Training Contracts & Vacation Placements
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Thank you for your application which has been submitted to the Recruitment team.
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In this section you can find out all you need to know about our training contract and vacation placement schemes. At the bottom of the page you can apply for either or both schemes.
Training Contracts
We currently recruit 5 or 6 trainee solicitors each year and have 4 vacation placement opportunities.
We welcome applications from students who have taken a non-law degree as well as those who have studied law with a strong academic background and at least a 2.1 honours degree.
We are proud, in most years, that we have a 100% retention rate.
We usually recruit trainees up to two years ahead of the starting date for their training contract, as we recognise that many candidates look for the security of having a training contract in place before committing to their post graduate legal courses. We sometimes recruit within a shorter time period, for example if it is decided that the firm can accommodate extra trainees. We suggest that your application states the year in which you are applying to start a training contract, but if appropriate also states that you could join us earlier.
We are currently flexible about whether candidates wish to qualify by studying a legal practice course, studying independently to pass SQE1 and SQE2 or wish to take a graduate apprenticeship whilst working at the Firm. If you are successful in our selection process, we will discuss your study with you and decide which is the best route for you.
The deadline for training applications (using the form at the end of this page) in 2024 (for 2026 training contracts) is 5pm on the 6 June 2024.
We aim to send invitations to those candidates who have been selected to our assessment day by 14 June 2024. Our assessment day will be held in a morning or afternoon session and will consist of an introduction to the firm, a group exercise and a short written exercise. Candidates who are successful following our assessment day will be invited back for interview. Our assessment day will be held on 3 July and interviews will typically be around two weeks after the assessment day.
In considering applications we take account of academic achievements and the standard of degree likely to be obtained but also a genuine desire for a career in the profession and an interest in working and living locally. We place great importance on good interpersonal skills in the context of both the workplace and client care.
We are looking for trainees who combine intellectual ability with practical common sense. Our aim is to continue to recruit trainees who upon qualification will wish to continue as valued members of the firm.
One of our former trainees, Lucy Andrews, has written a blog “3 top tips to surviving your first seat as a trainee solicitor” that you may find a useful read.
Two of our trainees, Kim Davies and Alicia Gardner have produced videos describing the sorts of things they do on a daily basis as a trainee solicitor.
The training we provide
The training given at Paris Smith LLP is highly regarded by the SRA’s assessors.
Our trainee solicitors spend 6 months in 4 seats from corporate, commercial and finance; commercial property and planning; conveyancing; employment; family; tax trusts and wills; and dispute resolution. This is flexible and is tailored as far as possible to each individual trainee. The training principal supervises the trainees and they are encouraged to give regular feedback as to training. The firm as a whole operates an open door policy and trainees and work experience students often comment on our informal, friendly and approachable culture at all levels of the firm.
As soon as a trainee joins us they are considered a full member of the firm. Trainees are involved in client matters as fully as possible and are expected to undertake work under supervision assuming increasing responsibility as training progresses. We aim to ensure that trainees learn to apply their knowledge on a practical basis.
Our trainees are given wide experience including meeting clients, dealing with Counsel, technical experts and other lawyers, attending court, drafting and research. At Paris Smith LLP we ensure that our trainees have access to an extensive library and on-line research facilities in the same way as all other lawyers. Trainees are entitled to study leave for examinations when undergoing the ongoing training required by the Solicitors Regulation Authority during a training contract.
Money matters
Paris Smith LLP is committed to paying its trainees a competitive salary and a contribution of £7000 towards the LPC/SQE or will pay for the fees for a graduate apprenticeship if you are studying whilst you work.
Selection process
For training contracts the selection process comprises of three stages: application and CV; assessment day; and interview. If you have been successful at the application stage, you will be invited to an assessment day. If you have been successful at the assessment day, you will be invited to attend an interview with two partners of the firm.
Vacation Placements
Paris Smith LLP operate an annual vacation scheme to give both law and non-law graduates the opportunity of experiencing the daily life of the firm. The current vacation scheme offered is for 1 week and the scheme operates in June and July each year. The deadline for applications is the 31st March each year. For vacation placements we select on the basis of application and CV only.
Application Form
Whether you are applying for either or both schemes please complete the application form below.