The Trainee Solicitors' Group (TSG) is a Law Society Group with approximately 45,000 members. Membership is automatic on enrolment as a student member of the Law Society and includes law students, LPC graduates (up to two years post LPC), trainee solicitors and newly qualified solicitors (up to one year post qualification) General objectivesWe aim to promote and further the interests of present and future members and believe that all candidates who want to become solicitors and who are capable of reaching the required standard, should have a fair and equal opportunity to do so. The TSG also believes that trainees must be given a proper and thorough training to enable them to develop and acquire skills that they will need during their professional lives. The TSG disseminates information on the development and governance of the profession and promotes the numerous opportunities that exist to get involved with the Law Society and its various general and specialist associated national and international groups. TSG structureThe TSG, which is a limited company, operates both nationally and regionally, with eight executive posts co-ordinating the national activities of the TSG and 45 local groups. Each local group elects its own committee, including a representative to attend national committee meetings, which are held eight times a year. Any member of the TSG is eligible to stand for election to their local group committee or to the national executive. The TSG has a seat on the Law Society Council, which means that the views of law students and trainee solicitors can be voiced directly on Council. TSG Services/ActivitiesThe TSG organises a wide variety of social and educational events for its members both nationally and locally. Local TSG groups meet socially, hold meetings in conjunction with local Law Societies and provide a useful source of information and peer support for law students and trainee solicitors in the area. A members' magazine, the trainee, is published four times a year and is distributed free to all members. It covers all aspects of legal training and developments within the profession and all members are encouraged to contribute articles. The TSG also endorses The Training Contract Handbook which is an invaluable source of information on funding the LPC and finding out about the various training contract providers. The TSG organises two annual conferences, 16 Newly Qualified Roadshows and numerous LPC skills days and talks as well as attending university law fairs. We also have a telephone helpline (08000 856 131) manned by 12 fellow trainee solicitors. The helpline takes calls on debt and funding issues, finding training contracts and dealing with problems during training contracts. Michelle Holloway TSG Education Officer, education@tsg.org, Solicitor at Harvey Ingram Owston, Leicester Yvonne Treacy TSG Liaison Officer on 020 7320 5794 Or visit www.tsg.org.uk for the latest information on TSG policies and activities and details of all local groups and executive officers. | 
