Top 5 Tips for Securing a Training Contract

Securing a training contract in the UK is one of the most competitive steps for aspiring solicitors. Thousands of law graduates apply each year, but only a fraction succeed in securing places at top firms. To maximise your chances, you should not only have strong academics but also demonstrate commercial awareness, practical skills, and the right mindset. Below are five key tips that can help you stand out from the crowd and approach the process strategically.

1. Develop a Strong Academic and Professional Foundation
Law firms use academic performance as an initial filter in the recruitment process, so building a solid foundation is crucial. Most firms set minimum requirements, such as a 2:1 degree and strong A-levels, but the reality is that top applicants often exceed these thresholds. Beyond grades, your CV should reflect dedication through legal work experience, internships, or paralegal roles, which signal that you are serious about a legal career. Demonstrating consistent commitment across academics and professional experiences creates a profile that is not only competitive but also reassuring for recruiters.

2. Tailor Each Application with Precision
Generic applications rarely succeed in the highly competitive training contract market. Law firms want to see that you understand their culture, practice areas, and client base. Taking the time to research each firm in depth allows you to craft applications that highlight why you are specifically suited to them. For instance, if a firm has a strong focus on commercial disputes, your application should make clear how your skills, experiences, or academic interests align with that strength. A tailored application demonstrates motivation and diligence, qualities that are indispensable in legal practice.

3. Build and Demonstrate Commercial Awareness
Firms expect trainees to understand not just the law but also the business world in which their clients operate. Commercial awareness means staying informed about current affairs, economic trends, and industry developments that impact clients’ decisions. This does not require memorising every financial headline, but it does mean following stories critically and thinking about how they affect law firms and their clients. For example, understanding how regulatory changes impact banking clients or how global supply chain issues affect corporate deals shows that you can think like a future solicitor, not just a student of the law.

4. Network and Seek Mentorship
Building relationships within the legal profession can give you insights that are not available through formal research. Attending law fairs, open days, and firm presentations allows you to engage with trainees, associates, and partners who can provide insider perspectives on what firms truly value. A short, genuine conversation with someone at a networking event can later become a useful connection when you reference it in your application or interview. In addition, seeking out mentors, whether through university alumni networks, careers services, or professional bodies, can help you navigate the application process with practical guidance and tailored advice.

5. Excel in the Assessment Process
Securing an interview or assessment centre is a major milestone, but it is only the beginning of the final hurdle. Law firms assess not only technical skills but also personality, teamwork, and resilience. To excel, you must prepare thoroughly: practise psychometric tests, mock interviews, and case study exercises under timed conditions. At the same time, remember that firms look for individuals who can collaborate effectively and communicate clearly under pressure. Presenting yourself as a well-rounded, commercially aware, and personable candidate will set you apart in these high-stakes evaluations.

Securing a training contract is undoubtedly challenging, but with the right preparation and strategy, it is achievable. If you can combine strong academics with tailored applications, demonstrate commercial awareness, build connections, and perform well in assessments, you can present yourself as a well-rounded and competitive candidate. In short, your success primarily lies in showing firms that you are not only capable of practising law but also ready to contribute to their business from day one.