Yes. The SRA will introduce the Solicitors Qualification Examination (SQE) in September 2021. Under the new system, future lawyers will still have to complete two years of qualifying professional experience, but this is no longer limited to traditional training contracts. « I originally applied to Reed Smith because the firm works in the area of diversity and inclusion, coupled with the firm`s quality work and strong practice areas that are at the center of our concerns. After completing a summer vacation program at Reed Smith, I chose the company because of the culture and the friendly, cohesive atmosphere. Throughout my apprenticeship contract, I felt supported as an apprentice, always able to ask questions and take on more responsibility when I felt able to do so, knowing that I could ask for advice. This experience extended to my client secondment, where I was able to stay in close contact with the company through the Structured Finance team and various CSR initiatives. Not only was I able to work in a supportive and collaborative environment, but I was also able to work on quality work and business and be exposed to leading clients. You should apply for more than one internship contract, even if you think there is one that is a perfect fit and it is a law firm with which you have completed a leave program. As it is difficult to get apprenticeship contracts, applying and missing apprenticeship contracts means you will have to wait for the next round of open placements. Find out what you can expect from our graduate application process.

Listen to one of our articling lawyers and get the best advice from our Senior Graduate Recruitment Manager and Graduate Recruitment Partner on how to prepare and do your best. While Magic Circle companies are probably out of the question, turn your attention to medium and large companies. However, this is not an easy option and you still have to prove that you can meet the demands of the job without a 2:1. These companies are unlikely to advertise their apprenticeship contracts, so get the name of the recruiter/HR manager and send an unsolicited application detailing why you want to work at the company and what you can offer. When looking for the right training contract for law firms, the following factors should be taken into account: You can apply by selecting the program you wish to participate in. We will conduct our program on June 12, 2023 in the following offices: Your development is vital to us, so we have ensured that the training is thorough and engaging and helps you succeed in your work while you complete the training contract. To see what`s available, look for training contracts. All these companies believe that it is essential to invest in rigorous and comprehensive technical and qualified training. Their collaboration has led to the development of BPP`s market-leading SQE programs, which are rigorous, engaging, and most importantly, relevant to the city`s current practice. Sending the same apprenticeship contract application to each law firm you want to apply for will likely result in many rejections. You should carefully select companies that match your legal interests. This should limit the number of applications you need to adjust and submit by the required deadline.

In an apprenticeship contract, you put into practice what you have learned. This is the final step in your journey to qualify as a lawyer and work in a law firm. Replace skills development with cornerstones – In addition to training to introduce you to our areas of activity, you will participate in ongoing training on updates and developments with partners and employees. We are also interested in you developing your own coaching and mentoring skills, so we encourage our cohorts of interns to mentor younger than you. Qualifying work experience: While classroom learning is important, your practical legal education and experience will teach you how to become a lawyer. At each seat, you will receive regular feedback from your supervisor to measure your progress, including an evaluation of the seat in the middle and end of the seat. In many of our offices, we have a single, open office space, accompanied by agile working for a good work-life balance. With a focus on learning and developing our employees, we pride ourselves on consistently high trainee retention rates. Our trainee development programme is given a very high priority within the company, as we understand that formal training is an important way to enhance learning in the workplace.

Why Reed Smith – We have been at the forefront of change in legal education since we introduced our Master of Law and Business in 2012, which many other law firms have emulated. and this professional SQE is the evolution of this offer. We strive to create innovative and inventive ways to ensure that our articling students and future lawyers are at the forefront of legal developments. Our professional SQE combines elements of O-shaped lawyer offering and professional training; To ensure that our trainees gain an integrated and commercial understanding of working in a law firm so that they succeed in the changing legal services environment while meeting the SQE requirements of the Solicitors Regulation Authority. A training contract, also called a recognized internship, consists of future lawyers putting into practice the skills they have acquired during their studies. If it is taken full-time, it takes two years. Some companies offer part-time training contracts, but they last longer – you should talk to individual companies if you`re interested. Not only do we ensure that articling students know how to use all the tools and resources (technological or otherwise) they need to do their jobs, but we also provide training on a range of skills essential to their overall development as lawyers, from resiliency building to communication and time management. In addition, they undergo specialized legal training in their fields of activity. Our 24-month training contract provides you with excellent training and experience in four six-month jobs in various fields of activity, covering everything needed to qualify as a lawyer.

During this time, you will have the opportunity to perform a range of different jobs with a strong network of supervisory support and mentoring. In 2014, the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) lifted the requirement for law firms to pay a statutory minimum wage. Companies no longer have to pay more than the national minimum wage. The Law Society recommends that trainee lawyers receive at least £22,794 in London and £20,217 outside London. Before applying for an apprenticeship contract with a law firm, you should do some research by visiting the firm`s website, talking to past and current articling students, reading news about the firm, and seeing what`s being said about them on social media. An apprenticeship contract may be concluded on a part-time basis, but lasts longer than a two-year full-time contract.