Qualifying as a Solicitor can be a straightforward process however, for some it is a little more complex.

You have received the support you have required. You have been mentored by experienced solicitors and partners. They have imparted their valuable knowledge and expertise with you. You have enjoyed the majority of your training contract. The seats you have undertaken have given you an insight into which area of law you want to qualify in.

Area of Law? 

The area of law that sparked the greatest interest in you is the one you want to practice in the future. Unfortunately, there is a trend for firms to push their trainees in to the busiest area of law at that time. Perhaps you very much liked transactional led areas such as; Property, Real Estate or Private Client. However, the demand for Litigators is high. Therefore, the only opportunity within your current firm is to specialise into Litigation/Dispute Resolution. An area of law you know is not suited to you. So what can you do?

Loyalty. Mis-placed?

Trainees feel a certain loyalty to their current firm, the reasons are self-explanatory. However, the route to qualification isn’t cheap! Paying back student loans can be crippling, especially for those newly qualified and based outside of the city. Qualifying into one area and then later deciding you wish to switch disciplines is more difficult than pursuing the area of law you want to practice upon qualification.

Exploring your options might be time consuming but that’s why using a specialist legal recruiter can truly benefit you at this time. Good advice, discretion and confidentiality are vital at this stage in your career. The crucial thing to remember is that finding out what your options are, does not mean you have to move firms. It simply means you are more informed.

If you would like a further discussion. Please get in touch.