Careers

Why apply for a training contract at TSP?

Applications for a training contract commencing in 2024 are now open.

Thompson Smith and Puxon (TSP) is a LEXCEL accredited, Legal 500 recommended practice with 17 Legal 500 recommended lawyers. The firm has a long history in North Essex and has ambitious plans to grow further over the next three years.

Operating an open door culture, the firm has a strong commitment to personal and professional development for all of our staff as well as putting the client experience at the heart of everything we do.

With strong ties to the local community, and recognising our corporate and social responsibility, all members of the firm are encouraged to develop links with local charities and participate in fundraising and community based activities.

We consider our trainees to be vital for the future of the firm.

We will ensure that you are properly trained and have the right experience to emerge from the process as a well-rounded solicitor who will be an asset to our firm, or any firm you might work for in the future. However, we hope that at the end of your training contract you will be committed to Essex and want to build a legal career at TSP.

Paralegal Support Roles:  At TSP every team has Paralegal support. This role is an ideal way for graduates seeking a training contract at TSP to prove themselves before becoming a trainee solicitor with the firm. We welcome speculative direct applications from graduates (no recruitment agents) for this type of role, even when there are no specific roles advertised.

The Trainee Solicitor Role at TSP

As a Trainee Solicitor at Thompson Smith and Puxon (TSP) you will have the opportunity to make a valuable contribution to the ongoing success of the firm and will be given responsibility for varied and substantive work that will challenge you. You will attend client meetings and correspond directly with clients. We offer a friendly and supportive working environment and good work/life balance, without having to compromise on quality of work.

You will normally undertake four seats of six month’s duration each, although this arrangement can be flexible. Seats will be allocated based on your interests and career aspirations.  Department specific objectives and tasks will be agreed with you in advance. The areas available are

• Clinical Negligence and Personal Injury
• Commercial and Civil Litigation
• Commercial Property and Agriculture
• Employment
• Residential Property
• Family and Divorce
• Wills, Trusts and Estates

At the end of every seat you will have a formal review with the practice area team leader and assessment will be ongoing through informal feedback. You will be assigned a mentor with whom you will have regular meetings. TSP will fund the compulsory Professionals Skills Course and you will participate in a structured programme of regular additional training on a variety of topics, including soft skills.

Who should apply?

We welcome applications from 2:1 candidates who also have good A Level Results (120 UCAS points). You may have already completed your LPC or you may not. Your status in this regard will not affect your application, and, indeed, for the right candidate TSP may provide full sponsorship of the LPC, or time away from the office to attend the course,, subject to agreement on your place of study.

You will be a natural match with the firm’s values and culture and have a genuine interest in the law and legal practice. However, we are interested in you, in particular your skills and experience, and what it is that sets you apart from others, in relation to:

• Problem solving
• Critical and analytical thinking
• Interpersonal skills and self-awareness
• Commercial awareness and approach / business acumen
• Attention to detail
• Confidence
• Common sense
• Ability to work in a team and on your own
• Professional both in presentation and attitude
• Organisational skills
• Potential to be an ambassador for the firm in the community

Our Trainee Solicitor recruitment process is managed by our HR Officer, Amanda Gentry. Please apply by sending  your CV and covering letter to recruitment@tsplegal.com. You will be expected to demonstrate the skills and experience that set you apart from others and make you suitable for the role. Your referees should have a sound knowledge of the qualities you will be putting forward and we will pay particular attention to references from any relevant work placements undertaken.

If your CV and covering letter suggest you are the natural fit that we are looking for your application will be progressed and you will be invited, in September, to either an Assessment Day or Interview Panel during which you will be assessed on the personal attributes that we feel are needed to make a good trainee solicitor and in particular your potential to successfully complete work experience at the firm. You will meet board members and department heads.