- GMFJ Reference
257922
- Wages
£20,000 p/a
- Hours
35.00 per week
- Date Posted
24/02/2025
- Start Date
01/09/2025
- Approx. Duration
72 Months
- Location
Leeds
- Status
Now Taking Applications
- Sector
Law
- Opportunity Type
Higher Level 7
- Apprenticeship Standard
Solicitor (ST0246)
- Employer
Walton & Co
Description
What You Can Expect:
A career as part of our specialist legal team offers an unparalleled opportunity to be involved with a variety of high-quality projects. The firm’s work in very varied, ranging from development advice and negotiation of planning agreements to conducting judicial reviews and complex litigation. We act for a wide range of clients, from national developers to individual landowners and public authorities. You will receive hands-on training throughout your apprenticeship. You will work across all levels of our team, and with leading practitioners in the field. You will also work alongside clients, consultants, and other legal professionals, and be given the opportunity to create your own professional networks to assist the development of your career. As part of our team, you will be able to share your ideas and perspectives as our firm evolves through its third decade.
Role and Responsibilities:
No two days at our practice are the same, and the work you undertake will be varied. However, you can expect to be involved with the following (with supervision as required):
- Case Management: Leading in the management and organisation of routine instructions, including management of deadlines and financial matters
- Research: Conducting legal research relating to legislation, judicial decisions, planning appeal decisions, and planning policy. Your research will inform advice to clients, or be shared with
- colleagues / external stakeholders as part of training seminars
- Negotiating Agreements: Drafting and preparing legal documents such as planning and highways agreements, as well as managing execution and completion formalities
- Client Interaction: Attending meetings, communicating with clients to take instructions, responding to queries, or providing advice as appropriate
- Document Preparation: Preparing court applications and bundles, drafting instructions to counsel, and collating core documents for planning appeals
- Drafting Correspondence: Preparing letters, routine correspondence, and objections
- Court and Appeal Assistance: Assisting with hearings and appeal proceedings, including attending court, tribunal sessions, and/or public inquiries
- Business Development: Assisting with marketing exercises, client pitches, articles for external publication, and knowledge sharing
- Administrative Tasks: Managing case files, developing precedents, scheduling meetings, handling correspondence, and maintaining legal databases
- Compliance: Undertaking work pursuant to all compliance with all firm and regulatory standards
For more information about this vacancy please contact BPP Professional Apprenticeships on 01133 500 333 (Ref ID: 257922)
The ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate:
- Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and maintain detailed records
- Ability to conduct thorough and accurate legal research
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, and ability to tailor their approach to align with client profile
- A keen interest in town planning and a motivation to learn new things
- Attention to detail and accuracy in drafting documents or managing workstreams
- An enthusiasm to work as part of a team or independently where appropriate
- Proficiency in using legal research tools and all Microsoft Office software
- A desire to contribute to the overall success of the firm
- Reliability and a positive ‘can-do’ attitude
- Commercial awareness and an appreciation of the business environment in which our clients operate
- An aspiration to build relationships with colleagues and clients, and invest in their career
- At least 5 GCSE's grades 4 or above (or equivalent) including English and Maths
- 3 A-Levels grades ABB or above, 128 UCAS points (or equivalent)
One day per week will be spent with BPP University, working towards your LLB Hons) Law and Legal Practice degree and the Solicitor Level 7 apprenticeship. Upon completion of your law degree, you will sit the Solicitors Qualifying Examinations (SQE) 1&2 and qualify as a solicitor.
Your Level 7 apprenticeship shall be delivered by a blend of online and face-to-face from BPP. Coupled with the on-the-job learning, completion of the apprenticeship will lead to obtaining your solicitor qualification.
The apprenticeship standard is based on the SRA's Statement of Solicitor Competence. Achievement of the standard and the associated apprenticeship assessment plan will satisfy the SRA's regulatory framework for qualification as a solicitor, subject to the SRA's usual tests of character and suitability.
Following successful completion of the apprenticeship programme, there may be an opportunity to progress to a solicitor position at the practice.
This role offers a rare opportunity to discover your potential as part of a small specialist team and develop a career in a dynamic area of law. The position is offered on a full-time basis, with one day each week being dedicated to study and the remaining 4 days being in the office or working remotely.
We offer a competitive salary and benefit package, including:
- Year 1 Salary of between £20,000 and £22,000 (subject to experience), increasing Year 2
- Bonus Scheme depending on individual and firm performance
- Employee Pension Scheme – we contribute 5% of your gross salary per month
- All training fees associated with your Apprenticeship paid
- 25 days holiday year (excluding Bank Holidays and Public Holidays)
- Office closure over Christmas and New Years without affecting holiday entitlement or allocation
- Allocation of a training supervisor to act as a mentor throughout your Apprenticeship
- Remote working in accordance with the firm’s policies