Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Hopefully, we have managed to answer most of your questions but if not, you might find the answer below. However, if you can't find the answer, please contact our Graduate Recruitment Officer, Hannah King on +44 (0)20 7423 8312 or hking@trowers.com. Hannah will be able to help you with any questions that you may have.
How many applications do you receive each year?
Each year, we receive approximately 1,500 applications for training contracts with the firm and 600 applications for our vacation placements.
How many candidates do you interview each year?
For our vacation placements, we interview approximately 80 candidates for 38 places. For training contracts, we will invite approximately 100 candidates to assessment centres and will select around half for interview.
What will happen at interview?
We run two sets of interviews – one for the vacation scheme and the other for training contracts.
The interview for the vacation placement is conducted via telephone and lasts approximately 20 minutes. We aim to inform everyone of the outcome of their interview within 2 weeks.
The selection process for a training contract has two phases. The first is an assessment centre and as part of this you will be asked to complete a psychometric profiling exercise and an aptitude test. Those who are successful at assessment centre will be invited back to interview with two Partners as a second stage. This will include a practical test. p>
Do you accept applications from candidates who have obtained a 2:2?
We ask candidates to have predicted/achieved a minimum of 2:1 or above at degree level and 320 UCAS points or the equivalent. We understand however that there may be extenuating circumstances to explain why these grades may not be achieved. As such, there is a section on our application form where you can explain the circumstances surrounding any lesser grades or degree classification.
Do you accept applications from candidates who need a work permit?
Yes, we do accept applications from candidates who need a work permit and should your application be successful, we will arrange the work permit for you. However, your offer will be conditional upon us being able to gain approval from the UK Border Agency for your work permit.
What percentage of trainees are from a non-law background?
Each year we recruit approximately 50% of our trainees from a non-law background.
Does where I went to university matter?
No, we believe in the benefits of a diverse workforce and do not have any preferences for which university you attended.
Does the firm have preferred law school providers?
No, we do not specify which law school you should attend. We do, however, ask that you attend a law school that is rated highly by the Solicitors' Regulation Authority. For further details, please visit the SRA website: www.sra.org.uk.
Do you specify which electives I should study on the LPC?
No, we believe that you should be able to study the areas of law which most interest you. However, we do expect you to make a sensible choice and select electives that are relevant to the firm's practice areas.
How do you keep in touch with your future trainees?
We believe in involving our future trainees in as many activities as possible in order to make the beginning of your training contract as less daunting as possible. During the two years before you join the firm, you will receive regular updates on the firm and copies of the firm newsletter. We also run events during the course of the year where you will have the opportunity to get together with our current trainees and some of the partners.
What is your trainee retention rate?
We believe in recruiting trainees who we believe have a future with the firm and we aim to keep all trainees on qualification. In 2006 our retention rate was 100% and in 2007 in is 80%.
How much responsibility can I expect during my training contract?
During the course of your training contract, you will be given as much responsibility as possible which will certainly include client contact and 'real work'. Depending on the department, you will be given your own files to run or will work as an integral part of a projects team on transactional matters. You will find that many clients will contact you directly with any questions they have.
What makes Trowers & Hamlins different from its competitors?
At Trowers & Hamlins we believe that the sheer diversity of our practice, the ethos of the Firm and the quality of work you will get involved in will make your training contract a challenging but really enjoyable experience. Where else could you work on Middle Eastern infrastructure projects in one seat, major urban regeneration in another, and major private equity deals in a third?
Finally we recruit to retain. We take in a comparatively small number of trainees each year. We are looking for them to contribute to the long term future of then Firm.
We offer excellent opportunities around the UK as well as the opportunity to experience work out in the Middle East. These are the things which we believe set us apart from our competitors.
Is there an opportunity to spend a seat in one of your overseas offices?
Yes, every 6 months we send 6 of our trainees out to our Middle Eastern offices and this number is likely to increase as those offices continue to grow. At present, our Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Dubai and Oman offices all take trainees for 6 months.
Whilst you are overseas you will experience an excellent range of work as well as getting to know the country and culture. If you are interested in spending 6 months overseas, we can normally guarantee that you will get the opportunity to experience life abroad.
What opportunities are there in Manchester and Exeter?
In Manchester we offer a training contract which consists of a minimum of 2 seats in Manchester and one seat in London.
Our Exeter office currently recruit one trainee each year who will spend two of their four seats in the Exeter office. If you enjoy surfing and other outdoor sports, the location is a bonus!
What is the process for deciding where I will qualify?
Approximately 4 months before you are due to qualify, you will be invited to a meeting explaining the qualification process. All vacancies are advertised and each trainee has the opportunity to apply to any department they would like to qualify into. Each department will conduct interviews and from there the offers are made. You will normally be told at least 3 months before the end of your training contract which department you will qualify into.
Am I able to qualify into one of your overseas offices?
Yes, provided they have a vacancy! All overseas vacancies are advertised along with the vacancies in the UK. We have in the past had trainees who have qualified straight into one of our overseas office. It is also possible to qualify into the UK and then transfer overseas at a later date.
How to apply/brochure request
If you would like to apply for either a Training Contract or a Vacation Placement please click here.
https://www.apply4law.com/trowers/.