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Who we are

Paris Smith is a law firm with a clear vision of the future. A firm that adapts to the ever increasing demands and pressures on businesses and individuals. We are one of the largest independent regional firms of solicitors in Central Southern England, based in landmark offices in Southampton with 28 partners and employing 125 staff.

Our solicitors have seven main group practices: Company Commercial inc. IP IT/Banking and Finance, Commercial Property & Planning, Employment, Dispute Resolution & Licensing, Family, Tax & Estate Planning and Residential Property. Our specialist teams of solicitors with key skills and industry knowledge will ensure we assign the team most suited to your individual or business needs.

We act for the Public and Private Sector and high net worth individuals, offering specialist teams for the following Industry Sectors; Public Sector/Local Government, Retail, Hotels & Leisure, Education, Charities, Sports & Stadia, Banking & Finance. With an ever changing market place the firm is structured to serve our clients best with focused, creative and cost effective solutions, ensuring the very best service possible at the most competitive price, whilst maintaining the highest quality and clarity.

We consider ourselves to be a forward looking firm whose approach is reflected in the use of the latest information technology and were among the first law firms nationwide to obtain and retain quality accreditations from LEXCEL (The Law Society's quality mark) and Investors in People.  Our commitment to staff is reflected in high retention rates and the number of Partners and Associates who trained with the firm.

As a firm we are proud of the contribution that we make to the community and the way we operate our business in a responsible manner.  For further details please visit http://www.parissmith.co.uk/community-social-policy.php

What we are looking for

We currently recruit 4 trainees each year.  We welcome applications from students who intend to take the conversion course following a law degree as well as those who have studied law, with a strong academic background and at least a 2.1 honours degree.

We operate an Equal Opportunities policy. In considering applications we take account of academic achievements and the standard of degree likely to be obtained but also a genuine desire for a career in the profession and an interest in working and living locally.  We place great importance on good interpersonal skills in the context of both the workplace and client care.

We are looking for trainees who combine intellectual ability with practical common sense. Our aim is to continue to recruit trainees who upon qualification will wish to continue as valued members of the firm.

What training we provide

The training given at Paris Smith LLP is highly regarded by the Law Society's assessors.

Our trainees spend 6 months in 4 seats choosing from Company Commercial, Commercial Property and Planning, Residential Property, Family, Tax & Estate Planning, Employment and Dispute Resolution.  This is flexible and is tailored as far as possible to each individual trainee.  The training principal supervises the trainees and they are encouraged to give regular feedback as to training.  The firm as a whole operates an open door policy and trainees and work experience students often comment on our informal, friendly and approachable culture at all levels of the firm.

As soon as a trainee joins us they are considered a full member of the firm.  Trainees are involved in client matters as fully as possible and are expected to undertake work under supervision assuming increasing responsibility as training progresses. We aim to ensure that trainees learn to apply their knowledge on a practical basis.

Our trainees are given wide experience including meeting clients, dealing with Counsel, technical experts and other lawyers, attending court, drafting and research.  At Paris Smith LLP we ensure that our trainees have access to an extensive library and on-line research facilities in the same way as all other lawyers.  Trainees are entitled to study leave for examinations when undergoing the ongoing training required by the Law Society during a training contract.

Money matters

Paris Smith LLP is committed to paying its trainees more than the Law Society minimum, the actual amount being reviewed on an annual basis. We also make a one off contribution towards fees relating to the Legal Practice course, which is paid within 4 months of commencement of the training contract.

Social life at Paris Smith

A very important part of the culture at Paris Smith is that employees are expected to work hard but the firm also recognises that there should be a work/life balance.  We have various sports teams including football, netball and cricket.  The firm's social committe organises various events such as quizzes, bingo nights and riverboat shuffles and in addition to seasonal events for the whole firm each department has informal social events.  There is also a strong informal social life, particularly among the younger members of the firm.

How to apply

Application is by curriculum vitae and covering letter, which is accepted by either post or e-mail.  We follow Law Society guidelines and recruit two years before the training contract starts.

The deadline for applications is the 31st July each year and we aim to send invitations to interview by the middle of August. Interviews take place in September.