Trainee Solicitor (Crime) in England

The Crime team has an opportunity for an aspiring solicitor to join the team as a Trainee Solicitor. This full‑time role works 36.25 hours per week, Monday‑Friday. The training contract commences in September 2026. The role accommodates both recognised training routes: Period of Recognised Training (PRT) and Qualifying Work Experience (QWE).

Qualification Routes

• Prospective trainees starting a Period of Recognised Training (PRT) must have completed a law degree or the GDL/PGDL and the LPC prior to starting the contract.
• Those starting a Qualifying Work Experience (QWE) must have completed a law degree or the GDL/PGDL and the SQE 1 prior to starting the contract.

Regardless of the route, the firm will support candidates through the Professional Skills Course (PRT) or the SQE 2 (QWE).

Responsibilities

• Provide effective and efficient support to the Crime team through chargeable legal work that contributes to the delivery and completion of services for clients and build up to handling their own case load of criminal defence files.
• Ensure timely and efficient day‑to‑day progress of matters, prioritising work, monitoring deadlines and actions needed and keeping clients informed.
• Drafting and preparing legal documents that require further knowledge, consideration and input based on analysis and understanding of information gathered.
• Providing legal advice, under the supervision of a qualified advisor, which resolves queries and advances clients’ instructions and cases.
• Attend external meetings and events including but not limited to hearings, court appearances, client meetings and networking events.
• Write original high‑quality articles and reports for internal and external publication.
• Manage regular and up‑to‑date communications with clients and stakeholders, answering queries, managing expectations (including costs), providing updates and effectively chasing responses required and escalating appropriately.
• Maintain, monitor and update the appropriate systems and documents with client and case information, data and file notes.
• Carry out and deliver accurate and up‑to‑date legal research.

The Person

We will progress applicants based on demonstrated knowledge, experience, and skills. There will be an assessment and interview.

Qualifications (Essential)

• A Law Degree (or equivalent), achieving a 2:1 or above, or completion of the GDL/PGDL.
• LPC or SQE1 or working towards completion and achievement by September 2026.

Experience (Essential)

• Previous experience as a paralegal or legal assistant.
• Previous and demonstrable experience handling a crime caseload / criminal clients.
• Experience using legal case management systems (e.g., PfW) to support the delivery of services.

Knowledge, Skills And Behaviours (Essential)

• Aligns with the Firms values.
• Demonstrates excellent attention to detail.
• Demonstrates excellent organisation skills and time management.
• Demonstrates the ability to work as part of a team.
• Demonstrates excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Demonstrates a good sense of commercial awareness.
• Local connections to the Lancashire, Manchester and Yorkshire areas.
• Demonstrates a good competence in their IT skills (Outlook, Word, and other systems experience).
• Demonstrates good communication skills, both written and verbal.

The Benefits

• 33 days annual leave, including bank holidays, increasing with length of service.
• Annual leave purchase scheme (Subject to T&Cs).
• Enhanced family‑friendly policies and pay for Maternity, Paternity and Adoption Leave.
• Enhanced sick pay.
• Celebration and Volunteering leave.
• Ongoing professional development and progression opportunities.
• Profit share scheme.
• Additional long service awards.
• Subsidised tuck shops.
• Staff discount on Firm services.
• Health care benefits (Health Cash Back Plan and Mental Health Counselling Services).
• BUPA (Solicitor positions only, for self, not dependants).
• Retail and gym membership discounts.
• Recruitment and legal department referrals (Subject to T&Cs).
• Annual Events.

Forbes is an equal opportunities and disability‑confident employer, accredited by Investors in People and ISO 9001 quality management systems. We are committed to equal opportunities in employment, service provision, and supplier engagement, and strive to maintain a workforce that reflects the local community.