McDermott Will & Emery LLP
Build your big career with the firm that does Big Law, Better . McDermott Will & Schulte is a leading global law firm that brings together more than 1,750 lawyers and 1400 business professionals. We celebrate excellence, collaboration, and community and have been recognized as a top workplace by USA Today, Fortune , The American Lawyer, Vault and others. We are also certified by Great Place to Work.At McDermott, we don't just invest in your future, we accelerate your career - wherever it may lead. That includes supporting you both in and outside of the office. With us, you'll find: A firm where everyone belongs: Our award-winning culture prioritizes warmth and authenticity - we encourage you to be yourself! Enthusiasm for all perspectives: We're smarter and stronger when everyone has a voice and a seat at the table. We welcome unique viewpoints and ideas, and we make opportunities for you and your career to thrive. Support to feel your best and do your best: Wellness is integral to building a successful career and a rich life. That's why our benefits program supports your physical, emotional, mental, and financial health, with an emphasis on work-life balance. Real rewards for real work: We offer generous compensation packages that recognize hard work and excellence. Job Description: The Early Careers & Professional Development Specialist leads our graduate recruitment process, manages all aspects of our trainee solicitor programme, and assists with attorney professional development for our London offices. This role is responsible for the processes used to attract, select, and develop high-calibre individuals, ensuring an exceptional experience which is aligned with our strategic objectives and our culture.The Early Careers & Professional Development Specialist will work closely with the Office Managing Partner, the Training Principal and other senior partners and leaders, the rest of the London HR team, the global HR and Talent & Development teams, and colleagues within the Knowledge Management and Marketing teams, to strengthen our employer brand and to ensure the continued success of our trainee solicitor and attorney development programmes. Essential Functions and Responsibilities: Graduate Recruitment • Work with the Training Principal (and others) to develop and agree a strategy for graduate recruitment across our London offices • Develop and deliver the annual graduate recruitment programme. • Manage the full recruitment lifecycle for training contracts, vacation schemes, and related initiatives. • Build and maintain strong relationships with universities, law schools and other education providers, and other external contacts. • Represent the firm at campus events, law fairs, and networking initiatives. • Coordinate assessment centres and selection processes, ensuring fairness, consistency, and best practice. • Collate the information required for the issue of formal offers, and contract paperwork. • Monitor market trends and competitor activity, to ensure we maintain a competitive and compelling programme. • Assist with managing the graduate recruitment budget. Trainee Solicitor Programme • Manage the structure and delivery of our trainee solicitor training and development programme, in partnership with the Knowledge Management team. • Coordinate seat rotations in collaboration with the Training Principal, and others. • Provide day-to-day support and guidance to those supervising and developing our trainee solicitors, ensuring mid and end of seat evaluations are completed. • Support and monitor all aspects of trainee development, performance management, and qualification processes. • Act as the primary point of contact for trainee solicitors, providing guidance and support throughout their training contracts. • Ensure compliance with SRA requirements and regulatory standards. • Manage qualification and newly qualified retention processes. • Develop an internal guide for trainee solicitors, setting out all aspects of our trainee solicitor programme - including the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE), and qualifying work experience (QWE). • Plan trainee social events, and act as host. Strategy & Employer Brand • Develop and promote the firm's early careers brand, in partnership with the marketing team and the wider HR team. • Lead diversity and inclusion initiatives within early careers recruitment. • Analyse recruitment and retention data to inform strategy and continuous improvement. • Introduce innovative approaches to the attraction, selection, and development of candidates. • Meet with external legal gradate recruitment professionals, to keep up to date with market knowledge, and feed information back. Attorney Professional Development • Conduct regular discussions with our attorneys, to understand their professional development (PD) requirements. • Develop training programmes (working alongside the Knowledge Management team), coordinate logistics for training delivery, and update intranet training resources. • Support attorneys in achieving their PD objectives, including meeting requirements under the SRA regulatory framework (and/or equivalent for non-UK qualified attorneys). • Serve as the central point of contact with our U.S. Attorney PD team and promote training modules available to attorneys via the Learning Hub. • Liaise with the U.S. Attorney PD team to keep training records maintained within our learning management system. • Assist with our annual attorney evaluation process - including monitoring and editing feedback, and coordinating the calibration process for London Stakeholder Management • Partner with senior stakeholders to confirm trainee intakes, aligned with business needs. • Provide training and support to interviewers and assessors. • Present early careers and professional development updates and insights to leadership, as required. Job Specifications: Experience • Experience in graduate recruitment and trainee solicitor programmes within a law firm environment. • Strong knowledge and understanding of the SQE process, and other routes to qualification. • Experience in