Frequently Asked Questions
You're interested in a career in law - it's a big decision and naturally you have some questions. Here are some of the questions we are most frequently asked by people considering a career with us.
Recruitment
How do I apply?
The application form (which covers both Work Placement and Training Contract applications) is available on the link to the left of this page.
The closing date for 2010 work placement applications is 31 January 2010 and the closing date for Training Contracts starting in September 2012 is 31 July 2010. Please ensure that you specify the office you are interested in applying to.
Is there a stereotypical Dickinson Dees lawyer?
The firm comprises an unusually broad range of individuals from different backgrounds. There are certain qualities you must have to succeed here: intellect, energy, dedication to the job, an imaginative approach to problem solving and the ability to get on with other people.
But don't you limit recruitment to a small number of universities?
No. We recruit from a diverse range of universities and subjects and well beyond the North East of England. We look at the total person. We're interested in what you can offer, and not simply the university you're at.
Also we don't restrict applications to current undergraduates or even recent graduates. As long as they have the qualities we're interested in, we welcome applications from people who have pursued a different career first.
How do I apply for the London Office – it isn’t mentioned on the application form.
Our Training Contracts are based in Newcastle upon Tyne, the Tees Valley and York. We don’t offer Training Contracts in London.
I didn’t achieve the required 2.1 degree – will you still consider my application?
All applications are read and considered and if you feel that your other skills and qualities will make your application stand out, then please apply and we will of course take this into account. You will already be aware however, that competition, for both Work Placements and Training Contracts, is extremely fierce and you will be competing with candidates who have achieved the required standard.
I have previously applied to Dickinson Dees but was unsuccessful. Can I re-apply?
Yes but you will need to complete the online application form again. All applications are considered on their own merit.
Work Placements
What is the structure of your work placements?
Our work placements are part of the recruitment process for training contract and are aimed at giving potential trainee solicitors a good idea of what it is like to work at Dickinson Dees. The placements therefore are aimed at those who are in the penultimate year of a law degree, the final year of a non law degree or beyond those stages
We strongly encourage prospective applicants for training contracts to apply for a place on our Work Placements. The closing date for applications is 31 January 2010.
We shortlist down to around 125 applicants who will be asked to complete online aptitude tests. The highest scoring candidates are then invited to an interview during February and March. We give successful applicants the opportunity to choose which two departments they wish to spend time in. The placements are for one week, with two days in each of two departments and an assessment day. For those who are offered a work placement week, we pay travel expenses to Newcastle and an expenses allowance of £200.
Are my chances of a training contract limited if I have not been on a work placement?
Our work placement programme numbers are limited to 40 places and therefore we cannot offer placements to all the people we would like to. Those who are unsuccessful in obtaining a work placement place or who are unable to apply for a place should not be put off applying to us for a training contract.
My law degree includes a year abroad - when can I apply for the work placement scheme?
You can apply in either your penultimate year or during the year you are away which may well be the same thing! Please note the Law Society does not allow us to make offers to students before they enter the final year of their law undergraduate degree.
I’m a first year student. Is there any chance of me getting on the Work Placement week?
In common with the majority of large commercial firms, our Work Placement scheme is part of the recruitment process for Training Contracts and as such, is only open to those who are able to start a Training Contract in two years time.
GDL (CPE)/LPC Details
Does Dickinson Dees have any preferences for the institution at which applicants study for the GDL (CPE)/LPC?
Unlike some firms, we don't require future trainees to attend a particular law school. But we do know some courses better than others and have great confidence in them - such as the courses at the College of Law, BPP, University of Northumbria and at Nottingham Trent University. Wherever you go, we ask you to remember that we are a commercially focussed firm, and to select electives accordingly.
Salaries/financial assistance
What financial assistance does Dickinson Dees give to prospective trainees studying for the GDL (CPE)/LPC?
We pay fees for our future trainees for the GDL (CPE) and for the LPC. We also offer a maintenance grant to help you through your studies. We do not pay retrospective fees if you have already completed your GDL and LPC studies.
Is it possible to defer starting training for 12 months?
Although we cannot guarantee agreeing to postpone the beginning of your training contract, provided you let us know when we offer you a place, then we will consider any requests to defer.
Training
What degree of choice do you have over the seats in which you work during training?
You are asked for preferences before each allocation (including the first seat). Whilst every effort is made to accommodate individual’s requests, some areas are oversubscribed and it may not always be possible to meet the needs of everyone. However, we usually manage to keep the vast majority of our trainees happy.
How do you deal with the Professional Skills Course?
We run a bespoke Professional Skills Course for our trainee solicitors which we have developed jointly with the College of Law. The programme is spread over the two years of the Training Contract and has been designed to be of as much practical use in the work place as possible.
What other training is offered?
As well as the Professional Skills Course we also run Departmental Inductions which coincide with the seat rotations. We also have a dedicated Training Department which runs courses and organises training for the entire firm, and appropriate courses are always available to trainee solicitors.
Will it be 2 years of photocopying or will I get the chance to really contribute to projects during training?
We have invested too much in your recruitment and training for you to spend your time photocopying. Of course, you cannot expect to run your own case load from the very beginning of your training contract but you will certainly be contributing to assignments and you will be an important member of your group. Our style is learning by doing. Your individual responsibility for handling aspects of cases or transactions will increase rapidly as your knowledge and experience grows and you will soon be dealing with clients and other professionals outside the firm.
Would I be able to do any of my training abroad?
Currently, we send two trainees a year to our associated Brussels office for up to six weeks each. We select the lucky people after inviting presentations from all interested trainees. We also have secondment opportunities with a variety of clients both in the UK and abroad.
What degree of choice do you have over the area you join on qualification?
All trainees are invited to apply for the newly qualified positions available and go through an objective selection process. Generally, nearly all qualifying trainees are accommodated into the area of their first choice.
We hope that we have answered any questions you might have about Dickinson Dees and our recruitment process but if you have any other queries, please email graduate.recruitment@dickinson-dees.com.