Articles From the Team

Make the right NQ jobs move

We speak to many trainees who are positioning themselves for qualification.

As a trainee solicitor who’s approaching qualification, you’ll take into account a number of factors when deciding on your perfect newly qualified role. 

Historically, many newly qualified solicitors opted to stay at the firm where they trained; being familiar with the firm, the culture and surroundings to help ease them into their new role as a solicitor. However, this year seems different. The legal market is busy and we’ve already seen national firms make offers to external trainees earlier in the year - for NQ roles to commence this month. Simply to snap up the best talent early!

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What does this mean for you?

There are a huge number of opportunities available for trainees from smaller firms who are looking for a step up. Given the speed of the market and work available, if you have experience from a small local firm, good academics and ambition, there are plenty of opportunities available. Just recently, we assisted two candidates who moved from local practices to transactional teams in national firms; giving them career-changing opportunities both in terms of the quality of work on offer and an increase in salary and earning potential.

Manchester NQ market

Manchester is very much open for business and it’s not just the traditional law firms that are busy. Professional services firms KMPG, EY and Deloitte have corporate legal teams in Manchester - offering quality corporate M&A and restructuring work, but in a quasi in-house environment offering new opportunities to corporate lawyers of all levels. There are also global firms such as Latham & Watkins and Freshfields offering exceptional quality work and an alternative to the traditional Manchester-based firms. 

Advice to take away

Don’t be led into accepting a role internally, simply because it seems the easiest thing to do.  There is a wide range of firms and options in Manchester, so shop around and make sure you choose the right role for you – this is a huge decision that will impact your long term career.

Seek advice from us early and consider your options. In a market this strong there may be something better out there for you. 

For more information on qualification, do contact a consultant at BCL Legal for a confidential discussion.

For more information please contact BCL Legal or email us at info@bcllegal.com.