This magazine provides information to help readers consider a career in law, including profiles of law firms and lawyers, advice on different legal careers and routes to qualification, and details on training locations across the UK. It aims to give readers all the information they need to maximize their chances of entering and succeeding in the legal profession. The magazine covers careers as both solicitors and barristers and discusses diversity and current issues in the legal sector.

1. Our pick of this edition’s
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12 Prospects Law www.prospects.ac.uk/law 58 Prospects Law Solicitors www.prospects.ac.uk/law
Advice and guidance
Essential information
A day in the life
Starting salary £37,500.
Locations Abu Dhabi, Amsterdam,
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Coming to work in London?
at Shoosmiths Live with other like-minded graduates.
Dynamic and innovative, Simmons &
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Who should apply
We are looking for ambitious, focused
Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Funchal*, Hong
Kong, Jeddah*, Lisbon*, London, Madrid,
Milan*, Paris, Rome*, Shanghai, Tokyo.
“
superior legal service, wherever and individuals with law or non-law degrees (*Associated offices).
Based in the regions but corporate and commercial litigation
whenever it is required. Our lawyers’ and look for a strong track record of
departments. I completed a range Number of training contracts 40.
offering City calibre work of work and came away feeling Many thanks for a high-quality advice and the positive achievements from our candidates. We
brilliant 3 years at working atmosphere with fully are interested in finding out about your Subject of study/qualification Any.
and clients, Shoosmiths as though my presence was
integrated teams working through academic successes but we will also
valued and I had made a genuine Springboard. It has Benefits Competitive.
places corporate social contribution to the teams unquestionably been offices in Europe, the Middle East and explore your ability to form excellent
Asia have won admiration and praise interpersonal relations and work within a
responsibility (CSR) high in which I worked.’ the best place I've Contact us
ever lived and I have from both the legal community and our team environment, as well as your levels
This is echoed by Jo who did 020 7628 2020
on its agenda many great business clients. of motivation, drive and ambition.
a vacation scheme at Shoosmiths, recruitment@simmons-simmons.com
memories. Show evidence of a rich 'life experience'
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How to apply
”
‘Shoosmiths is an exciting prospect it as a great place to broaden The firm offers around 40 training
for someone who wants great Government Legal capabilities and you will be provided with
her experience. contracts each year and are currently Method of application
Service Graduate everything you need to become a
client contact, early responsibility, ‘During my two weeks in the recruiting for the September 2015/March Online application
a reasonable level of autonomy successful member of the firm.
Milton Keynes office I had 2016 intakes. Our-six month seat system www.simmons-simmons.com/graduates
“
and good training. People are a fantastic time doing really enables you to gain hands on experience Closing date 31 July 2013
encouraged to contribute to the interesting work with fascinating in four different areas of the business,
success of the firm and use their I know one person working with other lawyers, gaining Application details Applications
and friendly people. When I was
personality to promote the firm’s Jo Joyce who lives in Fulham knowledge in different service areas and include remote online critical reasoning
asked to apply for a training
goals,’ says second year trainee at Springboard, and dealing with important clients. test and assessment day.
contract I leapt at the chance and
Janine Esbrand. upon in-house lawyers, who make Shoosmiths is an like me she came to
exciting prospect was delighted to be offered the job.’
The firm takes on 20 trainees up a large proportion of our clients,’ London with no
for someone who
but ensures that only one trainee she explains. Supportive environment friends, but now has
wants great client
is allocated to each team. This ‘My confidence grew during contact, early Shoosmiths is a full service law plenty!
means that trainees can get more my secondment as the people responsibility, a firm covering a variety of areas
”
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first year trainee Rohana
Abeywardana.
