Support Associate

Gradbay Limited; City Of London; On-site; GBP 56,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading law firm in London is offering a two-year training program for aspiring commercial lawyers. You will work on international matters, supported by experienced professionals. Ideal candidates are undergraduates or postgraduates from any discipline with strong analytical skills and a passion for commercial law. The program offers a competitive salary starting at £56,000 and structured support for qualification as a solicitor in England & Wales.

Benefits

£56,000 annual salary in Year 1

£61,000 annual salary in Year 2

Four weeks of paid leave

Global collaboration and impactful work

Qualifications

• Clear motivation for a career in commercial law.
• Strong analytical and written communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in collaborative environments.

Responsibilities

• Work on complex, high-value matters across various disciplines.
• Draft, research and advise under supervision.
• Develop commercial judgement and network within a global firm.

Skills

Strong analytical skills

Written communication skills

Ability to work in fast-paced environments

Education

Undergraduate, graduate or postgraduate degree

2:1 or above or strong international equivalent

Job description

Responsibilities

• Work on complex, high-value matters across multiple disciplines, such as:
  • Corporate and M&A
  • Finance and capital markets
  • Disputes and litigation
  • Antitrust and regulatory
  • Employment, tax and intellectual property
• Draft, research and advise under the supervision of highly experienced lawyers
• Develop commercial judgement and an international outlook
• Build a network across a global firm with a major London presence

Exposure spans different sectors, jurisdictions and legal systems, giving you a clear route to choose your qualification area.

Training & Support

You'll receive:

• Close supervision from a qualified Associate (your seat principal)
• Support from Trainee Partners and the Early Careers team
• Practice-area specific learning and technical legal training
• Regular feedback and personalised development planning
• Access to internal networks, social activities and wellbeing support

You are encouraged to shape your career direction as you progress.

Qualifications

• Penultimate or final-year undergraduate, graduate or postgraduate
• 2:1 or above (achieved or on track) or strong international equivalent
• Any academic discipline (law and non-law backgrounds welcome)
• Clear motivation for a career in commercial law
• Strong analytical and written communication skills
• Ability to work effectively in fast-paced, collaborative environments

Launch your career in commercial law with a two-year training programme designed to develop high-performing lawyers. You'll gain hands-on experience on major international matters, rotating across multiple legal practice areas and collaborating with market-leading professionals.

This is your opportunity to work with global clients at the forefront of corporate, financial and regulatory change.

Program Overview

Prior to joining, you'll complete a fully funded programme preparing you for the SQE and City legal practice, including:

• 11 months of structured learning and practical skills development
• Mini-seats across core practice areas
• Professional skills training covering advocacy, drafting and client interaction
• Mentoring and support, particularly for students from under-represented backgrounds

You will study alongside future trainees from other top City firms.

Secondments

A six-month secondment may take place:

• In an international office, or
• Within a major client team

Additional benefits

• £56,000 annual salary in Year 1, £61,000 in Year 2
• Four weeks of paid leave on qualification
• Global collaboration and impactful work from day one
• A structured route to qualification as a solicitor in England & Wales