- Home
- About Ashfords
- Services
- International
- Our partners
- Deals Done
- Careers
- Equal Opportunity and Diversity
- Opportunities for Lawyers
- Opportunities for Support Staff
- Trainee Solicitor Recruitment
- What you could expect from us during your training contract
- What we would expect from you as a trainee solicitor
- Work Experience Scheme
- Training Application
- Word Form
- Training Application Form
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Working in more than one office
- The Benefits of Work Experience
- Past Trainees Views
- Online Services
- Press & Events
- Offices
Frequently Asked Questions
What are you looking for in a Trainee?
There is no such thing as a typical Ashfords Trainee. We like to recruit individuals with strong personalities, who will be able to contribute positively to our clients, and also to life in the office.
As we have said, we regard the recruitment of Trainees as a long-term strategy. Our Trainees are potential future partners. We are sure that you will be able to impress us throughout the recruitment process (including during your Work Experience) that you would be an asset to the firm, and would fit comfortably in our offices.
What is Ashfords' policy on non-law graduates?
We do not discriminate between law and non-law graduates when considering applications.
How is the Training Contract organised?
The Contract is divided into four six-month seats.
During your first year we aim to assign you to both a "contentious" and a "non-contentious" department, to give you a feel for the different types of work that we do.
Other than your first seat, you will have some input into the decision as to which seats you will do. We try hard to ensure that all Trainees are given at least their first or second choice each time.
If you are to stay with us after your Training Contract, it may be possible to shorten the last seat, so that you can move early into the department where you will be working after qualification.
You may also be able to reduce the length of your Training Contract by the "time to count" process.
In which office would my Training Contract be based?
We currently offer training contracts in our Bristol, Exeter, Tiverton, Taunton and Plymouth offices.
We ask you on the Application Form to let us know in which of our offices you would prefer your Training Contract to start.
The fact that you will start the Training Contract in a particular office does not mean that you will be expected to spend the whole of your time with us in that office. We would encourage you to carry out seats in our other offices as well, to give you the chance of meeting as many colleagues as possible.
If you would like to find out more about working in more than one office, please click here for information provided by current trainee, Esther Thackeray
How will my progress be monitored?
You will be assigned to a supervisor in each seat, who will be responsible for your day-to-day work.
You will have two formal reviews during each seat, after three and six months. During each review you will have the chance to discuss your progress, deal with any difficulties and set objectives for the rest of the seat.
What funding would Ashfords offer towards my professional training?
Funding is available for the Legal Practice Course Fees if you accept a Training Contract with us.
The possibility of further funding assistance is always under review.
What will I be paid during my Training Contract?
We pay significantly above the minimum salary set by the Law Society. Our rates are amongst the highest in the area.
Your salary would be reviewed at the end of your first year.
Our salaries on qualification are also very competitive.
How will the Professional Skills Course be covered?
You will attend the local PSC Course, from which you will be able to select a range of options relevant to the work that we do. The course will involve days out of the office with the course provider, and also some study days.
What are my chances of being retained as a solicitor at the end of the Training Contract?
We recruit Trainees with a view to their remaining with us after qualification, and building their career with us.
Provided that you complete your Training Contract with us satisfactorily, and there is a vacancy in the department in which you would like to work, you would pass seamlessly from your Training Contract into life as a qualified solicitor.
We are very proud of the fact that over the years most of our trainees have remained with us some going on to be partners.
Our aim is to make formal offers of employment by Easter each year to our second year Trainees.
Does Ashfords require particular subjects to be studied as elective on the LPC?
No. We believe it to be a choice for the individual who should choose subjects of interest and practical relevance.
Do Ashfords specify the institutions at which the PGDL or LPC should be studied?
No. We recognise that there are practical constraints on the choice of place of study. Potential trainees will take into account the Law Society's rating of individual courses.
If you now feel that you have enough information to be able to apply to us, please move to our Application Form by clicking here.
If you would like any further information, please e-mail your name, contact telephone number and the best time to call you by clicking here, and we will speak to you as soon as we can.
