Anaya Nolan
A training contract is a compulsory, two-year period of practical training that aspiring solicitors must complete with a law firm before they can qualify. During this time, trainees will undertake a comprehensive legal and skills training programme, with sessions delivered by partners, senior lawyers, and learning and development teams. Trainees will also be assigned a supervisor and will complete 'seats', which are usually six-month stints across four different departments of a law firm. Training contracts are highly competitive, and applicants should expect to face a rigorous selection process.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Length | 2 years full-time, longer part-time |
| Nature of work | Practical training |
| Qualification | Mandatory Professional Skills Course |
| Number of seats | 4 |
| Length of each seat | 6 months |
| Nature of seats | Contentious and non-contentious |
| Secondments | Possible |
| Supervisor | Assigned |
| Salary | Minimum wage, but most firms pay more |
| Location | London, Manchester, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
Training contract duration
Training contracts are a compulsory part of the process of becoming a solicitor. They are a period of practical learning where aspiring solicitors can apply the skills they have learned during their studies. Training contracts typically last for two years when completed full-time. However, it is possible to complete a training contract on a part-time basis, which takes longer than two years. The duration of part-time contracts varies depending on the firm and the individual's circumstances.
During a training contract, trainees will complete several seats, which are usually six-month stints across four different departments of a law firm. Some firms may require trainees to work in specific departments, while others may allow trainees to choose their preferred department. Each seat provides experience in a different area of law, including both contentious and non-contentious areas. Trainees will also have the opportunity to gain experience through client secondments, where they work directly with a client of the law firm.
The process of applying for a training contract is highly competitive, and it is recommended to start applying early. Many firms fill their training places two years in advance, and applications should be tailored to each individual firm. Training contracts are typically paid positions, with salaries varying depending on the location and size of the firm.
In recent years, there have been changes to the qualification process for solicitors. The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) is phasing out the Legal Practice Course (LPC) route and replacing it with the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE). As a result, training contracts are now being replaced by Qualifying Work Experience (QWE) requirements in the SQE route. However, there is still scope to study the LPC and secure a training contract.
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Application process
The application process for a training contract in law can be highly competitive, so it's important to be prepared and put your best foot forward. Here are some key steps to guide you through the process:
- Research Law Firms: Start by researching a variety of law firms that align with your interests and career goals. Look beyond their websites to understand their reputation, work culture, and the structure of their training contract programmes. Identify firms that practice law in your areas of interest and consider their training opportunities.
- Eligibility and Timing: Before investing time in the application process, ensure you are eligible to apply for a training contract. The timing of your application is crucial. Most national and city firms have deadlines around July 31, but these can vary, so check with each firm. Smaller firms may recruit closer to the start date, and some firms recruit on a rolling basis.
- Tailor Your Application: Customise your application for each firm. Highlight why you are the ideal candidate for their specific firm, showcasing how your knowledge, skills, and experience align with their organisation's ethos and culture. This demonstrates your interest and dedication.
- Complete the Application Form: Most training contract applications require you to fill out an online form detailing your academic record, work experience, and skills. Include a compelling personal statement explaining why you are attracted to the firm. You may also need to provide an academic reference.
- Vacation Schemes and Work Experience: Consider participating in law vacation schemes or gaining work experience through pro bono work. These opportunities provide valuable first-hand experience, strengthen your application, and allow you to establish relationships with potential employers. Many firms recruit a significant portion of their trainees from these schemes.
- Networking and Insights: Attend law fairs and open days to connect with representatives from potential employers. Don't be afraid to ask questions and seek insights into what firms are looking for in their trainees. Utilise resources like The Law Society's voluntary code of recruitment for trainee solicitors to understand the process better.
- Disclose Disabilities: When applying, remember to disclose any disabilities that may impact your ability to meet job requirements. You can also discuss any reasonable adjustments you may need to ensure a fair process.
- Assessment and Interviews: After submitting your application, be prepared for potential assessments, including verbal reasoning tests and assessment centres. If you are successful, you may be invited for interviews, which are a crucial step in securing a training contract offer.
- Salary and Benefits: While salary is not the primary focus, it's important to consider the remuneration and benefits offered by different firms. The Law Society recommends minimum salaries for trainee solicitors, but many firms pay significantly more, especially in competitive markets like London.
- Persistence and Improvement: Remember that securing a training contract can be challenging due to the high competition. Stay persistent and positive in the face of rejections, using them as opportunities to improve your applications and interview skills. Each application process will provide valuable experience for your next attempt.
