Anaya Nolan
Aspiring solicitors are required to go through several stages to qualify fully. One of these stages is finding and completing a training contract. A law training contract is a two-year period of practical learning undertaken by aspiring solicitors who have taken the Legal Practice Course (LPC) route to qualify as a solicitor. Training contracts are highly competitive and can be difficult to secure. However, with dedication and preparation, you can increase your chances of success. This involves researching law firms, identifying organisations practising law in areas of interest, and tailoring your application to each firm. Most firms recruit one to two years in advance, so it is advisable to apply early.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Application process | Applications should be tailored to each individual law firm and made directly to the person responsible for trainee recruitment. |
| Application deadlines | Deadlines vary between firms, with most occurring on 31 July. Smaller firms tend not to recruit trainees so far in advance. |
| Application advice | Apply as early as possible. The sooner you apply, the better as you will have more time to customise your applications. |
| Who should apply | Law students should apply in their penultimate year of studies, while non-law students should apply in their final year. |
| Qualifications | It can be difficult for those with a high 2:1 to secure a training contract, but it is possible. Firms may prioritise potential over academic grades. |
| Training contract duration | Training contracts are usually two years full-time, but can be completed part-time or reduced with relevant previous legal experience. |
| Training contract structure | Trainees will complete several "seats", which are usually six-month stints across four different departments of a law firm. |
| Training contract content | Trainees will gain practical experience by working at a law firm and gaining hands-on experience in a number of legal practice areas. |
| Training contract support | Trainees will have the support of a supervisor and the lawyers in each seat. |
| Training contract opportunities | Training contracts can provide opportunities to meet teams, learn about their work, and explore different areas of law. They may also offer chances to work in one of the firm's global offices or directly inside a client's business. |
| Training contract benefits | Some firms offer benefits such as annual leave, unpaid leave, and flexible benefits. |
| Post-training contract | After completing a training contract, individuals will be eligible for solicitor qualification. Many firms will retain the solicitors they have trained. |
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Application process
The application process for a law training contract is highly competitive, so it's important to make sure that each application is tailored to the individual law firm. Here are some key steps to follow when applying for a law training contract:
Research the Firm
Before filling out any application forms, it is crucial to thoroughly research the firms you intend to apply to. This includes checking their websites, attending law fairs and open days, and, if possible, participating in vacation schemes or other insight programmes offered by the firm. Speaking to past and present trainee solicitors and researching the firm's presence on social media can also provide valuable insights. Understanding the firm's culture, ethos, and professional capacity is essential to crafting a strong application.
Identify Target Employers
With numerous law firms to choose from, it is recommended to identify a focused list of target employers, typically between five and ten, to concentrate your efforts on. This allows you to dedicate sufficient time and attention to each application, ensuring they are of the highest quality.
Application Form
The application form is the first step in the training contract application process. Most law firms use these forms to screen applicants before deciding on interviews. It is important to allocate enough time to complete the forms, ensuring they are free from spelling and grammar errors. Each application should be tailored to the specific firm, demonstrating your understanding of the firm and how your values and skills align with their culture and requirements.
Deadlines and Timing
It is crucial to be mindful of application deadlines, which can vary between firms. Some firms have a standard deadline of 31 July, while others may set earlier deadlines or recruit on a rolling basis. Applying early is generally advisable, as it increases your chances of being considered, and allows more time for customising your application.
Proofreading and Feedback
Before submitting your application, it is essential to carefully review it for any errors or inconsistencies. Getting someone else to proofread your application, such as a careers adviser or a peer, can be immensely helpful. A fresh pair of eyes can catch errors or offer suggestions for improvement.
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Timing
Most law firms recruit for their training contracts a year or two in advance of the start date. Therefore, as a law student, it is recommended to apply for training contracts in the penultimate year of your studies, whereas non-law students should aim to apply in their final year. Applying early is generally advised, as it allows more time to customise applications for each firm and increases the chances of securing a position.
It is worth noting that smaller firms and organisations tend not to recruit trainees as far in advance. For these, it is possible to apply during the Legal Practice Course (LPC). Training contract deadlines vary across firms, with most City and national firms having a 31 July deadline. However, it is important to check the websites of individual firms for specific dates and set reminders to ensure applications are submitted on time.
Additionally, some firms recruit on a rolling basis, reviewing applications and progressing candidates even before the official deadline has passed. Therefore, staying informed about recruitment timelines and planning applications accordingly are essential steps in the process of securing a law training contract.
