The number of solicitors has grown from 29,000 to 85,000 in the 27 years since I qualified in 1974. The profession must be doing something right to enjoy this period of unparalleled success. However, success can never be taken for granted and in an increasingly competitive environment we need to provide an appropriate training regime for both firms and trainees. Two things you can expect from your training contract period: 1. Proper training to enable you to enter the profession after the Training Contract equipped to provide competent legal services in your chosen firm. In a large firm this training may be very structured indeed but there must always be opportunity for you to be able to discuss issues with your supervisors and training principal. In a smaller firm the training may be more informal but you should be properly supervised and not given responsibility that you are not able to handle. When you join a firm you should be introduced to the Law Society's 'Authorisation & Trainee Solicitors Guide'. This sets out clearly and concisely what you should expect during your training contract. It contains a wealth of vital information for both you and the firm. Please note that your firm will have undertaken to abide by the requirements of the Guide before being permitted by the Law Society to take you as a trainee. Read the Guide for it will help you to get the best out of your training contract. A training contract normally lasts for two years although sometimes your firm can allow you to reduce the period to a minimum of 18 months if they are able to confirm that you have an appropriate period of relevant legal experience. This is a matter for the firm so ask about their policy before you sign up. During your training contract you can expect to be given experience in at least three different legal areas whilst building up your various skills such as communication and legal research. These skills are set out in the Authorisation Guide. If you are concerned that your skills are not being developed properly or that you are not receiving the breadth of experience, raise this with your training principal. You should have the chance to do this informally but in any event you should have at least three formal appraisals during the course of your contract. Again this is all set out in the Guide. 2. The Law Society wishes to ensure that at least your burden of debt should not increase whilst you are training and has agreed that you will be paid a minimum of £13,600 in Central London with a recommended salary of £14,600. Outside Central London the minimum salary is £12,000 with a recommended salary of £13,000. If your Training Contract does not meet expectation you should take the matter up with your training principal in the first instance. If this does not work, you can contact the Law Society which has now set in place monitoring of firms by expert monitors who will visit firms to ensure that the training given is satisfactory. These visits are random as well as targeted at firms where there have been complaints from trainees or others. The Trainee Solicitors Group played a big part in getting these arrangements set up. They play an important role nationally in keeping training arrangements under review as well as providing an opportunity to get to know trainees in other firms on a social basis. I would encourage you to get involved with your local TSG group. Finally a legal career can be varied and rewarding not just financially. I have never regretted joining and I hope you enjoy it as much as I have done. Andrew Holroyd: Chairman of the Law Society Training Committee | 
