Location: Dewsbury, West Yorkshire
Contract: Full-time, Permanent
Start Date: Flexible
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience
About the Role
Gardner Champion Solicitors is offering an opportunity for a Graduate Trainee (Legal / Operations) to join our firm and begin their professional career within a well-established, regulated UK law firm.
This role is designed for graduates who are interested in law, legal operations, and professional services, and who are keen to gain hands-on experience across both legal teams and business operations. It offers structured exposure to how a modern law firm operates, alongside mentoring and support from experienced professionals.
This is not a short-term placement. We are looking for individuals with the potential and ambition to build a long-term career with the firm.
About Gardner Champion
Gardner Champion is a long-established law firm with over two centuries of legal heritage. We provide practical, client-focused legal advice across a wide range of practice areas and are proud to be authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
We combine traditional values with a modern approach, placing strong emphasis on professionalism, quality, and developing our people.
What the Role Involves
As a Graduate Trainee, you will gain experience across both legal departments and operational functions, supporting the day-to-day work of the firm while developing a broad understanding of legal practice.
Your responsibilities may include:
Legal Support
- Assisting fee earners with case preparation and file management
- Drafting basic legal documents and correspondence under supervision
- Conducting legal and administrative research
- Supporting client onboarding and compliance processes
- Attending meetings and observing client interactions where appropriate
Operational & Business Support
- Supporting internal processes and workflows
- Assisting with document management and case management systems
- Supporting teams such as compliance, HR, or operations as required
- Gaining exposure to how legal services are delivered efficiently and compliantly
What We’re Looking For
We are looking for graduates who are motivated, professional, and eager to learn.
Essential:
- A degree in law or a related discipline (or strong interest in legal services)
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Good organisational skills and attention to detail
- A professional and responsible approach to work
- Willingness to learn and take on feedback
Desirable:
- Previous work experience in a professional services environment
- Interest in qualifying as a solicitor or developing a career in legal operations
- Familiarity with basic legal concepts or legal administration
What This Role Is (and Isn’t)
This role is:
- Structured and supportive
- Office-based, with exposure to multiple teams
- Designed to build strong foundations for a legal or professional services career
This role is not:
- A guaranteed training contract
- Fully remote
- A purely academic or observational role
Progression opportunities will depend on performance, business needs, and individual development.
Why Join Gardner Champion?
- Begin your career within a respected, established law firm
- Gain real, practical experience from day one
- Learn from experienced legal and operational professionals
- Be supported through mentoring and structured development
- Build a long-term career within a stable and professional environment