supporting attorney professional development within a law firm environment. • Strong understanding of the UK legal education and training landscape. • Experience designing and/or running graduate assessment centres. • Experience managing stakeholders at all levels. • Experience in delivering 'soft skills' training (desirable, but not essential). Skills & Competencies • Excellent organisational and project management skills. • Strong interpersonal and influencing skills. • Commercial awareness and strategic thinking capability. • Strong attention to detail and regulatory awareness. • Data-driven mindset with strong analytical capability. • Commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. • Flexibility to attend law firm (and other) events, as required. Qualifications • Degree or equivalent work experience. • CIPD qualification (desirable, but not essential). Physical Demands & Work Environment: The duties of this role are typically performed in an indoor office environment, although the individual will attend external meetings and events as required. Reasonable adjustments may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions of the role. Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by people within this classification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being
Build your big career with the firm that does Big Law, Better . McDermott Will & Schulte is a leading global law firm that brings together more than 1,750 lawyers and 1400 business professionals. We celebrate excellence, collaboration, and community and have been recognized as a top workplace by USA Today, Fortune , The American Lawyer, Vault and others. We are also certified by Great Place to Work.At McDermott, we don't just invest in your future, we accelerate your career - wherever it may lead. That includes supporting you both in and outside of the office. With us, you'll find: A firm where everyone belongs: Our award-winning culture prioritizes warmth and authenticity - we encourage you to be yourself! Enthusiasm for all perspectives: We're smarter and stronger when everyone has a voice and a seat at the table. We welcome unique viewpoints and ideas, and we make opportunities for you and your career to thrive. Support to feel your best and do your best: Wellness is integral to building a successful career and a rich life. That's why our benefits program supports your physical, emotional, mental, and financial health, with an emphasis on work-life balance. Real rewards for real work: We offer generous compensation packages that recognize hard work and excellence. Job Description: The Early Careers & Professional Development Specialist leads our graduate recruitment process, manages all aspects of our trainee solicitor programme, and assists with attorney professional development for our London offices. This role is responsible for the processes used to attract, select, and develop high-calibre individuals, ensuring an exceptional experience which is aligned with our strategic objectives and our culture.The Early Careers & Professional Development Specialist will work closely with the Office Managing Partner, the Training Principal and other senior partners and leaders, the rest of the London HR team, the global HR and Talent & Development teams, and colleagues within the Knowledge Management and Marketing teams, to strengthen our employer brand and to ensure the continued success of our trainee solicitor and attorney development programmes. Essential Functions and Responsibilities: Graduate Recruitment • Work with the Training Principal (and others) to develop and agree a strategy for graduate recruitment across our London offices • Develop and deliver the annual graduate recruitment programme. • Manage the full recruitment lifecycle for training contracts, vacation schemes, and related initiatives. • Build and maintain strong relationships with universities, law schools and other education providers, and other external contacts. • Represent the firm at campus events, law fairs, and networking initiatives. • Coordinate assessment centres and selection processes, ensuring fairness, consistency, and best practice. • Collate the information required for the issue of formal offers, and contract paperwork. • Monitor market trends and competitor activity, to ensure we maintain a competitive and compelling programme. • Assist with managing the graduate recruitment budget. Trainee Solicitor Programme • Manage the structure and delivery of our trainee solicitor training and development programme, in partnership with the Knowledge Management team. • Coordinate seat rotations in collaboration with the Training Principal, and others. • Provide day-to-day support and guidance to those supervising and developing our trainee solicitors, ensuring mid and end of seat evaluations are completed. • Support and monitor all aspects of trainee development, performance management, and qualification processes. • Act as the primary point of contact for trainee solicitors, providing guidance and support throughout their training contracts. • Ensure compliance with SRA requirements and regulatory standards. • Manage qualification and newly qualified retention processes. • Develop an internal guide for trainee solicitors, setting out all aspects of our trainee solicitor programme - including the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE), and qualifying work experience (QWE). • Plan trainee social events, and act as host. Strategy & Employer Brand • Develop and promote the firm's early careers brand, in partnership with the marketing team and the wider HR team. • Lead diversity and inclusion initiatives within early careers recruitment. • Analyse recruitment and retention data to inform strategy and continuous improvement. • Introduce innovative approaches to the attraction, selection, and development of candidates. • Meet with external legal gradate recruitment professionals, to keep up to date with market knowledge, and feed information back. Attorney Professional Development • Conduct regular discussions with our attorneys, to understand their professional