Trainee Solicitor - Paralegal Route

Lightfoots LLP; Thame; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Birthday off

Enhanced annual leave

Enhanced pension

Private medical insurance (BUPA)

Healthcare cash plan

Wellbeing events

Volunteer days

Job summary

Lightfoots Solicitors in Thame is recruiting two aspiring solicitors who have already passed SQE1 (or LPC) to join the Banking & Finance litigation team as paralegals ahead of a training contract starting September 2027.

From day one you will work with partners and the team on banking and finance disputes, receive hands-on training, and progress to Trainee Solicitor with a structured plan overseen by experienced solicitors.

Qualifications

• SQE1 already passed at application.
• Genuine interest in litigation, banking & finance disputes.
• Strong academic record.
• Paralegal experience in Litigation (minimum 1 year).

Responsibilities

• Join Banking & Finance litigation team as paralegal.
• Work alongside partners, solicitors and other paralegals from day one on banking & finance disputes.
• Pursue SQE2 qualification while training.
• Progress to Trainee Solicitor with a structured training plan overseen by experienced solicitors.

Skills

Litigation interest

Academic excellence

Paralegal experience

Education

SQE1 or LPC passed

Job description

Lightfoots Solicitors has been at the heart of the community in Thame for 170 years. With five offices across Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire, Lightfoots is proud of its unrivalled reputation of excellence for all of our services.

About the role

We are recruiting for two aspiring solicitors who have already passed SQE1 (or LPC) to join our Banking & Finance litigation team as paralegals, ahead of a training contract beginning in September 2027.

You will join us as a paralegal first and move onto the training contract in September 2027 whist also undertaking your SQE2 qualification.

This is a route designed for people who see themselves qualifying as a Litigation solicitor within a successful firm specialising in Banking and Finance Litigation. From your first week you will work alongside partners, solicitors and the team of paralegals on banking and finance disputes.

You will receive hands on practical training from the outset and upon commencing your training contract as a Trainee Solicitor. Your training will be supervised by experienced solicitors alongside a structured training plan. We want all our Trainees to become the next generation of solicitors at Lightfoots, so it is really important to us that you receive excellent training as our future lawyers!

What we're looking for

Essential

• SQE1 already passed at the point of application.
• A genuine interest in litigation,and specifically in banking and finance disputes. Tell us why in your application.
• A strong academic record.
• Prior experience in Litigation as a paralegal (minimum 1 year).

Desirable

• Exposure to banking, finance or financial services, whether legal or commercial.

Why work for Lightfoots Solicitors?

Our staff are our greatest asset and we work hard to provide a culture where you can thrive and enjoy a fantastic career. We provide a range of benefits to support you in and outside of the workplace.

Firstly, you will enjoy your birthday off, enhanced annual leave in addition to bank holidays, an enhanced pension scheme, alongside a competitive salary.

For your health

BUPA Private Medical Insurance, Healthcare cash plan for your everyday healthcare expenses for you and your dependents, access to a 24/7 GP service, Employee Assessment Programme, company sick pay, free flu vaccinations, and more.

For your wellbeing

Discounted gym memberships, fruit in all offices, paid volunteer days, wellbeing and awareness events across the year.

Your wellbeing and mental health is our highest priority at Lightfoots, which is why we have several qualified Mental Health First Aiders across the firm to provide confidential support.

For you and your family

We provide an option to use your own paid sickness entitlement if a dependent is unwell and needs your care. We also provide enhanced Maternity, Adoption and Paternity leave alongside many more family friendly policies. We also provide generous discounts on legal services.

For your career

We offer significant learning and development opportunities alongside a structured appraisal process, sponsored training for qualifications, networking opportunities and access to 1000s of webinars and training activities.

For your belonging

We have active committees including our Charity Committee, Wellbeing Committee and an ESG Committee. We actively encourage new joiners to take an active part in a committee if it is an area of interest.

We have firm organised social events throughout the year including informal socials, quiz nights, book club and lots more......

As a Disability Confident employer, we promote diversity and provide equal opportunities for all individuals. We prioritise inclusivity and ensure we have a supportive and accessible workplace for those with disabilities. If you require and adjustments to be able to attend an interview, please do let us know.

Recruitment decisions are made on fair and objective criteria.

The personal information we have collected from you will be shared with Cifas who will use it to prevent fraud, other unlawful or dishonest conduct, malpractice, and other seriously improper conduct. If any of these are detected, you could be refused certain services or employment. Your personal information will also be used to verify your identity. Further details of how your information will be used by us and Cifas, and your data protection rights, can be found at Fair Processing Notices for Cifas' Databases | Cifas