Early Careers Development Manager

Role Overview

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Early Careers Development Manager to lead the development and management of our future and current Trainee Solicitors and Solicitor-Apprentices. This pivotal role will oversee the full lifecycle of trainee and apprentice development, from pre-joining engagement through to qualification, ensuring a world-class experience aligned with our firm’s values and strategic goals. The role will also manage a high-performing team dedicated to delivering excellence in early careers programming.

Key Responsibilities

Development of Current and Future Trainee Solicitors

• Design and deliver a best-in-class trainee development programme, including induction, seat planning, secondments and international placements, performance reviews, and qualification processes.

• Partner with Learning & Development to ensure trainees receive targeted training aligned with legal and professional competencies.

• Provide coaching and support to trainees and solicitor-apprentices throughout their training programmes.

• Ensure that any performance issues are identified and addressed appropriately and as early as possible.

• Work with the firm’s law school provider to oversee future trainees during the law conversion and SQE preparation courses, offering tailored support to support talent retention.

• Lead the development of the Plus Programme and other resources to support exam success and professional development.

• Work closely with the Solicitor-Apprentice Specialist to ensure their university programme is developed fully and continually reviewed to ensure it remains fit for purpose and fit for the future.

• Work with HRBPs to ensure early identification and intervention for any wellbeing concerns or employee relation issues.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Collaborate with Partners, Supervisors, and HR colleagues to ensure consistent and high-quality trainee experiences across practice areas.

• Act as a trusted advisor to the business on trainee-related matters, including performance management and career progression.

• Own the relationship with our  law school training provider and lead the firm’s contribution to the City Consortium.

• Build relationships with the firm’s Affinity Networks to support inclusion and belonging for future and current trainees.

Programme Management

• Oversee the delivery of trainee rotations, secondments (domestic and international), and qualification processes.

• Monitor and report on programme effectiveness, using data to drive continuous improvement.

• Lead the design and delivery of virtual and in-person events to foster community and connection among future and current trainees and solicitor-apprentices

Team Leadership

• Lead, coach, and develop the Early Careers team in Manchester and London, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture.

• Set clear objectives, provide regular feedback, and support professional development for team members.

Compliance and Risk

• Ensure all trainee and solicitor-apprentice processes comply with SRA regulations and internal policies.

• Manage sensitive employee relations issues with professionalism and discretion, working closely with HR Business Partner colleagues to ensure the firm’s policies and processes are being followed.

• Champion mental health and wellbeing initiatives for future and current trainees and solicitor-apprentices, including training and access to support services.

• Track expected and actual budget expense, ensuring invoices are tracked and paid promptly and that budget measures are actively managed.

• Manage all maintenance grants and tuition fee costs for PGDL, LPC and SQE.

• Proven experience in early careers development, ideally within a professional services or legal environment.

• Strong understanding of the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) and the evolving legal education landscape.

• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to influence senior stakeholders.

• Demonstrated leadership experience, with a track record of managing and developing teams.

• Highly organised, with strong project management skills and attention to detail.

• Confident in working with data to identify trends, patterns, and insights that inform decision-making, and able to present data effectively through visualisation tools.

• Empathetic and solutions-focused approach to employee development and wellbeing.

• Experience of Workday is desirable

• Bachelor's degree required, ideally in  Human Resources, Law, Psychology, or a related field.

• Postgraduate qualification preferred, in HR Management, Organisational Development, Organisational Psychology or Coaching.

• CIPD qualification or equivalent professional certification preferred.

• Familiarity with SRA regulations and legal training frameworks.

Inclusion

Freshfields is an equal opportunities employer and all applications received by the firm will be considered by the firm on the basis of their merit alone and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals regardless of background. All offers of employment will be conditional on the candidate having/securing the right to work in the UK and providing the firm with evidence of that right (as required by the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006) prior to employment commencing.

Freshfields is a Ban the Box employer. We ask applicants to disclose criminal convictions only when a conditional job offer is made. A conviction does not automatically lead to withdrawal of the offer: we make decisions on a case by case basis and take a number of factors into account (eg the role you are applying for and the circumstances of the offence). You would have the opportunity to discuss the matter with us before we make a decision.