Trainee Solicitors give advice to clients and act on their behalf in legal matters. The cases trainee solicitors deal with depend on their employer and the area solicitors choose to work in. The main areas of work for solicitors are company/business law, although many practice conveyancing, probate or litigation and some opt for central and local government. Solicitor Trainees can also go into the Crown Prosecution Service.
Trainees normally work 37 hours a week, but most solicitors find longer hours are common. Many may be on call at weekends and bank holidays. They are generally based in offices but some solicitors spend much of their time in court.
A trainee should be confident, with strong communication skills, able to absorb and analyse large amounts of information, careful and accurate in their work. They should be able to work under pressure, be good with figures and all solicitors should have an interest in law and research.
The typical salary for a trainee is between £19,000 and £22,000.
What do I need to be a Trainee Solicitor?
There are over 10,000 solicitors currently in Scotland.
In Scotland, entrants normally need a LLB degree in Scottish law, or a good first degree in any non-law subject and a two-year graduate law degree.
Trainee Solicitors undertake vocational training after graduation. This involves taking the Diploma of Legal Practice in Scotland. Courses involve a training contract with a firm.
With further training, they may become advocates or heads of legal departments in companies, chief executives or company secretaries.
Contact the Legal Division Team
Email the Legal Division at legal@stafffinders.co.uk.