education authority grants) and check closing dates for applications.
Spring term The SRA runs character and suitability checks on students wishing to train as solicitors, and requires people to disclose any information related to this. If you do have such issues (eg, a police caution), you need to disclose these at the earliest opportunity – and at least six months before you would anticipate starting a training contract. Undergoing a character and suitability check before starting the LPC costs £100. Summer term If you have not succeeded in obtaining a training contract, keep applying! You might want to consider delaying starting the LPC if you are yet to find a training contract, given the competitiveness of the job market; time spent gaining experience and focusing on applications should give you a better chance of success. LPC If you have yet to find a training contract, keep making further applications throughout your LPC year until you get one. Attend as many law fairs as possible and check for adverts in the Law Gazette and on www.lawcareers.net. The SRA requires providers to split the LPC in half, separating the compulsory Stage One subjects from the elective Stage Two subjects, which can then be completed during the training contract. However, the one-year option remains the most popular way of doing the course.
Non-law degree students will need to apply for a place on the conversion course, known as the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL). If you intend to study full time, you should apply through the Central Applications Board (www.lawcabs.ac.uk) from September onwards in your final year at university. There is no longer a closing date for applications; rather, applications are dealt with as they are submitted and institutions are notified weekly of new submissions. Applications for part-time courses must be made directly to the provider. Spring holidays Apply for further work placements for the summer vacation. Thoroughly research the applications procedure for training contracts, especially those at firms you are interested in. By now, you should be beginning to shortlist the firms to which you want to apply. Summer holidays Most major law firms have training contract application deadlines during this period and 31 July remains a major deadline for many, although deadlines fall throughout the year. Gain some further work experience, either on a formal work placement scheme or through other means. You may also be interviewed for training contracts during this period.
Final-year law and GDL students Autumn term
Training contract/period of recognised training
You must also apply for a place on the Legal Practice Course (LPC) through the Central Applications Board from September onwards in your final year at university. As described above, the application system has changed so that there is no longer a closing date for applications; rather, applications are dealt with as they are submitted and institutions are notified weekly of new submissions. Applications for part-time courses must be made directly to the provider.
The traditional training contract – or ‘period of recognised training’, as it is now termed by the SRA – is a two-year employment contract with a law firm or other approved organisation. Firms have a lot of freedom to design their own training programmes, but most training contracts follow a similar format. All trainee solicitors are required to meet the SRA’s competence statement.
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