NQ Solicitor Career Guide: What Trainees Need to Know Before Qualification

While most people look forward to summer holidays, trainee solicitors often face uncertainty as qualification approaches. Here’s a practical guide to help you navigate this crucial stage.

1. Should You Stay or Move?

Ask yourself:

Will your current firm offer a role in your preferred practice area?
Does the firm’s career progression align with your goals?
Are you staying out of loyalty rather than opportunity?
When will your firm confirm NQ positions? Waiting too long could mean missing external opportunities.

2. Key Factors to Consider

If you’re exploring external options, think about:

Location: Are you willing to relocate or work offshore?
Firm culture: Large commercial vs. smaller, more personal firms
Career development: Team structure and promotion prospects
Specialisation: Can you be flexible on practice areas?
Work-life balance: Does the role offer flexibility?
Job security: Focus on growing areas of law

3. Why Use a Specialist Recruiter?

Working with a legal recruiter like Chadwick Nott offers:

Expert guidance through the process
Insider knowledge of firms and teams
Interview coaching and mock interviews
CV advice tailored to what firms want
Salary benchmarking
Access to exclusive roles, many firms list jobs directly with us

Final Thought

Your first NQ role sets the foundation for your career. Take time to plan, explore options and seek expert advice. If you’d like a confidential discussion, contact Chadwick Nott today.