At a Glance
- Tasks: Support solicitors in public law, conduct legal research, and assist with case preparation.
- Company: Award-winning civil liberties firm focused on human rights and public law.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, diverse work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Encourages applications from diverse backgrounds and offers equal opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of marginalized individuals and communities.
- Qualifications: Completed LPC or pursuing SQE, with strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
The predicted salary is between 29200 - 29200 £ per year.
We are seeking an enthusiastic Trainee Solicitor or paralegal to join our Public Law Department at our office based in Farringdon, London.
Our firm is an award-winning specialist civil liberties firm undertaking work across three departments: Claims Against Public Authorities (CAPA), Public Law and Education and Children's Rights. We undertake a broad range of private and public law litigation for claimants. Our Public Law team acts in judicial review challenges against central government departments, police and local authorities, with a particular focus on migrant rights and criminal justice judicial reviews for victims of crime. We also act in civil claims following successful judicial reviews.
The CAPA team acts for claimants in inquest and private law claims against public authorities, specialising in actions against the police in various contexts including misconduct of officers, failures to protect and breaches of the Human Rights Act 1998. Our team has leading national expertise in representing families of victims of domestic violence in inquest and civil proceedings. The Education and Children's Rights team primarily represents children and their families to ensure that public bodies make the necessary provisions.
The role involves supporting our solicitors in the Public Law team with the potential for rotation to other departments within the firm. The work is varied and includes:
- Communicating regularly with clients
- Legal research
- Assisting with case preparation
- Preparing legal aid funding applications
- Attending client meetings, conferences and court hearings
- Preparing witness evidence
- Drafting documents such as instructions to counsel and correspondence
- Providing billing assistance
- Document and file management
This role can be suitable as a training contract (for those undergoing the LPC route) or to count towards Qualifying Work Experience (for those pursuing the SQE route).
We are looking for a dynamic, methodical thinker with a keen eye for detail. Previous paralegal experience (or relevant experience in the voluntary sector) is highly desirable, and a demonstrable commitment to the areas of law we practice or the client groups we serve is essential. Knowledge of Legal Aid procedures is an advantage. Strong administrative and organisational skills are vital, and previous experience of working in an office is essential. You must have completed the LPC, be studying for it part-time, or be pursuing the SQE route to qualification.
Gold Jennings is an equal opportunities employer and we believe that a diverse workforce enables us to improve the services we offer to our clients. We welcome applications from all sections of the community, particularly encouraging candidates from global majority ethnic backgrounds, those that identify as LGBQT+, disabled people and from other underprivileged or underrepresented groups.
If you require reasonable adjustments to enable you to participate in the selection process, please contact vacancies@goldjennings.co.uk.
Trainee Solicitor/Paralegal – Public Law Department employer: Gold Jennings Solicitors
Gold Jennings is an award-winning civil liberties and human rights specialist law firm located in the vibrant area of Farringdon, London. We pride ourselves on our commitment to social justice and diversity, offering a supportive work culture that fosters professional growth through varied legal experiences and opportunities for rotation within departments. Our focus on publicly funded work ensures that you will be part of meaningful cases that make a real difference in the lives of marginalized individuals and communities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Solicitor/Paralegal – Public Law Department
✨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 Gold Jennings Solicitors, 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/Paralegal – Public Law Department
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 Gold Jennings Solicitors. 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 Gold Jennings Solicitors. 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 Gold Jennings Solicitors
✨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 Gold Jennings Solicitors 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.
