Accessibility links
The UK’s official graduate careers website
Accessibility links
On completion of the Legal Practice Course (LPC), trainees normally undertake a two-year training contract. This can also be completed over four years by those working part-time. Those who received sponsorship for their LPC will train with their sponsoring firm.
Trainees spend several months in between three and six different areas of practice, known as seats, under the supervision of a senior colleague. One seat is usually in the area which the solicitor then practises once qualified. Some firms offer secondments overseas or to a client company for one of the seats. Some firms operate a ‘non-rotational’ system instead. If you have previously worked as a paralegal, you may apply to The Law Society of England and Wales to claim up to six months ‘time to count’ towards your training contract (depending on the amount of time worked as a paralegal). This is subject to the firm's approval.
The training contract is monitored by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) , which specifies certain elements. This is reflected in the range of seats offered. Trainees are also required to complete the Professional Skills Course (PSC) - a part-time training which teaches skills such as client care as well as finance and business skills.
The SRA requires that solicitors take responsibility for undertaking and recording regular continuing professional development (CPD). Both firms and the SRA offer opportunities to develop areas of professional practice through seminars, external courses (diplomas, MBAs, Masters programmes) and research facilities.
This website is best viewed in an up-to-date web browser with CSS enabled. While you will be able to view the content of this page in your current browser, you will not be able to get the full visual experience. Please consider upgrading your browser software or enabling style sheets if you are able to do so.
