Articles From the Team

Strong Autumn retention rates for newly qualified solicitors….. Paralegals is it time to plan ahead?

The news is in that the retention rates for newly qualified solicitors is high across the UK with leading national law firm DAC Beachcroft in particular, announcing retention of 100% of its trainee solicitors, being 11 in total, six in London, one in Manchester and one in Leeds.

The high quality of training on offer in firms such as DAC Beachcroft is testament to this record high retention rate.

Eversheds also reported high retention being 87% of its trainees this Autumn with associates being based across the UK including Leeds. Again the feedback is that the firm has focused heavily on ensuring its’ lawyers received the right training and skills to equip them for life as a qualified lawyer.

It is important at an early stage that fledgling lawyers look to gain employment with a firm that will give the top quality training to allow you to progress to qualification as a solicitor. LPC Graduates seeking to qualify would be advised to look at all routes to qualification including the SRA’s Training for Tomorrow scheme where LPC Graduates working as a Paralegal can apply for exemption from the ‘formal training contract’ based upon firm supported work place assessment.

This is a key consideration for those Paralegals seeking a training contract. It is important to recognise that employment with a law firm where training and progression is of paramount importance to its staff and who can support alternative routes to qualification can without a doubt ensure you are best placed for future qualification as a solicitor.

Judging by the retention rates we have seen this autumn, securing a role as a paralegal with the right law firm most certainly could lead to employment as a fully qualified solicitor much quicker than you think!

For a confidential discussion on paralegal opportunities in commercial disciplines across Yorkshire, please do not hesitate to contact Rachel Darlington at BCL Legal.