As an integral member of the L&D Team, the post holder will take responsibility for advising on, developing, and coordinating the firm’s growing Early Talent processes, activities, and initiatives across the firm, offering clear guidance and advice on these to department leadership teams, line managers and staff.

Key Tasks

ACS Trainee Solicitor Scheme

• Working in partnership with the ACS Training Principal to provide full advice on and coordination and facilitation of the ACS Trainee Solicitor Scheme including:
• Profiling ACS to law students and employees via advertisements, Law Fairs, Open Days, etc.
• Coordinating and hosting an annual two-week Vacation Scheme at ACS.
• Advising on and coordinating trainee placement seats, including internal recruitment, training and coordination of trainee supervisors, mentors, and assessors.
• Drafting and implementing trainee contracts including LPC/SQE fees, as appropriate, and succession into ACS NQ posts.
• To be a point of contact for our trainees and those seeking qualification, ensuring they are performing to the expected standards of their role, and working with managers to ensure development remains on track, and individuals are undertaking activities to support learning and success.
• To make recommendations to change, develop and improve the scheme in line with arising challenges and as may be required by the external environment and the business.

  ACS Alternative Routes to Qualification

• Advising Department Leaders, line managers and employees on the firm’s policy and practice with respect to all legal qualification routes available.
• Coordination of all people and processes involved in the firm’s alternative routes to qualification offerings, including CILEx, equivalent means, and SQE.

  Apprenticeships 

• Research best practice and possible options for a new apprenticeship offering across the firm.
• Design and develop recommendations for the firm on different apprenticeship options to a large variety of stakeholders.
• Research, select, and foster strong working relationships with external apprenticeship learning establishments/providers.
• Take responsibility for implementation and the success of an early pilot and ultimately the full programme at the firm for apprenticeships.

  Other

• Coordination of ACS Work Experience Placements by way of weekly placements over a 6-month time period.
• Assisting with the development of a broader trainee/non-qualified development programme offering.
• Develop strong links with universities and other institutions to further grow the firm’s early talent offering to support future talent pools.
• Liaise with external contacts, as appropriate.
• To work in collaboration with the HR team on all projects involving early talent.
• Any other reasonable duty as requested.

Personal Characteristics

• Genuine passion for working in Early Talent
• Flexible, with a ‘can do’ and proactive approach
• Professional outlook, highly organised, able to multitask and meet deadlines
• Helpful and positive nature with the ability to stay calm and diplomatic under pressure
• Understanding of the importance of confidentiality and discretion
• Resilient in overcoming challenges
• Detail orientated and able to take ownership of tasks

  
  

  Specific Skills

• Knowledge of the entry routes and early careers pathways for professional services, ideally with some experience and/or working knowledge of apprenticeship schemes
• Knowledge of operational Early Talent work, with experience of giving advice and support to colleagues
• Ability to consult confidently and clearly with a wide variety of stakeholders to understand the firm’s talent needs
• Ability to be an engaging and positive influencer; to be able to collaborate and bring colleagues on board with new initiatives
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Strong coordination and organisational skills
• Good IT skills including the ability to confidently use Microsoft Word and Excel