“
Thank you!! I really
complemented by technical
to meet a client’s needs while ‘During the first six months enjoyed my time at
and business skills training.
managing their expectations.’ of my training contract, I gained Springboard, it was
Over two years, a trainee will
exposure to all stages of the civil totally hassle free.
complete four, six-month Good preparation
litigation process from drafting
”
placements, one of which could Shoosmiths is a people focused firm
a claim form and particulars Pricewaterhouse
be an external secondment both with its clients and staff and
of claim to attending court with Coopers Graduate
to a client’s in-house legal team, this translates across to those who
counsel. The high-quality work
providing an invaluable insight are considering joining the firm We’re known for advising and looking after our clients in an
and level of responsibility was innovative way, so we develop our trainees into interesting,
from the client’s perspective,’ through vacation placements and
excellent from day one. imaginative lawyers.
says Samantha Hope, graduate open days.
recruitment officer. Janine attended an open day and Springboard Urban From our groundbreaking MBA programme to international
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are the only specialised
Newly qualified solicitor completed a two-week vacation Shoosmiths: The facts placements and client secondments, we make sure our
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of a business and the demands placement I worked in the
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2. Advice and Where to train Solicitors Further study Barristers Alternative
guidance careers
www.prospects.ac.uk/law
2012/13

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4. www.prospects.ac.uk/law Prospects Law 1
Advice and
guidance
Advice and guidance
Welcome to Prospects Law
Where to train
Considering a career in law? Find out the routes to qualification, which city
you should train in and what alternative careers are open to law graduates
Solicitors
The solicitors’ profession a ‘traditional’ career in a solicitors’ firm or to work
as an in-house solicitor, or in the public or private sector.
needs people from all You will need to be determined and highly motivated
Solicitors
walks of life and The Law as qualification does require considerable commitment.
Qualifying as a solicitor in today’s competitive market
Society is wholeheartedly is a daunting prospect. Securing a training contract
committed to increasing is not guaranteed and not everyone who wants
to be a solicitor will succeed.
equality and diversity The number of solicitors has grown in recent years,
within the profession there are now more than 120,000 solicitors working
in England and Wales with approximately 7,000-8,000
Working as a solicitor is a career that appeals to many people, qualifying each year.
Further study
the work is varied, intellectually challenging and rewarding It is important that you are armed with all the
allowing you to use your expertise, knowledge and information about the realities of qualifying – follow
professional skills to help individuals. the helpful hints and advice in this magazine
Once you qualify, there are a number of different career to maximise your chances of finding the right job.
paths that you can take (page 30). You can opt to pursue Rita Oscar, career development manager, The Law Society
Barristers
Barristers
The work of barristers is to go directly to a barrister for advice or representation
through the Public Access scheme. Barristers usually
challenging, demanding specialise in particular areas of the law such
and rewarding. It is also as commercial, civil, criminal and family law.
There is no question that competition for pupillage
much more varied and
is intense; however, if you possess the right skills,
diverse than you might attributes and qualifications you should not
be deterred from pursuing a career as a barrister.
imagine
The barristers section in Prospects Law (page 114) tells
Barristers in England and Wales are specialists in advocacy you what you need to know in order to train to become
Alternative
and provide expert legal advice when representing their lay a barrister. If you do choose to train and qualify for
careers
and professional clients in courts and other legal contexts. a career at the Bar an exciting future lies ahead.
Often, solicitors will refer work to a barrister but it is now Alexandra McHenry, policy officer, professional
possible in some circumstances for a member of the public development and training, The Bar Council

5. 2 Prospects Law www.prospects.ac.uk/law
Advice and guidance
What’s inside
Prospects Law
2012 ⁄ 13
Prospects Law 2012/13
Published by Graduate Prospects
Prospects House, Booth Street East
Manchester M13 9EP
Company Reg. No. 2626618
Publisher Matthew Williamson
Editor Rachel Shepherd
editorial@prospects.ac.uk
Advertising sales
Alison Smith
0161 277 5200
prospects@prospects.ac.uk
Graduate Prospects would like to thank
the Prospects Law editorial panel for its
help and support in producing this
directory. Thanks are also due to all the
individuals and organisations that have
provided editorial content.
