The two-year training contract is the final stage before qualification as a solicitor. Choose which firms you apply to carefully, as a training contract with the right firm will get your legal career off to a flying start.

Some firms recruit two years before they expect trainees to join them, while many small high-street firms recruit only a few months in advance. It is essential to start planning early, however, especially if you intend to apply to one of the large firms.

How does the system work?

The two-year training contract is made up of different ’seats’. The Law Society insists that trainees gain experience of at least three different areas of law during their training.

Typically, trainees are given four six-month seats. While the first three are different, the fourth is usually in the department the trainee hopes to specialise in.

Feedback and training

Firms offer regular appraisals, usually at least every six months, to monitor progress and consider each person’s training needs.

Trainees maintain a record of what they have learned throughout their training contract and must also complete the Professional Skills Course.

Salaries

The Law Society’s minimum salary for new trainees is currently £15,332 outside London and £17,110 in London.

Many high-street firms pay the minimum, whereas leading City firms are currently paying new trainees upwards of £28,000.

Life as a trainee

What trainees do varies from firm to firm. Common tasks at SJ Berwin LLP include:

• legal research into points of law
• attending client meetings
• liaising with barristers’ clerks
• drafting and redrafting contractual clauses in documents
• carrying out anti money-laundering checks
• corresponding with clients, including letters of engagement setting out the terms of their contract with the solicitor
• making company searches
• performing due diligence
• preparing bundles of documents for court.

Jobs after training

Although many trainees are offered permanent jobs after their training, this is not guaranteed. Use your training as an opportunity to learn about the firm and develop relationships. ’If you accept challenges and contribute to the team effort, you will get a lot out of your training contract,’ says Steve Love from ERM.

Choosing the right firm

See Types of firm for more information on choosing the right firm for you.

Applying for a training contract

Securing a training contract can be tough and competition is particularly stiff for contracts with the leading firms. Magic Circle firms often demand up to ABB at A-level, plus a minimum 2.1. Others seek BBC as the minimum requirement.

On top of this, recruiters also look for a variety of extracurricular activities, communication skills and commercial awareness. See Skills you will need to find out more.

As well as providing evidence that you have developed the skills the firm seeks, ensure your application reflects knowledge of, and interest in, the firm you are applying to and their area of specialism.

Check carefully for spelling mistakes. Solicitors cannot abide these in their own documents, so won’t be impressed by applications littered with typos.

Previous experience

See Work experience / internships for more information.