Training contracts

What is a training contract?

A training contract is where trainee solicitors put into practice the skills they've learned while studying.

Also known as a period of recognised training, a full-time training contract typically takes two years to complete. Some firms offer part-time training contracts, which take longer - contact individual firms if this interests you.

What do training contracts involve?

Training contracts are broken down into 'seats', which are generally six-month stints in four different departments, covering both contentious and non-contentious areas of legal work. Some firms require you to work in a particular department, while others ask for your preference. You'll be given a supervisor who will answer your questions and assign you tasks.

Tiff Wiltsher, senior early careers specialist at Lewis Silkin explains 'at Lewis Silkin, trainees typically complete four six-month seats across areas such as:

• Corporate
• Data, Privacy & Cyber
• Digital, Commerce & Creative
• Dispute Resolution
• Employment
• Intellectual Property
• Immigration
• Real Estate.

Day-to-day responsibilities include legal research, drafting documents, attending client meetings, managing smaller matters under supervision and assisting with business development and pro bono activities.'

There is also the opportunity for client secondments, where you spend a seat with one of your firm's clients. This allows you to build confidence by taking on projects of your own, as well as giving you the chance to network and understand what the client wants. Firms may also give you the opportunity to work abroad by completing a seat overseas.

'International work is a core part of what we do at Travers Smith,' says Maninda Singh, early careers recruitment adviser at Travers Smith, 'so trainees have the chance to get involved in complex, cross-border matters, working alongside leading local firms and gaining exposure to global clients and issues.'

How do I choose which law firms to apply to?

Before applying to a firm, do some research by:

• looking at news stories featuring the firm
• seeing what they do on social media
• speaking to past and present trainees
• visiting its website.

When deciding which firms and training contracts to apply to there are a number of factors to consider including:

• clients
• location
• practice areas
• partnership opportunities
• quality of training
• salaries
• size of the firm
• working culture.

If possible it's also a good idea to find out more about the size of a firms trainee intake. 'One of the key benefits of training at a firm like Lewis Silkin is our relatively small trainee intake,' says Tiff. 'This allows trainees to receive a high level of supervision and support, build strong relationships across the business and take on meaningful responsibility from an early stage.'

For more advice on choosing a law firm, take a look at top UK law firms.

When do I apply for a training contract?

'Many firms recruit up to two years in advance, meaning applications are often made while students are still studying,' says Tiff. Aim to apply by May or June of your penultimate year (if you're a law student) or in your final year (if you're a non-law student).

'As a general guide, students should start researching opportunities early,' adds Tiff. 'First-year students should focus on exploring the profession, researching firms and gaining experience. From your second-year onward, you're eligible to apply.

The right timing depends on an individual's circumstances, but early preparation can make a significant difference.'

How do I apply for a training contract?

Application methods differ between firms. Generally, you'll need to complete an online form detailing your:

• academic record
• skills
• work experience.

You'll also need a personal statement, which among other things will need to say why you're attracted to the firm. An academic reference is also sometimes required. Take a look at an example law CV.

Verbal reasoning tests are often used in conjunction with application forms and those who are successful may face an assessment centre before an offer is made.

Gaining a place on a training contract is a competitive process, and as such you’ll need to make sure that each application you make is tailored to each individual law firm.

Applications should be made directly to the person responsible for trainee recruitment, so do some research to ensure your find the correct contact.

To see what's available, search for training contracts.

When are training contract application deadlines?

Most training contracts at city and national firms have a 31 July deadline. However, deadlines range between firms with most occurring in:

• January
• May
• June
• July.

However, Maninda advises 'deadlines vary significantly between firms, so always check directly. At Travers Smith this year, the Winter Direct Training Contract closes in October, while both the Spring Direct Training Contract and Summer Vacation Scheme close in January.'

While some firms recruit for training contracts on a rolling basis, others invite candidates for interview before their official deadline has passed so applying as early as possible is good advice.

How much are trainee solicitors paid?

There is technically no minimum, although the Law Society recommends that firms pay £28,090 for those training in London, and £24,916 to those training outside the capital.

The minimum salary under the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) training regulations is the National Minimum Wage (NMW), which is reviewed by the government annually.

Most firms pay much higher salaries though. For example:

• City firms such as Travers Smith, Dentons and Hogan Lovells Cadwalader pay first year trainees £55,000, £52,000 (in London) and £56,000 respectively.
• Magic Circle law firms offer trainee salaries in the region of £56,000, this rises to £61,000 in the second year of training.
• USA-based firms offer the highest trainee salaries, typically within the region of £60,000.