development (PD) requirements. • Develop training programmes (working alongside the Knowledge Management team), coordinate logistics for training delivery, and update intranet training resources. • Support attorneys in achieving their PD objectives, including meeting requirements under the SRA regulatory framework (and/or equivalent for non-UK qualified attorneys). • Serve as the central point of contact with our U.S. Attorney PD team and promote training modules available to attorneys via the Learning Hub. • Liaise with the U.S. Attorney PD team to keep training records maintained within our learning management system. • Assist with our annual attorney evaluation process - including monitoring and editing feedback, and coordinating the calibration process for London Stakeholder Management • Partner with senior stakeholders to confirm trainee intakes, aligned with business needs. • Provide training and support to interviewers and assessors. • Present early careers and professional development updates and insights to leadership, as required. Job Specifications: Experience • Experience in graduate recruitment and trainee solicitor programmes within a law firm environment. • Strong knowledge and understanding of the SQE process, and other routes to qualification. • Experience in supporting attorney professional development within a law firm environment. • Strong understanding of the UK legal education and training landscape. • Experience designing and/or running graduate assessment centres. • Experience managing stakeholders at all levels. • Experience in delivering 'soft skills' training (desirable, but not essential). Skills & Competencies • Excellent organisational and project management skills. • Strong interpersonal and influencing skills. • Commercial awareness and strategic thinking capability. • Strong attention to detail and regulatory awareness. • Data-driven mindset with strong analytical capability. • Commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. • Flexibility to attend law firm (and other) events, as required. Qualifications • Degree or equivalent work experience. • CIPD qualification (desirable, but not essential). Physical Demands & Work Environment: The duties of this role are typically performed in an indoor office environment, although the individual will attend external meetings and events as required. Reasonable adjustments may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions of the role. Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by people within this classification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being
Synergy Personnel Services
Watford, Hertfordshire
Court of Protection Solicitor (Health & Welfare) £50-75K + Excellent Benefits A respected, specialist law firm with a strong reputation in public law and vulnerable client work is seeking a Court of Protection Solicitor to join its expanding team. This is an opportunity to work within a highly regarded department known for its expertise in complex health & welfare matters, offering meaningful work that has a direct impact on clients and their families. The Role The successful candidate will manage a varied and rewarding caseload of Court of Protection matters, with a focus on health & welfare. Key responsibilities include: Managing a caseload including: Applications under the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (s.16, s.21A and deputyship matters) Lasting Powers of Attorney and Enduring Powers of Attorney Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) challenges Preparing and submitting court applications, witness statements, and supporting documentation Liaising with key stakeholders including the Official Solicitor, medical professionals, and local authorities Attending court hearings, mediations, and client meetings Supervising and supporting junior team members, including paralegals and trainees Ensuring accurate time recording, billing, and compliance with legal aid and CCMS processes Supporting business development and contributing to the growth of the department Keeping up to date with developments in Court of Protection law and practice About You Qualified Solicitor in England & Wales with a current practising certificate Minimum 1 year PQE in Court of Protection or a related area (e.g. Private Client, Mental Health, Community Care) Strong working knowledge of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and relevant case law Experience with legal aid matters and CCMS (desirable) Excellent client care skills with the ability to work sensitively with vulnerable individuals and their families Strong drafting, advocacy, and communication skills Highly organised with the ability to manage competing priorities effectively Proactive, flexible, and solutions-focused approach The Opportunity Join a specialist and highly regarded team in a growing area of law Work on complex, meaningful cases that make a genuine difference Supportive and collaborative working environment Clear opportunities for career progression and development Exposure to high-quality work and experienced practitioners This role is ideally suited to a solicitor looking to build or further develop a career within Court of Protection, particularly within health & welfare, in a firm that values both technical excellence and compassionate client care. For a confidential discussion about this opportunity, please get in touch. GD1483