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Salary expectations
Some firms may also offer additional benefits on top of your salary. For example, White & Case LLP offers 25 days of annual leave, up to six weeks of unpaid leave upon qualification, and a suite of flexible benefits that can be tailored to the trainee's needs. Hogan Lovells offers its trainees the opportunity to complete their award-winning HL BaSE training, a mini-MBA-style course that develops commercial skills and social impact.
It is worth noting that some firms will pay for the cost of your LPC and/or GDL if they offer you a training contract, which can save you a significant amount of money. Smaller firms and organisations tend not to recruit trainees so far in advance, so you can apply to these during your LPC.
While it can be difficult to secure a training contract, particularly with a lower degree classification, it is not impossible. Some firms, such as Womble Bond Dickinson, prioritise potential over academic grades and recognise that a candidate's ability to excel in the legal profession is not solely determined by their university results. If you have extenuating circumstances that affected your grades, it is worth contacting the firm to explain your situation and highlighting any relevant legal work experience, university extracurriculars, or pro bono work you have completed.
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Course structure
A law training contract is a two-year period of practical learning undertaken by aspiring solicitors. During this time, trainees work at a law firm and gain hands-on experience in several legal practice areas. Each period is known as a “seat” and lasts approximately six months each. Trainees will also have to tackle both contentious and non-contentious seats.
Training contracts are highly competitive, with only around 20% of applicants securing a position each year. As such, applicants should be prepared and persistent, and remain positive in the face of rejections. It is recommended that applicants research a number of law firms, identify the organisations that practice law in areas they are interested in, and consider the firm's reputation in the legal community and its work culture.
Most national and city firms have law training contract deadlines set for 31 July. However, deadlines vary between firms, with some occurring as early as May or June. Some firms recruit on a rolling basis, while others invite candidates for interviews before their official deadline has passed.
As part of a law firm training contract, trainees will need to pass the mandatory Professional Skills Course (PSC). This course typically takes 12 days to complete and covers three core modules: advocacy and communication skills, client care and professional standards, and financial and business skills. Trainees will also need to complete 24 hours of elective training.
In addition to the PSC, trainees will complete four six-month seats, with the possibility of international seats and client secondments. During their training, trainees will have the support of a supervisor and the lawyers in each seat. Once they have completed their seats, trainees will have the opportunity to move into a practice area of their choosing.
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Career prospects
Training contracts are highly competitive and difficult to secure, but they are a crucial step in qualifying as a solicitor. They provide the practical experience and skills needed to become a solicitor. During a training contract, aspiring solicitors undertake a period of recognised training, typically lasting two years, where they work at a law firm and gain hands-on experience in various legal practice areas. This period is divided into “seats”, usually six-month stints across four different departments of a law firm. Trainees will have the support of supervisors and lawyers in each seat, and upon completion, they can choose their practice area.
The process of obtaining a training contract is challenging, and applicants should be prepared for potential rejections. It is recommended to start the application process early, as most law firms fill their training contract placements two years in advance. Law students should ideally apply in their penultimate year, while non-law students should apply in their final year. Applicants should tailor their applications to individual law firms, demonstrating their potential beyond academic grades.
Once a training contract is secured, trainees can expect to gain practical experience and develop essential skills such as communication, client care, and financial and business acumen. They will also have the opportunity to rotate through different seats, gaining exposure to diverse legal practice groups and global offices. Additionally, trainees will receive support and guidance from supervisors and lawyers within the firm.
Upon completion of the training contract, individuals become qualified solicitors. Many firms retain the solicitors they have trained, but qualified solicitors can choose to pursue their legal career in any direction they desire. They can specialise in a particular area of law, work in a specific department, or even explore international opportunities within the legal field.
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Frequently asked questions
A law training contract is a period of practical learning undertaken by aspiring solicitors who have taken the Legal Practice Course (LPC) route to qualify as a solicitor. It involves working at a law firm and gaining hands-on experience in various legal practice areas, known as "seats", for a period of approximately six months each.
A law training contract typically lasts for two years when completed on a full-time basis. However, it can be completed on a part-time basis, which will take longer.
Most law firms recruit for their training contracts one to two years in advance of the start date. It is recommended to apply by May or June of your penultimate year if you are a law student or in your final year if you are a non-law student.
You can find available law training contracts by searching firm websites, speaking to past and present trainee solicitors, reading news and social media about the firm, and checking job websites such as Gazette Jobs and The Lawyer Portal.
Securing a law training contract can be challenging due to the high competition for positions. However, with dedication, preparation, and persistence, you can increase your chances of success. Don't be discouraged by rejections; use them to improve your future applications and interviews.
