yearly applications

Every year, there are approximately 5,500 training contracts that become available. According to the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), 33,235 students completed a legal degree in 2018/19, with 12,755 having completing a postgraduate degree and 20,480 completing an a first or undergraduate degree. It goes without saying that not every law graduate will be interested in applying for a training contract. Some will seek a career as a barrister, while others will pursue a career in another industry; nonetheless, some non-law graduates will also apply for training contracts in the legal field.

As previously stated, because the demand for training contracts outstrips the supply, law firms are able to set high standards for their trainee solicitors in terms of both academic and cognitive requirements. In order to be considered for a position in law, you must be on track to earn a 2.1 at the very least, supported by A and B grades at A-level. The ideal candidate is a first class student. It makes no difference which university you attended as long as you can demonstrate that you were among the top 5 percent of your class. I can assist students in achieving a first-class grade average, or if you graduated with a 2:1, I can assist you in developing your legal work experience portfolio.

Additionally, firms will want their trainees to demonstrate an exceptional level of commercial awareness. What exactly does this imply? This requires you to understand how a law firm operates as a business and how the broader market and economy will affect theirs and, more crucially, their clients' businesses. Businesses are also on the lookout for effective communicators. Law can be extremely technical and sophisticated, and your customers will want you to express answers to their difficulties clearly and coherently. Additionally, they want you to be a team player. Trainee lawyers collaborate in departments with other trainees, associates, and partners, as well as with other firms and clients across borders and time zones.

Use your time

Since most law firms plan to fill their training contract placements two years in advance, apply by May or June of your penultimate year (if you are a law student) or in your final year (if you are not a law student) of your undergraduate or graduate studies. In general, it is preferable to take action sooner rather than later. The earlier you submit your application, the more time you will have to customise your submission. Not only are you expected to study law and and get high marks but they want you to have market experience at the same time. If you have not already secured your training contact, get in touch and I can help.

Adhere to the application deadlines

The majority of training contracts at City and national corporations expire on the 31st of July. Due to the possibility of last-minute changes, it is recommended that you double-check particular websites to be assured. Additionally, a number of businesses have set their deadlines for May or June a little earlier. While some companies recruit for training contracts on a rolling basis, others invite candidates for interview before the formal deadline has passed. As a result, applying as soon as possible is a smart idea because it ensures that you are covered in case something goes wrong.

It reduces the scope for you to choose where

It can be difficult for those with a high 2:1 to obtain a training contract, and it is even more difficult for those with a lower degree classification to obtain one. If you have extenuating circumstances for your 2:2 or third and there are a certain firm you want to work for, contact them and explain your position. They will likely to be understanding. Tell them about anything you have done outside of the classroom, whether it is over the phone or in your cover letter, such as legal work experience, involvement in a university club, or any pro bono work you have done. Explain what you accomplished and the skills you got as a result of your experience. Otherwise, you will have to complete your training in a law clinic or a high-street firm and then work your way up to a city firm after gaining post-qualification experience (PQE).

not magic circle firms

While Magic Circle firms are most likely out of the question, medium-sized and high-street firms should be considered. However, these are not a simple alternative, and you will still need to demonstrate your ability to match the demands of the work even if you do not have a 2:1. It's doubtful that these companies will promote their training positions, so ask for the name of the recruiter or human resources manager and send a speculative application outlining why you want to work at the company and what you can give them. Whatever you do not become discouraged if you receive a 2:2 or a third. While grades are crucial, they must be matched with other qualities such as teamwork, efficient communication, and commercial awareness in order to be truly effective. All of these requirements go hand in hand.

Know the firm

Employers are looking for evidence that you have done your homework, understand what the company does, and understand how you will fit into its culture. The most effective approach to accomplish this is with a tailored cover letter that details which specific parts of the organisation attract you. Always make sure that everything you write can be supported by evidence, as you may be asked about it during an interview. You have to ultimately sell yourself and you need to learn how to do this. Contact me to discuss.

try and try again

If you do not succeed the first time, keep trying. This is something of a catch 22, with no experience who will give me a chance? You have to start small and work up into the place you want to work. With a good university and good results, you get to jump the queue. If there is only one location you want to work, please contact me and we will work together to make it a reality. There is no reason why you cannot reapply the following year, but you must make the most of the time available to you now to strengthen your CV before then. One method of accomplishing this that has been discusses is through the use of vacation plans. This provides you the opportunity to examine how a law company operates, if the position is right for you, and it also allows the business an opportunity to get a sense of who you are as a person.

What are the Alternatives

The SRA now accepts applications from students who can demonstrate that they have completed the requirements of a 'period of recognised training' through an alternative method of learning. You may be eligible for admission if you have legal work experience that has allowed you to develop knowledge and experience in three different areas of law, has been supervised by lawyers or others with relevant expertise, and has helped you to achieve the Practice Skills Standards. Alternatively, you might engage in pro bono work, which will help you enhance your legal abilities while also providing you with real-world examples to draw on during training contract interviews. I have tried to give you some idea of what to do to make yourself more marketable, but I have not told you everything I know. To find out more, get in touch.