Trainee Solicitors
Trainees at IBB
IBB Law is a progressive and successful law firm committed to its community, market growth and the provision of an exemplary client experience. IBB Law sees the extensive investment it makes in its trainee solicitors as pivotal to this strategy and its on-going success.
At IBB Law we look for strong, innovative, commercially minded individuals to become trainees. Success at IBB Law means having the skills to apply knowledge creatively for our clients. We recruit based on potential. In our experience key indicators are:
- clear written and oral communication
- ability to assimilate and analyse information
- experience of working with others to achieve a task
- commercial awareness
Seat Rotation
As a trainee at IBB you will experience four different seats rotating every six months. Prior to seat allocations, you will be invited to provide your preference of seats. This is taken into consideration when making decisions about allocations along with the areas of law you have covered in your studies, career aspirations and SRA requirements such as specifications for contentious and non-contentious seats. When you become a second-year trainee, we do our best to ensure you get you first or second choice, as by then you will usually have an idea of the area in which you want to qualify.
The training seats offered by IBB are hands-on because they are dependent on operational requirements. This means that the seats vary from time to time, depending on the needs of the firm and practise area.
Popular seats include:
- Commercial Real Estate
- Real Estate Dispute Resolution
- Construction and Engineering
- Corporate and Commercial
- Wills, Trusts and Probate
- Family and Matrimonial
The nature of each seat is different, but you can expect a range of experiences from assisting on large, complex transactions, taking clients’ instructions, drafting documents, and dealing with everything that comes in between.
Day to day responsibilities will vary greatly from day to day, depending on the seat. Trainees are treated in the same way as a qualified solicitor whereby you will have targets to achieve and systems to learn and follow. You are expected to join in and help run our client events, gain a thorough understanding of the law and practice of their seat and to react quickly and responsively to clients. You will be involved with other activities across the firm such as business development to ensure you have all the key skills to be successful.
Supervision
Each seat has a trainee supervisor, typically a partner or senior solicitor. Your supervisor will be your main point of contact during your seat and will work with you to set your objectives from the outset and meet with you regularly throughout your seat to discuss your progress. Your trainee supervisor is also responsible for carrying out formal reviews of your performance.
Trainees are required to participate in quarterly trainee meetings which are also attended by your supervisor and HR to discuss live topics relevant to your training.
Learning and Development
During your first week as a trainee, you will participate in a comprehensive induction programme which includes an opportunity to shadow the trainee currently in your seat and meet all of our trainee supervisors.
Throughout your training you will be required to complete the Professional Skills Course with the University of Law. The PSC is designed to develop your experience of the skills required to become an effective lawyer.
You will be invited to attend technical seminars run for your department as well as those that are arranged in other practise areas. You will also be encouraged to attend training run through LawNet, a member owned organisation to support independent law firms across the country which run over 50 free programmes for learning.
FAQS
We know there are lots of thoughts going on in the mind of a potential trainee and the requirements of different law firms vary. We’ve therefore compiled a list of the questions we are most often asked, so that you don’t have to ask them first.
How do I apply to become a trainee solicitor at IBB?
We don’t have any trainee solicitor opportunities at the moment. Please check our website in the future for updates.
When we do recruit for trainees, we ask you to apply through our online platform, and you will need to complete a covering letter and CV. Please note that applications made via other methods e.g. email will not be accepted.
What are your minimum criteria when applying?
IBB Law requires you to have a 2:1 at degree level. Applications from those with degrees in disciplines other than Law will be considered but the GDL and LPC must be achieved prior to commencement of a Period of Recognised Training (PORT) with the firm.
We will consider applicants who do not have a 2:1 but can demonstrate mitigating circumstances.
What is the starting salary?
The starting salary for a trainee solicitor is £28,500 per annum increasing to £29,500 per annum on the commencement of the second year of training in recognition of your development and growth in experience and contribution.
Our salaries are reviewed annually in November.
Do you have a work experience or vacation scheme?
We do not offer work experience or vacation schemes however; prospective trainees are encouraged to apply for Legal Administrator and Paralegal opportunities to gain a unique insight into what working for a leading progressive Thames Valley Law firm is like. All of our vacancies are advertised on our website.
Who is the firm’s Training Principal?
Jennifer Cartledge is the firm’s Training Principal. Jennifer is a New Homes and Residential Property Partner in the firm’s Real Estate Group.
As our training partner, Jennifer is responsible for overseeing the entire trainee process therefore meets with all of our trainees regularly to discuss their progress and career aspirations.
Does the firm provide sponsorship?
IBB Law do not offer financial assistance for the GDL or LPC therefore there is no preference of course provider or which electives are completed at LPC. However, we do advise you to complete electives in areas of law which IBB Law specialised in in preparation for your training.
