Applying for a training contract

Duration: Two years in a law firm.

Salary:

The Law Society recommends a minimum wage  for 2011/12 of £18,590 in London and £16,650 in the rest of England and Wales. 

Some city law firm trainee salaries can go up to £40,000.

When to apply:

In the second year of your law degree or the final year of any other degree.

How to apply:

Each law firm has its own application process.  Some require you to apply online, others ask for a handwritten CV with a covering letter. A list of law firms and application procedures can be found in the Training Contract and Pupillage Handbook.  Copies may be available at your university careers centre, or can be ordered online at www.tcph.co.uk.

About the training contract:

One advantage of gaining a training contract is that, with some of the larger firms, you can get your GDL/LPC fees paid or part-funded. However, it is not deemed unusual if you do not gain a training contract by the time you graduate.  Plenty of students start the GDL/LPC without a training contract. The format of the training contract varies from firm to firm. According to Legal Week (Autumn 2010), most firms retain between 75% and 100% of their trainees. During your training contract you will undertake further training including the Professional Skills Course (PSC). You must pass the PSC to qualify as a solicitor.