About Shacklocks

We are always pleased to hear from anyone who may wish to bring their skills to our firm.

Training Contract positions (with Paralegal probationary period)

Closing date for applications: 31.03.2026

Challenge your pre-conceptions!

Ever thought of a career away from the city centres?  Serving local people, building on generations of relationships, without the travel time and traffic associated with a commute to the city centre, yet still in an office environment, offering traditional training and supervision. Away from the stresses and strains of city centres, you can build an interesting and rewarding career with us in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire.

 Proud to be where we are

We have offices in Mansfield Belper & Allestree. Established for over 120 years we have a long-standing reputation in the communities we serve. We are looking for people with strong connections to the areas we are based, a commitment to those communities and an ambition to develop a legal career in those areas. It’s not a backwater. If you join Shacklocks you will be at the heart of our communities and our business.

 It’s not for the faint hearted

We work hard and have high expectations for our business, staff and clients. We hold the Lexcel and Conveyancing Quality Scheme accreditations. We have strong expertise in Private Client work including Mental Capacity and Trusts. We carry out Residential Property, Family, and Financial Services work. Many of our solicitors trained with us, and have built successful careers with us, so opportunity for progression runs through our Firm.  We are committed to training the next generation of lawyers to the same high standard. Successful candidates will be required to demonstrate a commitment to the Firm’s values and the work types practised.

It’s not sleepy here!

You will have challenges to meet, places to be and deadlines to keep. You will need to be flexible, resilient, responsive and able to work effectively. You will be required to work efficiently and to prioritise your workload, often when there are competing demands and deadlines. You will be required to demonstrate a courteous professional approach to clients and colleagues, and be able to use appropriate language, vocabulary and tone in all communications. You will appreciate the importance of client care, client satisfaction and have an awareness of the issues relating to the financial management of a legal practice. You will understand the importance of managing the expectations of clients and colleagues and will be accountable for the work you do.

About the Role

A role with us will be varied and demanding. As a paralegal you will get to know the Firm. You will start with administration and compliance tasks and develop an understanding of the importance of the professional rules. You will demonstrate attention to detail and an ability to follow instructions and procedures. You will move on to assist with case work, meeting clients, dealing with courts and other organisations and as you progress through your training contract you are likely to have your own cases, subject to appropriate supervision.

It is likely you will spend a significant amount of time in our Private Client department. In addition you may work in our Property team or with our Family team. You may be based at any of our offices. Typical tasks as a trainee solicitor might include:

* Meeting with clients and carrying out agreed work following the meeting

* Making calls to clients, courts, financial institutions or other third parties

* Dealing with post, drafting and management of documents, scanning and archiving

* Attending court with colleagues or Counsel or on your own where appropriate

* Assisting the accounts department or working with the Financial Services team

* Legal research, preparation of advice and reports

* Time recording, general office duties and administration tasks

About You

In addition to the aptitudes referred to above the successful candidates will have:

a 2:2 degree or equivalent

already passed the LPC or be expected to pass the LPC

a full driving licence and access to a vehicle

a knowledge of Microsoft packages

Pay and Benefits

As a paralegal you will start on a salary of £24,000. If you are successful in moving onto a Training Contract you can expect your salary to be no less than Law Society Recommended Minimum applying at the time, increasing as you progress through your training contract. In addition to your holiday allowance you will have a discretionary unpaid leave allowance and paid leave to attend the Professional Skills Course. The Firm provides pension in accordance with statutory requirements, and membership of a group life assurance scheme.

Are you ready for the challenge?

If so, we are ready to hear from you. To apply, please request an application pack. Requests should be addressed to The Managing Partner at joinourteam@shacklocks.co.uk or by post to The Managing Partner, Shacklocks LLP, St Peter’s House, Bridge Street, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, NG18 1AL.

Selected candidates can expect to be invited to an interview.

Appointments are expected to be made with a range of start dates through 2026 and 2027.

Who Do I Contact?