A Training Contract with David Gray Solicitors

If you share our values then we may have a lot to offer each other.

We place a high priority on the recruitment and training of our trainee solicitors – they are our future. Many of our qualified solicitors trained here.

We currently have six trainees and will usually recruit three trainees each autumn.  Training Contracts last for two years and comply with Law Society requirements.  Usually a Training Contract will consist of four six month seats. 

Our core seats are family and crime.  In addition, we can offer seats in:-

It may also be possible to gain some experience in Mental Health Law.

We employ a Human Rights Consultant and are alive to human rights issues across all areas of law.

Mary Shaw, Head of Family, is the firm’s training principal.  She is responsible for short-listing and arranging interviews. 

Who are we looking for?

Applicants are short-listed taking into account the following factors:-

Academic record and qualifications. 

You must have passed the LPC before beginning a training contract. 

You need to demonstrate good academic ability.  We do not set a minimum standard here but we will take note of your A level and degree results.  However, other skills and achievements will also be taken into account. 

Knowledge and understanding of the firm

A knowledge and understanding of our ethos and understanding of our commitment to publicly funded work and serving the community. 

A knowledge and understanding of the areas of law in which we specialise.

An active interest in what we do and how we do it.

Relevant work and other experience:-

Relevant work placements.

Any other legal experience, for example, legal secretarial or paralegal.

Any work experience relevant to what we do e.g. social work, benefits advice, CAB work, relevant voluntary work.

Other relevant experience:-

Fluency in a relevant language e.g. Urdu, Punjabi.

Involvement in a relevant charity or political organisation e.g. Amnesty International, Liberty, Victim  Support.

Other relevant skills

Good communication both orally and in writing.

Effective time management.

Above average interpersonal skills.

Effective use of IT including the ability to self-service.

Personal qualities

Personal commitment to our ethos.

Energy.

Enthusiasm for embracing the new and the unfamiliar.

A willingness to “go the extra mile” when the job calls for it.

An acceptance that making a commitment to work in Legal Aid will necessarily limit your financial reward. 

How to apply for a Training Contract

We are accepting applications for a possible Training Contract starting in 2011. Please send the Cover Letter & CV to Michelle Cook on michelle.cook@davidgray.co.uk or write to: David Gray Solicitors, FAO Michelle Cook, Old Court House, 56 Westgate Road, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 5XU.

The closing date is 15 September 2010.

Induction and training

New trainees receive a comprehensive induction during the first four weeks with the firm.  However, this is only the beginning. 

In each department you will be given a supervisor who will take responsibility for ensuring that you are given a thorough grounding in that area of law so that we can get you up to speed and working as an effective member of the team as quickly as possible.  You will not be chained to the photocopier, we have invested too much in your recruitment and training for that to happen.  You will be dealing with clients and other professionals outside the firm as soon as possible.

Your progress will be monitored against your training programme and your own personal objectives at least every three months throughout your two year contract.  This is to make sure that none of your time in training is wasted,  that you are continually building on what you have already learned and always have a clear understanding of your personal areas for development.

We aim to have you more than ready to qualify at the end of your two years training.  If you have met our expectations (and we have met yours) we will aim to keep you on.  Sometimes that is not possible but it is our clear aim.

A trainee’s role

Click here to read some career profiles of current and past trainees with the firm. 

To achieve an excellent reputation in Legal Aid work requires vision, commitment and hard work beyond 9 to 5. 

Trainees not only undertake their own casework, assist on colleagues’ files and undertake research tasks they also take part in the firms wider development.  For example, recently trainees have:-

Assisted in drafting letters and advice leaflets for the firm.

Sat on question and answer panels in relation to training at local universities.

Assisted in refining and developing our induction and training procedures for trainee solicitors. 

Taken part in organising and staffing our stand at Newcastle’s Green Fair.