What are the typical roles and responsibilities of a trainee solicitor?
Our Trainee Solicitor Programme is Partner-led and designed to develop trainees into fully competent solicitors. While some administrative tasks are part of the role, trainees are fee-earners and are expected to deliver legal services appropriate to their experience and seat. Responsibilities may include drafting documents, attending client meetings, legal research, and assisting with case management.
Can I choose which departments I work in?
We will always try to match departments to your own particular areas of interest, but this is not always possible. Choices are made depending on your own interests and which departments can accommodate a trainee at a particular time.
What seats are available, and how are they chosen?
DTM Legal offers a wide range of seats across both business and personal legal services. We aim to ensure that each trainee experiences a balance of contentious and non-contentious work. While we take into account individual preferences, seat allocations are ultimately determined based on business needs and departmental capacity.
What can I expect when starting a new seat?
At the start of each seat, trainees are supported by the Partner in that department. You will have an onboarding conversation to outline the department’s expectations, introduce you to the team’s working style, and ensure you feel confident as you begin learning a new area of law.
Am I guaranteed a job at the end of the programme?
Although we cannot guarantee a job at the end of the programme, in recent years our retention rate has been very high. We invest heavily in your training, so it is in our interest to offer you permanent employment.
How much training and coaching can I expect?
A lot. You will work alongside a Partner in each seat, learning directly from them and helping them with their caseloads. You will also have access to our training partner and human resources manager, who will be on-hand to provide advice and support.
What can I expect from a seat review?
Seat reviews are conducted at the end of each seat by Sarah Wilcock, Practice Manager, and Alison Brennan, Head of Compliance and Service Delivery. These reviews provide feedback on your progress, discuss areas for development, and explore your preferences for upcoming seats.
Will I get feedback on why my application has not gone forward?
Unfortunately we are unable to give detailed feedback at any stage in the application process to those who have not been successful. This is due to the sheer number of applications we handle.
Will I know which department I will be going into first before I start?
Yes. We will contact you before you start to advise you of which department you will join first and which of the Partners you will be sitting with.
What Initiatives and additional training can a trainee become involved in beyond the trainee solicitor scheme?
Trainees are encouraged to engage in DTM Legal’s ESG and networking initiatives, which include charity events, environmental campaigns, and community outreach. We welcome trainee input and ideas for new activities. In addition, trainees are encouraged to suggest and take part in external training that supports their professional development.
Will there be opportunities to socialise with the rest of the firm?
We are an extremely sociable and friendly firm, and regularly organise get-togethers after working hours.
