What is it really like to work as a trainee solicitor at DMH Stallard?
We consider our trainee solicitors to be the future of our firm.
We recruit trainees both from within our internal Paralegal pool and externally. Paralegals are recruited into the business when new vacancies arise in both support and fee earning roles. Progression and development is offered to paralegals, through the opportunity to apply for a training contract at the annual assessment.
We also welcome applications from motivated LPC graduates from all backgrounds. Enthusiasm, a commercial outlook, good communication skills and adaptability are all essential skills. At DMH Stallard you will be working not only in a specialist practise group, but also involved in cross-disciplinary teams. We are currently working on our SQE strategy and will update this website once it is confirmed.
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.
Our training programme
Our training programme comprises four six-month seats across the business, giving trainees the chance to experience working in both contentious and non-contentious practice areas. Seats are usually offered in: corporate, employment, dispute resolution, family, personal injury, private client, planning, real estate, real estate dispute resolution, technology, media & telecoms dispute resolution.
Trainees may be required to undertake seats in any of our Brighton, Hassocks, Horsham, Gatwick, London or Guildford offices and it is important that they have the flexibility and willingness to do so.
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, which have started up again following the pandemic.
Application
We have already recruited trainee solicitors to commence their training contracts in September 2023. At this stage we are not accepting applications for training contracts for 2024.
Please continue to monitor our website as we will update the training contracts page as soon as we have further information.
Recruitment Process
There is a two stage assessment day process. The assessments days are challenging and include a range of assessments, exercises and interviews.
The first round includes a written exercise and a range of assessments which test the competencies we feel Trainee Solicitors should possess. Should you be successful in the first round, you will be invited back to a second assessment day. Approximately 50% of candidates who attend the first assessment day will be invited back to the second assessment day. The second stage comprises a presentation and interview with the Panel, along with further assessments/tests. We are looking for well rounded individuals who can manage responsibility early in their training contract, and our assessment process reflects this.
Once the assessment dates are confirmed, you must ensure you are available on these dates as we are unable to consider applications from individuals who cannot attend the assessment dates.
If you have any questions please email recruitment@dmhstallard.com or call 01293 605067.
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 business developers.
If you are a paralegal or a trainee solicitor looking for an exciting new role, why not have a look at our current vacancies page and send us an email.
Awards & Nominations
Our Trainees and NQ Solicitors participated in the All About Law survey and we were nominated for a number of awards.
We attended the awards ceremony on 28 November 2019 and are delighted to announce that we won the award for Best Team Relationship in a Training Contract.
We were also runner up for Best Graduate Recruitment Manager and Best Training Contract (National Firm).
The winners are selected based on the feedback from the trainees, which we feel speaks volumes for the quality of our training and shows that DMHS is a good place to work.
Here’s what some of our current trainees have to say about us:
“The training at DMH Stallard is second to none and has, so far, been the highlight of my career.”
“DMH Stallard is a great place to work. Partners frequently stop by for a chat when passing and our managing partner knows everyone’s names – this is rare in a law firm. Recent awards for our training are testament of the management’s efforts to create an open and inclusive working environment. I firmly believe this is what makes DMH Stallard unique.”
“I genuinely feel like DMH’s approach to training, and DMH’s culture has helped me to get the most out of my training contract. I am now a much more confident, skilled and accomplished trainee.”
“Overall, working at DMH Stallard means working on interesting cases with both long-standing and new clients, it means being encouraged to develop your skills with support, and it means having a good work-life balance in a friendly environment.”