Frequently Asked Questions

Expand all Collapse all

• What are your closing dates?

  31st January 2012 for the vacation scheme, and 31st July 2012 for training contracts commencing in 2014.

• What are you looking for in a trainee solicitor?

  What we look for in a potential trainee is a strong academic background. We encourage applications from candidates of all disciplines who have achieved or are expecting to achieve a 2:1 or higher, and have attained at least 320 UCAS points at A level standard or the equivalent.
  
  We also look beyond academic ability. We want enthusiastic team players and confident communicators, so involvement in extracurricular activities is important too. It proves to us that you’ll be as committed to being part of our team at LG as you are to your career in law. So make sure you include details of your involvement in any team activities or positions of responsibility you may have held, as well as your work experience.
  
  Other key attributes we look for include excellent organisational skills, initiative and commercial awareness. What’s more, you must have the personality, confidence and great communication skills needed to make an impression with our clients.

• Can you explain the assessment procedure?

  All candidates complete an interview with two partners, along with a case study assessment and online verbal reasoning test. You will also get to meet current trainees and take a tour of the office. All assessments are completed in one day.

• Do you have any preferences as to where I attend Law School?

  Yes. We have an exclusive agreement with the College of Law, so would expect all future trainees to study the corporate route LPC at COL Moorgate. For those studying the GDL, we are flexible about which location you choose for the training. Having all of our trainees studying in one place enables greater integration during your LPC year and will ensure a smooth transition into the firm.

• Do you sponsor students through Law School?

  Yes, we do sponsor those students who have secured a training contract with us. We pay your full fees as well as providing a maintenance grant of £6,500 in London and £6,000 outside of London.

• How much responsibility can I expect while I’m a trainee?

  A lot. We have a relatively small trainee intake, so you’ll be heavily involved and a valued team member. You can expect client contact and, in some departments you will be handling your own case files.

• What’s the starting salary?

  Currently, first years earn £34,000 per annum. This goes up to £38,000 per annum in the second year. There is a further significant increase comparable with our competitors on qualification.

• What’s your policy on pro bono work?

  We do not have a firm-wide policy about pro bono work, but it’s something that many individuals here get involved in. Our pro bono work is organised by each Practice Group - our Employment Team recently won an award for our work on the Big Issue.

• Do you have a brochure that I can download?

  Yes, a pdf of our graduate brochure is available to download here.