Travers Smith is a leading full-service law firm, with a wealth of experience in its areas of specialisation. The firm has a market-leading reputation for its international expertise in Asset Management, M&A and Dispute Resolution & Investigations. Clients include asset managers across the alternative asset classes (private equity, venture, credit, infrastructure and real estate), publicly listed and private companies, financial institutions, and other business enterprises involved in large and complex UK and cross-border matters, transactions and disputes. Our purpose is to provide the highest quality of service to our clients whilst enabling our people to achieve professional fulfilment in a supportive, inclusive and enjoyable working environment.

Department

The team provides HR support and solutions to the entire firm, with a direct link into the partnership through the Chief People Officer. As the firm grows its business and looks to ensure a competitive advantage, the partnership has made the conscious decision to draw on the knowledge and expertise of a strategic HR team that will deliver commercial and practical advice to help engage, develop, recruit, and retain the best talent.

The HR team has been on a transformational journey and has developed into a department that contributes strategically and aligns the 'People Agenda' with the priorities of the business and the firm's vision. The team has built a reputation and earned credibility that demonstrates the highly professional, proactive, and approachable nature of those who deliver the HR support and solutions. Continuing to strive for excellence, maintaining its brand whilst strengthening the connections and strategic contribution, are the short to medium term goals for all those who form part of this talented, hardworking, and fun-loving team.

The Role

You will play a key role in the HR team primarily supporting the Trainee lifecycle, alongside wider HR initiatives and workstreams.

You will act as part of the team for all trainee-related HR issues, providing exceptional levels of service and advice to employees, managers, and partners. This role requires a strong understanding of the UK legal sector and HR practices, as well as outstanding interpersonal, organisational, and administrative skills.

This is a significant role that contributes to the firm's overall strategic objectives, talent management, and trainee engagement. As a Trainee Development Assistant, your contribution will be crucial in ensuring our trainees gain the most beneficial skills and knowledge, which will not only align them with our firm's goals but also provide them with a positive, beneficial start to their legal career.

Key Responsibilities

General Advisory

• Support with providing pastoral and HR support for Trainees throughout their time at the firm, from application through to qualification.
• Contribute to the Trainee seating plan rotations, ensuring all necessary factors are taken into consideration.
• Working with the Advisor to facilitate mid and end of seat reviews, working with wider HR to collate feedback, create review packs, liaising with Trainee partners to facilitate the meetings and in some instances attend the meetings.
• Develop and sustain strong business relationships with client groups to become a trusted assistant, specifically the training principles.
• Work with the wider business to ensure initiatives and solutions are fully supported ahead of implementation.
• Pre-empt and help manage performance management and employee relations issues concerning apprentices sensitively and rigorously, as and when they may arise.
• Work with the departments to ensure the structure of the business is appropriate to meet the strategic aims of the various teams.
• Work with the Advisor and senior HR team to communicate and share expertise with the wider team.

Talent and Performance Management

• Support the annual performance and salary moderation process.
• Contribute to identifying training needs and liaise with L&D to identify and deliver targeted and effective training.
• Design and deliver training sessions as and when required.
• Assist with Visa applications when required.

Other Responsibilities

• Work with the senior HR team and the business on various change-management projects within the firm.
• Work with the senior HR team to further develop the HR function and ensure that it is meeting the strategic objectives of the firm.

Key Stakeholders

• Chief People Officer
• Heads of HR
• HR Business Partners
• Training Principals

Personal Specification - Experience, Knowledge & Skills

• At least one years' experience in HR Gained in the legal sector or other professional services firm.
• Experience with supporting on Trainee lifecycle would be advantageous.
• Excellent IT skills, including Outlook, Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel.
• Working knowledge of a candidate tracking system would be an advantage.
• High degree of professionalism.
• Excellent organisational skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Able to communicate effectively and confidently and adapts communications styles to different audiences.
• Able to adapt to shifting priorities and adjust plans appropriately.
• An ability to work well under pressure and to strict deadlines.
• Possesses a client-centred 'can-do' attitude.
• Relationship focused and appreciates the importance of building networks both internally and externally.
• Uses initiative, thinks creatively, and has good problem-solving skills.
• Works effectively as part of a team and on one's own.
• Flexible in thinking and approach.

We are excited to be moving from our London headquarters in Snow Hill, to a brand-new building in the City - Stonecutter Court. The move is expected to take place in early 2026.

Accessibility statement : If individuals have any accessibility issues when reviewing this document, please notify a member of the Travers Smith HR team so that the document can be provided in an alternative format.

Support and Adjustments for candidates : At Travers Smith, we are committed to ensuring that people who are disabled or have a long-term condition are empowered in their identity, valued equally, and listened to. If we can adjust the recruitment process to make it more accessible, please let us know. For further information please visit our website: Recruitment - Support and adjustments for candidates | Travers Smith