FAQs

• Application Advice

  How do I apply for a vacation placement or training contract?

  
  

  All applications must be made online using the 'Apply' section of the graduate website.  Candidates who undertake a vacation scheme will automatically be considered for a training contract and so are not required to make a separate training contract application.

  
  

  What are your application deadlines?

  
  

  We are currently recruiting for training contracts in England beginning in September 2015 or March 2016. To apply for a training contract you must complete an online application and submit it by 31 July 2013.  The application deadline for Scottish training contracts to start in September 2014 is 5 October 2012.

  
  

  The deadline for English and Scottish vacation placement applications is 31 January 2013.  This is in order to be considered for a vacation placement taking place in Summer 2013.  We do not currently offer Winter or Easter vacation placements.

  
  

  Applications for Belfast based Training Contracts commencing in 2013 should be made by 28 February 2013.  Assessment centres will take place during March.  

  
  

  I am completing a Law degree – does it matter what modules I choose to study?

  
  

  Pinsent Masons does not stipulate that you need to have studied particular modules as part of your undergraduate studies, however, we would expect that students who are keen to pursue a career in commercial law will have taken the opportunity to further their knowledge in this area through choosing relevant modules, when the opportunity has arisen.

  
  

  I am completing a Law degree with a year abroad – when can I apply for vacation placements?

  
  

  You can apply from your second year onwards in the same way that other students are able to.  Many students prefer to undertake a vacation placement before undertaking their year abroad.

  
  

  I am completing a non-Law degree with a year abroad – when can I apply for vacation placements?

  
  

  If you are applying to one of our English offices you can apply from your penultimate year onwards, but not in the second year of a four-year course (even if you will be spending a year abroad as part of your studies).  As a non-law student you will still be competing against candidates from a Law background, including those currently studying towards the GDL and LPC. 

  
  

  When will I know the outcome of my application?

  
  

  You will receive an automated email acknowledgement of your application once it has been successfully submitted.  We do not start screening applications until the application deadline so you will not hear back from us prior to this.  We aim to confirm the allocation of vacation placement places by the end of February and the awarding of training contracts on 1 September (following either a vacation placement or assessment centre).

  
  

  How many applications do you receive?

  
  

  On average we receive about 1000 applications for vacation placements and an additional 750 applications for training contracts.  We typically interview between 10-15% of applicants.  Application numbers vary across each office with London receiving a disproportionately high number of applications.

  
  

  Do you offer feedback on applications?

  
  

  Given the number of applications we receive, we do not offer individual feedback to those applicants who are unsuccessful at the application screening stage.  In order to help you maximise your chances of success we recommend you read our application advice document and familiarise yourself with our competency framework.

  
  

  I do not meet your minimum academic requirement, can I still apply?

  
  

  Law is an intellectually demanding career and we are looking to recruit candidates with strong academic results to date.  If you have extenuating circumstances that have impacted negatively on your results then we are willing to take this into account.  Please detail these on your application to us.  The remainder of your application will need to be very strong in order to be successful.

  
  

  I don't have A-level qualifications, but I gained other equivalent qualifications abroad – will you still consider my application?

  
  

  Yes, please specify your grades and, where possible, please include the grading scale applied to the qualifications to allow us to assess you performance to date.

  
  

  Is it advantageous to complete a Masters degree eg LLM before applying?

  
  

  The vast majority of our trainees have not undertaken any post-graduate study other than the GDL and/or LPC.  While a Masters level qualification may enhance your subject-matter knowledge in a given area we do not feel it will necessarily enhance the skills required to be a successful trainee solicitor.

  
  

  Do I need previous legal work experience to apply?

  
  

  Candidates applying for a vacation placement are not required to have previous legal work experience, however, we would encourage you to attend law fairs, campus events and open days as these will help you develop your understanding of the legal sector and also demonstrate a commitment to a career in law. 

  
  

  Candidates applying directly for a training contract need to show evidence of previous legal work experience, ideally in a commercial law environment or an in-house legal team.  This could be obtained through either a formal vacation placement programme or through your own initiative.  The experience does not need to be extensive (two weeks would be sufficient) but you need to be able to demonstrate through the assessment process that you have first-hand knowledge of what it would be like to work in a commercial law firm.

