The GA Solicitors Trainee Solicitor Application Process: What to Expect
Applying for a training contract is an exciting step towards qualifying as a solicitor, but knowing what to expect from the application process can help you prepare and approach it with confidence.
At GA Solicitors, we want to give prospective trainees the opportunity to demonstrate their skills, experience, ambitions and personality throughout the application process.
So, what can you expect when you apply for a trainee solicitor position with GA?
Step 1: Complete the application form
The first stage of the process is completing our online trainee application form.
The application form gives us the opportunity to learn more about you, including your academic background, work experience, achievements, interests and motivations for pursuing a career as a solicitor.
Take your time when completing the form. Your application is your first opportunity to introduce yourself to us, so make sure your answers are considered, clear and provide a genuine reflection of you.
Don’t simply focus on what you think we want to hear. We want to understand your motivations, experiences and aspirations.
Step 2: The application review
Once the application window has closed, applications will be reviewed by our recruitment team.
We look at the information provided across the application to understand each candidate’s suitability for the trainee programme.
Your academic achievements and experience are important, but they are not the only things we want to know about you.
Your application should also demonstrate your motivation to become a solicitor, the skills and qualities you have developed, and what you could bring to GA Solicitors.
This is why your personal statement is particularly important. It is your opportunity to bring your application to life and tell us more about the person behind the qualifications and experience.
Step 3: The interview
Candidates who progress through the application process will be invited to interview. The recruitment process consists of two stages. The first stage is an interview and a short exercise where you can show us your skills, such as but not limited to attention to detail and/or drafting, followed by a second stage which involves giving a presentation on a topic selected by us (don’t worry we give you sufficient time to prepare).
The interview is an opportunity for us to find out more about you, your motivations, your experience and how you may fit into the culture here at GA Solicitors. You should be prepared to talk about your application and explain why you have chosen a career in law and why you are interested in training with GA Solicitors.
It is also an opportunity for you to find out more about us and our values. A training contract is an important commitment, so you should use the interview to learn more about the firm, our people and the opportunities available to trainees.
Before your interview, make sure you have researched GA Solicitors and thought about what attracts you to the firm.
Step 4: The outcome
Following the interview process, successful candidates will be informed of the next steps.
Our aim throughout the recruitment process is to identify individuals who have the potential to develop into successful solicitors and who can contribute to the continued development of GA Solicitors.
Successful trainees will begin our two-year training programme, which provides experience across four different seats.
Trainees have the opportunity to gain experience in both contentious and non-contentious areas of law, while also developing an understanding of the wider business of a law firm.
What are we looking for?
Throughout the application process, we want to get to know you. We are interested in your academic and professional achievements, but also in your motivations, aspirations, personality and experiences.
To apply for our training contract, you will need to meet the following criteria:
- You have obtained a 2:1 LLB (Hons) degree or a 2:1 (Hons) non-law degree and have passed the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) or the Postgraduate Diploma in Law (PGDL); and
- You are currently studying on a full or part-time LPC or SQE course, or you will be starting an SQE course in the September before you commence your training contract with us; and
- You will need to have a strong work ethic and excellent organisational skills to balance your qualifying work experience or period of recognised training alongside your SQE or LPC studies.
Meeting these criteria is only part of what we are looking for. We want to see evidence of the qualities that can help you succeed as a solicitor at GA, such as communication, organisation, teamwork, analytical thinking, resilience and attention to detail.
Ready to take the next step?
If you are considering a career as a solicitor and would like to find out more about our trainee programme, visit our trainee recruitment page for information about the programme, eligibility and how to apply. You can read what our trainees say about working for GA Solicitors and hear first hand what to expect.
Why should I apply for a training contract at GA Solicitors?
GA Solicitors offers more than just a training contract; it offers the opportunity to build a genuine career within a supportive, ambitious and forward-thinking law firm. In our two-year training programme, you will gain experience across three to four practice areas, which can cover both contentious and non-contentious work, with approximately six months spent in each. Ideally, your final seat will be within the team you propose to qualify into, giving you the opportunity to build on your experience and providing a smooth path towards qualification and your role as a newly qualified solicitor at GA.
With hands-on experience, support from experienced solicitors and real opportunities to take responsibility, we give our trainees the foundations they need to thrive. If you are looking for a firm where your development matters, your contribution is valued and you can see a clear future beyond your training contract, GA Solicitors could be the right place to start your legal career.
Take the next step and apply for a training contract with GA Solicitors, your future as a solicitor starts here.
Why not check out our other article that discusses our 6 Top Tips for completing Your Trainee Contract Application.
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