4 16
Graduate Prospects is owned by, and gifts
Advice and Where to train
its profits to, the registered charity HECSU,
an agency of UUK and GuildHE. HECSU supports
guidance 16 Birmingham
17 DLA Piper UK LLP: Trainee profile
the work of higher education careers services 4 The legal sector
in the UK and Ireland, commissions and funds 18 Bristol
6 In the news
high-quality research and gives financial 19 CMS Cameron McKenna: Trainee profile
support to the organisation AGCAS (Association 8 Ask the experts
20 Leeds
of Graduate Careers Advisory Services). 11 Diversity
21 Liverpool
Graduate Prospects publishes the Prospects 12 A day in the life at Shoosmiths
series of graduate recruitment and 22 London
15 Introducing... Osborne Clarke
postgraduate study publications and provides 23 Shearman & Sterling LLP: Trainee profile
online careers and postgraduate course 25 Manchester
information via the UK’s official graduate
26 Law in Scotland
recruitment site, Prospects.ac.uk
Prospects Law 2012/13 28 High street law
© Graduate Prospects 2012
ISBN 978-1-84016-172-4
Advertisers index
127 Don’t forget to mention
Prospects Law when responding
to advertisements

6. www.prospects.ac.uk/law Prospects Law 3
Advice and
guidance
Advice and guidance
Where to train
We’re the leading European group of law
firms, with more offices in Europe than
our competitors. With a client-focused
approach that attracts the world’s biggest
organisations, we know how to take
Solicitors
talented people further – geographically,
intellectually and professionally.
Pages 19, 35, 48
Further study
30 80 At Osborne Clarke we've created
a bright, open and stimulating place
Solicitors Further study to work where we solve problems for
some of the world's most interesting
30 Becoming a solicitor and training (and best known) businesses.
Pages 15, 54
32 Vacation schemes and placements
80 Converting to law – the CPE and GDL
40 Pro bono work 90 The Legal Practice Course (LPC)
43 Training contracts explained 96 Masters in law
44 Training contract listings 104 Funding further study
63 International seats 113 Study in Ireland With a focus on organic growth,
Barristers
64 International seats:
114
Shearman & Sterling is keen to continue
Ashurst LLP to recruit trainees looking for a career,
65 International seats: not just a training contract.
CMS Cameron McKenna Barristers Pages 23, 38, 56, 67
66 International seats:
114 Becoming a barrister
DLA Piper UK LLP
116 Training for the Bar
67 International seats:
120 Work experience and the Bar
Shearman & Sterling LLP
122 Pupillage and pupillage applications
68 Training for non-law students
69 Applications 124
Alternative
Southampton Law School offers
70 Interviews top-quality teaching; experienced,
Alternative
careers
72 Outside private practice friendly and specialist, research-led
74 Chartered Institute
of Legal Executives (CILEx)
careers academic lawyers; and opportunities
to develop essential transferable skills
including negotiation and mooting
77 Legal Aid 124 Career options for the many who at a Russell Group university.
78 The paralegal route study law but do not train as lawyers Page 111

7. 4 Prospects Law www.prospects.ac.uk/law
Advice and guidance
The legal sector
Professional responsibility, Becoming a solicitor contentious and non-contentious law,
Solicitors advise clients and try to resolve however only solicitors in particular
intellectual challenge and their legal problems. Conferring with specialist areas of the larger firms see both.
significant work are just some the client is vital work to understand In smaller firms solicitors will turn their
their needs before using legal knowledge hands to different sorts of legal work.
of the attractions of a legal career and analytical skills to work out what The work of a solicitor is driven by a desire
must be done. to provide a service to the client but also
If all this sounds like just what you are Talking to witnesses, negotiating and to earn fees and hit their targets through
looking for, getting into a solicitors’ office providing representation at hearings are ‘billable hours’. Having the ability to build
or barristers’ chambers is no simple matter. all part of a solicitor’s job. They also draft client relationships, good communication
Many students have the same idea and contracts, research the law, submit papers skills and teamwork are some of the skills
competition is strong. Find out more to court and gather documents to build a solicitor needs. To find out more about
about the routes to take... up a case. Most firms handle both being a solicitor turn to page 30.
