6-Year Solicitor Apprentice

Specific Accountabilities of the Role

As you progress through the apprenticeship the duties will vary in line with knowledge and experience. Under supervision assist fee earners with caseloads. Under supervision prepare, negotiate, draft and agree legal documentation and forms and such documentation as associated with the legal process. Liaise with Counsel and external Solicitors under supervision where appropriate. Undertake legal and factual research, prepare briefing materials on particular cases and monitor new legislation. Preparation of bundles for court, tribunal and other hearings as required. Produce financial related reports from any legal case management system as required. Create and maintain Legal Practice files and records both electronically and manually. Gain experience in basic legal principles, practice and managing a personal caseload (under supervision) in both contentious and non-contentious areas of law including civil and criminal litigation, property, planning and regeneration, contracts and procurement, governance, safeguarding and partnership, and employment law. Manage your time, effort and resources effectively so that you develop good working practices to enable you to plan and organise your work to achieve personal and team objectives. Ensure that telephone and electronic messages are dealt with in an effective and responsible manner and, where possible deal with enquiries or pass to the appropriate officer/Division. Diarise and file correspondence and case files as and when requested. Understand all roles of a legal office, including providing support to admin tasks such as post etc. Be committed to the entire programme of your studies and work placement. For years 4-6 of the apprenticeship the duties will be similar to those of a Trainee Solicitor (updated JD will be provided at this time). Complete administration tasks for the legal service including post, sealing etc.

Training:

The apprentice will spend four days each week gaining supervised, work-based legal experience with Barking and Dagenham Council and one day undertaking off-the-job training with BPP University. Training will include live teaching, guided study, coaching, skills workshops and assessments, delivered online and/or through day release as agreed in the final training plan. Any required travel and venue details will be confirmed before enrolment.

Training Outcome:

After successfully completing the apprenticeship and meeting all regulatory requirements, the apprentice may apply for admission as a solicitor. Progression could include solicitor roles within local government or the wider legal profession, subject to suitable vacancies and recruitment processes.

Employer Description:

Barking and Dagenham is a borough that’s changing for the better. Over the past few years, we’ve been working hard to transform how we deliver services and support our community. We’re proud of our diverse and vibrant population, and we’re committed to building a borough where everyone feels respected, included, and empowered.

We have a laser focus on delivering for our residents – whether it’s tackling the inequalities people face or, quite simply, delivering the best services every day.

We’re creating the conditions and opportunities for people to thrive here –to make Barking and Dagenham a place people are proud of and where they want to live, work, study and stay. Ultimately, we want everyone in Barking and Dagenham to have a good quality of life and to feel like they want to put down roots, raise their family, be part of the community and get involved.

As an Investors in People Gold Award employer, we’re serious about supporting our staff. From flexible working, professional training and career development to wellbeing initiatives, we want our people to feel valued and supported in everything they do.

Our values, known as DRIVE, shape how we work:

Deliver our best every day – and do what we promise Respond in a prompt, positive way to our community’s needs Inspire others with our attitudes and actions Value people for who they are and what they can do Engage with others to improve our resilience and flexibility

We’re proud to be an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences.

Working Hours :
Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 5.00pm. Some evening or weekend work may be required.

Skills:
Communication skills,Attention to detail,Organisation skills,Customer care skills,Problem solving skills,Presentation skills,Administrative skills,Analytical skills,Logical,Team working,Initiative,Non judgemental,Patience