Training contracts

A popular way of completing the mandatory two years of qualifying work experience needed to become a solicitor, training contracts are where you put theory into action

What is a training contract?

Also known as a period of recognised training, a training contract is where trainee solicitors put into practice the skills they've learned while studying. If taken full time they take two years to complete. Some firms offer part-time training contracts, but these take longer - you should speak to individual firms if this is of interest to you.

You'll do a number of 'seats', which are generally six-month stints in four different departments. Some firms require you to work in a particular department, while others ask you for your preference. You'll be given a supervisor who will answer your questions and assign you tasks.

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

As part of your training contract, you need to pass the compulsory Professional Skills Course. Your firm will pay for your first attempt. If studied full time it should take 12 days to complete. It includes three core modules:

• financial and business skills
• advocacy and communication skills
• client care and professional standards.

You will also need to do a total of 24 hours of elective training.

Does the SQE affect training contracts?

In a way, yes. Qualifying via the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) you'll need to complete two years qualifying work experience (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, it's expected that many firms will stick with the traditional training contract format, so if you'd like to complete your qualifying legal work experience in this way you can.

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

How do I apply for a training contract?

Before applying to a firm, do some research by visiting its website, speaking to past and present trainees, taking a look at news stories featuring the firm and seeing what they do on social media. 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.

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

Application processes differ between firms but generally you'll need to complete an online form detailing your academic record, work experience and skills. 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.

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

When do I apply for a training contract?

'Most recruit a year or two in advance of the training contract start date,' explains Rupali Gosai, early careers adviser at Dentons. 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). 'It's best to check on the firm's recruitment or early careers website, but at Dentons for example, we accept applications from students in the penultimate year of their law degree, final year of their non-law degree, and onwards including graduates. While application windows are open for weeks or months, some firms recruit on a rolling basis so will review applications and progress candidates before the deadline date.'

In general,applying sooner rather than later is the best approach. The earlier you apply, the more time you have to tailor your applications.

When 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 and July. Check the websites of individual firms for exact dates and set yourself reminders so you don't miss an application window.

Example 2024 deadlines for 2026 training contracts:

January

• Bristows
• Charles Russel Speechlys
• Fladgate
• Hill Dickinson.

June

• Burges Salmon
• Dentons
• Forsters
• Morgan Lewis & Bockius
• RPC
• Watson Farley & Williams.

July

• Cleary Gottlieb
• HFW
• Macfarlanes
• Slaughter & May
• Stephenson Harwood
• Trowers & Hamlins
• White & Case.

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 £27,418 to trainee solicitors in London, and £24,320 to those training outside London.

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, Magic Circle law firms offer trainee salaries in the region of £56,000, this rises in the second year of training. USA-based firms offer the highest trainee salaries, typically within the region of £60,000. While city firms such as Ashurst, Dentons and Hogan Lovells pay first year trainees £52,000, £48,000 and £50,000 respectively.

The Law Society of Scotland recommends that first year trainees are paid £23,675, while second year trainees should get £27,480.

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 is even harder for those with a lower degree classification. However, it is possible. 'At Womble Bond Dickinson, we prioritise potential over academic grades, recognising that a candidate's ability to excel in the legal profession is not solely determined by their university results,' says Skye Fenton-Wells, early talent recruitment manager at Womble Bond Dickinson.

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. However, 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 7 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, 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. Make sure you can support whatever you write, as you may be asked about it at interview.

'Research the firm beyond just the first few pages of their website, consider matters they may have been involved with and try and reflect on the impact that the law firm has had,' advises Skye. 'By understanding the variables involved in the client relationship and the way the firm operates as a business, you can bring forward your commercial awareness.'

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.

With so many applicants it will come down to what you've done to stand out. If you've done a vacation scheme, make sure you detail what you did and the skills you've gained - especially if it's at the same firm you're applying to. If you feel you're lacking knowledge you should look to arrange some work experience.

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, as previously mentioned, that if you're qualifying via the 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 legal work experience.

Find out more

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