At a Glance
- Tasks: Join us as a Company Secretary Trainee, supporting corporate governance and compliance.
- Company: Flex Legal is a dynamic firm dedicated to nurturing diverse legal talent.
- Benefits: Enjoy a half-day off for study, networking opportunities, and exposure to top FTSE100 teams.
- Why this job: Fast-track your career with quick progression and invaluable boardroom experience.
- Qualifications: Graduates with a minimum 2.1 in Law, Accounting, Business or Management are welcome.
- Other info: Start your journey with a 3-week Readiness Programme before placement with leading clients.
We are really delighted to be recruiting our second cohort of Company Secretary trainees after 8 very successful cohorts of Flex Trainees and Flex Apprentices qualifying as lawyers. Our first ever Co Sec trainees started in October 2024 at five household-name companies, including The Crown Estate and Diageo.
We are looking for academically strong candidates from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds who are open to qualifying as Company Secretary through the in-house route. We are looking for trainees for our Autumn Cohort - starting in October 2025. We have some amazing clients who are keen to help you progress your career.
Before you start, you will come and do a stint at Flex Legal on our 3 week Readiness Programme, after which we second you to our clients to complete your Co-Sec training. This is a 3 week training course on soft skills alongside some basic company secretary training. You will also have the chance to attend some legal sessions shared with our SQE trainees and to network with your future cohort.
5 days a week with half a day off to study.
Why become a company secretary?
- The skillset for a company secretary overlaps with the skillset for a good lawyer - organisation, great stakeholder management, and communication skills.
- Company secretary teams are becoming more important with more stringent regulation and compliance hitting companies, so it's a great career to get involved in at this time.
- You can earn similar salaries to lawyers but career progression is a lot quicker.
- You get better business exposure, as you will often sit in the Board, help with the AGM, and write Board minutes, giving you incredible exposure to the C-suite at an early stage of your career.
- Learn practical and commercial experience from the top FTSE100 legal teams.
- Be part of a cohort of trainees doing the same as you in other companies.
All about company secretary:
Company Secretary teams support their company to comply with corporate governance and advise internally on adhering to statutory and regulatory requirements. You would have access to the top people in the organisation and get a great 'umbrella' commercial view of the company. You would attend board meetings and form relationships with lots of stakeholders including Finance, Treasury, Tax and Legal. There would be exposure to work in shareholder complaints, contribute to the company ESG/sustainability strategy, Rewards, contribute to the AGM and much more.
The Company Secretary team advises and supports the Board on corporate governance matters. Co-sec teams usually oversee the corporate governance of any subsidiaries, both in the UK and overseas, focusing on Board composition, filings and meeting governance.
Responsibilities include:
- Assisting the team with corporate statutory filings in the UK and overseas jurisdictions.
- Monitoring a shared mailbox, managing corporate signings and notarisation of documents in a timely manner.
- Developing skills in minute-writing.
- Assistance with KYC, audit and due diligence requests.
- Assisting with special projects as required.
This position is open to graduates who hold a 2.1 minimum in Law, Accounting, Business or Business Management Degrees. You will have the advantage of exemption from one of the seven level 1 modules - Company Law.
The right to work in the UK: you must have the right to work in the UK from the date you would start as a trainee. Flex Trainee is designed to bring socially mobile and diverse aspiring solicitors into the profession. Proactive in building stakeholder relationships.
Trainee Company Secretary employer: Flex Legal
Contact Detail:
Flex Legal Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Company Secretary
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with corporate governance and compliance regulations. Understanding the legal framework that governs company secretaries will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former company secretaries. Engaging with professionals in the field can provide you with valuable insights and tips on what to expect, as well as potentially opening doors for your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Attend workshops or seminars related to corporate law and governance. This will not only enhance your knowledge but also show your commitment to the profession, making you a more attractive candidate.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for the Readiness Programme by developing your soft skills. Focus on communication, organisation, and stakeholder management, as these are crucial for success in the company secretary role.
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Company Secretary
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities of a Company Secretary. Highlight your understanding of corporate governance, compliance, and stakeholder management in your application.
Tailor Your CV: Ensure your CV reflects relevant academic achievements, particularly if you hold a 2.1 minimum in Law, Accounting, Business, or Business Management. Include any experience that showcases your organisational and communication skills.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only expresses your enthusiasm for the role but also demonstrates your understanding of the importance of a Company Secretary in today’s regulatory environment. Mention your commitment to professional development and how you align with the company’s values.
Highlight Soft Skills: Since the role involves significant interaction with various stakeholders, emphasise your soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and adaptability. Provide examples of how you've successfully used these skills in past experiences.
How to prepare for a job interview at Flex Legal
✨Research the Role and Company
Before your interview, make sure to thoroughly research the role of a Company Secretary and the specific company you are applying to. Understand their corporate governance practices and recent news related to them. This will help you demonstrate your genuine interest and knowledge during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Soft Skills
As a Company Secretary trainee, strong communication and stakeholder management skills are crucial. Be prepared to provide examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed relationships or communicated effectively. This will highlight your suitability for the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and decision-making skills. Think about how you would handle situations related to corporate governance or compliance issues. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Continuous Learning
Express your enthusiasm for learning and professional development, especially regarding the in-house training programme. Discuss any relevant courses or certifications you have pursued or plan to pursue, showing that you are proactive about your career growth.