Journey into Law
Their interest in law began at A‑Level, when their sixth form offered the subject. Initially chosen as a last‑minute third subject, it quickly became a passion. They went on to study law at the University of Sheffield, discovering new areas beyond Criminal and Tort law. Commercial modules such as Contract, Company and Trusts shaped their ambition to become a solicitor specialising in Business law.
A vacation scheme at a Sheffield firm confirmed their interest, even though it did not lead to a training contract. They viewed this not as a setback but as an opportunity to apply elsewhere. In September 2020, they applied directly to Deloitte Legal and were offered a training contract the following month, beginning in September 2021.
Motivation for Choosing Deloitte Legal
Their decision to train at Deloitte Legal stemmed from a desire to combine legal practice with broader business interests such as economics, market activity and fiscal policy. Deloitte’s multi‑disciplinary model offered a unique environment where legal work intersects with consulting, tax and risk advisory. They believed this blend would not be available at a traditional law firm.
Their training contract has exceeded expectations. Seats such as Corporate Immigration and Tax Litigation provided unexpected opportunities. They have worked on international projects, including cross‑border M&A matters and employment advice for overseas clients. They have also met clients both virtually and in person across a range of matters.
What Makes Big Four Training Unique
Training at Deloitte Legal differs from traditional law firms in several ways. Matters rarely involve only the legal team. Instead, Deloitte’s multi‑disciplinary model combines expertise from Consulting, Risk Advisory and Tax to deliver holistic solutions that improve client efficiency and profitability. This approach fosters long‑term client relationships rather than one‑off advice.
Deloitte Legal also encourages continuous improvement of the training contract. Trainees are invited to provide feedback, and the programme evolves accordingly. This contrasts with traditional firms where training structures may remain unchanged for decades.
Another distinctive feature is the integration of the Solicitors Qualifying Examination. Trainees receive one dedicated study day per week. The SQE course is delivered online, with access to training partner campuses across the UK. This structure lets trainees apply SQE content directly to their work, especially practical skills assessed in SQE2 such as drafting, writing, and research.
Training in Manchester
Manchester offers strong legal opportunities and a vibrant professional environment. Many international firms now have offices in the city, which has become the centre of the Northern legal market. Deloitte’s flexible working policy ensures that location does not limit opportunities.
Growing up in the North‑West, the trainee prefers Manchester’s balance between city life and ease of escape from its busier areas. They note that Manchester’s rapid development has narrowed the gap between Manchester and London, while still offering a more relaxed lifestyle.
Future Plans
They hope to remain in Manchester and continue their career at Deloitte Legal. They aim to qualify into a team where they can build on the relationships and experience gained during their training contract.
Advice for Training Contract Applicants
They encourage applicants to take positives from rejections. Feedback is invaluable for refining applications. Applicants should focus on what they can control, such as eliminating errors, gaining relevant experience and immersing themselves in their chosen practice area. They should not be discouraged by factors outside their control, such as competing against candidates with years of paralegal experience.
They recommend reaching out to trainees and newly qualified solicitors for advice or application reviews. LinkedIn is a useful tool for this. Being proactive is essential. Meeting people at firms or attending online events lets applicants reference real conversations during interviews, showing genuine interest.
Advice for Students Beginning the SQE
The trainee notes that SQE1’s single-best-answer format is challenging for those used to written assessments. Understanding the content is not enough; selecting the best answer requires a different approach. They advise completing as many practice questions as possible.
They believe SQE2 strongly reflects trainee solicitor work, particularly in drafting, writing, and research. They encourage students to push through the initial difficulty and embrace the assessment's practical nature.
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