Legal trainee

Our company

Dragon Argent is a rapidly growing SRA-regulated professional services firm that specialises in working with fast growth start-ups and SMEs. We have three core disciplines in advisory, accountancy and legal services which we deliver to clients through quality guidance and joined-up expertise at each stage of business growth. We promote a unique mix of personalities and provide a professional, inclusive, and extremely supportive environment. We have recently been certified as a Great Place to Work. The role will be a hybrid working model, with our office based on Bermondsey Street in London.

Our team

Our legal department, led by our general counsel and head of legal, James Kearns, has expanded rapidly over the last 18 months and now encompasses the following areas of expertise: corporate; commercial; employment; corporate immigration; litigation; data protection; and intellectual property.

There are currently seven people in our legal department, each bringing their own areas of expertise and interests ranging from technology law and M&A to art law. In joining us at Dragon Argent, you will be fundamental to delivering quality legal services to our clients by learning from and supporting the wider team.

The job opportunity

The training contract will be overseen by our training principal, James Kearns and will include exposure to and experience in all areas of our legal practice. The training contract will start in May.

As a small and fast-paced business, the structure of the training contract will be flexible and guided by client demand and team capacity. Over the course of the two-year training contract, you will get the chance to work with every member of our team, learning each practice area based on the matters we are instructed on at the time and how they sometimes intertwine.

We are looking for a highly diligent, proactive, and warm individual who can work on their own initiative and fit well into the wider team of professionals. In addition to your technical training, you will be curious to learn about our clients and how Dragon Argent supports them as they grow. Being a naturally strong communicator will be a key skillset.

Dragon Argent prides itself on providing a uniquely supportive and balanced environment that is unlike the traditional hierarchical private practice model. At Dragon Argent, you will be part of a close-knit, diverse team of professionals, working creatively to provide quality outcomes for our clients whilst supporting their ambitious growth plans.

Trainee tasks and responsibilities may include:

• Drafting legal documentation as required by each of the practice areas (such as agreements, company documents and/or court pleadings).
• Assisting with court preparations such as case bundles, correspondence with the court and general case management as required.
• Preparing and managing case files.
• Corresponding with external parties such as opposing solicitors and counsel.
• Attending meetings with clients.
• Drafting legal advice to clients.
• Conducting legal research as required by the practice areas. Observing court attendances by the litigation department.
• Preparing internal templates and updating in line with changes in legislation, procedures, and best practice.
• Attending professional skills courses and other internal or external training as required by SRA standards.
• Upholding professional responsibilities through the maintenance of work and training records in accordance with SRA standards.
• Planning and reviewing ongoing training programme in collaboration with training principal.
• Any other duties deemed appropriate for a trainee at Dragon Argent Limited.

The individual we are looking for:

• Has completed their LPC.
• Warm, approachable and highly organised (fast-paced and varied role).
• Comfortable working on their own initiative and naturally proactive.
• Enthusiastic to speak to and collaborate with clients, employees, and new people.
• Growth mindset, curious and keen to try new things and learn more.
• Excellent English – written and verbal.

What we offer:

• Competitive annual salary (£32,000 in year one rising to £35,000 in year two).
• Contributory pension scheme, employer contribution increases each year up to 8%.
• 25-day standard annual leave package plus bank holidays.
• Additional holiday purchasing (up to five days per holiday year).
• Bank holiday swap to enable relevant religious holidays to be celebrated.
• Matched giving - £500 charity fundraising matched per employee per year.
• Enhanced family leave policies.
• Private health insurance (provided after probation period).
• 24-hour health and wellbeing support through our employee assistance programme (EAP).
• Annual eye test.
• Monthly team lunches and quarterly company days to connect, share and learn.
• Retail discounts – discounts off 30,000 brands including cinemas.
• Each voice is heard and valued – open door policy to new ideas and feedback.
• An employer that promotes individual learning and development with career guidance.

Commitment from Dragon Argent:

Dragon Argent Limited is committed to attracting, developing and retaining the best talent by offering a motivating and inclusive workplace of equal opportunities where you can be recognised, developed and supported. We believe that diversity plays an important role in the success of our business and we look forward to learning more about you and your experience.

To apply, please email your CV and covering letter to [email protected] by 24 February