At a Glance
- Tasks: Kickstart your legal career with hands-on experience in top legal teams.
- Company: Join Flex Legal, a leader in supporting aspiring solicitors.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, access to SQE courses, and tailored support.
- Why this job: Gain valuable Qualifying Work Experience while working with renowned companies.
- Qualifications: UK Qualifying Law Degree (2.1 or above) and social mobility criteria.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with mentorship and networking opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 32000 £ per year.
Kickstart your legal career with Flex Legal’s Autumn 2026 Trainee scheme. We place our trainees in high-calibre legal teams where they can gain valuable Qualifying Work Experience (QWE), while offering the opportunity to access SQE1 and SQE2 preparation courses and exams.
About the Flex Trainee Programme
The Solicitors Qualification Examination (SQE) route is designed to open the legal profession to a wider pool of talent. At Flex Legal, our mission is to help historically under-represented aspiring solicitors make the most of the SQE and QWE opportunity. Our aim is to place our trainees in high-calibre legal teams where they can gain valuable Qualifying Work Experience (QWE), while offering the opportunity to access SQE1 and SQE2 preparation courses and exams.
Flex works with innovative and exciting legal teams to make sure trainees are exposed to a wide range of work. Our trainees are 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 on a fixed-term contract and seconded to an in-house legal team, typically for a minimum period of 12 months or for up to 24 months, to gain QWE. Our SQE route supports trainees with QWE by offering secondments to our in-house clients. While the goal is for trainees to gain two years of QWE, the specific placement length and experience are subject to client demand and the trainee’s prior qualifications.
Support, Salary, and Benefits
Wherever your secondment takes you, Flex Legal remains your "home-base" to ensure you are well supported. You will receive:
- Competitive Salary: Year 1 salary of £32,000 (London) or £28,000 (Regions). Year 2 rises to £35,000 (London) or £31,000 (Regions).
- A Qualifying Work Experience secondment with a top in-house legal team (past clients include: ASOS, Trustpilot, Natwest, The Crown Estate, and Mondelez).
- Access to SQE1 and SQE2 preparation courses (additional courses subject to T&Cs) and your first sitting of each SQE exam, subject to conditions being met.
- A bespoke Readiness Programme before you start to allow you to hit the ground running.
- An in-house supervisor who meets with Flex every month to review your progress.
- Regular 1:1 support and coaching from the Flex Team.
- Introductions to mentors across the legal industry.
- Exclusive access to industry networking events.
- Access to our SQE Journal to help you easily track your Qualifying Work Experience progress.
- Other benefits include private health care, a cycle-to-work scheme and nursery benefits.
Social Mobility: You must meet our social mobility criteria based on the Social Mobility Commission's framework.
Academic: A UK Qualifying Law Degree (2.1 or above). (Mitigating circumstances considered).
Competencies: We look for attributes aligned with the O Shaped Lawyer—focusing on being well-rounded, commercially aware, and relationship-oriented.
Right to Work: Candidates must have the right to work in the UK.
Application Process
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: Midnight, Tuesday 28th April 2026.
- Start Date: October 2026.
Note: We review applications on a rolling basis. Spaces at assessment centres fill fast, so early application is encouraged.
The Recruitment Journey
- Application: Apply via our careers page or partner websites.
- Online Assessments: Successful applicants will be invited to complete assessments.
- Interview: A 1-1 Zoom interview with our Talent team.
- Assessment Centre: If successful, you will attend a formal assessment centre.
- Trainee in Waiting: Candidates who pass the screening enter our "Trainee in Waiting" pool to be matched with clients.
- Placement Offer: Once you successfully interview with and accept a placement from a client, a formal offer of employment is extended.
Accessibility
Flex Legal is a Disability Confident employer. We will make reasonable adjustments to support you throughout the recruitment process.
Flex Legal Trainee: Autumn 2026 Cohort employer: Flex Legal
Contact Detail:
Flex Legal Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Flex Legal Trainee: Autumn 2026 Cohort
✨Tip Number 1
Get your networking game on! Connect with professionals in the legal field through LinkedIn or industry events. We can’t stress enough how valuable personal connections can be in landing that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interviews like a pro! Research the company and its culture, and think about how your experiences align with their values. We want you to shine and show them why you're the perfect fit for their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or mentors to build your confidence. We believe that the more you practice, the more natural it will feel when it’s time to impress the interviewers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. We’re here to support you every step of the way, so let’s get you started on this exciting journey!
We think you need these skills to ace Flex Legal Trainee: Autumn 2026 Cohort
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your unique experiences and perspectives that align with our mission at Flex Legal.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application for the Flex Legal Trainee role. Highlight your relevant skills and experiences that demonstrate your fit for the position and how you can contribute to our innovative legal teams.
Show Your Passion for Law: Express your enthusiasm for a career in law and your commitment to social mobility. We’re looking for candidates who are not just qualified but also genuinely excited about making a difference in the legal profession.
Apply Early: Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application! We review applications on a rolling basis, so applying early gives you a better chance of securing a spot in our assessment centres.
How to prepare for a job interview at Flex Legal
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand Flex Legal's mission and values. Familiarise yourself with the SQE process and how it relates to the role. This shows your genuine interest and helps you connect your experiences to what they’re looking for.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare specific examples that highlight your competencies as an O Shaped Lawyer. Think about times when you've demonstrated commercial awareness or built strong relationships. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions about the trainee programme, the types of legal teams you'll work with, and opportunities for mentorship. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.
✨Be Yourself
Flex Legal values authenticity, so don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. Share your passion for law and your aspirations. Remember, they’re looking for well-rounded individuals who can contribute to their diverse teams.