Solicitors
Qualifying with a law degree
Training contract Qualified
• Two years full time solicitor
• Up to four years
part time
Legal Practice
Course (LPC) Professional Skills Course
• One year full time • Undertaken during
• Two years part time training contract
Qualifying without a law degree
Common Professional Training Qualified
Examination (CPE)/ contract solicitor
Graduate Diploma • Two years full time
in Law (GDL) • Up to four years
• One year full time part time
• Two years part time
Legal Practice Professional
Course (LPC) Skills Course
• One year full time • Undertaken during
• Two years part time training contract

8. www.prospects.ac.uk/law Prospects Law 5
Advice and
guidance
Advice and guidance
Becoming a barrister grasp information quickly and unpick much more time in court. Whereas criminal
One of the most fundamental differences legal problems is vital too, both for success barristers will often be involved in trials
Where to train
between solicitors and barristers is that in court and in barristers’ second role, where they address a jury, in commercial
barristers traditionally stand up in court as legal consultants. Much of a barrister’s hearings it is more likely to be a team
and represent their clients, whereas time is spent giving opinions as an of barristers talking directly to the judge.
solicitors spend more time doing authority on what will stand up in court. The process of training and selecting
paperwork. It is now possible for some As barristers are self-employed and often potential barristers is highly competitive
solicitors to stand up in court but this work alone, self-reliance and an ability to and expensive, and applicants should
work is still generally done by barristers. manage their time effectively are also key. be aware of the statistics indicating how
Although barristers always used How barristers divide their time many pupillages are available each year
to be instructed by solicitors, they may between advocacy and consultancy compared to the number of applicants,
now take instructions directly from depends on their particular field of work. which indicate that there are around
members of the public or businesses. The biggest difference is between seven applications for each place.
A talent for advocacy is just one part commercial and criminal practitioners, To find out more about being
Solicitors
of the barrister’s skill set. The ability to with members of the criminal Bar spending a barrister turn to page 114.
Barristers
Qualifying with a law degree
Bar Professional Pupillage
Training Course (BPTC) • Must be done
• One year full time within five years of
Further study
• Two years part time completing BPTC
• Must be done within seven
years of qualifying law degree
Tenancy
• In chambers or
employed Bar
Qualifying without a law degree
Barristers
Bar Professional Tenancy
Training Course (BPTC) • In chambers or
• One year full time employed Bar
• Two years part time
• Must be done within seven
years of qualifying law degree
Pupillage
• Must be done
Common Professional within five years of
completing BPTC
Alternative
Examination (CPE)/
careers
Graduate Diploma
in Law (GDL)
• One year full time
• Two years part time

9. 6 Prospects Law www.prospects.ac.uk/law
Advice and guidance
In the news
A round-up of what has happened in the legal sector over the
last year and what to look out for in the next few months...
Unique LPC launched into the programme, which includes
business and sector analysis, the financial
Global law firm Reed Smith and BPP Law markets, strategy, governance, regulation
School have launched a new version of the and risk. Students will also conduct
Legal Practice Course (LPC) a business consultancy project based
The new LPC fully integrates legal and on a real-life scenario, thus gaining
business learning throughout the year and an in-depth understanding of the firm’s
leads to a unique Masters qualification, clients and its business sectors prior Alternative Business
the MA (LPC with Business). to joining. Structures (ABSs)
The bespoke programme, to be piloted ‘This innovative new course means
from September 2012, is the first of its kind, Co-operative Legal Services and high
that, for the first time in the legal
in that it allows graduates to study street firms John Welch and Stammers,
sector, future trainees will complete
and Lawbridge Solicitors Ltd became
commercial and legal aspects in parallel, all the LPC topics with the full business
the first ABSs licensed by the Solicitors
and not separately, so that they complete context alongside them in one year.
