Working for a specialist (niche) firm

As the name suggests, firms in this category specialise in a particular area – often these are in the commercial sector, such the media or shipping but the firm’s specialism can be in any area from crime to agriculture.  Many of the larger specialist firms will have departments outside their main area of expertise, but these are often designed to support the main focus of the firm.

Working environment

This describes the environment in which specialist (niche) firms practise, the nature of these firms, and the kind of work they handle.

  • These firms deal in one specialist work area, or a few closely related ones. Examples are highly diverse but include crime, music/entertainment, shipping, human rights, immigration, taxation, private client, intellectual property, trades unions, equine and bloodstock, agriculture, medical negligence and sports law.
  • Many will be located in central London, but some are based within particular regions from where their work is generated. An example is the Newmarket area where several equine specialist firms can be found.
  • They may be large ( but not on the scale of the huge corporate practices in the City of London) or small, but always employ solicitors who have particular strengths and often professional backgrounds in key areas. Some firms, by the nature of their clients, have a high public profile.
  • Despite there being numerous niche areas in existence, there are always many more hopeful applicants than training contracts available each year.

Qualifications required

  • Niche firms will often be able to select candidates with a strong academic background, eg a 2:1 degree plus 'C' grades and above at A level
  • A proven commitment to their specialist area through relevant work / career experience
  • Additional vocational qualifications may be sought. An example is the recruitment of qualified medics and nurses by medical negligence/personal injury (PI) firms
  • Your selection of appropriate electives will show your interest in these practices

Hard facts

  • A training contract in a niche firm will be very specialised and have great influence on your qualified career. Make sure you really want to commit yourself this early to a specialist area by undertaking thorough research in advance.
  • If you do, then start looking at how you can convince niche firms that your interest is deep seated. This is most effectively done through gaining relevant work experience.
  • It would be sensible to have a back-up plan incorporating other legal areas you would consider applying to in case you are unsuccessful in applying to your preferred niche areas.

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