Trainee solicitor

Hickman & Rose is looking for an enthusiastic and driven individual to join the firm for a two-year training contract, starting in March 2024. The successful candidate will work on a range of matters across our four main practice areas (business crime, serious and general crime, regulatory law, and civil litigation) and in doing so will be trained by lawyers recognised by Chambers & Partners and the Legal 500.

Hickman & Rose is a small team of dedicated and committed individuals who share a common goal: achieving the best possible outcomes for the firm’s clients. The firm was founded on a commitment to hold the state to account by defending the rule of law and all our lawyers are proud to stay true to this principle.

Based in Clerkenwell, central London, we offer a flexible and open-minded working environment in which creativity can flourish.

The successful applicant will benefit from a wide range of training opportunities and will, from the outset, have the opportunity to take on fee-earning work, attend meetings and contribute meaningfully to client matters.

The two-year training contract will be split into four six-month seats. The trainee will spend six months working in at least three seats across Hickman & Rose’s four departments. Depending on the individual and circumstances, they may be given the opportunity to complete a final seat at another firm. The trainee will be supervised in each seat by a senior lawyer who will continually assess the individual’s training needs to better tailor their training experience.

Below is some information about our practice areas:

Business Crime

Our lawyers represent individuals and organisations involved in the most serious fraud, Bribery Act and corporate crime matters, both in the UK and abroad. We are regularly instructed in the highest profile SFO investigations and prosecutions and have huge experience and expertise in representing individuals caught up in these matters. Find out more and meet the team here.

Serious and General Crime

The team represents individuals and organisations caught up in all manner of non-financial criminal allegations, including murder, corporate manslaughter, drug-related crime and sexual offences. The department specialises in representing high-profile clients for whom any criminal allegation carries a significant risk of reputational damage and has an excellent track record in concluding cases before charge. Find out more and meet the team here.

Regulatory Law

Our lawyers advise professional individuals and corporates facing investigation – and potential disciplinary action – from industry regulators such as the FCA, FRC, SRA and GMC. We also advise corporates on navigating health and safety, environmental health, and food safety regulations. Find out more and meet the team here.

Civil Litigation

The team represents individuals and organisations in the most serious civil liberties, human rights and public law matters. The department specialises in acting in inquests and at public inquiries at which State failure, particularly by the police and prison services, are a significant issue. We also have a growing team of lawyers representing claimants and defendants in high-value civil fraud matters. Find out more and meet the team here.

Who we are looking for

At Hickman & Rose, we are proud that our many diverse life experiences have come together to make us the firm we are today.

We understand that sometimes the right career path isn’t always clear from the outset, and that there can be obstacles to overcome along the way to a fulfilling career. We don’t believe these should be a barrier to entry. You might feel that, due to your circumstances, your academic record doesn’t reflect your true potential, or that your work experience is limited or not specifically suited to a career in law. Nevertheless, we would encourage you to apply. We are looking for someone who shares our passion for providing the best possible legal representation to our clients, no matter what their situation is.

We are looking for someone who:

• has a demonstrable interest in pursuing a career in criminal defence or civil litigation, and is committed to defending the rule of law;
• will have completed the LPC before starting their training contract (please note, we are not accepting applications this year from those following the SQE);
• has a good knowledge of the areas of law in which we practice and a willingness to learn;
• has excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work with clients and colleagues from a multitude of backgrounds;
• can demonstrate strong intellectual ability and effective communication skills;
• is able to work effectively both independently and as part of a team to secure the best possible outcome for our clients; and
• is confident in their use of technology and a fast learner.

Finally, we are looking for someone with drive, vision and initiative, as well as the desire to become an integral part of our team.

Application and interview process

The training contract application window will close at 5pm on Friday 28 July 2023.

To apply, please submit the following:

• a completed application form; and
• a completed equality, diversity and inclusion monitoring form available once you have submitted your application. This form is completely anonymous and is used for internal monitoring only.

Candidates who are invited to interview will be asked to complete assessments designed to test various skills. These assessments will touch, in part, on the areas of law in which we practise, but candidates are not expected to prepare anything in advance.

Social mobility

The application form contains some optional social mobility questions.

We are committed to improving social mobility in the legal profession and believe that measuring our socio-economic diversity in recruitment and internally is the crucial first step.

The questions we ask are based on guidance issued by the Social Mobility Commission. Answering these questions is entirely optional, but we cannot take your personal circumstances into account when reviewing your application if you choose not to.

You will be able to be identified from the information you provide for the purpose of reviewing the answers you have given alongside your application. This information will be retained in line with our privacy policy.

For further information, please contact Rachel Coburn at [email protected] or visit www.hickmanandrose.co.uk. No agency applications will be considered.

We are an equal opportunities employer, committed to increasing diversity in our firm and the wider profession. Applications from candidates from ethnic minority or non-traditional backgrounds are particularly encouraged. If you require any reasonable adjustments for any part of the recruitment process, please let us know.