Legal Assistant

Application closing date: 08-Feb-2026

Undergraduate Legal Placement 2026/7

We are a niche commercial practice located in pleasant rural surroundings yet just 1.5 mile from J31 of the M6 motorway outside of Preston with free onsite parking. We have strong links to Lancaster University and are looking for our third placement student - our first ever placement student will graduate in summer 2026 and join us as a trainee solicitor in September 2026.

We service an impressive national client base along with a select group of locally based clients. FMGS has a wide range of clients across market sectors including hospitality and leisure, retail, professional services, transport, manufacturing and engineering, construction, sport, private client and agriculture.

FMGS is best known for its work in the following areas: dispute resolution and litigation, corporate transactions, commercial, employment, commercial property, private client and regulatory. Each of these practice areas are led by leading individuals who together bring a depth of knowledge and experience which is often difficult to find in the regions.

What makes FMGS special is its focus on exceptional service and its ability to offer clients tailored support across its practice areas through collaborative working to ensure that all clients receive theright blend of high quality and commercially focused advice.

Our work is high quality and low volume, and the structure of the team offer sour placement student the opportunity for great personal and professional development going forward. You will become a fully integrated member of theFMGS team and will be supervised by the Partners and experienced solicitors.

Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

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Client and matter support

• Supporting fee earners across a range of practice areas with day-to-day matter administration
• Liaising with clients and external bodies, including court offices, in a professional and courteous manner
• Assisting with opening new client files and managing ongoing file-related tasks
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Legal and document support

• Formatting, amending and preparing legal documents
• Assisting with correspondence via email and telephone
• Supporting Partners and solicitors with document management and case preparation
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Systems and file management

• Using the firm’s case management system (LEAP) to input and update matter information
• Managing file closures and archiving closed matters in line with firm procedures
• Maintaining accurate electronic and physical filing systems
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Office and team support (shared responsibilities)

• Answering incoming telephone calls and welcoming visitors
• Assisting with diary management for Partners and fee earners
• Preparing and distributing post
• Supporting the wider team with general administrative tasks during busy periods
• Participating in shared office responsibilities, including maintaining a professional and clean working environment

As a placement student, you will be a fully integrated member of the team, working closely with Partners, solicitors and support staff, and gaining insight into the day-to-day running of a busy commercial law firm.

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Person specification

The firm is particularly keen to hear from students from a range of backgrounds who demonstrate:

• A strong academic record, typically working towards or achieving a 2:1 or above in a relevant degree
• A genuine interest in FMGS Law and the type of work the firm undertakes, evidenced through research and motivation
• A collaborative, team-focused approach, with a willingness to share tasks and support colleagues in a busy environment
• A proactive and resourceful mindset, able to take initiative, use available resources to solve problems, and seek clarification when appropriate
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the confidence to engage professionally with colleagues, clients and external contacts
• Good listening skills and sound judgement, with the ability to think critically and follow instructions accurately
• A calm, methodical and diligent approach to work, particularly when handling multiple tasks or competing priorities
• Resilience and determination, recognising that a career in law requires perseverance, adaptability and the ability to learn from setbacks

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Application process

To apply, please email the following to i.milburn@fmgs.co.uk:

• A CV, and
• A cover letter outlining your suitability and interest in FMGS Law, your motivation for a career in commercial law, and what you hope to gain from a placement year with us.

Interviews

Interviews will be informal in style and held on Wednesday 4 March (between 2.00pm and 5.00pm). Interviewees will be offered an office tour and the opportunity to meet the wider team. Reasonable travel expenses will be reimbursed.

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