Regulation Authority (SRA)
the course before entering their training It’s also a fantastic opportunity for
An ABS is a business providing
contract with Reed Smith. future trainees to learn about our
regulated reserved legal activities but
In addition to the LPC curriculum, clients’ sectors,’ said Peter Hardy,
which has either, or both, non-lawyer
a range of business modules will be built Reed Smith’s training principal.
owners and managers. Traditionally,
law firms have had to be owned
and managed only by lawyers.
Early engagement The SRA started accepting ABS
applications on 3 January 2012,
Firms are targeting first year law
after being designated a licensing
undergraduates through vacation
body by the Ministry of Justice
schemes to give them a greater insight
in December 2011.
into the industry
‘Our UK legal services are unrivalled
Students are able to see how a law firm
around the world and these changes
works and the type of route they might
will allow them to reach new heights,
want to take. Showing such commitment
as solicitors’ firms develop new
to a law career can also help with future
markets, seek external investment
vacation scheme and training contract
and join up with other businesses
applications.
to offer different products to consumers
One firm offering this is Hogan Lovells, opportunity to work shadow some
and provide opportunities for growth,’
which runs a one-week Easter vacation of the firm’s trainee solicitors. Selection
explained Jonathan Djanogly MP,
scheme, giving students an insight into is based on your application form and the
Justice Minister.
commercial law and working in a global results of an online critical thinking test.
legal practice. The week involves Turn to page 32 to find out more about
workshops, case studies and the vacation schemes.

10. www.prospects.ac.uk/law Prospects Law 7
Advice and
guidance
Advice and guidance
Where to train
Reviewing the industry
A review of legal education and
training requirements is taking place International
with the final report due to be delivered law firms merge
in December 2012
Herbert Smith and Freehills will join
Solicitors
The Legal Education and Training
forces to create a new firm, Herbert
Review (LETR) will take into account
Smith Freehills, as of 1 October 2012
future demands on legal services. The
The new firm will be the eighth
review panel is made up of the Solicitors
largest in the world based on the
Regulation Authority (SRA), the Bar
number of lawyers it will employ
Standards Board (BSB) and the Institute
(2,800 including 460 partners) and
of Legal Executives Professional will be the largest fully integrated
Standards (IPS). The first discussion paper was firm in the Asia Pacific market.
The review centres on a need for issued in March and outlined a number It will be organised around global
Further study
an education and training system that of options that are being considered practice groups and will be led by joint
is fit for purpose and appropriately by the review panel. To find out more CEOs David Willis and Gavin Bell, the
flexible and responsive to the and keep up to date with the latest current managing partners of Herbert
changing market. developments visit http://letr.org.uk Smith and Freehills respectively. There
will also be representatives from both
firms on its management and
governance bodies.
‘We are excited about bringing
together two pre-eminent law firms
to create a new and distinctive global
Prospects gets personal more research before applying you can law firm. We share with Freehills
Barristers
save your favourite jobs, placements a strong belief that over the next few
It is now even easier to stay on top and courses to apply later. years the market for premium legal
of your job hunt with Graduate You can set up vacancy alerts so that services will become increasingly
Prospects’ personalised service you are notified when new jobs arise dominated by a small number of truly
My Prospects is an individual that match your preferences. global firms,’ said David Willis,
environment, delivering careers advice, Stay up-to-date with the latest news managing partner at Herbert Smith.
jobs and training opportunities on the legal sector and the graduate
specifically tailored to your preferences. job market and get careers advice on
Once you’ve set up your account everything from applying for training
and entered a number of preferences contracts to the benefits of pro bono
Alternative
you will find specific job listings waiting work by subscribing to our monthly Find out more
careers
for you when you log in. You can also newsletter and digital magazines.
