At a Glance
- Tasks: Dive into commercial contracts and data protection while supporting a dynamic legal team.
- Company: Join Société Générale, a leading global investment bank with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience, mentorship from experienced lawyers, and develop practical legal skills.
- Other info: Enjoy a unique trainee role with deep experience in a specific legal area.
- Why this job: Kick-start your legal career in a fast-paced, technology-focused environment.
- Qualifications: Must be a university graduate with a passion for commercial law and data protection.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Kick-start your legal career in a global investment bank
We’re looking for a curious, motivated Trainee to join our Commercial, Technology & Data Legal team in London. This is a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience at Société Générale, working alongside experienced lawyers on a wide range of commercial contracts, technology matters, and data protection work that support a leading global financial institution.
What you’ll be doing
- Reviewing and drafting commercial, technology and data-related agreements
- Assisting with data protection advice and contract provisions
- Conducting legal research and supporting internal governance initiatives
- Attending meetings, taking minutes, and engaging with stakeholders
- Supporting the preparation of legal updates, guidance notes, and training materials
- Helping maintain team trackers, documentation, and templates
- Contributing to internal training sessions, particularly around data protection
- Supporting wider projects and administrative tasks across the team
You’ll receive structured guidance and support, with the opportunity to progress managing your own matters (with supervision) as your confidence grows.
About the team
You’ll join a collaborative Legal team that supports a broad range of business areas across the bank. The Commercial, Technology & Data team specialises in:
- Commercial contracts
- Technology and outsourcing arrangements
- Data protection and privacy advisory
You’ll work closely with lawyers and business stakeholders, gaining valuable insight into how legal supports a global financial services organisation.
What we’re looking for
- A university graduate (minimum 2:1 or equivalent)
- Qualified in, or with strong grounding in, UK law (law degree or conversion course)
- Passionate about developing a career in commercial law and data protection
- Strong communicators with excellent presentational skills
- Detail-oriented, organised, and able to manage multiple tasks
- Proactive, with a “can-do” attitude and willingness to learn
- Comfortable working both independently and as part of a team
Nice to have (but not essential):
- Legal Practice Course (LPC)
- Previous experience in a law firm, bank, or internship/vacation scheme
- French language skills
What you’ll gain
- Hands-on experience in a top-tier in-house legal team
- Exposure to high-quality commercial and regulatory work
- Insight into the legal function within a global banking group
- Development of practical legal and professional skills
- Close mentorship from experienced lawyers
Why apply?
If you're looking for a role where you can learn fast, take responsibility, and build a strong legal foundation in a commercial, technology and data-focused environment, we’d love to hear from you.
This position is a standalone trainee role (not part of a formal graduate programme). You’ll be aligned to a specific legal team and will gain deep experience in that area, rather than rotating across departments.
Why join us
People join for the impact they can have on us. They stay for the impact we have on them. A flatter structure offers visibility and exposure beyond that of our competitors, so you know our names, and we know yours. It's personable, human, and inspires success through passion. By encouraging open mindedness and a willingness to share ideas, we have adapted to market changes and thrived through innovation. Bringing words like “hard work” and “dedication” together with “community” and “respect” has enabled us to work collaboratively and build our future together. We call this Team Spirit and it's what makes us different. It's what makes you different.
Business insight
If you feel you have the required experience and qualifications, then please apply to the SG Resourcing Team, and we will manage your application. At Société Générale, we believe our people are our strength and are core to the success of our business. As such, we search for, recruit and appoint the best available person on the basis of aptitude and ability, regardless of sex, marital or civil partnership status, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins, pregnancy, disability, age, sexual orientation, religion, belief or gender identity.
Diversity and Inclusion
We are an equal opportunities employer and we are proud to make diversity a strength for our company. Societe Generale is committed to recognizing and promoting all talents, regardless of their beliefs, age, disability, parental status, ethnic origin, nationality, gender identity, sexual orientation, membership of a political, religious, trade union or minority organisation, or any other characteristic that could be subject to discrimination.
Trainee Legal Graduate - Commercial Technology Data employer: SGS Société Générale de Surveillance SA
At Société Générale, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering Trainee Legal Graduates a unique opportunity to kick-start their legal careers in a dynamic and supportive environment. Our London-based Commercial, Technology & Data Legal team fosters a collaborative work culture that encourages personal growth and professional development, providing hands-on experience with high-quality commercial and regulatory work while ensuring close mentorship from experienced lawyers. With a commitment to diversity and inclusion, we create a workplace where every individual can thrive and contribute to our collective success.
Contact Details:
SGS Société Générale de Surveillance SA Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Legal Graduate - Commercial Technology Data
✨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 SGS Société Générale de Surveillance SA, 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!
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 SGS Société Générale de Surveillance SA. 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 SGS Société Générale de Surveillance SA. 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 SGS Société Générale de Surveillance SA
✨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 SGS Société Générale de Surveillance SA 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.