  
  

  What if I need a work permit?

  
  

  It is difficult for us to sponsor overseas nationals, as we must justify why we are recruiting from overseas rather than Europe. We do accept applications from non-EU nationals, but please ensure you are clear about what (if any) sponsorship you will require in order to be able to work in the UK on a permanent, full-time basis.

  
  

  If I previously applied to Pinsent Masons and was unsuccessful, can I re-apply?

  
  

  Yes, you will need to complete a new online application in order to be considered.  It is very important that you consider why your initial application was unsuccessful before you reapply.  In the past candidates who have reapplied have been successful with their second application but the majority are not.  In many cases this is because their application does not show any significant improvement from their initial application.  Please note if you were unsuccessful in securing a training contract following a vacation placement at the firm you cannot reapply for another vacation placement.  Instead you should apply directly for a training contract.

• Equal Opportunities

  I require the application form in an alternative format, can you provide this?

  
  

  Yes, please email graduate@pinsentmasons.com with details of the format you require in order to complete an application. If you require adjustments to be made please give us as much notice as possible in order to make these changes.

  
  

  What should I do if I require reasonable adjustment to be made during the recruitment process?

  
  

  We are committed to ensuring that all candidates can participate fully in our selection process. Please email graduate@pinsentmasons.com with details of the adjustment you may require.

  
  

  I am worried that if I disclose my disability this will impact negatively on my application.

  
  

  We welcome applications from all candidates and assess them on their individual merits.  It is up to each candidate whether they choose to disclose their disability but we can only provide support and make the necessary adjustments should you inform us. 

  
  

  Is there an upper age limit for applicants?

  
  

  No, we are happy to consider applications from all candidates. 

• UK Training Contracts

  How many training contracts do you offer each year?

  
  

  Historically Pinsent Masons recruited 60 trainee solicitors, whilst McGrigors recruited around 25.  As a combined business we anticipate recruiting around 80 trainees this year.  These trainees are based across our UK offices.  Although numbers in each office can vary somewhat from year to year we typically recruit the following number of trainees into each office on an annual basis:

  
  

  London (23), Belfast (5) Birmingham (12), Leeds (12), Manchester (7) and Scotland (21). 

  
  

  Do I need to undertake a vacation placement to be offered a training contract?

  
  

  No, although we do view our vacation placement programme as the ideal opportunity for students to have a 'real' look at the firm and vice versa. However, we also recognise that students have other commitments during the summer and therefore we will be conducting training contract interviews for direct applicants in August (England) and October (Scotland).

  
  

  What is the starting salary?

  
  

  All the trainee salaries are benchmarked against the market rates in their locations.  Our current first/second year trainee salaries are:

  
  

  London: £36,000/£39,000 

  
  

  English Regions: £25,000/£27,000

  
  

  Scotland: £20,000/£23,000

  
  

  Belfast: £12,782/£14,372

  
  

  How does Pinsent Masons feel about students taking a year out?

  
  

  We are happy to consider anyone who is intending to take time out. However, we would expect you to take your year out after graduation and before commencing law school.

  
  

  Can I defer my offer?

  
  

  Yes, subject to our business requirements. This can be agreed with the graduate recruitment manager within a reasonable timeframe before your offered start date.

  
  

  I have previous legal experience – can it count towards my training contract?

  
  

  We believe the training contract provides experience-based professional training, plus a rounded picture of Pinsent Masons. Reducing the training contract would reduce the in-depth insight graduates gain, and therefore it is our policy not to grant reductions in the training contract.

  
  

  Do I get to choose my seats?

  
  

  We consult with all our trainees about which seats they undertake before decisions are made. We make every effort within the constraints of the training contract to ensure trainees experience the groups that interest them but commercial considerations must also be taken into account.

  
  

  Can I undertake seats in more than one location?

  
  

  We are looking for flexibility in our trainees, and where opportunities arise in the business there is certainly room to move around. Currently 10% of each trainee intake spends at least one seat in another office (excluding those on client secondments) and we anticipate this will rise over time.

