Training Contracts - Small Firms

Jamie-b

Has anyone managed to get a training contract with a small firm? I am interested in training with one as they do a lot of family & criminal law.
I have sent a few speculative applications but pfos all round. I have all the FE1s in the bag (which I have heard is useful when approaching smaller firms- not sure if this is true) but no interviews at all- some haven't even replied.

Any advice???

I have been sending applications to places that haven't actually advertised training contracts.
Also, know it is important to tailor applications to the firm in question but some places don't even have websites so I can find no info on them and their practice areas anyway!!

crystalmice

Hi,
I cant give too much advice as I have not secured a tc yet, but I have heard from many people that it is very important to have the fe1s done for small firms, as they dont hire too far in advance!

Most small firms are not hiring at the moment, and the few that are seem to be mainly taking people via contacts- everyone I know who secured a tc in a small firm either had parents who were solicitors or knew a partner in the firm.

Try searching becoming a criminal lawyer in the forum search bar as there is a thread somewhere listing all the main criminal firms!

Good luck!

legal eagle 1

Most small firms are not hiring at the moment, and the few that are seem to be mainly taking people via contacts- everyone I know who secured a tc in a small firm either had parents who were solicitors or knew a partner in the firm.

I think this is the case with most small firms, even in the good times it was tough going getting into a small firm, maybe see if you have any connections that you could work on ?

Jamie-b

I have no contacts. Literally none

shaneybaby

Jamie-b wrote: »

I have no contacts. Literally none

Try handing your cv in at the door, best not to annoy any future employer by asking for them personally and pissing them off that way but if you are lucky you may catch one of them heading out/in the door. Putting a face to a CV is a whole lot better than getting some random letter.

NoQuarter

Our small firm just took on a guy who had no connections to anyone in the firm!

So it must be happening in others!

Jamie-b

NoQuarter wrote: »

Our small firm just took on a guy who had no connections to anyone in the firm!

So it must be happening in others!

Good news- had they advertised a post?

NoQuarter

Im actually not sure, i know the guy just sent out mass cv's though and got lucky.