energetic &
consistent

training

overview

Welcome to the section of our website dealing with our training contracts and work experience opportunities. For information on our work experience programme please click on the link above.

Training Contracts

At FSP we recruit four trainees every year, to start their training contract in September. We pride ourselves on investing in our trainees and consider them to be the future of the firm – a goal attested to by our high rate of trainee retention. For this reason, we do not expect our trainees to spend two years chained to a photocopier. The emphasis is very much on gaining the skills required for a rewarding career as a solicitor.

Over the two-year training period, trainees can expect to gain experience in three or four different departments within the firm with a view to spending their last six months in the department where they wish to qualify. Trainees are required by the Law Society to experience one contentious and one non-contentious seat. That requirement aside, the training contract can encompass any of our main departments of Probate, Residential Property, Commercial Property, Company Commercial, Family, and Dispute Resolution.

When a trainee joins this firm, he or she will enjoy the benefits of a comprehensive induction programme. This includes practical sessions on legal research, writing articles for publication on the web and client management.

Trainees are allocated a training principal in each seat who will supervise their everyday work although our training partner is ultimately responsible for trainee development and welfare. Trainees are regularly appraised throughout their training contract, giving an invaluable opportunity to receive feedback on performance as well as to discuss the individual trainee’s needs and whether their training could be improved upon in any way. We understand the importance of having an excellent training programme that enables trainees to become first-rate lawyers. This is good for the trainee and good for the firm and we hope ensures a bright future for both.

Throughout the training contract great emphasis is placed on continuous learning and the development of both legal and practical skills. Over the course of the two year contract trainees attend the Professional Skills Course, which is funded by the firm. We hold regular LNTV video update sessions with discussions afterwards, in which trainees are encouraged actively to participate. Trainees are also encouraged to attend lectures and events hosted by external providers such as the local Young Solicitors Group.

FSP is an exceptionally friendly firm and there are many opportunities for trainees to develop links across the different departments. We place great importance on client care and trainees develop client contact both in the course of the working day and also at organised after-work functions. The firm recognises that trainees are important to its future and as such they are encouraged to take part in the many business development initiatives which the firm undertakes.

We have completed our application process for training contracts commencing in September 2010. If you would to apply for our 2011 intake then we will be accepting applications between 1 January and 30 June 2009. Offers will be conditional on applicants passing both the LPC and, if appropriate, GDL at the first attempt. Applicants should also have relevant work experience and a minimum of a 2:1 degree (in any discipline).

Applications for training contracts are to be made by CV and covering letter by e-mail to stuart.ironside@fsp-law.com or by post to:-

Mr S Ironside
Practice Manager
Field Seymour Parkes
The Old Coroner’s Court
1 London Street
PO Box 174
Reading
Berkshire
RG1 4QW