At a Glance
- Tasks: Support experienced solicitors in commercial law and gain hands-on experience.
- Company: Established firm with a strong reputation and growth opportunities.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, structured training, private medical insurance, and team bonuses.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with clear progression pathways and potential for a training contract.
- Why this job: Kickstart your legal career with real exposure to complex commercial matters.
- Qualifications: LLB, LPC, SQE or equivalent; interest in commercial law is essential.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
Commercial Paralegal | Commercial Property | Corporate & Commercial
York | Full-Time | Career Progression | Training Contract Opportunity
Not every paralegal role gives you a genuine route into commercial law. Some involve little more than administration. Others give you the opportunity to work alongside experienced solicitors, develop technical skills across multiple disciplines and build the foundations for a long-term legal career.
QED Legal's client is looking to recruit a Commercial Paralegal to join its expanding Commercial Division in York. This is a growth appointment within a firm that's investing heavily in both its people and its future, with ambitious plans to continue expanding its Commercial offering across North Yorkshire.
You'll work alongside experienced lawyers across Commercial Property, Company Commercial and Private Client, supporting high-quality legal work for owner-managed businesses, family businesses, agricultural enterprises and corporate clients. This isn't a volume environment or traditional high street practice—it's an opportunity to gain exposure to complex commercial matters while learning from experienced specialists.
- Supporting solicitors across Commercial Property, Corporate & Commercial and Private Client matters.
- Drafting legal documents and client correspondence.
- Conducting legal research and preparing supporting documentation.
- Liaising confidently with clients and third parties by telephone, email and in person.
- Assisting with file management, compliance procedures and case progression.
- Providing administrative and legal support across a varied commercial caseload.
An LLB, LPC, SQE or equivalent legal qualification is required, along with a genuine interest in building a career within Commercial Property, Company Commercial or wider commercial law. Previous legal or administrative experience would be advantageous but is not essential.
This opportunity would suit a Commercial Paralegal, Property Paralegal, Corporate Paralegal, Legal Assistant, Law Graduate or aspiring solicitor looking to gain exposure to high-quality commercial work within a supportive and collaborative team.
The firm has been established for nearly two centuries and continues to invest heavily in innovation, legal technology and AI, while maintaining a strong reputation for advising businesses and private clients on complex legal matters. With the York office continuing to grow, there is genuine opportunity for ambitious individuals to develop their careers, with structured training, clear progression pathways and the potential to secure a future training contract.
Alongside a competitive salary, you'll benefit from structured training, collaborative team bonuses, private medical insurance, life assurance, office parking and the opportunity to share in the success of a business that rewards teamwork rather than individual competition.
For a confidential discussion or to learn more about the firm behind the opportunity, please contact Eoghan at QED Legal Recruitment Ltd.
Legal Assistant/Trainee Legal Assistant in York employer: qed legal
As a leading global law firm, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and supportive culture that empowers our employees to excel. The Head of AML role not only offers a senior leadership position with exposure to complex, high-profile matters but also provides exceptional benefits and genuine opportunities for professional growth and influence within the firm. Join us in London, where you can make a meaningful impact while working alongside a team of dedicated professionals committed to excellence in compliance and financial crime prevention.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Legal Assistant/Trainee Legal Assistant in York
✨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 qed legal, 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 Legal Assistant/Trainee Legal Assistant in York
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 qed legal. 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 qed legal. 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 qed legal
✨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 qed legal 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.
