What is a training contract?

Training contracts fulfil the ‘qualifying work experience’ (QWE) component of the ‘solicitors qualifying examination’ (SQE) qualifying route. Getting hired on to a training contract is arguably the simplest route to qualifying as a solicitor via the SQE route, as the firm will also pay for you to take the SQE assessments and any additional study they want you to complete before the assessments. If you are qualifying via the old ‘legal practice course’ (LPC) route, you need to complete a training contract that meets the Solicitors Regulation Authority in order to qualify as a solicitor. For more information, read ' how to become a solicitor '.

When do you apply for training contracts?

The traditional annual training contract deadline is 31 July and some firms still keep to this date, but increasing numbers are setting deadlines much earlier: for example, in January. Many firms recruit for training contracts two years in advance of the start date, so law students should aim to apply in their second year and non-law students in their final year.

How hard is it to get a training contract?

Securing a training contract is traditionally very competitive: figures published online suggest that there are fewer than 6,000 training contract places per year but around 30,000 applicants. You can boost the odds in your favour by applying for vacation schemes (as many firms prefer to hire their trainees from among impressive vacation scheme candidates) or by putting in a strong application, showing that you have a genuine passion for the law and really want to work at that firm.