Reporting to the Early Talent Manager, the Early Talent Assistant role is responsible for supporting in the attraction, recruitment and development of trainees and apprentices at the firm.

The firm looks to attract and retain strong junior talent across all offices and practice areas. We annually recruit a cohort of around 25 trainees and apprentices. The role holder will support at every stage of the process to encourage applications through social media and represent the firm at events, then guide the candidates through the selection process to ensure a professional, positive and smooth candidate experience. The role holder will keep in touch with candidates once offers have been made and be the main point of contact for any queries throughout the Early Talent programmes once the trainees and apprentices join the firm.

This role sits within the Talent Acquisition Team, consisting of eight members including a Talent Acquisition Manager, an Early Talent Manager, an Early Talent Advisor, an Early Talent Assistant (this role), three Talent Acquisition Advisers and a Talent Acquisition Administrator. The Talent Acquisition team is part of the wider HR team and works collaboratively across with the wider department.

Role and Responsibilities (this is a broad but not exhaustive list)

Attraction

• Act as the key contact for external candidate, and internal trainee / apprentice queries.
• Take ownership of the Early Talent social media channels, monitoring analytics to drive engaging content.
• Coordinate and participate in Early Careers events, (both virtually and in person) such as law fairs, open days and trainee networking events, ensuring that Firm’s message is delivered in a professional and friendly manner.

Selection

• Progress candidates through the recruitment process, ensuring a seamless candidate experience that is in line with the Firm’s core values.
• Support the team in reviewing application forms where appropriate.
• Arrange video interviews and written tasks for candidates, ensuring they have all the information and adjustments needed.
• Assist with the planning and organisation of the assessment centres, placement schemes and internship opportunities.

Development

• Keep in touch with future trainees and apprentices of the firm through various on-boarding and networking initiatives.
• Support the onboarding on new trainees and apprentices, alongside the HR Administration team.
• Build relationships with the trainees and apprentices to understand and support their development needs.
• Provide support for the seat rotation and qualification processes.

General

• Work with the Early Talent Manager and Early Talent Advisor on an ad-hoc basis on Early Talent initiatives and projects
• Be an internal ambassador on the Firm’s Apprenticeship programme and approach to the Solicitor’s Qualifying Exam.
• Work with the Early Talent Manager, Talent Acquisition Manager and Diversity & Inclusion team on Early Talent initiatives and projects.
• Work closely with the Social Impact team on the Firm’s flagship Career Start Social Mobility work experience and mentoring programme.
• Ownership of the Early Talent inbox, responding to queries in a timely manner
• Arranging expenses and invoices for the Early Talent Team

Person specification

• Strong social media skills and a keen eye for engaging content
• Previous experience in a recruitment or early talent role is desirable, ideally in a legal environment
• A proactive can-do approach and able to use initiative when required
• Interest in social mobility and the firm’s diversity agenda
• A professional manner with excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to balance competing priorities and multitask in a fast-paced environment
• Strong relationship building skills across the firm and the HR team
• Excellent attention to detail and highly organised
• A good working knowledge of Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint

Competencies required

• Client Service
• Planning & Organising
• Flexibility
• Delivery focus