HR Manager

Human Resources Manager – Trainees

£65,000 | London | Permanent

We are working with a well-established and highly regarded law firm who are looking to appoint a Human Resources Manager to take ownership of their Trainee Solicitor programme and wider early careers activity.

This is a specialist HR role with a strong focus on legal trainees, making previous experience within a law firm and direct experience managing the trainee lifecycle essential.

You will work closely with senior HR colleagues, the Training Principal, Recruitment and senior stakeholders across the firm to ensure trainees receive a well-managed, supportive and high-quality experience from recruitment through to qualification.

The Role

This is a varied role covering the full trainee journey, including:

• Managing and developing the firm's Trainee Solicitor programme from recruitment through to qualification.
• Acting as a key point of contact for trainees throughout their training contracts.
• Supporting trainee recruitment, including assessment centres, interviews, offers and onboarding.
• Managing trainee inductions, mentor and buddy programmes and ongoing engagement.
• Coordinating seat rotations, working closely with trainees, supervisors and Heads of Department.
• Supporting performance management, appraisals, employee relations, absence and wellbeing matters.
• Providing guidance to supervisors and managers on the effective management and development of trainees.
• Managing the qualification and NQ recruitment process, ensuring a smooth transition from trainee to newly qualified solicitor.
• Supporting trainees through the SQE route, including study and examination leave and liaising with relevant course providers.
• Leading the firm's Vacation Scheme and supporting the development of the future talent pipeline.
• Using trainee feedback, recruitment data and market insight to identify opportunities to improve the programme.
• Working collaboratively with the wider HR team and providing broader generalist HR support where required.

About You

We are looking for an experienced HR professional who understands the legal trainee environment and has genuinely managed or supported trainees through their career journey.

You will ideally have:

• A minimum of 3 years' HR experience within a law firm or legal environment.
• Proven experience working directly with legal trainees, including onboarding, seat rotations, appraisals, performance management and qualification.
• A good understanding of the Training Contract and SQE routes.
• Experience supporting or delivering trainee recruitment, assessment centres and/or Vacation Schemes.
• Strong knowledge of HR best practice and the ability to provide confident advice to managers and employees.
• CIPD Level 5 or 7 qualification would be highly desirable, although this is not essential.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with the confidence to work with trainees, Partners, Heads of Department and senior HR stakeholders.
• A highly organised and proactive approach, with excellent attention to detail.
• The ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced professional services environment.

What's on Offer?

• £65,000 salary
• Private medical insurance
• Pension scheme
• Agile working
• Regular company-wide events and team social activities
• Excellent career development and progression opportunities
• Opportunity to join a well-established and respected law firm
• A specialist role with significant ownership of the firm's trainee and early careers programme
• The opportunity to work closely with senior stakeholders and influence the development of the firm's future legal talent

If you have previous HR experience within a law firm and have a strong background working with legal trainees, we'd love to hear from you.