Truth time: the process of qualifying as a solicitor and reaching that coveted NQ status was a complete mystery to me, right until I was involved in it!
Let’s make sure that’s not the case for you.
Granted, each firm will run things slightly differently. But if you’re interested in how a large commercial firm runs their NQ process – scroll for more!
First things first… Why do I need to apply?
Well, you may not! Some firms – normally those with a smaller trainee intake – don’t run a competitive process to recruit NQs, internally.
But the majority of firms will interview incumbent trainees. This is a good thing, really, as it opens up opportunities for trainees to apply to departments they’ve potentially not sat in.
You may also have sat in a department, but not really worked with the partners, so it gives them the opportunity to check you’re up to scratch.
The basics
Firms advertise internal vacancies & open up applications to their 4th seaters due to qualify as solicitors well in advance – for me, this happened 6-8 weeks into my final seat.
You may be expected to undertake:
- a competency-only interview,
- a short technical interview, or
- a full day/case study interview,
depending on the team and its requirements.
Some teams may take applications from those who haven’t sat there, some may not.
How do I decide where to apply?
As you progress through your TC you’ll form ideas of whether that team was for you. My advice is to look at the jobs list your firm releases, reflect on your seats, and be very honest with yourself about where you can see yourself longer term.
Some key factors for me were:
- Did I enjoy the work?
- How about the fit with the team?
- Was it a good lifestyle match?
- Would I be happy to do this type of work for a long time? And at another firm?
- How competitive will applications be?
How did I prepare?
The content of NQ interviews varies a lot. Once you’ve decided where to apply, reach out to the relevant junior associates to learn as much as possible about their interviews, so you can form a list of key concepts they were tested on.
Then once your interviews are booked in, it’s time to get revising! I’d advise that the following are all fair game:
- Any relevant LPC material, if firm sponsored
- Your firm’s know-how materials in that area
- Training materials you were given in the seat
All else fails? Hedge your bets
If you’re not sure whether you want to apply to any of the roles your firm is offering (or stay at the firm, in general!), or internal applications are looking competitive in the departments you want to apply to, it never hurts to be cautious – i.e. apply internally and start to look externally too.
Timing wise – I’d advise you don’t really need to start looking externally before your final seat, and can look at external roles in tandem with your internal apps as you enter the first few months of your final seat. But it’s never too early to be sussing out good recruiters, if you’d like to.
How to get ahead
It will make life easier, both in any internal NQ applications and for your external CV, if you keep a thorough record of work undertaken as you progress through your TC. Plus you’ll need to have this for your training record so that you can actually be signed off by the SRA, anyway!
You can (and should) also keep in touch with any departments you’ve sat in which you may qualify into, so you remain on their radar.
Finally… some insider tips on what people don’t tell you!
- Don’t overdo it with the schmoozing internally – people will see right through this!
- The NQ market is very buoyant. In complete contrast to TC applications, as an NQ you’re a sought after commodity! Take your time to find the right role for you.
- Stating the obvious, here, but – don’t do too many applications (internal or external). You want to be able to dedicate lots of effort to each. And you still have to do your day job too!
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I hope this post has slightly demystified the process of qualifying as a solicitor and, if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact me!