The Role
Entry-level solicitor training contract involving four six-month departmental rotations. Responsibilities include legal research, document drafting, case preparation, client file management, meeting and hearing support, administrative tasks, compliance, and supervised preparation of legal documents and bundles. The programme includes structured training, study, reviews, and assessments to support qualification as a solicitor.
Summary Generated by Built In
How to Apply
Alongside your CV, you must submit a Personal Summary/Cover Letter as a separate document, answering the below set questions. There is a word limit of 300 words per question.
- Why do you want to qualify as a solicitor and specifically at Porter Dodson.
- Tell us about something interesting you have read in the legal news recently and why this has interested you?
- Which areas of law interest you most, and what recent or upcoming changes do you think will affect that area? How should Porter Dodson respond?
- Tell us about your proudest achievement and what it demonstrates about you as a future solicitor.
Training Contract Overview
To provide legal and administrative support to solicitors and legal teams while undertaking the training contract. This structured training programme combines multiple learning and teaching methods consisting of practical work-based tasks, shadowing, self-study and reflection, as difficulty level and workload increase throughout each seat, to ensure successful qualification as a Solicitor. The training contract structure consists of 4 departmental seats with a seat rotation every 6 months where trainee solicitors will rotate to a different department to gain experience in different legal disciplines and expand their legal knowledge.
Key Responsibilities
Key Duties and Responsibilities
- Assist solicitors with legal research, document drafting, and case preparation.
- Support fee earners with the management of client files, including filing, document review, and correspondence.
- Attend and take notes in client meetings and court hearings where appropriate.
- Prepare legal documents, contracts, and bundles under supervision.
- Manage administrative tasks such as diary management, scheduling, and file maintenance.
- Comply with internal policies, data protection obligations, and regulatory requirements.
- Participate in internal training sessions, knowledge sharing, and practice group activities.
- Participation in quarterly reviews and performance assessments coinciding with the middle and end of each seat.
- Training Records completed on a weekly basis, reviewed monthly with supervisor.
- Fulfil all requirements of the apprenticeship programme, including study time and exam preparation.
- Rotate through different practice areas to gain experience in a broad range of legal disciplines.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
Qualifications
- Undergraduate degree (2:1 or above) in law or any other relevant subject. If a law degree has not been completed then it is desirable for a law conversion course to have been completed.
- Minimum grade BBB achieved at A-Level in any subject.
Knowledge and Skills
- Demonstrates an interest in pursuing a legal career.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to manage time effectively and work to deadlines.
- Good attention to detail and high standards of accuracy.
- Capable of handling confidential information with integrity and discretion.
- Strong IT literacy, including Microsoft Office and case management systems.
Experience
- Legal work experience (e.g., internships, placements) is desirable but not essential.
- Customer service, administrative, or office-based experience is beneficial.
Attributes
- Professional, proactive, and adaptable.
- Collaborative team player with a willingness to learn.
- Commitment to personal and professional development.
Benefits
- Flexible Working
- 25 days holiday, in addition to plus bank holidays
- Extra day of holiday for your birthday
- Private Healthcare
- Pension Scheme(s)
- Life Assurance
- Eye Tests
- Flu Jabs
- Corporate Gym Membership Discounts
- Discounted legal Support
- Opportunities to get involved with charity fundraising, sports teams and office socials
About
Porter Dodson is an award-winning Top 200 UK Law Firm, providing commercial and private legal services to individuals and businesses across Somerset, Devon and Dorset.We're proud of a regional presence that gives clients the local connections and friendly in-person service they love. Being embedded in our local communities and market sectors gives our clients a superb service grounded in the real world.What makes Porter Dodson a great place to work is our people and our culture. Our team are the lifeblood of the firm, and we are fully committed to ensuring our team are motivated, well cared for, and fulfilling their potential at work. Our people are our priority, which is why we have such excellent staff retention rates and how we have sustained a gold accreditation from Investors in People since 2016.
Skills Required
- Undergraduate degree with a 2:1 or above in law or another relevant subject
- Law conversion course completed if an undergraduate law degree has not been completed
- Minimum BBB at A-Level
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to manage time effectively and meet deadlines
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy
- Ability to handle confidential information with integrity and discretion
- Strong IT literacy, including Microsoft Office and case management systems
- Interest in pursuing a legal career
- Legal work experience such as internships or placements
- Customer service, administrative, or office-based experience
- Professional, proactive, adaptable, collaborative, and willing to learn
- Commitment to personal and professional development
Am I A Good Fit?
Get Personalized Job Insights.
Our AI-powered fit analysis compares your resume with a job listing so you know if your skills & experience align.
Success! Refresh the page to see how your skills align with this role.
The Company
What We Do
Porter Dodson is a full-service law firm providing expert legal advice and support across personal, business, and specialist sectors, helping clients navigate everything from family matters to corporate transactions.