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Salaries
The minimum salary for trainee solicitors in the UK is the National Minimum Wage, which is reviewed by the government annually. However, many law firms, especially larger ones, pay significantly above this minimum. The Law Society recommends a minimum salary of £27,418 for trainee solicitors in London and £24,320 for those training outside London. Most firms pay much higher salaries, with some USA-based firms offering the highest trainee salaries, typically in the region of £60,000. Magic Circle law firms offer trainee salaries of around £56,000, rising to £61,000 in the second year of training. City firms such as Ashurst, Dentons and Hogan Lovells pay first-year trainees £57,000, £50,000 (in London) and £56,000 respectively. Most City firms offer between £39,000 and £42,000 in the first year of a training contract.
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) used to enforce a compulsory minimum salary for trainee solicitors, but this was abolished in 2014. While the SRA no longer enforces a minimum salary, they do provide guidelines for trainee solicitor salaries. The SRA's recommended minimum salary is not always followed by law firms, and it is not legally enforceable.
During a training contract, aspiring solicitors typically rotate through different departments or "seats" every six months, gaining experience in a variety of legal practice areas. This allows trainees to build connections and gain exposure to different areas of law, helping them decide which area they want to qualify in. Training contracts usually last for two years and are often the final step before qualification.
In addition to their salaries, trainees may also receive other benefits as part of their training contract. For example, White & Case LLP offers trainees a dedicated supervisor, a cost-of-living salary adjustment, and free language lessons in certain countries. Hogan Lovells provides a comprehensive one-week induction before trainees start their seats, as well as an award-winning HL BaSE training programme to develop commercial skills and social impact.
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Work experience
Training contracts are highly competitive, so gaining work experience is a great way to make your application stand out. Undertaking work experience or pro bono work will give you real-life legal experience to draw upon, which can strengthen your application. It will also allow you to develop and gain experience in a different working environment.
Law vacation schemes are another way to gain work experience and strengthen your application. These schemes allow you to gain first-hand experience of a firm and establish a relationship with the organisation. Many firms recruit from their vacation scheme pool.
When applying for a training contract, it is important to research a number of law firms and identify those that practice law in areas you are interested in. You can then tailor your application to each firm, explaining why you are the ideal candidate for them and how your knowledge and experience match their ethos.
Some firms offer rolling recruitment, so it is advisable to apply as early as possible. Most training contracts at City and national firms have a 31 July deadline. You will typically need to complete an online form detailing your academic record, work experience, and skills, along with a personal statement and sometimes an academic reference.
It is also worth noting that many employers follow a voluntary code of recruitment for trainee solicitors, which can give you an idea of what to expect during the process.
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Training content
Training contracts are designed to give trainees a broad experience of the law. Trainees will undertake a period of recognised training, which is normally a two-year placement with a law firm, getting a practical legal education overseen by senior solicitors. This period can be reduced if the trainee has relevant previous legal experience.
During the training contract, aspiring solicitors will progress through at least three areas of work at the law firm, but there's the opportunity to experience up to eight at some of the larger law firms. Each period is known as a "seat" and lasts approximately six months each. Seats are usually six-month stints across four different departments of a law firm. Some firms will require trainees to work in a specific department, while others will ask which department the trainee would prefer.
Trainees must complete a contentious and non-contentious seat. Contentious areas of law involve disputes between parties that could end up in court, whereas non-contentious law does not focus on conflict and does not involve the courts. Trainees will also have the opportunity to get involved in client secondments, which means spending one seat with one of the law firm's clients. This means taking on projects of their own, enabling them to build confidence, network and understand what the client expects.
As part of a law firm training contract, trainees will need to pass the mandatory Professional Skills Course (PSC). The course features three core modules: advocacy and communication skills, client care and professional standards, and financial and business skills. In addition, trainees will need to complete 24 hours of elective training.
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Frequently asked questions
A training contract in law, also known as a period of recognised training, is a two-year period of practical learning undertaken by aspiring solicitors.
During a training contract, you will work at a law firm and gain hands-on experience in a number of legal practice areas. Each period is known as a ""seat" and lasts approximately six months each. You will also have to tackle both contentious and non-contentious seats.
Training contracts are highly competitive and there are usually more applicants than places. To increase your chances of securing a training contract, you should research law firms and tailor your application to each firm, explaining why you are the ideal candidate for them.
While there is no minimum salary, the Law Society recommends that firms pay £27,418 to trainee solicitors in London and £24,320 to those training outside London. However, many firms pay much higher salaries, with some offering trainee salaries of around £50,000-£60,000.