Court of Protection Solicitor (Health & Welfare) £50-75K + Excellent Benefits A respected, specialist law firm with a strong reputation in public law and vulnerable client work is seeking a Court of Protection Solicitor to join its expanding team. This is an opportunity to work within a highly regarded department known for its expertise in complex health & welfare matters, offering meaningful work that has a direct impact on clients and their families. The Role The successful candidate will manage a varied and rewarding caseload of Court of Protection matters, with a focus on health & welfare. Key responsibilities include: Managing a caseload including: Applications under the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (s.16, s.21A and deputyship matters) Lasting Powers of Attorney and Enduring Powers of Attorney Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) challenges Preparing and submitting court applications, witness statements, and supporting documentation Liaising with key stakeholders including the Official Solicitor, medical professionals, and local authorities Attending court hearings, mediations, and client meetings Supervising and supporting junior team members, including paralegals and trainees Ensuring accurate time recording, billing, and compliance with legal aid and CCMS processes Supporting business development and contributing to the growth of the department Keeping up to date with developments in Court of Protection law and practice About You Qualified Solicitor in England & Wales with a current practising certificate Minimum 1 year PQE in Court of Protection or a related area (e.g. Private Client, Mental Health, Community Care) Strong working knowledge of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and relevant case law Experience with legal aid matters and CCMS (desirable) Excellent client care skills with the ability to work sensitively with vulnerable individuals and their families Strong drafting, advocacy, and communication skills Highly organised with the ability to manage competing priorities effectively Proactive, flexible, and solutions-focused approach The Opportunity Join a specialist and highly regarded team in a growing area of law Work on complex, meaningful cases that make a genuine difference Supportive and collaborative working environment Clear opportunities for career progression and development Exposure to high-quality work and experienced practitioners This role is ideally suited to a solicitor looking to build or further develop a career within Court of Protection, particularly within health & welfare, in a firm that values both technical excellence and compassionate client care. For a confidential discussion about this opportunity, please get in touch. GD1483
Release - L.E.A.D.S
Release is seeking to appoint a Supervising Solicitor for Community Care with genuine flexibility for part time or full time working to help shape and expand our legal services at the intersection of social justice and community care law. This role is particularly well suited to candidates seeking reduced hours , portfolio careers, or a position that allows for balance alongside caring responsibilities, or other commitments . The successful candidate will join a values driven organisation delivering high quality casework, innovative community based legal services, and strategic litigation aimed at systemic change. Person Specification Essential Minimum 4 years + post qualified solicitor with a current practising certificate, and Minimum 3 years + substantial experience in legal aid casework, supervision and/or compliance, and Minimum 1 year + experience of supervising others, and Experience in public law, housing law, and/or community care law within legal aid practice, and Strong commitment to social justice, harm reduction, and trauma-informed practice. Approved legal aid supervisor with the Legal Aid Agency. Desirable Experience working in a charity or non-profit organisation. Experience supporting or contributing to strategic litigation or test case work. Understanding of the impact of drug policy and criminalisation on marginalised communities. Experience in developing new services, partnerships, or funding-linked delivery models. Important notice: For this job, Release will only consider applications from those who already have the right to live and work in the UK. See the Home Office Immigration & Nationality Directorate for information on the UK Government's immigration policy. About the Role The Supervising Solicitor for Community Care Legal Aid is a key role in shaping and strengthening Release s legal services. Working closely with the Joint Head of Legal Services and Executive Director, and in collaboration with other colleagues, you will supervise the delivery of high-quality legal advice and representation, supporting the growth of legal aid practice whilst ensuring Release continues to train and develop social justice lawyers for the future. We are looking for an experienced legal aid practitioner who is strongly committed to social justice and the legal rights of marginalised communities, and who wants to build leadership experience in a movement-led organisation. The role will combine hands-on practice, leadership, supervision and compliance responsibilities. Please note: We do not expect the postholder to generate legal aid income at a multiple of their salary. While we do aim to grow legal aid income across the team to an initial target of £15,000 £25,000 per annum, the focus of this role is on developing high quality legal aid practice and building sustainable income collectively, as part of a mixed income organisational model. As Supervising Solicitor for Community Care Legal Aid, you will: • Support Strategic Development: Contribute to developing the direction and priorities of Release s legal services, including expanding legal aid work and strengthening access to justice. • Provide Practice Supervision: Support a multidisciplinary team of solicitors, legal advisers and volunteers to deliver excellent, trauma-informed legal support. Support and mentor team members on how to adhere to legal aid file compliance, time recording and CCMS applications. • Ensure Quality and Compliance: Help ensure consistent regulatory compliance and quality assurance across legal casework, including legal aid requirements. • Strengthen and Grow Services: Help develop and improve legal service delivery models, including responding to emerging needs and client priorities. • Contribute to Systemic Change: Support Release s wider mission by helping connect legal services with policy, research, and advocacy work. This role is ideal for someone with legal aid expertise and management potential, who wants to take a meaningful step into leadership whilst continuing to centre client care, justice and harm reduction.