upload your CV, apply for training Register and find out more Keep up to date with what’s going on
www.prospects.ac.uk/latest_news.htm
contracts and keep track of your at www.prospects.ac.uk/
applications. If you want to do some links/myprospects

11. 8 Prospects Law www.prospects.ac.uk/law
Advice and guidance
Ask the experts
It’s difficult to know how
to stand out from your
peers or what sort of career
path paralegalling can offer
you. So Prospects Law
asked a panel of sector
insiders and students
for their thoughts
One myth that the panel were
keen to dispel was that law is a
recession-proof career. It isn’t
and it’s feeling the strain like
many other professions.
‘It’s not about painting a perfect
picture for students. It’s going
to be difficult and you are going
to have to pay more for your
degree. But, you can enhance You should Consider paralegalling money and get experience
your employability through mini- research the firm ‘I think for those people who is paralegalling,’ says Emma-Jane.
to find out its
pupillages, going to recruitment haven’t found a training contract The problem with paralegalling
specialisms either
fairs and entering things such by looking on the or pupillage, doing paralegal work is that the entry requirements and
as the Inns of Court mooting website or talking is an important thing to do while the job demands will differ between
to people at fairs firms. Some paralegals will be non-
competitions,’ says Faiza, who you’re searching. Lots of people are
is aiming for the Bar. at a loss and the best way to earn law graduates with no previous
experience, while others will have
done the Legal Practice Course
Sector insiders (LPC) or Bar Professional Training
Alexandra Sutcliffe, graduate recruitment officer, DWF Course (BPTC). If you successfully
Alison Metcalfe, careers consultant, The University of Manchester get a job you can be doing anything
Emma-Jane Sleator-Rollinson, careers and information officer, The Bar Council from administration to high-end
Marc Steward, team leader, careers, The College of Law work such as interviewing clients.
Nick Touati, careers adviser, Manchester Metropolitan University Paralegals are also usually hired
Paul Kendall, graduate recruitment manager, Cobbetts to cover busy periods, for example
Rita Oscar, membership development executive, The Law Society if the firm has a big case on.
Samantha Drysdale, graduate recruitment assistant, Simmons & Simmons LLP Therefore positions can be
advertised all year round as Paul
Students
points out, ‘A law firm isn’t going
Charlotte Felton, Elizabeth Wiggin and Faiza Saeed, Manchester Metropolitan University to offer 10 paralegal roles to start
in September it’s more adhoc

12. www.prospects.ac.uk/law Prospects Law 9
Advice and
guidance
Advice and guidance
Where to train
than that. So if you’re struggling Listing your sports clubs,
because of a lack of experience hobbies, volunteering and part-
– it might just be that those firms time jobs on your CV can also
at that time require a high level be a good way to get the
of experience but others may not.’ conversation started with
Turn to page 78 for more an interviewer and break the ice.
information on the job ‘You never know what the
of a paralegal and case studies interviewer is going to say.
from those in the know. For example, in my spare time
Solicitors
I go to a rescue centre and walk
List your interests
dogs because it’s something I enjoy
As well as your academic
doing. If you as the interviewee
achievements and awards, your
have something similar on your
CV needs to include everything that
CV then you have found a way
is helping you to gain transferable
of connecting, which is very
skills. Whether you are the Young
important in this industry,’
Magician of the Year, a drummer says Paul.
in a band or have a part-time job,
Keep it relevant
Further study
you need to list it on your CV.
