A Training Contract with Darbys
At the moment Darbys takes on four trainee solicitors each year. We recruit two years in advance. Trainees will normally start in the September of any given year. We look for outstanding, talented and committed candidates with a strong academic record (good A/B A levels and a 2:1 degree are required), committed to the law and who want to develop a career with Darbys. We welcome any degree- whether Law or otherwise. We have a good retention rate, and several of our Partners started life as a trainee here.
As a Trainee, you will gain experience in at least three teams, sitting in each Team for six months. We try where possible to give you a choice over team placements. You will be involved in "real work” from day 1, such as, drafting letters and documentation, direct contact with clients, attending Court, and much more - gaining valuable practical experience.
Although each team operates on a different basis, we will give you as much responsibility as we feel you can handle whilst not leaving you out of your depth.
Seats during our Training Contracts
We have fourteen specialist teams -
• Personal Injury and Clinical & Medical Negligence
• Family
• Private Client
• Residential Property
• Commercial Litigation
• Commercial Property
• Planning
• Corporate & Commercial
• Employment
• Regulatory & Crime
• Insolvency
• Debt Recovery
• Immigration
• Construction
Whilst working at Darbys is hard work and is demanding, Darbys also provide a very supportive environment for Trainees. When starting a Training Contract all Trainees take part in a firm-wide induction programme, which is spread over a two week period. Then, during each of their seats, Trainees will have review meetings with the Team Leader to check on how the Trainee is settling in, ensuring the correct level of experience is being achieved. This is also an opportunity for feedback to be given as to the Trainee's progress. All Trainees meet up quarterly with the Training Principal, Head of HR and our Trainee Mentor for an informal discussion so that they can listen to individual experiences and for Trainees to discuss future seats. Our Trainee Mentor (a former Trainee at Darbys) is always available for Trainees to discuss any issues or concerns.
As well as completing the compulsory Professional Skills Course, our Trainees also attend a Trainee Induction Course run by LawNet (which offers excellent networking opportunities with other Trainees in this large group of law firms). Trainees also have the opportunity to attend numerous in-house training sessions covering a wide variety of subjects.
Darbys offer a friendly working atmosphere with lots of opportunities to socialise. Whether it's joining in at one of the firm's social evenings, enjoying a pint at the local on a Friday night or taking part in one of the firm's social or sporting activities, there is plenty on offer at Darbys.
Salaries and Benefits
Darbys offer a competitive salary. In addition we offer a pension scheme, health cover, season ticket loan and gym membership.
Also as Darbys are members of LawNet, candidates who are offered a training contract with us will be entitled to a 10% discount on LPC training fees at the Oxford Institute of Legal Practice.
How to Apply
To apply for a Training Contract, please send us your CV with a short covering letter. Your letter or email should be marked "Training Contract Application" followed by the year for which you are applying. The closing date for applications is the last working day of June of any year. The deadline for applications for 2013 has now passed and applications for 2014 will be considered in August 2012.
All applications for a Training Contract should go to trainingcontract@darbys.co.uk.
If you would like more specific information about training contracts, please contact our Trainee Principal - Samantha Leigh - or our Head of HR, Cherie Rose.