Graduate Trainee – Legal / Operations

Location: Dewsbury, West Yorkshire
Contract: Full-time, Permanent
Start Date: Flexible
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience

About the Role

Gardner Champion Solicitors is offering an opportunity for a Graduate Trainee (Legal / Operations) to join our firm and begin their professional career within a well-established, regulated UK law firm.

This role is designed for graduates who are interested in law, legal operations, and professional services , and who are keen to gain hands-on experience across both legal teams and business operations . It offers structured exposure to how a modern law firm operates, alongside mentoring and support from experienced professionals.

This is not a short-term placement. We are looking for individuals with the potential and ambition to build a long-term career with the firm.

About Gardner Champion

Gardner Champion is a long-established law firm with over two centuries of legal heritage. We provide practical, client-focused legal advice across a wide range of practice areas and are proud to be authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.

We combine traditional values with a modern approach, placing strong emphasis on professionalism, quality, and developing our people.

What the Role Involves

As a Graduate Trainee, you will gain experience across both legal departments and operational functions , supporting the day-to-day work of the firm while developing a broad understanding of legal practice.

Your responsibilities may include:

Legal Support

• Assisting fee earners with case preparation and file management
• Drafting basic legal documents and correspondence under supervision
• Conducting legal and administrative research
• Supporting client onboarding and compliance processes
• Attending meetings and observing client interactions where appropriate

Operational & Business Support

• Supporting internal processes and workflows
• Assisting with document management and case management systems
• Supporting teams such as compliance, HR, or operations as required
• Gaining exposure to how legal services are delivered efficiently and compliantly

What We’re Looking For

We are looking for graduates who are motivated, professional, and eager to learn .

Essential:

• A degree in law or a related discipline (or strong interest in legal services)
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Good organisational skills and attention to detail
• A professional and responsible approach to work
• Willingness to learn and take on feedback

Desirable:

• Previous work experience in a professional services environment
• Interest in qualifying as a solicitor or developing a career in legal operations
• Familiarity with basic legal concepts or legal administration

What This Role Is (and Isn’t)

This role is:

• Structured and supportive
• Office-based, with exposure to multiple teams
• Designed to build strong foundations for a legal or professional services career

This role is not:

• A guaranteed training contract
• Fully remote
• A purely academic or observational role

Progression opportunities will depend on performance, business needs, and individual development.

Why Join Gardner Champion?

• Begin your career within a respected, established law firm
• Gain real, practical experience from day one
• Learn from experienced legal and operational professionals
• Be supported through mentoring and structured development
• Build a long-term career within a stable and professional environment

#J-18808-Ljbffr

Full job description from WhatJobs. Apply for this role →