Charlotte volunteers for the You’ve worked hard and gained
national Shih Tzu rescue group good grades in all your modules
and she initially left this off her and so you want to let employers
CV as she didn’t think it was It is all about showing that you Enhance your know by listing them all on your
relevant. However, since adding have the willingness to do more employability application. Don’t, unless asked
through mini- to do so. Do your research and
it to her CV it has been mentioned outside of your studies and that
pupillages, going
by several interviewers. ‘In four there is a person behind the be specific each time.
to recruitment
interviews the question ‘tell us qualifications. Extra-curricular fairs and entering You should research the firm
about volunteering for the dog activities are also a great way things such as to find out its specialisms either
the Inns of Court by looking on the website or talking
rescue’ has come up and we’ve had to demonstrate your time mooting
to people at fairs. Then list the
Barristers
a bit of a giggle and it has helped management, team working competitions
modules that are relevant to the
me to get work experience.’ abilities and initiative.
firm, which in some cases will
differ with each application.
In the future Telling an employer that you
received top marks in your LPC
As well as discussing the current state of the legal sector, electives of human rights and
the panel talked about developments that students need immigration is pointless if the
to be aware of. These included: firm doesn’t cover either of these
• Alternative Business Structures (ABS) specialisms. This will alert an
• The use of social media in job hunting and networking employer to the fact that maybe
Alternative
• Solicitor advocates you are sending out the same CV
careers
• The Legal Education Review to every firm or chambers.
Find out more about some
To keep up-to-date with what’s going on visit
of the specialisms on offer
www.prospects.ac.uk/latest_news.htm
at www.prospects.ac.uk/
law_specialisms.htm

13. 10 Prospects Law Advice and guidance www.prospects.ac.uk/law
FOR ANY STUDENT INTERESTED IN
A CAREER IN THE LEGAL SECTOR
and professional bodies
Tuesday 20th November 2012
12.30pm-4.00pm
STUDENTS AND GRADUATES FROM ANY
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14. www.prospects.ac.uk/law Prospects Law 11
Advice and
guidance
Advice and guidance
Diversity
Where to train
The legal sector is currently annually to the Law Society against
a set of bespoke industry standards.
more diverse than at any A list of signatories can be found
time in the profession’s at www.lawsociety.org.uk/
inclusioncharter
history but there’s still An accessible website is a strong
more to be done to ensure indication that the firm understands
the importance of inclusion for
it reflects the population
Solicitors
clients, staff and potential recruits.
The highest level of accreditation
Law used to be dominated
is AAA though an AA rating also
by white middle-class men but
indicates that accessibility is being
a range of inclusion schemes
taken seriously and will enable
focusing on race, gender, sexual
users to change text size and
orientation, religion, age, disability
style sheets and be navigated
and socio-economic background
by keyboard-only users and
are helping to encourage many
voice activated software.
different types of entrants
Firms that display the two ticks
Further study
to the profession.
‘Positive about Disabled People’
A law firm’s or chambers’
The SRA Code of workforce and from 2013, it will symbol will also certainly have
literature can tell you about the Conduct requires also have to be published. favourable recruitment policies
training on offer and what their solicitors, firms
The SRA Code of Conduct including guaranteed interviews
specialisms are but it is very difficult and regulated
requires solicitors, firms and for disabled applicants meeting
to convey that they are diverse. entities to
encourage regulated entities to encourage the essential criteria for advertised
To find this out you should meet
equality of equality of opportunity and vacancies. Applicants can also
people at the firm or chambers and opportunity respect for diversity, and prevent look out for positive action
discover what it’s like to work there and respect
unlawful discrimination. While statements on websites and
and understand their values. for diversity
it is up to them to demonstrate how in recruitment advertisements
If you’ve read the ‘About us’
these outcomes are being achieved, such as ‘we welcome applications
Barristers
section but you want to know more,
the indicative behaviours under the from ethnic minority communities
you should take a look at the firm
code provide examples of activities and disabled people’.
or chambers and its employees
that are likely to support them. The BSB has published new
on Twitter and other social media
These include having a diversity equality rules to form part of its
sites. What are they saying? What
policy and offering staff training code of conduct which came into
sort of things are they retweeting?
on equality and diversity issues. force in September 2012. These
What groups have they joined?
