Top Tips to Secure a Law Training Contract

Whether you are currently studying for a degree, or considering a career in law, securing a Training Contract (TC) is a pivotal step for anyone aspiring to become a qualified solicitor.

Brighton Law School and All About Law recently hosted a webinar with a panel of diverse experts in the industry to hear their invaluable insights on the best strategies for securing a TC, including advice to help you stand out in the competitive application process.

Our panel of industry experts included:

• Dr Kate Fernandez – lecturer in Law, and Solicitor (non-practicing) – Brighton Law School, University of Brighton
• Dr Jo Smith – lecturer in Law, and Practicing Solicitor – Brighton Law School, University of Brighton
• Matt Parr – Partner at Mayo Wynne Baxter
• Fred Leader – Associate at Mishcon de Reya
• Patricia Harriman – Associate at Cripps
• Felicity Stewart – Trainee at Stephen Rimmer
• Jasmine Drury – Trainee at Gilbert Stephens

In this blog, we will share some of the topics covered, such as:

• Why you should consider a TC
• When to start thinking about applying
• Key qualities firms look for in candidates
• Common mistakes applicants make and how to avoid these
• Preparing for interviews and assessment centres with confidence
• The importance of work experience and vacation schemes
• Advice for applicants from non-traditional or underrepresented backgrounds

Why should you consider a Training Contract?

A TC is a two-year, supervised work placement required for aspiring solicitors in England and Wales. During this time, trainees gain practical experience in various legal areas, develop key skills, and work towards qualifying as a solicitor by completing assessments and training.

You’ll receive mentorship, professional development, and exposure to various practice areas, which will prepare you for a successful legal career.

Completing a TC opens the door to qualification, job security, and career progression, with many firms offering permanent roles after successful completion. It’s your pathway to becoming a qualified solicitor with the skills, experience, and connections needed for a rewarding legal career.

When should you start thinking about applying for a TC

All About Law offer some great advice on when you should consider applying for a training contract.

Jo Smith, senior lecturer in law and practising solicitor explains:

“The earlier you start thinking about applying for a TC, the better. For example, in your first year of studying a degree, you might want to think about what type of firm (high street / small with few trainees, or large city firm with international jurisdiction and offices) you might want to gain experience in.

“We encourage students to be continuously active whichever year of study they are in, this could include networking to increase your commercial awareness, as well as developing and improving any weaknesses to help you feel well prepared for when you are ready to apply.”

Matt Parr, partner at Mayo Win Baxter solicitors says:

”I don’t think that there are any timescales. I think the earlier you start this process, the better. Most people will be embarking on a law degree alongside other qualifications, they may potentially have in mind that they want to join the legal profession, whether that be a solicitor, a legal exec, or some other type of lawyer.

“And so, it can never be too early to start sort of putting the feelers out there for what might be available when you come to qualify, and what might be a right fit for you in terms of the area of law that you want to work in.”

Felicity Stewart, a trainee at Stephen Rimmer also reflected on her own personal experience:

“I started looking in my second year at university, but I didn’t fully start applying until my third year. The main thing I took away from my experience was making the most out of asking those around me questions to help me make my final decision. So, talking with my family and friends, about whether I wanted to work locally for a high street.

“Also, carry out your own research into timings and when to apply, looking at LinkedIn and getting connected – become self-known by the firms. Look at skills and practical experience. See what firms are offering and what is the best fit for you.

“There is no set time for when you should be applying for training contracts. I think it’s quality over quantity, and you shouldn’t rush and feel like, just because everyone else is applying, you should also be rushing into applying.”

The University of Brighton has a fantastic Careers and Employability team, who can offer all students support and advice.

Key qualities that firms look for in candidates

Whether you are applying for a training contract or about to start in your first seat, there are many qualities you can demonstrate to impress firms.

Patricia Harriman is an associate at Cripps and qualified a year and a half ago.

“As a trainee, you’re not expected to know all the answers, however having that initiative to go out and find the answers, and not just wait to be told what to do really shows a need, an eagerness to learn, initiative, and proactiveness. Those are kind of key qualities as a trainee.”

Fred Leader, associate at Mishcon de Reya also advises being commercially aware and understanding what this means:

“Being a lawyer is about amazing client service, but ultimately you are there to make money for the firm in as risk-averse a way as possible. Lots of trainees don’t realise the emphasis on the need to be a profitable business. Someone who goes in aware and alert to that will stand out.”

Jasmine Drury, a trainee at Gilbert Stephens suggests:

“Try and gain experience elsewhere, where you can. There are lots of qualities that you can practice at university such as communication skills, attention to detail, and time management which are all big qualities.”

Matt Parr believes that personal resilience is also quite an important quality to have:

“It’s very difficult on a training contract where you’re moving around working for different people for short periods of time to learn the ropes because ultimately everybody does something very differently.

“You’ll think you learnt it in one seat and then it all changes – don’t take criticism about that to heart. Then have the confidence to choose what works for you when you qualify. Criticism isn’t necessarily about doing something wrong, just about doing something differently to others.”

Common mistakes applicants make

Ensuring that you come across the best that you can in your application and whilst you are a trainee is equally as important.

