Trainees

Trainees

We consider Trainee Solicitors to be the future of DMH Stallard.  We endeavour to recruit trainees that will remain with us on qualification.   We have already recruited seven Trainee Solicitors to join in 2013 and are currently recruiting for six Trainee Solicitors to join in 2014.

Training Programme

The programme normally consists of four six-month seats, which would be in the following areas:

• Corporate
• Employment
• Dispute Resolution
• Personal Injury
• Private Client
• Planning
• Real Estate
• Real Estate Dispute Resolution
• Technology, Media & Telecoms Dispute Resolution

Of the current 16 seats available five are in London and eleven are in Gatwick.  We no longer have any trainee seats in Brighton.  Applicants must be able to work in both offices as required.  It is anticipated that London Trainees will do on average two seats in Gatwick.  Gatwick Trainees may be required to visit the London office and possibly undertake a seat or more in London.

We welcome applications from motivated graduates from all backgrounds.  Enthusiasm, a commercial outlook, good communication skills and adaptability are a must. At DMH Stallard you will be working not only in a specialist practice group, but also involved in cross-disciplinary teams.

DMH Stallard views trainees as an important asset of the firm and we expect them to make a significant contribution. As our trainees have direct access to clients from an early stage it is important that good client care skills are developed, which includes being aware of the client’s business or personal goals.  Our goal is to prepare our Trainees to be effective solicitors on qualification.

Recruitment of Trainee Solicitors

The first stage of the selection process for Trainee Solicitors is to complete the application form (see link at the bottom of this page).  We are looking both at your ability to communicate in writing (we think that is very important for Solicitors!) and the information you convey through the application form.

There are two assessment days, the first is scheduled for late August and the second for early September.  Please ensure if you apply that you are available at this time.  We are unable to consider applications of individual who cannot attend the specified assessment dates.

The assessment days are challenging and include a range of assessment exercises and interviews.  We are looking for a well rounded individual who can manage responsibility early in their Training contract, and our assessment process reflects this.

How can I find out more about DMH Stallard?

In addition to the research you would undertake about the Firm, you may wish to speak to someone who works at DMH Stallard.  Representatives from DMH Stallard attend a number of events over the course of the year.  DMH Stallard will be attending the following law events along with other members of the firm:

College of Law on 20 June in London, Moorgate - Times yet to be announced.  

BPP Law Fair on 29 March in London from 15:30 to 19:00.  

College of Law on 28 March in Guildford from 11:30 to 14:30.

If you do not attend the college or university we are visiting but wish to attend the event, please check with the institution.  It is the decision of the institution we are attending if visitors are welcome, not the decision of DMH Stallard.

Funding of LPC

DMH Stallard will directly fund the college the course fees for the LPC.  Half of the fees will be as an interest free loan.  The remaining half of the fees will be paid for by the firm, conditional on the individual remaining at the firm for two years post qualification.

Job Opportunities For Newly Qualified Solicitors

Our policy is to select and develop trainees who will have, at the end of their training contract, the skills and enthusiasm to continue their career with us.  We endeavour to retain as many Trainees as possible, subject to the needs of the business.  Ideal applicants are those with the potential to become effective managers or strong marketeers.  In 2011 six out of nine qualifying trainees are now working as solicitors within the firm.

Work Experience

DMH Stallard makes a limited number of one week unpaid work experience placements available for undergraduate and postgraduate students wishing to gain practical experience of working in a law firm. This is aimed at students who have not yet gained a training contract, and wish to gain an insight into life at DMH Stallard.

At the current time the work experience scheme is separate from the selection process for the Training Contracts.  Work experience is to enable people, at any stage during their legal education, to experience a slice of life in a Law Firm.  The advantage of gaining work experience is that you should be better informed about the Firm when completing the application form and if you are invited to an assessment day.  However selection for an assessment day is primarily based upon your Training Contract application form. 

Please note we do not arrange work experience during the Christmas and Easter holidays. The applicationprocess for week long work experience placements for Summer 2012 is now closed.

If you have any questions please email recruitment@dmhstallard.com or call 01293 605067.

How to apply

The application form for training contracts to commence in 2014 will be available until 31 July 2012. 

If you have any questions please email recruitment@dmhstallard.com or call 01293 605067.

More Information

If you want to receive updates about recruitment DMH Stallard you can follow us on Twitter on @DMHS Recruitment, or join the DMHStallard group on LinkedIn.