Insights into Wallace from our Training Principal

Wallace offers different routes into a legal career. What are the options available, and who might each route suit?

There are now several sensible ways into the profession, which is a good development. An apprenticeship will suit someone who wants to learn by doing from the start, while the training contract route remains a good fit for those coming through university and the SQE or LPC.

What can someone expect from their first few years at Wallace, whichever route they choose?

They should expect to be involved properly and to be useful from an early stage. The work will not always be glamorous, but it will be real work for real clients, and that is the best way to understand how the job is done.

How do you support apprentices and trainees as they develop from students into practising solicitors?

I think the main thing is to be available, give straightforward feedback and not make people feel that asking questions is a nuisance. People develop best when they can see how matters are handled in practice and understand why particular decisions are being made.

What makes the training experience at Wallace different, and what are you looking for when recruiting future solicitors?

Wallace is a firm where people tend to be noticed and where good work is valued. We are looking for people who are bright, practical and personable, and who want to help clients achieve their objectives with as little fuss and stress as possible.

What opportunities do apprentices and trainees have to get involved in real client work and take on responsibility?

There is plenty of opportunity, but it has to come at the right pace. Trainees and apprentices may be involved in drafting, calls, meetings and managing parts of a matter, which helps them see how their work contributes to the client’s wider objective.

If you could speak to yourself on your first day as a trainee, what would you tell yourself?

I would probably tell myself not to overcomplicate it. Listen carefully, take care over the details, ask when you are not sure, and remember that confidence comes from doing the job properly over time.