About Shacklocks

We are always pleased to hear from anyone who may wish to bring their skills to our firm.

Trainee Solicitor

Closing date for applications: 30.09.2010

Trainee solicitors at Shacklocks are valued members of our team who we hope one day will become our solicitors and partners of the future. We understand the importance of learning exactly what life as a solicitor is all about so you are as prepared as possible when it is time to qualify.

In recruiting our trainee solicitors we look for people with a strong commitment to the areas of Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, South Yorkshire, Lincolnshire or Leicestershire. We require trainees to have a distinction or commendation in their Legal Practice Course and ideally a 2:1 honours degree. We are particularly interested in candidates who have successfully completed a Business/Commerce elective or a Private Client elective such as Wills, Trusts and Probate.

Successful candidates for trainee positions at Shacklocks will have to demonstrate aspiration and determination to succeed in their chosen career and a keen interest in the areas of law that we practice. Good communication and work management skills, attention to detail, and effective team working are essential qualities in our trainees, and as a firm with a number of offices providing a local service to our clients you will be required to have a driving licence and access to your own transport.

Your contribution to the marketing and the development of the firm will be welcomed and encouraged. We value candidates who have an awareness of the opportunities the future may hold for the legal profession and are ready to make a contribution to the development of the firm in order to meet those opportunities.

When you embark on a career with Shacklocks you join a progressive and innovative firm which not only meets the exacting requirements of the Solicitors Regulation Authority and the Financial Services Authority but which has also achieved Lexcel accreditation, awarded only to solicitors who meet the highest management and client care standards.

Our trainees will usually gain experience in at least 3 areas of law with appropriate supervision provided by a senior lawyer who is a specialist in their field. A training partner will offer support and assistance throughout your training contract and will meet with you regularly to discuss your development and progress.

You will be working in a pleasant working environment away from the big city centres in a culture which encourages respect and courtesy between colleagues.

Your work as a trainee at Shacklocks will be varied, rewarding and, at times, demanding. As well as carrying out work for clients under supervision, you will provide support to our legal administrative and management teams ranging from research, networking, and accounting to more practical assistance such as managing (and sometimes moving!) large volumes of documents, databasing, photocopying and other essential support tasks. A practical, problem-solving approach to your work is essential. Responsibility, hard work, challenge, and reward are part of a training contract with Shacklocks.

As a trainee, you will have full use of an extensive IT system package, including digital dictation, Microsoft Word, e-mail, databasing and appropriate case management systems together with secretarial and administrative support in the department in which you are working.

Along with the prescribed professional skills course and in-house training, you will have the opportunity to participate in external training courses, keeping you up to date on relevant changes in the law and offering a useful opportunity to meet other solicitors practising in the area.

Our benefits include death in service benefit and discounted conveyancing for your private residence.

During your induction you will be introduced to all of the staff in your office and you will have the opportunity to travel to our other offices and meet your colleagues there. Our annual conference, quiz, and the firm's Christmas party are also a chance to get to know the people that you don't see on a daily basis. From time to time you will be involved in sponsored charity and corporate events in the local community which are enjoyed by staff and clients alike.

We encourage our trainees to join and attend events organised by the Law Society and the Junior Lawyers Division. There is also a range of local events which you will have the opportunity to attend including breakfast meetings and lunches attended by local solicitors and other businesses.

Applications are invited for training contracts to commence at various dates in 2011, the first to start from 1^st January 2011. Applicants must have successfully completed their LPC course by 31^st July 2010, and achieve a distinction or commendation.

Please request an application pack by writing to the Training Partner, Shacklocks St. Peter's House, Bridge Street, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire NG18 1AL or by email to: amyh@shacklocks.co.uk.

When writing please state clearly the date on which you have or will have completed your LPC course and the first date on which you will be available to start a training contract. Training contracts may be preceded by a period of paralegal placement.

The closing date for completed applications to be received is 30th September 2010.

“I joined Shacklocks as a trainee in 2005 and stayed with them when I qualified in 2007. Training in every seat was hands-on, and I was given the opportunity to deal directly with clients, and get involved in every aspect of the practice from the first day. I was certainly never left all day at the photocopier or the shredding machine! The responsibility I was given and the lessons I learnt during my training certainly helped to prepare me for life as a newly qualified solicitor and gave me a solid foundation on which to build my career.”

Clare McShane Solicitor, Business and Employment Services (Training Contract February 2005 – January 2007)

“When it comes to employing new members of the team, Shacklocks believes in the benefits of diversity. In operating a policy of equal opportunity for all, it believes it will provide a broader base of knowledge that will allow it to be best placed to continue as a market leader in the provision of legal services. My own experience as a mature trainee bears this out. The only criterion used in selection of suitable applicants is their ability to get the job done. I joined Shacklocks because it was a large regional practice that could offer quality training in varying disciplines. I was quickly integrated into the practice and most importantly treated just like any other trainee. I have had my own case load and have always felt as though I was making a valued contribution to the firm.”

David Killingworth, Solicitor, Private Client Services (Training Contract November 2006 – October 2008)

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