  
  

  At present there are limited opportunities to undertake an overseas seat, typically we have three UK trainees in our Dubai office and one in our Falkland Island office at any one time.  All second year trainees are able to express an interest in undertaking an overseas seat with places being awarded on the basis of performance and future career aspirations.

  
  

  Do you offer client secondments?

  
  

  Yes, on average 20% of our trainees undertake a secondment during their training contract.  All second year trainees are able to express an interest in undertaking a secondment with places being awarded on the basis of performance and future career aspirations. 

  
  

  What is your retention rate?

  
  

  Our intention is to retain as many trainees as possible, historically Pinsent Masons has retained in excess of 80% of our trainees although this has dipped recently.  We invest a lot of time and money in our trainees but we are only able to offer positions for newly qualified solicitors where there is a justifiable business case.  This is why we also encourage our trainees to keep an open mind as to where they might like to qualify (both in terms of practice area and location).

• UK Vacation Placements

  Do I have to submit an application for a training contract as well as a vacation placement?

  
  

  If you are successful in gaining a place on the vacation placement programme you will automatically be considered for a training contract at the firm.  If you are not successful with your application for a vacation placement you will need to wait for 12 months before applying for either a vacation placement or training contract. 

  
  

  How long does the vacation placement last?

  
  

  The programme runs over a two-week period (English & Belfast offices) and three weeks (Scottish offices) and there are a number of intakes between June and July.

  
  

  Do you have to complete a vacation placement to be offered a training contract?

  
  

  No, although we do view our vacation placement programme as the ideal opportunity for students to have a 'real' look at the firm and vice versa. However, we also recognise that students have other commitments that prevent them from undertaking a vacation placement.

  
  

  Is the vacation placement programme paid?

  
  

  Yes, in 2013 vacation placement students will receive £250 per week. 

  
  

  What is the format of the programme?

  
  

  You will sit in one practice area over your time at the firm.  This will ensure that you get more exposure to that practice and form more of a relationship with your team enabling you to be more involved with their work and therefore get more responsibility and experience.  During the placement you will also undertake a number of formal assessments, attend presentations and get involved in social activities.

  
  

  Do I get to choose which practice area you sit in?

  
  

  You are asked to give your top three practice area preferences and we will do our best to accommodate your request.  However from time to time it may be difficult to achieve this due to commercial reasons - we wouldn’t want to place you in a department that is quieter than normal.

  
  

  Can I undertake a vacation placement in my first year at university?

  
  

  No, we do not offer vacation placements to first year students unless you are undertaking the two-year (LLB) or equivalent.  First year students are encouraged to develop their knowledge of the legal sector by attending campus events and insight evenings or through gaining some commercial experience in an alternative organisation.

  
  

  Do you offer vacation placements in your overseas offices?

  
  

  No, all candidates seeking a UK training contract must undertake a vacation placement in a UK office.  Only candidates applying to become a trainee solicitor in Hong Kong should apply for a vacation placement in Hong Kong. 

• UK School Gap Year

  How long doe the programme last for?

  
  

  The programme has duration of approximately 8 months from September – April.  Depending on business requirements there may be possibility to extend the placement beyond April. 

  
  

  Which offices in the UK does the programme operate in?

  
  

  The programme operates across all our UK offices; London, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen and Belfast.

  
  

  Is the programme paid?

  
  

  Yes, you will be paid £17,000 per annum pro rata (London) or £14,000 per annum pro rata (Birmingham and Leeds) for your time at the firm.

• UK School Work Experience

  How long does the work placement last?

  
  

  The work experience programme takes place over one week on a number of different intakes over the year.  You will be able to select which intake you would like to apply for in the online application form. 

  
  

  What is the format of the week?

  
  

  We are constantly reviewing the programme and therefore the content may change, but generally you will spend time in a different practice area each day and there will also be a number seminars and information presentations for you to attend over the week.

  
  

  Is the programme paid?

  
  

  No, the work experience programme is a voluntary programme aimed at providing people interested in a career in law with an overview of what a career in commercial law is really like.

• Law School

  Do you pay fees and any maintenance grants?