There are a number of other clues place a duty on every barrister
Equality and inclusion that suggest that firms are taking to ensure the equality rules
Many firms and chambers a proactive approach to diversity. applicable to chambers are
recognise the business benefits Firms that are signed up to the implemented.
Alternative
of diversity but regulatory drivers Law Society Diversity and Inclusion The Bar Council is organising
careers
are also increasing. The Solicitors Charter have committed to pursue training and briefing sessions for
Regulation Authority (SRA) and best practice across all strands chambers around the country
Bar Standards Board (BSB) now of diversity in all areas of their to help them implement the new
require firms to collect data business. Crucially, signatories also rules. Full details can be found
about the diversity of their commit to report their progress at www.barstandardsboard.org.uk

15. 12 Prospects Law www.prospects.ac.uk/law
Advice and guidance
A day in the life
at Shoosmiths
Based in the regions but corporate and commercial litigation
departments. I completed a range
offering City calibre work of work and came away feeling
and clients, Shoosmiths as though my presence was
valued and I had made a genuine
places corporate social contribution to the teams
responsibility (CSR) high in which I worked.’
This is echoed by Jo who did
on its agenda a vacation scheme at Shoosmiths,
after a friend recommended
‘Shoosmiths is an exciting prospect it as a great place to broaden
for someone who wants great her experience.
client contact, early responsibility, ‘During my two weeks in the
a reasonable level of autonomy Milton Keynes office I had
and good training. People are a fantastic time doing really
encouraged to contribute to the interesting work with fascinating
success of the firm and use their and friendly people. When I was
personality to promote the firm’s Jo Joyce asked to apply for a training
goals,’ says second year trainee contract I leapt at the chance and
Janine Esbrand. upon in-house lawyers, who make Shoosmiths is an
exciting prospect was delighted to be offered the job.’
The firm takes on 20 trainees up a large proportion of our clients,’
for someone who
but ensures that only one trainee she explains. Supportive environment
wants great client
is allocated to each team. This ‘My confidence grew during contact, early Shoosmiths is a full service law
means that trainees can get more my secondment as the people responsibility, a firm covering a variety of areas
in the business that were coming reasonable level including commercial, corporate,
involved, are given good quality of autonomy and
to me for help often needed real estate and litigation. The
work and greater contact good training
answers immediately and I had reputation of the firm and the range
with clients.
to provide them. Doing an in-house of practice areas is what attracted
‘The experience is built
role really helped me to develop first year trainee Rohana
around a practical workload,
my attitude to risk and my ability Abeywardana.
complemented by technical
to meet a client’s needs while ‘During the first six months
and business skills training.
managing their expectations.’ of my training contract, I gained
Over two years, a trainee will
exposure to all stages of the civil
complete four, six-month Good preparation
litigation process from drafting
placements, one of which could Shoosmiths is a people focused firm
a claim form and particulars
be an external secondment both with its clients and staff and
of claim to attending court with
to a client’s in-house legal team, this translates across to those who
counsel. The high-quality work
providing an invaluable insight are considering joining the firm
and level of responsibility was
from the client’s perspective,’ through vacation placements and
excellent from day one.
says Samantha Hope, graduate open days.
recruitment officer. Janine attended an open day and
Newly qualified solicitor completed a two-week vacation Shoosmiths: The facts
Jo Joyce spent her third seat placement at the firm both of which
Full service law firm
seconded to the legal department she felt gave a good insight into the
of an international logistics culture of the firm. 20 trainees each year across the firm
provider. ‘I found the trainees, solicitors
Trainees complete four, six-month seats
‘It was a fantastic opportunity and partners to be very friendly and
to really learn about the legal needs approachable. During my vacation In 2011 the trainee retention rate was 91%
of a business and the demands placement I worked in the