Best Time To Apply For A Non-Law Training Contract

If you're a non-law student, you should apply for a training contract in the final year of your undergraduate degree or as a graduate. This is because aspiring solicitors should apply two years before the training programme is due to start. Training contract deadlines vary depending on the type of firm you're aiming for. City and national firms tend to have deadlines on or around 31 July, but applications open months in advance. Some firms recruit on a rolling basis, so it's a good idea to apply early.

Non-law students should apply in their final year

If you're a non-law student, you should apply for a training contract in the autumn of your final year or as a graduate. This is because aspiring solicitors should apply two years before the training programme is due to start.

Most law firms recruit two or three years in advance, giving future trainees ample time to complete the Legal Practice Course (LPC). This is a mandatory qualification for all trainees, regardless of their educational route.

Non-law students tend to start applying for training contracts in their final year (for training contracts starting three years later) or during their GDL (for training contracts beginning in two years).

While the deadlines are usually in the summer months for larger law firms, applications open months in advance, giving you plenty of time to get your application in. You may even benefit from being an early bird: some law firms recruit on a rolling basis and will begin offering places to candidates as soon as they encounter applications that impress them.

Therefore, it's a good idea to make a list of deadlines once you know which firms you want to apply to, so you know which applications need to be in first and you don't get caught out.

Application process

The application process for non-law students is the same as for law graduates. You must conduct detailed research to learn about the profession and identify potential employers to apply to. Your lack of technical legal knowledge won't be a disadvantage at this stage because law firm recruiters are looking for candidates with potential and good key skills, such as:

• Good communication skills
• Ability to use your initiative
• Willingness to work with others as a team

Know your key strengths, showcase your transferable skills, and explain why you're pursuing a legal career, as well as why you've chosen to apply to this specific firm.

Non-law students can apply for a Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) or Graduate LLB

Non-law students can apply for a Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) or a Graduate LLB to pursue a career in the legal profession. Both options are available to non-law graduates who want to convert to law after completing a non-law undergraduate degree.

Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL)

The GDL is a postgraduate law course offered in England and Wales, and it is commonly known as a "law conversion course". The course is designed as an intense programme covering roughly the same content as an undergraduate law degree (LLB). The GDL is one year long if studied full-time or two years if studied part-time. It is regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and the Law Society of England and Wales, with admissions handled through the Central Applications Board. The GDL covers foundational legal subjects and develops critical analysis and research skills, preparing graduates for the vocational stage of training as either a solicitor or barrister. The course is offered by private institutions and universities, with the largest providers being BPP Law School, City Law School, and The University of Law.

Graduate LLB

The Graduate LLB is a two-year programme offered by universities such as the University of Edinburgh, designed for those who already have a degree-level qualification and wish to obtain an undergraduate qualification in law. The programme prepares students for entry into the Scottish legal profession and builds a foundation for further professional study in law. To qualify for legal practice in Scotland, graduates typically need to complete the Diploma in Professional Legal Practice (known as Professional Education and Training stage 1, or PEAT 1). The Graduate LLB programme covers general legal principles, legal techniques, and a range of compulsory and optional law courses.

Application Timing for Non-Law Students

Non-law students typically start applying for training contracts in their final year of university or during their GDL. Training contract deadlines vary depending on the type of firm, with city and national firms often having deadlines around July 31. It is beneficial to apply early, as some law firms recruit on a rolling basis and will offer places to impressive candidates as soon as they are identified.

Training contracts are competitive, with some firms having a 2% acceptance rate

Training contracts are highly competitive, with acceptance rates as low as 2% at some firms. This means that applicants need to be strategic about when they apply and the quality of their applications.

Firstly, it is important to be aware of the deadlines for training contract applications, which tend to fall in the summer months for larger law firms. City firms and national firms often set their training contract deadlines around 31 July, while smaller, regional firms may have deadlines throughout the year. It is beneficial to apply early, as some firms recruit on a rolling basis. Additionally, training contract places tend to fill up before the deadline, so applying early increases your chances of success.

For students pursuing an LLB, the ideal time to apply is during the penultimate year of their degree. This is because most large firms recruit two to three years in advance, and students can secure a training contract before completing their Legal Practice Course (LPC). However, it is important to note that the LPC is mandatory for all trainees, regardless of their educational background.

Non-law students typically start applying for training contracts in their final year or during their Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) for training contracts starting two to three years later. While non-law students may face the challenge of understanding industry jargon and recruitment timelines, they are not at a disadvantage. Firms value the diverse experiences and skills that non-law applicants bring.

To increase your chances of securing a training contract, it is recommended to submit between 5 to 20 applications per year, depending on your capacity to maintain quality. Each application should be carefully researched and tailored to the specific firm. It is also crucial to showcase your strengths, such as communication skills, intellectual ability, and common sense, which are highly valued by recruiters.

Training contracts are a popular way to complete the mandatory two years of work experience to become a solicitor

Training contracts are usually completed full-time over two years, but some firms offer part-time options, which take longer. Trainees will complete a number of "seats", which are generally six-month stints in four different departments. Trainees will be given a supervisor who will answer their questions and assign tasks. There is also the opportunity for client secondments, where a trainee will spend one seat with a firm's client, allowing them to build confidence by taking on projects and networking.

Training contracts are highly competitive and often need to be applied for a year or two in advance. Most large firms recruit two or three years in advance, while smaller, regional firms might only recruit a year in advance. Law students are encouraged to apply in their penultimate year, while non-law students should apply in their final year, as aspiring solicitors should apply two years before the training programme is due to start.

To apply for a training contract, you will need to complete an online form detailing your academic record, work experience and skills. You will also need a personal statement and an academic reference.

Firms value the wider experiences and skills that non-law applicants can offer

While it may take more initial effort for non-law students to understand the legal industry, law firms are just as interested in recruiting trainees who haven't studied law at the undergraduate level. In fact, around 50% of trainee solicitors are non-law graduates.

• Strong communication skills
• Intellectual ability
• Common sense
• Commercial awareness
• Analytical and evaluative skills
• Written communication skills
• A global mindset
• Organisational skills
• Passion for the law firm

Non-law applicants should showcase their strengths and transferable skills in their applications and during interviews. They should also demonstrate their commercial awareness by keeping up with business news and offering well-considered opinions. Additionally, they can participate in extracurricular activities, internships, and vacation schemes to gain relevant experiences and develop their skills.

Frequently asked questions