The Law Society of Scotland recommends that first year trainees are paid £25,950, while second year trainees should get £31,150.

For a better idea of salary expectations, see how much do lawyers earn?

Can I get a training contract with a 2:2?

It can be difficult for those with a high 2:1 to secure a training contract, so it can be tough for those with a lower degree classification. However it is possible, particularly as 'the legal profession is becoming increasingly focused on potential rather than academic results alone,' explains Tiff.

'While some firms maintain minimum academic requirements, many take a more holistic approach and consider contextual information, work experience, extracurricular achievements, commercial awareness, motivation for law and transferable skills.

Most firms also recognise that there may be mitigating circumstances that impacted your grades and take these into account when reviewing applications,' adds Tiff.

If there are extenuating circumstances for your 2:2 or third and there is a particular firm you want to work for, contact them and explain your situation. Whether over the phone or in your cover letter, tell them about everything you've done outside of the classroom - such as legal work experience, a university club or any pro bono work. Explain what you did and the skills you've gained.

While Magic Circle firms are probably out of the question, turn your attention to medium-sized and high street firms. These aren't an easy option, and you'll still need to prove you can meet the demands of the job without a 2:1. It's unlikely that these firms will advertise their training contracts, so get the name of the recruiter/HR manager and send a speculative application detailing why you want to work at the firm and what you can offer.

Don't be disheartened by your 2:2 or third. While grades are important, they need to be paired with skills such as teamwork, effective communication and commercial awareness. Take a look at essential skills for a successful law career.

How do I improve my chances of getting a training contract?

Employers are looking for you to show that you have done your research (beyond just the first few pages of their website), know what the firm does and how you'll fit into its culture.

The best way to do this is with a targeted cover letter detailing what aspects of the firm interest you. 'A tailored cover letter will always stand out over a generic one,' says Maninda.

Hand-in-hand with this is a perfect CV and application form - grammatically correct, no spelling mistakes and with all the requested information. While this won't be a deciding factor in getting a training contract, it will certainly help you get to the interview stage. Make sure you double check everything and get someone else, such as a careers adviser, to look over it.

According to Tiff strong candidates often demonstrate a combination of the following:

• commercial awareness
• curiosity
• genuine motivation
• relevant experience
• resilience.

'Ultimately, firms are looking for future colleagues. Academic achievement matters, but so do potential, enthusiasm and a genuine interest in working with clients and teams,' adds Tiff.

Maninda offers up this final piece of advice 'once you're in the room, don't be afraid to ask questions and get stuck in. That enthusiasm will speak for itself.'

Find out how to write a legal CV and cover letter and prepare for questions you might be asked at a law interview.

What happens if I don't get taken on as a trainee solicitor?

There's no reason why you can't apply again next year, but you need to ensure that you use the time before then to improve your CV. One way of doing this is with a vacation scheme. This gives you the opportunity to see how a law firm works, whether the role is for you, and it also gives the firm a chance to see what you're like.

Alternatively, you could do pro bono work, which will improve your legal skills and give you real-life examples to draw on in training contract interviews.

It's also important to remember, that if you're qualifying via the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) a training contract isn't mandatory. If you're unsuccessful in securing a place on a scheme and don't want to wait another year to apply again look into other ways of completing your qualifying work experience (QWE).

Does the SQE affect training contracts?

In a way, yes. Qualifying via the SQE you'll need to complete two years QWE, but this is no longer restricted to training contracts, like the traditional qualification route used to be.

The SQE offers more flexibility when it comes to QWE, and you'll be able to complete this period of work experience in up to four different organisations. Working as a paralegal, traditional training contracts, a placement as part of a sandwich degree and volunteering in a student law clinic or with Citizens Advice all count.

For example, you could complete a two-year training contract at one law firm or, alternatively, carry out six months of pro bono work at your university law clinic and then work as a paralegal for 18 months.

'However, traditional training contracts remain highly valuable and continue to be the preferred route for many aspiring solicitors,' says Tiff. 'While QWE can be gained in many ways, a well-designed training contract provides an exceptional foundation for a legal career and remains a key route into the profession.'

Some firms, such as Kennedy's, Addleshaw Goddard and Weightmans run graduate solicitor apprenticeships (GSA), which involve two to three years of on-the-job training and preparation for the SQE examinations, alongside their training contract pathways, so you'll need to decide which is the right option for you. See law apprenticeships.

Find out more

• Discover how to become a lawyer.
• Learn more about the reality of working in law.