FAQ's
Q. When should you apply?
A. Please watch our website, details will be posted here as and when the external route for applications is opened.
Q. What emphasis do you place on previous work experience when considering applications?
A. Previous work experience is an important part of the application form. We look for a solid mix of legal and general work experience.
Q. What is the interview process?
A. The first stage of the process is with a member of the HR team one of the training supervisors. If successful the second stages consists of a panel interview headed by the Training Principal.
Q. How many trainees do you recruit per year?
A. This varies from year to year depending on the needs of the business. As a guide we currently have 8 Trainees in various departments and locations across the firm.
Q. What experience will you get?
A. During the placement, you will be assigned to an experienced lawyer who will act as your mentor. You will have the opportunity to assist lawyers in handling work from across the different practice areas of our firm. You will gain "a real life" experience of law in practice. For example, you may be required to:
- Draft documents
- Attend trials and meetings
- Liaise with witnesses/clients
- Research particular areas of law
You will work as part of a team where you will have the opportunity to use many of the skills which we believe are essential to the role of a solicitor at Russell Jones & Walker. These include analysis, team working, report writing, interviewing witnesses, carrying out research, and dealing with clients.
Q. How do you keep in touch with trainees before they join the firm?
A. We regularly communicate with future trainees via email and letters.
Q. What seats do you offer, and are any of them compulsory?
A. Our areas of work include:
- Personal Injury
- Employment
- Commercial Litigation
- Crime
- Wills
- Property
The seats that are allocated to trainees are dependent on the needs of the business, we can not guarantee that individual preferences can be met.
Q. Do you accept applications for training contracts from mature graduates?
A. Russell Jones & Walker is a strong believer in diversity and we encourage applications from people of all backgrounds for training contracts.