Frequently asked questions
Yep! Approximately 30% of trainees starting each year are non-law graduates. Variety is the spice of life.
As a non-law student, you can apply during (or after) your final year. We sponsor for the PGDL (conversion course) and the SQE.
You need to apply two years before you want to start your training contract, so it would be too early for first year students. Graduates can apply but please be aware it will be for two years in the future.
Generally, no. We prefer our trainees to have the full two years training under their belts in order to get the broad experience needed to prepare for qualification.
Ouch, a toughie. Well, we believe that trainees should receive a good grounding in all aspects of law in order to make them rounded and experienced lawyers. By offering more seats trainees get to experience different work, often in niche areas, and meet different people in all departments.
We find trainees agree that this gives them a good look at all the different areas of law which enables them to make a better decision about the area in which they would like to qualify at the end of the two years.
Yes, of course. Take a look at our main website with all our current vacancies:
Yep! Just fill in the application form but make it clear your reasons for changing direction so we understand.
This can be a very positive choice to make – getting out into the world, exploring new places and different cultures can only benefit you. Think about how these experiences will make a valuable contribution to your application. The only advice that we would give is – have a good time!
Not at all. We understand students can feel obliged to undertake vacation placements every year, or as often as they can, because it will look good on their CV.
For us, this doesn’t matter. Vacation placements are good for you because they give you a good look at different firms. It also gives the firm a chance to interact with you. However, if you have done something else very interesting or challenging, we would prefer to see that on a CV rather than a long list of placements in law firms each year and nothing else. So, be creative, enjoy yourself and do what is best for you.
No, but just make clear in your application details of previous jobs and reasons for career change. If there isn’t room on the form, then send a separate CV or include continuation sheets.
Of course, but you will need to complete a new application form and not down any information on your previous applications.
No, you can sit whichever electives you prefer although we would recommend the commercial options because they may serve you better once you start work. Little tip there.
We are in partnership with BPP Law School, BPP are based in nine city centre locations, you can decide which one you attend.
Sometimes, yes. These can be very beneficial so if an opportunity comes up we inform the trainees who apply for that seat to see if they’re interested. This year (so far), we have had four client secondments available to trainees.
We pay all the PGDL and SQE fees plus a maintenance grant of £5,000 each year.
Yes. You do need to specify grades and, if possible, include the grading scale applied to the qualifications to allow us to assess your application fairly. Otherwise we might not have a scooby-doo what’s going on.
Good question! Trainees joining us September 2024 will be the first cohort to complete their qualification via the SQE route. All trainees will complete SQE 1 & 2 before joining the firm.
For more information on the SQE transition, chat to our early careers team via hellograduates@walkermorris.co.uk