Why Choose to Train With DTM Legal
Since DTM Legal was established, we have helped more than 50 trainee solicitors successfully qualify. Over 95% of those accepted onto our training programme have gone on to qualify as solicitors, with more than 75% continuing their careers with DTM Legal after qualification. We believe these figures reflect the quality of our training, the support provided throughout the programme and the opportunities available to build a long-term career with the firm.
DTM Legal offers a broad range of legal services, giving trainees the opportunity to experience different departments and develop an understanding of both contentious and non-contentious work. By completing seats across a variety of practice areas, trainees can build a well-rounded skill set, work with different types of clients and matters, and gain valuable insight into where their strengths and interests lie. This varied experience helps each trainee identify the area of law that is the right fit for their long-term career.
Our culture is built around collaboration, professionalism and a genuine commitment to helping our people develop. We want everyone at DTM Legal to feel supported, valued and able to contribute, whether they are just starting their legal career or are already an experienced solicitor. Our values shape the way we work with each other and with our clients, with a strong focus on legal excellence, outstanding service and building trusted relationships. We also continue to invest in our people through training, mentoring, career development and opportunities to take on greater responsibility as they progress with the firm.
Trainee Solicitor Programme
Our programme usually consists of four 6-month seats. You might already know which area of the law you wish to specialise in, but if you don’t, this is your opportunity to find out.
We provide intense one-to-one coaching and support to all our trainees. In each seat you will work alongside a Partner in that area. We have found that this is the best way to learn and give you the opportunity to put your academic knowledge into practice.
Considering a career as a trainee solicitor? Watch our Q&A with recent trainees to gain valuable insights into the application process, life at DTM Legal, and the opportunities our programme offers to help you kick-start your legal career.
What We Look For
To apply to our Trainee Programme, you must have completed a law related degree, or you will have completed the PGDL. It is likely that this will be a second class honours degree or above. Following this you must have completed (or completed by September of the year of application) your LPC.
We also look for personality, enthusiasm and evidence of good team work from our trainees. Experience gained within the legal profession is beneficial. As well as good academic standards, we will want you to prove that you are a well-rounded individual, and have a life beyond the law. Examples of where you have taken on responsibility and have demonstrated the ability to work as a team will stand you in good stead.
We view trainees as the partners of the future. So it is important that you have the communication skills to interact with a variety of people at all levels – both internally and externally.
To help with your application we are happy to provide hints & tips to on C.V. & cover letter writing as well as guidance on preparing for your trainee solicitor contract interview.
The Application Process
To apply for a training contract with DTM Legal please complete the application form below
Trainee Solicitor Application Form
On receipt of your application
The short listing process will not be completed until the closing date has passed.
During February, we will write to you and let you know how your application is progressing. Unfortunately, due to the volume of applicants, we will not be able to give detailed feedback if you have not been invited for interview.
First Stage Interview
If you have been selected for interview, you will be invited into one of our offices to meet with our Human Resources Manager and Training Partner. Typically held in March, this will be a formal interview which will last for around 40 minutes and won’t require a presentation. We will then write to you to advise whether you have been successful. Again, we will be unable to give detailed feedback on the interview itself.
Second Stage Assessment
If you have been successful at the first stage, we will invite you back for a second stage assessment, which will be detailed at the time. Our second stage assessment is usually held in late April or early May and comprises several activities to asses the candidates. The second stage assessments vary from one year to the next, but commonly include a presentation and an opportunity to network with several key members of the DTM Legal team.
Offer Stage
If you have been successful, we will write to you with a formal offer of employment, starting in the first week of September of the year you have been recruited for.
Prior to starting work with us
Before you start, we will get back in touch to arrange a get-together with some of our current trainees, so you can meet some friendly faces and get the low-down on what has been going on since your last visit. This should make day one a bit easier!
Frequently Asked Questions – Trainee Solicitor Programme
- What are the typical roles and responsibilities of a trainee solicitor?
- Can I choose which departments I work in?
- What seats are available, and how are they chosen?
- What can I expect when starting a new seat?
- Am I guaranteed a job at the end of the programme?
- How much training and coaching can I expect?
- What can I expect from a seat review?
- Will I get feedback on why my application has not gone forward?
- Will I know which department I will be going into first before I start?
- What Initiatives and additional training can a trainee become involved in beyond the trainee solicitor scheme?
- Will there be opportunities to socialise with the rest of the firm?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
We are an extremely sociable and friendly firm, and regularly organise get-togethers after working hours.