Trainee Solicitors
Armstrong Teasdale’s trainee solicitor programme offers an unparalleled opportunity to work alongside some of the most skilled lawyers internationally and gain first-hand experience representing high-profile clients around the world.
Trainees most often join us in March or September after completing our summer programme, which includes a number of vacation scheme opportunities and offers a “day-in-the-life” experience to individuals exploring a career in law.
Positioned in the historical heart of London’s legal community – Lincoln’s Inn Fields – our contemporary office space features state-of-the-art amenities. With more than 700 lawyers and staff professionals in England, Ireland and throughout the U.S., we operate as “One Firm.” We have a robust international network that provides trainees with endless collaboration opportunities and resources – no matter what practice area is of interest. Our award-winning lawyers, as well as our trainees, have the opportunity to work across a number of key service areas and industry sectors.
We formally offer four seats annually for the two-year trainee programme, which allows individuals to try their hand in different disciplines and witness precedential decisions, and support transactions for growing organisations with broad economic implications.
We are seeking ambitious top talent and emerging leaders to carry our firm into the future. Our welcoming, collegial and collaborative work environment encourages trainees to stretch, take on new challenges and develop their technical skills with the support of lawyers and mentors throughout our global network. And, the firm’s entrepreneurial spirit is such that trainees may direct their own experience and set goals aligned with their particular interests.
What sets Armstrong Teasdale’s programme apart from other firms’ is the careful attention we pay to integration. Our commitment to each individual’s growth and advancement extends well beyond the summer and trainee programmes. The firm’s dedicated Growth Department helps put muscle behind what matters – the support of an organisation throughout the entire employment life cycle. We are heavily invested in our people, and as such, our top-rate professional development and training programmes – including our proprietary AT Leadership Institute – ensure that trainees and lawyers alike have the tools they need to succeed. Paired with ongoing continuing legal education (CLE) programmes, the opportunity to upskill is undeniable.
At Armstrong Teasdale, trainees also have the opportunity to engage in extracurriculars, special interest groups and initiatives such as our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion efforts, and civic and charitable events. These programmes are core to who we are and foster a sense of community not only within the firm, but also the broader profession.
Solicitor's Qualifying Examination
The Solicitor's Qualifying Examination is the newest initiative from the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) which encourages individuals from any degree background to move into law. It is made up of qualifying work experience and assessment in two stages: SQE 1 and SQE 2. The experience gained throughout our programme will be incredibly valuable as you study for, and undertake, the examinations.
The SRA also has transitional arrangements in place for those who have already started on the Period of Recognised Training route.
Qualifying work experience
Armstrong Teasdale offers two years of practical legal experience, which fulfills the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s (SRA) requirement for qualifying work experience. During this time, trainees build upon the core competencies required to be an exceptional lawyer.
Secondment
Where possible, we offer covered secondment opportunities that allow our trainees to sit inside a major client’s location and experience their day-to-day operations. This in-house perspective provides trainees a unique perspective and certain understanding which they can bring to bear with future clients.
Competitive benefits and salary
A number of lawyers and professional staff have celebrated long-term milestones in their employment with the firm – a testament to the competitive benefits and salary, as well as the firm’s culture. To name a select few, Armstrong Teasdale offers flexible work arrangements, medical and dental insurance, an employee discount program, and the chance to take part in social and charity events.