When applying for a training contract Patricia warns:

“A major common pitfall is when applicants just copy and paste their answers from one application to another.

“I think it’s important to do your research and tailor each application to each individual law firm. Meet up with your contacts, reach out to them for support and ask for tips. You can then refer to these conversations in your application.”

Another mistake Fred Leader adds is not being open to other practice areas:

“Whilst it’s great to have a deep interest in a particular area of law, it’s also important to maintain an open mind, demonstrate your curiosity and an ability to adapt to different practice areas.”

Preparing for interviews and assessment centres with confidence

As someone who has recently gone through the interview process, Felicity gives the following advice:

“For me, I find interviews nerve-wracking, so I would say to make use of the mentors at university to help give you confidence and support because they will reassure you of your ability, and that you can actually do it.

“Also, I know this is really obvious, but use the resources available to you to prepare your answers. Also practising them beforehand with friends and family will really help too.”

Patricia also offers the following:

“Rather than trying to come up with answers to every competency-based question – have in mind three stories about yourself which will really highlight and demonstrate your skills. These can then be applied to any question you are asked.

“For me, what sets an applicant apart from other candidates is getting your passion across so that we can see what you can bring to the firm.”

During an assessment, Matt Parr recommends:

“Be aware that the assessment process may start the second you walk in, assume that everyone you interact with, including the receptionist who greets you, are all part of the process. If you are there for a full day, you are being assessed the whole time.”

The importance of work experience and vacation schemes

A vacation scheme is a period of experience which would typically take place over the Easter or summer holidays with a firm, they may also use this as a way to assess their training contracts.

The panel discussed whether they felt vacation schemes were necessary and how important gaining legal work experience is generally, to be considered for a training contract. 

Matt Parr said: “Competition for TCs has become tough, so formal vacation schemes are really important, especially if you intend to make an application to that firm for a training contract in the future, but also from the point of view of being able to get that work-based experience in an office. 

“If you are invited on one, get your name out within the firm. Try and get as much exposure to as many departments as possible, introduce yourself to people in the office, and get yourself known.

“Vacation schemes are a great resource for when you interview for a TC as you can draw on your experience within a firm, and refer to colleagues you have worked with. It will give more of a personal tailored interview, because you know the firm.

“Many firms now recruit internally from paralegals and if you are up against someone who’s a paralegal in the firm already and you are external – be aware of that. Make sure you draw on your other experiences to highlight your skills and include any work experience you have gained with other firms.”

Fred also highlights that some firms will only recruit training contracts from vacation schemes:

“We have been doing this at our firm for over a year now. We offer a 2 week-long vacation scheme and then at the end you may be invited to take part in a group exercise and a couple of research tasks before being assessed for a TC.”

And for anyone who doesn’t have any experience, like Felicity when she applied for a training contract, she advises:

“I’ve had jobs in different sectors including a carer, an administrator and a barista. Reflecting now on my application with my practice manager, he said, one of the main things he liked is that I had so much experience. 

“Non-legal experience can also be valuable – think about transferrable skills to how you’d then do well in practice. Link and show how you have the skills that will make you stand out. Especially good client service, working in high-pressure roles.”

Patricia adds a valid point:

“Even if you’re unsuccessful in vacation schemes, you can learn things that you can apply for training contract applications going forward.

“Reach out to the recruitment department, get feedback as to why you were unsuccessful and just develop those skills for the following year.”

Advice for applicants from non-traditional or underrepresented backgrounds

Even in modern society where organisations claim to offer equal opportunities, we know that some applicants will come across barriers at multiple stages in their career.

Matt Parr offers the following advice:

“Whatever your background, do not be put off applying for a career in law. So many firms now are recognising the benefits of having a diverse workforce.

“You’ll be able to find the initiatives and policies that firms have when you do your research. I think that it’s also important that there is representation at senior levels to drive the direction of a firm. And if you are just coming in, then speak out. Be yourself.”

Jasmine, explains how you can use social media to connect with groups and communities:

“Networking, particularly on LinkedIn, allows you to join many groups and communities and meet other individuals in the same situation. It’s a great way to hear about other people’s own personal journeys and how they made it into the legal profession, which can be inspirational.

“Through these networking communities, there may be opportunities to gain new experiences such as training courses where you can develop your skills with like-minded people and build your confidence.”

Top tip for students thinking of applying for TC

To summarize, here are our industry experts top tips for anyone thinking about or in the process of applying for a training contract:

• Be focused, persistent and yourself
• Be aware of business development and initiatives and show commercial awareness
• Persistence. Keep going, it may take several years – you’ll get there eventually but any time spent applying networking or developing is not a waste of time
• Endurance, being yourself, using everything around you all the resources and don’t underestimate those who are already there
• During the interview process when discussing skills, don’t just list the skills – link in experience that demonstrates you have that skill.

Still have questions?

You can contact the University of Brighton law team, who will be able to help:

• Dr Kate Fernandez, Admissions Tutor – k.fernandez@brighton.ac.uk
• Dr Jo Smith, – J.Smith12@brighton.ac.uk

Find out more about Brighton Law School and the courses available at the University of Brighton.