as a guide to emphasize the skills and qualifications that align perfectly with the trainee position — it shows us you're keen and have done your homework!
How to prepare for a job interview at Equans UK & Ireland
✨Know Your Legal Principles
Get ready to showcase your understanding of key legal concepts and principles relevant to the field. Brush up on areas like contract law or torts, as you might encounter some scenario-based questions during your interview. It’s not just about memorising; be prepared to discuss how you'd apply these principles in real-world situations, which will highlight your analytical skills.
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
In legal interviews, your ability to conduct thorough research is essential. Be prepared to discuss how you approach case studies or legal precedents. You might also be asked about tools like Westlaw or LexisNexis, so having some familiarity with these platforms can really set you apart.
✨Emphasise Your Enthusiasm for Learning
As a trainee, companies like Equans UK & Ireland want to see your passion for the law and eagerness to learn. Bring up any relevant coursework, internships, or voluntary work during your studies. This shows that you're proactive and ready to embrace the challenges of the legal world.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Expect a few behavioural questions that probe your problem-solving and teamwork skills. Examples might relate to how you've handled conflict in a group project or dealt with tight deadlines. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses clearly, making it easy for the interviewers to see your thought process.
