This job is with Reed Smith LLP, an inclusive employer and a member of myGwork – the largest global platform for the LGBTQ+ business community. Please do not contact the recruiter directly.DescriptionThis role sits within the Early Careers team, part of the wider HR function. The aim of the role is to provide an effective training programme for the firm's future talent: trainee solicitors.The Early Careers Development Advisor will work with the Early Careers and wider HR team to support the firm's Training Principal and Training Committee in managing the Reed Smith Trainee Solicitor programme. The programme currently encompasses all individuals on the 2 year QWE Training Contract, with scope to work on the launch of the firm's Solicitor Apprenticeship programme. The post-holder will also work closely with the Learning and Development Team to support and collaborate on our in-house 'Trainee Academy' skills programme.The FirmReed Smith is a global law firm with more than 1,700 lawyers in 30 offices throughout Europe, the Middle East, Asia and the United States.Operating as one global partnership, we represent leading international businesses from FTSE 100 corporations to mid-market and emerging enterprises; advising clients on cross border transactions, international commercial disputes and regulation. We specialise in industries including financial services, life sciences, health care, energy and natural resources, entertainment and media, shipping and real estate.We all share a common culture, with core values supporting the firm's commitment to add value, achieve excellence, and promote professional development. London is our largest office with approximately 700 people, including over 350 fee earners across the full range of commercial practice areas. Consistent with the firm's strategy, the office has grown significantly over the past five years. Key to this growth has been our ability to successfully integrate new hires into our business and give them a platform to flourish. We place a huge significance on listening to our people and incorporating their ideas wherever possible.ResponsibilitiesInduction and on-boardingManage and oversee the post-offer process and on-boarding of future trainees into their training contract, working closely with the Early Careers Advisor to ensure a smooth transition from the SQE. In collaboration with the Early Careers team and the L&D team, manage the programme development and successful delivery of the London trainee induction (twice per year). In collaboration with HR, manage the Reed Smith new joiner administration for all trainees.Work in collaboration with the L&D and Knowledge Management teams to arrange seat rotation training and the introduction of the Trainee Academy for 1st seat TraineesSeat rotationTake ownership of the seat rotation process; liaising with the Training Principal and Partners from each practice area (inc. international offices) to establish requirements of each group and defining how best to meet the business needs through trainee allocation.Liaising with Client Relationship Leads regarding client secondments as part of the seat rotation process. Ensure both client and international office seats meet SRA requirements for training trainees and manage the HR processes for all returning (inbound) and outbound trainees on client secondments / international seats.Support, challenge, and coach current and future (1st seat) trainees to discuss their seat preferences in-line with the business need.Trainee developmentIn collaboration with the Training Principal, Training Committee and the L&D team, provide Partners and Trainee Supervisors with professional direction and guidance, enabling them to manage trainees more effectively. Collaborate with the L&D team with training to these stakeholder groups as necessary.Manage the seat performance/appraisal process: informal check-ins mid-seat, plus formal end of seat meetings. Ensure that all feedback and performance review information is captured in the firm's Trainee Feedback tool. Liaise with Trainee Supervisors to track Trainee progress and gather feedback.Own day-to-day performance management, including working with Trainees to learn from feedback and implement learnings from formal training sessions.Advise Training Principal and relevant Trainee Supervisors about the performance of trainees if concerns have been highlighted in the trainee's appraisal. Determine whether the concerns need to be discussed with the trainee and/or the next Trainee Supervisor.Conduct career development meetings with each trainee (approx. every 6 months), giving advice and guidance to individuals when looking at career plans and discussing performance and experience to date. Record key information and highlight concerns to the Training Principal and Graduate Recruitment Manager.Meet with trainees relating to occupational health, difficult personal situations, conduct or general queries relating to seats or qualification. Ensure HR BPs are kept informed and correct HR procedures are followed.Ensure compliance with SRA requirements, including keeping up to date on relevant developments in QWE requirements.Liaise with the Early Careers Advisor to input into our SQE Provider's planning and content for future Trainees.Stakeholder ManagementBuild and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including Trainees, Trainee Supervisors, Partners and the Trainee Panel.Chair regular meetings with Trainee Cohort Representatives.Work collaboratively with the Training Principal, Training Partner and L&D team to deliver Supervisor Training, as well as individually meeting with supervisorsQualificationSupport the Graduate Recruitment team and the Training Principal with the qualification process.HR ResponsibilitiesLiaising with the wider HR team, manage confidential issues that arise from both prospective and current trainees, as well as keeping the HR teams up to date with trainee progress and changes to the development programme.Team ResponsibilitiesSuggest ideas for change, innovation or greater efficiency on existing processes and trainee initiatives. Work with the team on value-add projects, e.g. the firm's engagement initiatives, DE&I programme, risk mitigation, and innovation practices.Contribute to team meetings and project planning days, taking ownership for updating the team about key areas of your work.Support the wider Early Careers team at key periods, including attraction, talent screening and internal eventsKey Skills, Attributes and Experience
Confident and willing to engage with all levels of staff.
Ability to influence stakeholders.
Comfortable with delivering difficult messages to both trainees and senior management within the Firm.
Excellent organisational skills, administrative skills and a ttention to detail.
Ability to work under pressure and to deadlines.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Demonstrated ability to maintain a proactive customer-service focus and attitude at all times.
Able to work on multiple projects/priorities in a deadline-driven environment, remain calm in pressurised situations and adapt quickly to change
Possess a commercial mind-set with a strategic focus.
Capable of working individually and as part of a team; utilising resources effectively and collaborating through strong relationship building.
Flexible and pro-active approach to work.
Professional, credible and responsive.
Ability to horizon scan to keep abreast of trends and changes within the trainee solicitor fieldAt Reed Smith, we welcome direct applications either in response to one of our advertised vacancies or on a speculative basis. Please click on the "Apply Now" button to submit your details and we will be in touch.No search firms/agencies please.Reed Smith's success depends heavily on the effective utilization of qualified people, regardless of their race, ancestry, religion, colour, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, disability, veteran's status, or any characteristic protected by law. As a firm, we adhere to and promote equal employment opportunity for all.We are committed to making all stages of our recruitment process accessible to candidates with disabilities or long-term health conditions. If you have a disability or a long-term health condition and require adjustments to be made for you within the recruitment process, please contact a member of the Recruitment team. For more information on our approach to diversity and inclusion please visit ourwebsite.