  
  

  In England we pay GDL and LPC fees and maintenance grants to graduates who have accepted a training contract with us, prior to starting law school. In Scotland we pay fees for PEAT1 and provide a maintenance grant.  In Northern Ireland we pay fees for the IPLS and GSPLS.  The level of sponsorship offered is reviewed on a regular basis in order to ensure it remains in line with market rates.

  
  

  Do you mind where I study?

  
  

  All GDL and LPC students need to study at the College of Law in order to receive sponsorship from us.  You can choose any of the following locations: London (Moorgate), Birmingham, Manchester and York.  Scottish candidates are welcome to study towards the Diploma at any approved institution.  We do still accept applications from candidates who have self-funded their law school studies through other recognised providers. 

  
  

  What LPC electives should I study?

  
  

  Pinsent Masons encourages students to study those subjects that most closely relate to the work of our firm.  All students receiving sponsorship from the firm must study the following 'City' electives: acquisitions, debt finance and equity finance.

  
  

  Can I study towards the fast-track LLM at the College of Law?

  
  

  Your priority must be to secure the best grade possible in your LPC studies - we expect a minimum of a commendation and the vast majority of our future trainees achieve a distinction.  We do not wish to add further to our future trainee's workload by asking them to study towards an LLM, however, if you wish to study towards the fast-track LLM in your own time then you will need to cover the associated costs yourself.

  
  

  I have already completed the GDL and/or LPC, will you refund my course fees?

  
  

  No, any course that you have completed prior to being made a training contract offer will not be reimbused. 

• International Applicants

  How do I apply for a training contract or vacation scheme in the Hong Kong office ?

  
  

  To apply for a training contract or vacation scheme you must submit electronic copies of the following documents to graduatehk@pinsentmasons.com by no later than 30 September 2011 (for the 2013 intake) and by no later than 29 February 2012 (for the 2014 intake).

  
  

  · Cover letter

  
  

  · Curriculum Vitae

  
  

  · Valid IELTS certificate

  
  

  · Academic transcripts from University degree, and

  
  

  · Any other documents which you consider support your application (e.g. references)

  
  

  Please note you do not need to apply separately for a training contract if you applying for a vacation scheme with the Hong Kong office, as all vacation placement students are considered for a training contract while on their placement.

  
  

  For more information our international opportunities please click here. 

• Paralegal Opportunities

  What do paralegals do?

  
  

  Historically paralegals assisted solicitors, largely in relation to case preparation.  They were regularly hired by law firms on a fixed term contract basis to assist with trial preparation, undertaking research, gathering paperwork where the solicitors were busy or their time was too costly to deal with these aspects themselves.  However, the term paralegal has developed over the recent years and the majority of paralegals are now employed on a permanent basis, running their own files.  The term paralegal these days is loosely used for any type of fee earner who is not a qualified solicitor or legal executive. 

  
  

  How can I apply to become a paralegal?
  

  
  

  We have a small number of paralegals across the firm although the numbers have increased in recent years.  All paralegal vacancies are advertised on the 'Careers' section of our main corporate website. 

  
  

  What do you look for in candidates applying for paralegal vacancies, do I need previous paralegal experience?

  
  

  Generally firms will look for candidates with strong academics and ideally, some previous experience, but not always.  When a paralegal is required on a fixed-term basis it may also be a suitable for someone to undertake the role following law school and prior to commencing a training contract. 

  
  

  How much do paralegals get paid?

  
  

  This will vary from firm to firm and also by location.  An average salary for paralegals in the English regions is £16,000 to £24,000.  In London salaries tend to be between £21,000 and 24,000 (depending upon experience).

  
  

  Will paralegal experience help me gain a training contract?

  
  

  The experience of working in a law firm will help you develop many of the skills required in order to become a trainee solicitor.  This will help improve your chances of securing a training contract, provided you meet all the other relevant selection criteria.  At Pinsent Masons all paralegals are required to apply for a training contract in the usual way and they are considered on merit alongside other external applicants.  Someone who does not meet our minimum entry criteria and who wants to become a trainee solicitor at the firm should not apply for a paralegal position in the hope that this will exempt them from the usual application process.