In our experience often the same questions and concerns are of relevance to second year trainees and NQ lawyers across the board. We have selected a few of the issues most frequently raised, and have tried to provide pragmatic and practical responses to them – of course, many of the issues may already have been covered elsewhere on this website.
There is no hard and fast answer to this one. Have a look at our NQ Process and TImeline pages. It is worth repeating here that every firm sets its own recruitment plan each year and will take into consideration the vagaries of the market before beginning its NQ recruitment drive.
At Frasia Wright Associates we take pride in our professional integrity and confidentiality, which are the cornerstones of our approach to recruitment. For practical guidance, our NQ Process and Timeline pages will provide you with more detailed information. It is important to state also, that as a candidate you will not be required to pay for our services and any assistance we provide you with will be provided free of charge.
When considering how many agencies you should register with, it is crucial that you ensure that you are in control of where your CV is being sent and that you manage the process. The last thing you want is to be branded a time-waster because your CV is being sent by any number of agencies to the same firms. Our recommendation is that you use no more than two agencies at any given time, and that you keep a careful record of who is doing what and when on your behalf.
Once again, the answer to this question depends on timing. Most NQ litigation posts, year on year, seem to appear from March onwards, and there is usually a lot of competition for them. Bear in mind, however, that a candidate who trains and stays on with the same firm will become far more marketable nine months to a year after qualifying, and more attractive to other firms. This is so even when, as in this case, such a candidate wishes to move from commercial property to litigation, as long as he or she can demonstrate the appropriate commitment and desire to move to litigation.
The second interview means that you have caught their attention and have proved you are technically competent to handle the role in question. So your starting point should be what can you add to this? As the interviewer is precisely looking for you to add to the 2nd meeting, you need to be thinking how do you add value –
At all stages in the interview, and especially at 2nd interview, take the initiative and be proactive in self-promotion whilst importantly gauging how the interviewer is engaging with you.
The Interviewer may also be waiting for you to reveal yourself. Adopting a responsive and proactive approach is essential.
No. You may be surprised to find out that from our experience a high percentage of trainees are keen to remain with their training firm upon qualification. The reason why is quite simple. If you are happy with the firm, you feel you are getting the exposure to the work you want, are interested in and enjoy, then there is no reason to move just for the sake of moving.
In any case, many NQs review their own position, often 6 months down the line. So if you are happy with the firm, then staying with them will not do you or your career any harm.
