Training Contracts: What To Expect

What does the coveted legal training contract entail, how is the chance of landing one obtained, and how do they inform aspiring solicitors’ futures? This article will provide much-needed clarification in all of these areas for students interested in their potential future as solicitors, whether you are getting ready for the upcoming application cycle, or simply looking ahead. This article will note the (at times, differing) details of legal training contracts in the English Welsh, and Scottish, legal systems.

What do legal training contracts entail?

In a nutshell, a legal training contract is a two-year period, during which an aspiring solicitor, you, will try your hand at actually practising in numerous areas of law, contentious (i.e., legal disputes between parties) and non-contentious (i.e., advisory and transactional, typically) areas of law, in comparison to the years of simply learning the law. Each period will likely last for around six months, with each period in a different area of law being called a ‘seat’. Once this period has reached its conclusion, you will have the opportunity to transition into a practice area they have selected- this aspect is generally the same across British jurisdictions. This highlights why it is so beneficial to make lasting impressions on associates and partners while in seats that pique your interest: to maximise your chances of getting exposure to the areas of law you’d like most to be exposed to. This means having some time to reflect on an area of law you can truly see yourself flourishing within, upon real-life, hands-on experience with numerous areas. 

Legal training contracts can only be secured by individuals with particular academic merits. In England and Wales, at least a 2:2 honours in an undergraduate law degree is required (which is likely to be the level of degree you leave university alongside) before obtaining a legal training contract is within sight. However, for prestigious firms, higher standards are often set. As such, Magic Circle firms like Freshfields expect (amongst other skills and abilities) a 2:1. This doesn’t mean law firms only hold consideration for law students, though: should you have, or are likely to obtain, a 2:2 honours in a non-law degree accompanying a (minimum of a) pass in a law conversion course, you too can be in the running for a legal training contract. Of course (and potentially unfortunately), more is required to be completed in advance of a successful application. The Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) 1 and 2 must be passed, and the more work experience (extra points if directly related to law), the better.

In Scotland, things differ in certain respects. Students must, similarly, obtain a Scots law degree (the LLB). This is available to be completed in two years instead of the usual four, for students already with a degree. However, the SQE is not undertaken by Scots law students; the Diploma in Professional Legal Practice usually immediately follows completing the LLB. With both of these in hand, aspiring solicitors can be (and often are) successful in their training contract applications. In England, Wales and Scotland, many students apply in the penultimate year of their law degree. 

The application process 

The process of applying for legal training contracts may differ depending on your law firm(s) of choice- where you’re starting, which British jurisdiction in which you reside, and what qualifications you’ve already obtained. For aspiring solicitors with their relevant degree and accompanying qualifications (discussed above), the true first stage of the application process is finding a law firm (or firms) that, for whatever reasons are important to you, and you can see yourself working at. Researching firms that meet your standards and fit with as many aspects of your life as possible is paramount for not only getting a legal training contract but sticking with it: why work where you are not happy? 

Next comes applying online: this normally involves (in addition to generic questions regarding your experience, qualifications, etc.) questions pertaining to you; what are your strengths and weaknesses? What drew you to this firm? If you move onto the next stage, you may be met with both an interview (or multiple – depending on the law firm) and an opportunity to showcase yourself during an assessment period at an assessment centre. Assessment centre objectives normally include both group and individual activities (often related to law - but not always!). If successful, you will be looking at an offer to embark on a two-year legal expedition. 

How does a legal training contract impact your future? 

What happens after the two years have concluded? This is where your career as an aspiring solicitor can flourish into one of a solicitor in a specific field envisioned and informed by you. As mentioned above, with all relevant qualifications and your legal training contract completed, you are free to choose a specific area of law in which you will practice, typically at the same firm where you fulfilled the contract. 

Having fulfilled the obligations within your legal training contract means that you, as a solicitor, can move forward with your career having the necessary experience at your disposal (although a legal training contract isn’t the only recognised form of legal experience required for solicitors). A legal training contract, in allowing you to essentially sample numerous areas of law, can appropriately prep you for life as a solicitor, and potentially steer you clear of choosing a particular area of law based on the theory learnt about it during university. 

In conclusion, legal training contracts are beneficial two-year periods aimed at affording aspiring solicitors the experience of being a solicitor in numerous areas of the law. They are available to those with relevant qualifications, i.e., a certain class of degree and some form of post-degree qualification pertaining to law, which will differ depending on where in Britain you reside. Legal training contracts offer aspiring solicitors the chance to propel, upon completion, into an area of law of their choosing, with the knowledge and experience necessary to aid them in becoming an expert in the field.