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FAQ


    Questions about the Training Contract:

  • How do I apply for a training contract?
    • We recruit our trainee solicitors two years in advance of the start of a training contract. If you would like to apply for a training contract at Edwin Coe, please complete and submit the on-line application form.

  • Do we wait until receiving all applications before reviewing them?
    • Yes, we wait until the application process has closed and will review all applications within 1 month of the closing date.

  • Which year of your degree do you have to be in to apply for a training contract?
    • You have to be in the second year of a law degree or the third year for a non law degree. If you have already completed your degree you are still eligible to apply.

  • Do you really need a 1st or 2:1 in your degree to get a training contract at Edwin Coe?
    • Yes, having a 2:1 or higher is part of the entry requirements for a position as a trainee solicitor.

  • How many trainee solicitors do you take on each year?
    • We recruit 4/5 trainee solicitors each year. The trainee intake is in the month of September.

  • How many seats will I sit in during my training contract?
    • The training contract is made up of four seats, each lasting six months.

  • Are there any seats that are compulsory?
    • We require all trainee solicitors to undertake a seat in both contentious and non-contentious practice areas.

  • Will I get feedback during my training contract?
    • Yes, trainees are given both formal and informal feedback during their training contract. All trainee solicitors have mid seat and end of seat reviews enabling us to identify any development needs, let you know where you have excelled and ensure that you are progressing well.

  • Who will I sit with during my training contract?
    • Each trainee solicitor shares an office with a partner or an associate who will be their supervisor.

  • Can I apply more than once?
    • If you applied for a place on our vacation scheme and you weren't successful, you can still apply for a training contract.

      If you applied for a training contract and we turned you down (either before or after an interview), think carefully before reapplying. We don't prohibit a second application, but you need to ask yourself what has changed in the time since your first application that might make us want to change our minds.

      For the sake of clarity, we would not expect a third application to be successful since you will have already given it your best shot.

  • Questions about the Summer Vacation Scheme:

  • What year of your degree do you have to be in to apply for the summer vacation?
    • You have to be in your second year of a law degree or your third year for a non law degree. If you are beyond this or have completed your degree you are still eligible to apply.

  • Will it help my application for a training contract if I do a vacation scheme with you?
    • No. The vacation scheme is more about helping you decide whether a career with a law firm is right for you and whether we are what you want. Almost all of those who spend time with us in the summer apply for a training contract. We are delighted by this because it means the students enjoyed their time with us. But it doesn't mean that a training contract is assured. It's easy to become complacent if you've had a place on our vacation scheme and then come to the interview under-prepared, thinking you have a head start.

  • Am I at a disadvantage if I do not have any legal work experience?
    • Work experience is an important part of your application as it gives you the ability to demonstrate some of our desired competencies and transferable skills. Whilst we look at all work experience, legal work experience is particularly helpful as it gives you the opportunity to gain first hand experience of the career and the ability to demonstrate commitment. If you are applying for our vacation scheme, we appreciate that you may not have a great deal of legal work experience, however, it is still important that you demonstrate transferable skills throughout the rest of your application.

  • I am a first year law student or second year non law student at university, are there any schemes that I can apply for?
    • No, unfortunately we do not offer vacation schemes for first year law students or second year non law students. You will however be able to apply the following year.