Securing a training contract or pupillage
A training contract or pupillage is the final stage in your training as a solicitor or barrister on completion of the LPC or BPTC. They are periods of ‘on the job’ learning and allow you to put your training into practice. Most full-time training contracts with firms of solicitors last for two years. Pupillage is commonly one year of hands-on training, usually in barristers’ chambers.
Competition for training contracts and pupillages is intense. You need to be realistic about what firms and chambers are looking for, and whether you fit the bill.
The facts
95% of training contracts are located in private practice firms, of which around 30% are in firms with 81 or more partners. Virtually all (over 95%) pupillages are secured with Chambers.
Size and practice area will have a significant influence on salary levels. For example, payment during pupillage can vary from the minimum of £10,000 for 12 months to over £40,000 in some of the commercial sets.
Similarly, trainee solicitors can receive anything from the minimum of £18,590 in central London or £16,650 outside London, to £30,000 - £40,000 at many city firms.
Assess your chances of success
Start your plan to secure a training contract or pupillage by doing your research. Look at:
- the type of practice or chambers that might suit you
- the areas of law you are interested in
- where in the country you’d like to work
- what the selection criteria are for the firms and chambers you’re interested in, and importantly whether you meet them.
Where to start
There are a number of sources to help you:
College of Law open days are also a great way to find out more, giving you an opportunity to chat to our careers consultants.
