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06th July 2008

A Guide for Trainee Solicitors

Current Vacancies | General Application Form | Trainee Solicitors Application Form

See also our Trainee Solicitor Application Form.

Our Trainee Solicitors are Graduates who have passed the Academic and Legal Practice stages of training laid down by the Law Society. Trainees spend two years in a Training Contract learning how to put theory into practice. When looking for Trainees we are looking not only for people with a high intellectual capability but also those that can use this capability alongside problem solving and excellent communication skills.

Application for Training Contract

It is the policy of the Firm to enter into a Training Contract with 3 Trainees in each year. It is anticipated that the successful applicants will graduate with a degree classification of at least a 2:1. Those achieving a degree at 2:2 will also be considered. An application for a Training Contract should be submitted to Human Resources at our Fareham Office not later than the 31st July following the penultimate year of the applicant's undergraduate study. Non-law graduates however cannot be offered a Training Contract where the time for acceptance can occur before the 1st November in the academic year of the CPE course.

Interviews

The Employee Relations Director and the Managing Director of the Firm will interview and select the successful candidates. Interviews will take place at one of the Firm's offices. Candidates will be reimbursed reasonable travelling expenses. If the Employee Relations Director and the Managing Director cannot agree upon the choice of the successful candidates a second interview will take place involving two other Directors.

Financial Assistance During LPC and Training Contract

Legal Practice Course

The cost of attending the Legal Practice Course ('LPC') can either be borne by the Trainee or alternatively the Trainee can apply for Sponsorship. In summary, the sponsorship includes a payment of £5,000 by the Firm to the course provider together with a further payment of £5,000 by the Firm to the course provider by way of an interest free loan to the trainee. By agreeing to the sponsorship the Trainee's Year 2 salary will not increase to half the difference of a newly qualified solicitor, but will be in line with year 2 salaries as recommended by the Law Society. If the trainee fails to enter into a Training Contract with the Firm the total sum of £10,000 will become repayable. Professional Skills Course

The Firm will bear the cost of:-

  • course fees for the PSC (first attempt);
  • examination fees for the PSC (first attempt); and
  • all books necessary to cover the course. Prior approval of the Managing Director should be obtained before purchase. For the avoidance of doubt all books purchased remain the property of the Firm and should be returned to the Managing Director at the completion of the course.

The PSC involves face to face attendance at a course lasting 15 working days. It is not envisaged that study leave will be required by the Trainee Solicitor prior to attendance at this course. Any study leave requested will be at the discretion of the Managing Director.

Content of the Training Contract

The letter of offer sent to the prospective Trainee will indicate at which office the Trainee will commence training. However, the Trainee may be required to move to other offices within the Firm so as to secure the range of training necessary to comply with the Training Regulations.

The Managing Director and the Trainee will agree a training programme covering the duration of the Training Contract. The Trainee can expect to gain experience in at least three different seats during the contract chosen from:-

  • Civil and Personal Injury Litigation;
  • Employment Law;
  • Family and Matrimonial Law;
  • Wills Probate and Trust;
  • Company and Commercial Law and Commercial Property;
  • Commercial Litigation;
  • Criminal Litigation; and
  • Residential Conveyancing including Landlord and Tenant.

During the Training Contract the Trainee can expect to gain experience of:-

  • general office routines including the procedures required by the Accounts Department;
  • drafting documents;
  • dealing with clients including taking instructions and giving advice;
  • research; and
  • legal routines and procedures.

You can apply online using the Trainee Solicitor Application Form. If you would like further details, please contact the Human Resources team at humanresources@warnergoodman.co.uk