Training Contract 2026 Tips/Tricks??

Hi guys!

I am currently in a non-russell group uni doing distance learning, on track to be getting a 2:1 in my law degree and I am in my third year (1 year to go) I am pretty desperate for a training contract and I am applying to as many as I can. I have pretty good work experience under my belt (3.5 years in the corporate world prior to starting my degree) and lately all I have been getting is rejections which I try to not let get me down but it does get to me at times.

I would really appreciate it if anyone has any firm recommendations and training contract tips that can make me more attractive to these firms.

Thank you!!!!!!!! :smile:

Reply 1

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Original post by m.dellay

Hi guys!

I am currently in a non-russell group uni doing distance learning, on track to be getting a 2:1 in my law degree and I am in my third year (1 year to go) I am pretty desperate for a training contract and I am applying to as many as I can. I have pretty good work experience under my belt (3.5 years in the corporate world prior to starting my degree) and lately all I have been getting is rejections which I try to not let get me down but it does get to me at times.

I would really appreciate it if anyone has any firm recommendations and training contract tips that can make me more attractive to these firms.

Thank you!!!!!!!! :smile:

Hi!

I don't know how you have been approaching your applications so far but the starting point is to make them as tailored as you can to the firm. Show the firm why you want to work there -> Is there a particular practice area that appeals to you that the firm specialises in? If you find that, then write why and link it to your experience. If you have met people from that firm, then emphasise how the culture of the firm stood out to you. Another point is the training that the firm offers -> some firms offer a shorter rotation between seats such as Freshfields, which offers 8 seats, thus rotating every three months.

In addition, explain why you want to work in commercial law. If you use answers like "I enjoy the fast-paced nature of the environment" or "working with top clients on big-ticket deals", you should be careful to explain why commercial law and not investment banking because the points I made could very easily be applied there. I recently took a good course called "writing successful applications" by Commercial Law Academy, which provides good tips on how to talk about firm motivations and pursuing a career in commercial law.