Obtaining a training contract?

lightspeed

Hi can anyone advise on the current state of opportunities for prospective trainee solicitors?

im currently working in an accountancy role but having second thoughts about it now.

I previously did a business and law degree and considering doing a masters and looking for an intern role to gain experience with the goal of obtaining a training contract.

However, from looking up jobs in the legal field, I cant even see much positions open for trainee solicitors or legal interns.

I assume the few that I do come across, there must be many applicants applying so the odds of success are probably on the low side assuming I could even be lucky enough to get called for an interview.

Is the situation as bad as im assuming it is or am I mistaken? Is it likely to get any better in the near future?

MarkAnthony

Internships, assuming you don't have the insane expectation of payment for labour, are ten a penny.

If you do want to be paid, go in as a legal exec.

lightspeed

MarkAnthony wrote: »

Internships, assuming you don't have the insane expectation of payment for labour, are ten a penny.

If you do want to be paid, go in as a legal exec.

Hi thanks for the reply. Are there peak times in the year when there are more internships available?

From what I understand, the large law firms advertise for summer internships but again from what I read there are hundress every year applying to these few firms.

I had a look at law society website and I only saw one intern position available.

I have a 2.1 business and law degree. I didn't do brilliant in all legal subjects but not terrible either Between 50 to 60 for most, although I did only get 40 in contract law in the first year

Im currently in a big 4 accountancy firm, what would my chances be of securing even an internship considering there are probably plenty others with masters from top universities also applying?

I've read mixed opinions on whether it's looked upon more favourably or unfavourably to have the FE1s done when applying for such positions.

Can you clarify if it would enhance my chances?

MarkAnthony

No idea, I'm afraid I'm more involved in the rough and ready end, the top 5 never really interested me - if I wanted to make money I wouldn't have chosen law as a profession! :pac:

Generally internships can be won through competitions but I suspect the interview process is a very arduous one; certainly a lot harder than simply walking into any of the hundreds of GP firms around D7/D8 that'll, in the main, start you that day.

lightspeed

MarkAnthony wrote: »

No idea, I'm afraid I'm more involved in the rough and ready end, the top 5 never really interested me - if I wanted to make money I wouldn't have chosen law as a profession! :pac:

Generally internships can be won through competitions but I suspect the interview process is a very arduous one; certainly a lot harder than simply walking into any of the hundreds of GP firms around D7/D8 that'll, in the main, start you that day.

Thanks, so I suppose if I was to further my legal qualifications I could contact legal practices in the hope of obtaining an intern position that could hopefully lead to a training contract.

Can you comment on what your working day is like or at least what your working hours are like?

I'm just wondering do solicitors in smaller firms work less hours or is it more or less the same whethere your in a big or small firm?

MarkAnthony

I was just doing it here and there so I could please myself but typically 9-5 with an hour lunch, which was quite jealously guarded!

Anyone I know working in the top 5 would be working mad hours but they enjoy the work so they don't seem to mind much. I'm not sure how much is being hammed up but weekends and very late nights are frequently mentioned.

Personally I have an interest in Criminal and the firm I was working for gave me a lot of time in court, probably a little more than they should have really! Other than that I was tooling around Dublin serving documents. I should mention that I'm looking to go the barrister route so I wasn't given that much office time.

As far as I know anyone in my circle that could pass the FE-1s got a training contract. I think one or two from my alma mater got Top 5 firms but that was through external projects.

sunshine and showers

You're not finding open positions as it's the wrong time of year to be looking for a TC. PPC1 starts in 2 months, most places will have already hired for this coming intake. It's not a massive lack of positions, the market is definitely improving!

For the big firms:
Applications or training contracts start in September. Applications for internships generally open in January as the programmes take place over the summer.

You don't need a Top 5 internship to get a training contract with them (excluding Mason Hayes and Curran). Make a list of all the firms and look into them. Make a list of relevant dates (email their HR if you can't find them).

Don't just do the big ones, work your way through the top and medium tier. Then look at the small practices in areas of law/geographic areas you're interested in. Start calling and emailing CVs. Offering to work for free will usually get you some experience, but that's something you have to be able to afford yourself. Any legal experience will look good on your CV, tbh.

Applying for paralegal/legal exec/legal secretary roles is good advice as you'll be paid. Don't forget to look at the FE1s too as you'll have to pass those to start a TC.

What's the thought process behind the masters, btw? You don't need one to get into the Top 5.

Any questions, let me know!

MarkAnthony

Incidentally, solicitor is 'doing wrong', absolutely no capes

lightspeed

MarkAnthony wrote: »

Incidentally, solicitor is 'doing wrong', absolutely no capes

Im not quite sure what the above means? What is no capes?

Do you mean solicitors are seen more as villains than heroes?

sunshine and showers

lightspeed wrote: »

Im not quite sure what the above means? What is no capes?

Do you mean solicitors are seen more as villains than heroes?

I think he was joking about barristers getting to wear robes.