Lightfoots Solicitors has been at the heart of the community in Thame for 170 years. With five offices across Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire, Lightfoots is proud of its unrivalled reputation of excellence for all of our services.
About the role
We are recruiting for two aspiring solicitors who have already passed SQE1 (or LPC) to join our Banking & Finance litigation team as paralegals, ahead of a training contract beginning in September 2027.
You will join us as a paralegal first and move onto the training contract in September 2027 whist also undertaking your SQE2 qualification.
This is a route designed for people who see themselves qualifying as a Litigation solicitor within a successful firm specialising in Banking and Finance Litigation. From your first week you will work alongside partners, solicitors and the team of paralegals on banking and finance disputes.
You will receive hands on practical training from the outset and upon commencing your training contract as a Trainee Solicitor. Your training will be supervised by experienced solicitors alongside a structured training plan. We want all our Trainees to become the next generation of solicitors at Lightfoots, so it is really important to us that you receive excellent training as our future lawyers!
What we’re looking for
Essential
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SQE1 already passed at the point of application.
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A genuine interest in litigation,and specifically in banking and finance disputes. Tell us why in your application.
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A strong academic record.
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Prior experience in Litigation as a paralegal (minimum 1 year).
Desirable
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Exposure to banking, finance or financial services, whether legal or commercial.
Why work for Lightfoots Solicitors?
Our staff are our greatest asset and we work hard to provide a culture where you can thrive and enjoy a fantastic career. We provide a range of benefits to support you in and outside of the workplace.
Firstly, you will enjoy your birthday off, enhanced annual leave in addition to bank holidays, an enhanced pension scheme, alongside a competitive salary.
For your health
BUPA Private Medical Insurance, Healthcare cash plan for your everyday healthcare expenses for you and your dependents, access to a 24/7 GP service, Employee Assessment Programme, company sick pay, free flu vaccinations, and more.
For your wellbeing
Discounted gym memberships, fruit in all offices, paid volunteer days, wellbeing and awareness events across the year.
Your wellbeing and mental health is our highest priority at Lightfoots, which is why we have several qualified Mental Health First Aiders across the firm to provide confidential support.
For you and your family
We provide an option to use your own paid sickness entitlement if a dependent is unwell and needs your care. We also provide enhanced Maternity, Adoption and Paternity leave alongside many more family friendly policies. We also provide generous discounts on legal services.
For your career
We offer significant learning and development opportunities alongside a structured appraisal process, sponsored training for qualifications, networking opportunities and access to 1000s of webinars and training activities.
For your belonging
We have active committees including our Charity Committee, Wellbeing Committee and an ESG Committee. We actively encourage new joiners to take an active part in a committee if it is an area of interest.
We have firm organised social events throughout the year including informal socials, quiz nights, book club and lots more……
If you think this role is perfect for your (or nearly perfect, we would still like to hear from you_ please apply here: or if you would simply like to find out more you can contact our recruitment team on [email protected].
As a Disability Confident employer, we promote diversity and provide equal opportunities for all individuals. We prioritise inclusivity and ensure we have a supportive and accessible workplace for those with disabilities. If you require and adjustments to be able to attend an interview, please do let us know.
Recruitment decisions are made on fair and objective criteria.
The personal information we have collected from you will be shared with Cifas who will use it to prevent fraud, other unlawful or dishonest conduct, malpractice, and other seriously improper conduct. If any of these are detected, you could be refused certain services or employment. Your personal information will also be used to verify your identity. Further details of how your information will be used by us and Cifas, and your data protection rights, can be found at Fair Processing Notices for Cifas' Databases | Cifas
Trainee Solicitor - Paralegal Route in Thame employer: Lightfoots LLP
Lightfoots Solicitors is an exceptional employer, deeply rooted in the Thame community for 170 years, offering a supportive and inclusive workplace where employees can thrive and develop their careers. With a focus on employee wellbeing, competitive benefits, and significant learning opportunities, we ensure that our team feels valued and empowered to contribute meaningfully to our multi-award winning Lender Finance Team. Join us to be part of a dynamic environment that prioritises professional growth and a sense of belonging.
