Training Contracts: Tips from a Trainee

With recent figures showing that an average of sixty‑five people compete for every training contract across England and Wales, candidates now need to strive for excellence throughout the application and interview process.

In the hope of offering guidance to TSL readers on how to impress, I spoke with a trainee solicitor from a regional firm. She explains how she secured her training contract and shares practical tips for the first few days in practice.

For more help with training contracts, including application reviews and practice interviews, readers can explore the TSL Mentorship Scheme.

When did you secure your training contract?

I secured my training contract in October 2012, having applied for it over the summer holidays between my second and third year at university. This is the earliest point at which you should apply, as most firms recruit two years in advance.

How many firms did you apply to and how did you choose them?

I applied to fifteen firms over the summer. The number of applications is up to you, but it is better to submit fewer applications supported by solid background research. You only need one interview to succeed, and you are more likely to secure one if you focus on quality.

I used lawcareers.net to help me choose which firms to apply to. You can search by region and view all deadlines. Most summer deadlines were 31 July, although some regional firms set later dates. I applied to both city and regional firms. Sometimes it is better to apply directly to firms rather than through job sites.

What kinds of questions were on the application form and how did you answer them?

The form was an online application with a range of questions, beginning with why I wanted to join the firm and why I wanted to be a solicitor.

I was then asked to provide examples of personal experiences, such as occasions when I had taken leadership and my greatest accomplishment. The careers service at university had advised us not to use academic achievement as our greatest accomplishment, so I made sure to use life experiences instead.

This advice was given because you need to show that you have a social side as well as a strong academic record.

Much of the work at training contract level involves networking. If you can show personable qualities, you demonstrate potential to bring new clients to the firm in the future. Extracurricular activities such as pro bono work or involvement in the law society can help illustrate this.

I tried to give the firm a broad insight into my personality. This meant using different scenarios for different questions so that I did not appear one‑dimensional. This is particularly important with regional firms because they often look for a specific type of personality to fit with the ethos of the firm.

How important is it to network with the firm before applying?

It is definitely not a prerequisite, and I personally did not network with the firm I am now training with. For larger firms, it does not hurt to get your name known at law fairs, and vacation schemes can help because they allow firms to become familiar with you.

I did not complete a vacation scheme at my current firm, and they had never heard my name before my application. Firms understand that you can only complete a limited number of vacation schemes.

Did you complete a vacation scheme or work experience?

I completed a vacation scheme at a different firm. Experience at a reputable firm strengthens all applications and helps with answering generic questions. For example, you are often asked why you want to be a solicitor.

To answer this, you need to show commitment to the profession, and vacation scheme experience is the best way to do this. It allows you to speak about work you have observed or undertaken, making your answers more specific.

I really enjoyed my vacation scheme, and I have enjoyed my training contract so far. The work has not been too dissimilar. I moved between departments during my vacation scheme, gaining experience in personal injury and commercial property. I am currently in a seat involving insurance, and skills I gained during my personal injury seat have been very useful.

Was there anything in your interview that did not go well, and how did you recover?

The format was a thirty‑minute interview with a partner, followed by a thirty‑minute presentation on a given topic and an in‑tray exercise. I was most nervous about the presentation because thirty minutes is a long time to speak, but it went well. I managed to start a discussion with the partners about the topics I had covered, which strengthened my performance.

During the partner interview, I was asked whether I knew about a legal concept I had not heard of. Instead of simply saying no, I asked questions about it and used the moment as an opportunity to learn about a new field. It is always helpful to appear keen to learn and genuinely interested in the topics raised.

For the written exercise, I was told that I would not need specific legal knowledge. I had actually studied the area of law involved and added one or two hints that I was familiar with it, but I did not go overboard with legislative provisions. I did not want to appear unable to follow instructions.

Do you have any tips for difficult interview questions?

Nobody knows everything, and law firms are fully aware of that. If you are asked a question and do not know the answer, it is better to ask for a moment to think rather than speaking without direction. Take time to stay composed and gather your thoughts.

What can trainees expect in their first week at a regional firm?

In terms of work, I am expected to manage my workload independently, but there are always people to ask, and they are very supportive.

I have been on my training contract for three weeks, and I am not short of work. The workload is vast. At the moment I am working on my own cases because of the department I am in. When I move to my next seat, I will complete tasks for other fee earners, but currently I am the first point of contact for my clients.

Which part of the Legal Practice Course have you used most so far?

I would probably say the Solicitors’ Accounts module. I underestimated how much we would need to deal with accounts, but it is a day‑to‑day part of practice.

The other module I have found most helpful is Practical Legal Research and Writing. When speaking with clients, I need to tailor my advice to their level of understanding. Directors may already have background legal knowledge, so explaining everything would be unnecessary.

In personal injury claims, clients often have no legal experience, so learning to target my audience has been invaluable.

Another tool I became familiar with on the LPC was Practical Law Company. It is extremely useful for researching forms and practical legal guidance. I have not used it in my current seat, but I will in others.

Do you have any tips for surviving the first week of a training contract?

The main ones are simple. Do not be late. Be friendly. Be smart.

Everyone wants to shake your hand on the first day, so practise a good handshake. If someone gives you work, always ask when they want it completed. They may return in fifteen minutes expecting it to be finished.

It is important not to give yourself unrealistic targets. If you already have a heavy workload, do not be afraid to ask whether a task can be completed later.

Finally, enjoy yourself. Most law firms have social activities and networking events, so make sure you get involved.