Trainee Solicitor - Period of Recognised Training / Qualifying Work Experience

Are you ready to take the next step in your legal career? Forbes Solicitors LLP are looking to recruit a cohort of Trainee Solicitors for September 2028. We are offering two different training programmes that will support those that have the LPC (Period of Recognised Training) and SQE 1 (Qualifying Work Experience). Both routes, Period of Recognised Training and Qualifying Work Experience, will consist of four, six-month training seats.

From the beginning of your training, you will be given hands-on client work to deal with. As you become embedded into the team your responsibilities will grow along with your learning and development and there will be opportunities to be involved in more complex cases.

Prospective trainees looking to start a Period of Recognised Training (PRT) must have completed a law degree or the GDL / PGDL and the LPC prior to starting the training contract with us. For those looking to start their Qualifying Work Experience (QWE) must have completed a law degree or the GDL / PGDL and the SQE 1 prior to starting the training contract with us.

Whichever route you are looking to undertake, the Firm will support the successful candidates to qualification by supporting them through the Professional Skills Course (PRT) or the SQE 2 (QWE) via a prep course. This is a great opportunity for a legal graduate to progress their current career and join a collaborative and professional Firm.

Whilst the role will be working to the fast pace, customer focus and high standards of a law firm, the role will also provide a sustainable work-life balance and relate to the regional area in which it is based.

What we look for in a Forbes Trainee:

• Qualification: A Law Degree (or equivalent), achieving a 2:1 or above, or completion of the GDL / PGDL; LPC or SQE1 or working towards.
• Dedication to the Legal Field: Practical exposure to law through activities like court attendance, pro-bono work, legal clinics, work placements, or roles within a law firm (e.g., Paralegal, vacation schemes).
• Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours: Aligns with the Firm's 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 good competence in their IT skills (Outlook, Word, and other systems experience); Demonstrates good communication skills, both written and verbal.

Following a successful application, candidates will be invited to take part in the next stage of the Graduate Recruitment process.

The Firm At Forbes Solicitors, we believe in creating a supportive and collaborative environment where our team members can thrive and develop themselves and others. We offer a comprehensive range of legal services and have offices across the North, with deep roots in Lancashire. Our team are known for its genuine, practical advice and passion for achieving the best results.

We are proud to have been awarded UK Employer of the Year: Silver (250+) at the Investors in People Awards 2024 and the Firm is ranked as a Legal 500 Top Tier Firm and a Chambers and Partners Leading Firm. We are a values-led Firm and are looking for people who embody our values: authenticity, striving for exceptional results, and unity in teamwork to join our award-winning Firm.

What we can offer you:

• 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;
• Enhanced sick pay;
• Celebration and Volunteer 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 dependents);
• 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.