Release is seeking to appoint a Supervising Solicitor for Community Care with genuine flexibility for part time or full time working to help shape and expand our legal services at the intersection of social justice and community care law. This role is particularly well suited to candidates seeking reduced hours , portfolio careers, or a position that allows for balance alongside caring responsibilities, or other commitments . The successful candidate will join a values driven organisation delivering high quality casework, innovative community based legal services, and strategic litigation aimed at systemic change. Person Specification Essential Minimum 4 years + post qualified solicitor with a current practising certificate, and Minimum 3 years + substantial experience in legal aid casework, supervision and/or compliance, and Minimum 1 year + experience of supervising others, and Experience in public law, housing law, and/or community care law within legal aid practice, and Strong commitment to social justice, harm reduction, and trauma-informed practice. Approved legal aid supervisor with the Legal Aid Agency. Desirable Experience working in a charity or non-profit organisation. Experience supporting or contributing to strategic litigation or test case work. Understanding of the impact of drug policy and criminalisation on marginalised communities. Experience in developing new services, partnerships, or funding-linked delivery models. Important notice: For this job, Release will only consider applications from those who already have the right to live and work in the UK. See the Home Office Immigration & Nationality Directorate for information on the UK Government's immigration policy. About the Role The Supervising Solicitor for Community Care Legal Aid is a key role in shaping and strengthening Release s legal services. Working closely with the Joint Head of Legal Services and Executive Director, and in collaboration with other colleagues, you will supervise the delivery of high-quality legal advice and representation, supporting the growth of legal aid practice whilst ensuring Release continues to train and develop social justice lawyers for the future. We are looking for an experienced legal aid practitioner who is strongly committed to social justice and the legal rights of marginalised communities, and who wants to build leadership experience in a movement-led organisation. The role will combine hands-on practice, leadership, supervision and compliance responsibilities. Please note: We do not expect the postholder to generate legal aid income at a multiple of their salary. While we do aim to grow legal aid income across the team to an initial target of £15,000 £25,000 per annum, the focus of this role is on developing high quality legal aid practice and building sustainable income collectively, as part of a mixed income organisational model. As Supervising Solicitor for Community Care Legal Aid, you will: • Support Strategic Development: Contribute to developing the direction and priorities of Release s legal services, including expanding legal aid work and strengthening access to justice. • Provide Practice Supervision: Support a multidisciplinary team of solicitors, legal advisers and volunteers to deliver excellent, trauma-informed legal support. Support and mentor team members on how to adhere to legal aid file compliance, time recording and CCMS applications. • Ensure Quality and Compliance: Help ensure consistent regulatory compliance and quality assurance across legal casework, including legal aid requirements. • Strengthen and Grow Services: Help develop and improve legal service delivery models, including responding to emerging needs and client priorities. • Contribute to Systemic Change: Support Release s wider mission by helping connect legal services with policy, research, and advocacy work. This role is ideal for someone with legal aid expertise and management potential, who wants to take a meaningful step into leadership whilst continuing to centre client care, justice and harm reduction.
