Features: Training contracts explained

Competition is fierce but there are training contracts out there for the right candidate who is prepared to work hard and do the research

An agreement by an approved organisation, a training contract provides two years of on-the-job training, at the end of which the trainee is qualified to practise law.

At large and medium-sized firms, training contracts usually involve a number of different seats - a period of time that trainees spend in a number of departments on rotation during their two-year contract.

Structured training

Trainees are expected to experience three seats - that's three areas of English law. In addition, trainees must develop skills in both contentious and non-contentious work. Many firms, however, provide four seats, and a few operate a six-seat training contract.

A contract with a smaller firm may not provide the same level of structure, and trainees might be called to take on whatever work needs doing. Some firms may be unable to offer the minimum three seats, and trainees may be sent on secondment.

If a trainee has some prior relevant legal experience, the length of the training contract can be reduced. The maximum time that the training contract can be reduced by is six months. It should be noted that time is counted as half equivalent, equivalent; therefore, in order to gain six months you would have had 12 months' relevant experience.

The work

The tasks that a trainee undertakes can include drafting agreements, corresponding with clients and other parties’ solicitors, undertaking research and attending client meetings. Trainees often share an office with a senior solicitor and may also take on their own caseloads under supervision.

Trainees are required by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA)  to undertake a Professional Skills Course during their training contract. This is to ensure that they are adequately equipped for legal practice. The course covers financial and business skills, advocacy and communication skills, client care, professional standards and elective modules.

Getting a contract

All students who want to apply for training contracts at large or medium-sized firms should generally submit their applications by 31 July, two years before the training is due to commence. This means that law students apply at the end of the penultimate year of their degree while non-law students do so at the end of their final year. A few large law firms have earlier deadlines for non-law students.

Application deadlines can vary quite significantly among the smaller firms.Normally they select trainees one year ahead, though high street trainees can be selected at any point up to the day before they’re required to start. Small firms also tend to take on LPC graduates as paralegals.

Before submitting their applications, it is advisable that students gain some work experience. Attending law careers fairs and any presentations that law firms give are the first steps towards finding out how law firms operate.

The code

The SRA asks that law firms adhere to a voluntary code when contacting potential trainees. After an interview, candidates should be contacted within two weeks to hear the result. An offer of a contract should be made in writing, and any offer of financial assistance for GDL/LPC fees should be made at the same time.

Candidates should only hold two offers at a time. If another one comes along, at least one should be returned promptly. When a decision is made, candidates should accept offers in writing and reject others in the same manner.

The SRA sets the minimum pay for trainees. The minimum salary for trainee solicitors working in Central London is £18,590. For trainees working elsewhere in England and Wales, it is £16,650. It should be noted that in August 2014 this will be changing - from then on, employers will be required to pay a minimum of the Main Rate under the National Minimum Wage Regulations 1999.

On completion of the training contract, firms cannot guarantee that they'll have vacancies for all of their trainees. Some may have to find permanent work elsewhere.