Training with us
What can you expect from a training contract with Hill Dickinson?
A financial helping hand – If you have been offered a place with us before you start your LPC, we’ll give you a maintenance grant to help support you while you study. Those training at our Northern offices will receive a grant of £5,000 and if you’re training at our London office, you’ll receive a grant of £7,000.
Immediate responsibilities – Because of our small intake, there’s enough meaningful responsibility to go around, and you will be given challenges from the start. Don’t just take our word for it – find out about the responsibilities you will be given from our current trainees.
Modest numbers – We recruit to retain, so for 2015, we’re taking on 14 trainees. We’ll get to know you individually, and because of our modest numbers we'll have the resources and time to give you as much support as you need.
Choices – You will do four seats and will be able to select your preferences from around 18 different areas of law, dependent on your office location.
A mentor – Your mentor (a Hill Dickinson solicitor) will be on hand throughout your time with us to offer advice, guidance and support on anything you’re struggling with – from your PCS modules to time recording.
Reassuring retention rates – For 2012, we had a 81% retention rate.
Trainee-to-partner possibilities – Of our 190+, 30 started out as trainees with us, including our senior partner, David Wareing. And we've got high hopes for you: as part of your learning and development, we’ll teach you how to manage a law firm like a commercial business.
A fair NQ salary – At our Northern offices, our NQ solicitors earn up to £36,000. At our London offices, NQ solicitors earn £58,000.
Office sharing – You will share an office with a partner, who will help you develop your legal knowledge and be there to support you if you need some help.
A brilliant start – Before you officially start your training contract, you will spend nine days in our offices preparing, as part of our LPC+ scheme.
Nice, friendly people – We did some independant research into what our clients think of us, and the most overwhelming responses we received was that we’re a ‘friendly’ and ‘knowledgeable’ firm. It’s true: here you’ll find down-to-earth, approachable people who are exceptionally good at what they do.
A social scene – Our trainees work really hard and as you’d expect, it’s not all fun and games. But when they do let their hair down, they get together and do it properly – drinks, parties, pool nights, Wii nights, rounders matches, mountain climbs and Scalextric tournaments being just a few examples of the things they get up to once the work has been done. You’re welcome to get involved in the firm’s sports and CSR teams, too.
Mars bar cakes – Conjured up by the culinary geniuses at the restaurant in the Liverpool office, these things are legendary.