HOW TO SURVIVE A TRAINING CONTRACT 101

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HOW TO SURVIVE A TRAINING CONTRACT 101

So you’ve completed your undergraduate degree and finished your LPC (maybe even a GDL along the way!) After countless letters and applications you finally receive the confirmation that you have been given a training contract.

What now? When I began my TC in April 2020 I thought I was fully clued in on what was to come, but here are some top pointers to help you through the process:

1. Read through your training pack

When you commence your training contract, your firm should send you a training pack which outlines the objectives for your training together with some useful materials. Get familiar with these as any initial questions you may have will probably be answered within the pack. Putting everything in a folder will keep you organised and is to hand if you ever need to refer back to any documents. In addition to this, make sure you print off the Practice Skills Standards. Keeping these to hand will ensure you are meeting the objectives set by the SRA during your period of recognised training.

2. Keep up to date with your training diary

Probably one of the most important things to remember. I learnt the hard way when I recorded my entries by hand during a busy period within the department and spent what felt like a whole day entering these into my electronic diary. Setting aside 5 minutes to enter the task into the diary and reviewing this on a weekly basis will save you so much time and keep you up to date. The last thing you want is having a meeting with your supervisor and you’re missing some entries.

3. Book your PSC dates early

Within your training pack you should receive some information regarding the Professional Skills Course (PSC). The course is made up of three core modules (Financial and Business Skills, Client Care and Professional Standards and Advocacy and Communication Skills) and four electives of your choice which must be undertaken prior to qualifying as a Solicitor. Most modules are assessed on attendance and there is one exam for the Business and Finance Skills session. The courses get booked up extremely quickly so booking them in sooner rather than later secures your place and leaves time in case you need to rearrange. Its also advisable to complete your business module first off as if you happen to fail the exam first time round you can resit in plenty of time prior to qualification.

4. Get to know your fellow trainees/The firms NQ’s

It’s really important to try and connect with other trainees or ask if your firm has (or can) put a buddy system in place where a NQ Solicitor is assigned to the trainee to help answer any questions regarding their experience. Sharing experiences can help guide each other on this journey and navigate through your period of recognised training.

5. Never be afraid to ask for help

Your training contract is the chance to be exposed to different areas of law and figure out what area you wish to qualify in. There is no such thing as a stupid question so ensure you ask whatever you can to your peers in order to help you learn. Asking for regular meetings with your supervisor in each department will give you an opportunity for you to reach your goals and achieve any objectives set by the department.

6. Take every opportunity

Once I had undertaken my PSC I made sure I joined my local Law Society. This is an opportunity to attend some exciting and informative events and meet other lawyers and get your name out there. If you get invited to any networking opportunities with your firm ensure you attend. Of course this can be slightly nerve wracking but the more events you attend the more at ease you will become and your network will grow and so will your confidence.

7. Approaching qualification

Eight weeks prior to qualification you will be required to complete a screening process. Getting this completed as soon as you are able to ensures that there will be no delays in getting you signed off by your Training Principal. Once this is done no more than four weeks before the end of your period of recognised training your Training Principle will be able to sign off your training contract. Ensure you speak with your training principal regarding this key day so you can plan a meeting to get your diary reviewed and get signed off.

8. Celebrate!

Once the important day arrives, celebrate! It’s a massive achievement and all your hard work over the years has paid off. You’ve been admitted to the roll and you’re ready to begin your career as a Solicitor. Now the hard work begins. ■

Abi

Abi qualified on 2nd April and will be joining Clarkes solicitors in the Commercial Property department in May