So you think that every firm, as part of every training contract, will provide the perfect training for its trainee solicitors throughout the whole two years?

If only this was true in all cases, but unfortunately it’s not. It is therefore important that you know how to take some responsibility for your training contract yourself so you get the most benefit from it.

The first step is to read the SRA’s ‘Training Trainee Solicitors’ Requirements, which you should be given at the start of your training contract. For a copy see the SRA’s website.

Firms are required to ensure that trainees:

1. Gain practical experience in at least three areas of English law, including opportunities to develop their skills in both contentious and non-contentious work.

2. Be trained in the practical skills they are going to need to reach the necessary skills standards.

3. Maintain a training record, linking the experience they have gained to the compulsory skills areas. The Law society can ask to see this record at any time so it should be kept up to date. It also becomes a useful tool when updating a CV in future.

4. As part of the training contract, be given at least 3 formal appraisals as well as regular feedback on their progress.

5. Be allowed paid study-leave to attend courses prescribed by the SRA, such as the Professional Skills Course. The trainee’s firm must pay the Professional Skills Course fees.

The firm must also provide training and experience in the following key skills areas:

1. Advocacy and oral presentation

2. Case and transaction management

3. Client care/practice support

4. Oral and written communication skills

5. Negotiation

6. Dispute Resolution

7. Interviewing/advising

8. Legal research

9. Drafting

By knowing what you should be receiving as part of your training contract you are able to make your own assessment as to whether you are getting the right training or not. You can then ensure you get training and experience in any areas that you think your firm might be neglecting.

A training contract should always be a two way street where you should be able to make reasonable requests as to what you want to get out of your contract and the firm should be able to provide a training structure that suits them.

If you are not happy with how your firm is providing your training, or anything else in connection with your training contract they, then the Law Society can be contacted anonymously and can arrange that your firm be monitored. Alternatively, the Junior Lawyers Division Helpline provides a free, confidential service to help trainees with any problems they are encountering. The JLD Helpline number is 08000 856 131.

Looking for more information about becoming a trainee solicitor, then visit the Trainee Solicitor Surgery website to find the best careers advice on how to get yourself a law training contract.