We recruit between four and six trainee solicitors each year. Our aim is to ensure that all trainees will become highly competent as newly qualified solicitors, confident in their ability to meet client demands utilising the skills which they have acquired.
We focus on providing a supportive environment in which a trainee’s talents can flourish. Each trainee completes four, six-month, seats during their training contract, enabling them to experience a wide variety of work and to explore different practice areas. When you join Lawrence Stephens, you will be given responsibility and autonomy from your first day and will be supported through each stage of your career development by experienced senior staff. We guarantee that you will have boundless opportunities to achieve and accelerate your legal career with us.
A training contract with us focuses on learning about practical and commercial applications of the law and we encourage each of our trainees to build and nurture their own network of business and professional contacts. Trainees also learn about the expectations of our clients and the different sectors in which they operate. A dedicated supervisor is allocated to trainees in each seat, who oversees their workload and provides feedback.
Trainees will be guaranteed a valued role within the firm where they will very quickly engage with our clients. They will be expected to notice, articulate the case for change, and have the opportunity to lead improvements to our working practices. Everyone in the firm has a voice and we will work hard to ensure that our trainees find and develop theirs.
We operate a hybrid work environment in which trainees will be expected to work hard and encouraged to engage in the cultural life of the firm (which includes our annual sports day, quiz nights and various charitable endeavours).
Trainees will be paid a market rate together with benefits including a health plan, 25 days’ holiday with time off at Christmas in addition as well as pension contribution and participation in the firm’s Wellness programme.
Applications for our September 2024 intake our now closed. For our Training Contract beginning September 2025, applications will open in September/October 2024. Please watch this space.
Please note that applicants will be expected to have completed your SQE or LPC exams by the time they qualify with us.
Electra’s trainee career story
What attracted you to Lawrence Stephens when applying for the trainee position?
”I had been following Lawrence Stephens on LinkedIn for a while and was drawn to the variety of deals the firm was working on. For example, seeing teams from Real Estate Finance and Banking collaborate to bring deals to the forefront really showcased the firm’s team spirit, which I found inspiring. I was also impressed by the firm’s commitment to well-being initiatives, showing that Lawrence Stephens truly invests in its people and their well-being.”
Can you describe your experience as a trainee solicitor at Lawrence Stephens so far?
”My time as a Trainee Solicitor has been incredibly rewarding. Being currently in my third seat, I feel like I have picked up a range of transferable skills that benefit different practice areas and teams. It has been really valuable to observe how various teams operate and to learn from their approaches. I have also received constructive feedback from my supervisors and Training Principal, which has been a huge part of my growth here. Finally, Lawrence Stephens actively encourages us to get involved beyond our daily roles —I am currently assisting on the firm’s Environmental Policy, which is a fantastic opportunity I am excited about.”
What has been the most rewarding aspect of your training at Lawrence Stephens?
”I would say the fact that I have been given the means, guidance, and mentorship to enable me to learn and perform well in my seats. Having access to this level of support has really helped me develop my skills, and positive feedback is always a great motivator in our field—it keeps you energised and focused!”
Current Vacancies
We are now welcoming applications for our September 2025 trainee solicitor intake.
To apply, please send your CV and a cover letter to our trainee recruitment team at traineerecruitment@lawstep.co.uk.
The closing date for applications is 29 November 2024. Applications received after the deadline may not be accepted or processed. We are reviewing applications on a rolling basis so the sooner you choose to apply, the better!
Due to the volume of applications we receive, we aren’t able to give status updates. However, we will endeavour to contact you within three months of the closing date if you are to be invited for an interview.
We thank you for your interest in working at Lawrence Stephens.
Executive summary
We are looking for a highly organised and proactive Trainee Legal Secretary to join our secretarial team, supporting across the firm’s various service functions. This role offers an excellent opportunity for a recent graduate or
someone looking to start their career in the legal field. The successful candidate will provide comprehensive administrative and secretarial support to our legal teams, ensuring the smooth operation of daily activities.
Key responsibilities
- Support with in-office secretarial and admin tasks to support the Legal Secretaries and fee-earners.
- Respond to queries that come into the shared secretarial mailbox promptly and efficiently.
- Support with answering overflow calls that come through to the firm’s centralised phone Hunt group, directing these are required.
- Assist with the preparation and formatting of legal documents, correspondence, and reports.
- Handle client inquiries and communications professionally and promptly.
- Handle confidential documents and communications with discretion.
- Maintain and organise electronic and physical files, ensuring all documents are accurately filed and easily accessible; at times, using the firm’s practise management system, Practise Evolve, to do this.
- Assist with post-completions.
- Support with printing and bundling jobs.
- Good knowledge of the firm’s house styles and ability to advise others on how to use these.
- Carry out property searches and Land Registry ad-hoc tasks.
- Conduct basic legal research and compile information as required by the legal team.
- Assist with the preparation of billing statements and invoices, ensuring accuracy and timely submission.
- Work closely with other secretaries and administrative staff to support the overall efficiency of the departments.
