Graduate opportunities
Frequently Asked Questions
"One of the attractive things about Mills & Reeve is that, as a trainee, you get the quality of work of a City firm and train with leading individuals in their fields."
Katherine Coxon
Law, Nottingham University
How many trainees stay after qualification?
The firm invests a considerable amount of money in the recruitment and development of its trainees and we are keen to retain as many of them as possible when they qualify. A high proportion of trainees remain with the firm on qualification.
How much choice do trainees get in where they sit?
Allocating seats is a balancing act between meeting the needs of the business and preferences of the trainees. We have approximately 20 different areas where trainees can do seats and generally we are able to meet trainees preferences.
What is your attitude to mature applicants?
We often recruit mature applicants. We are particularly interested in applicants who are embarking on a second career after a career in industry or an area of work where the firm practices.
Who can apply for the summer placement scheme?
We welcome anyone who fits our criteria and is interested in starting a training contract in two years time.
What is your attitude to non-law students?
About 35 per cent of our lawyers did a subject other than law as their first degree and we welcome applications from non-law students. Candidates who have studied an analytical degree such as English history or an area related to our areas of work (eg, biology, environmental science) are of particular interest. However, if candidates can show a high level of achievement in any subject, combined with a commitment to the law and the right personality we will view their application with an open mind. We currently have trainees with first degrees in subjects as diverse as classics, pharmacy, music and economics.
What do you look for when recruiting trainees?
We look for students and graduates who have the potential to develop into our solicitors of the future. Candidates must be able to show excellent interpersonal skills, academic ability, confidence, maturity, commercial awareness, a sense of humour and the ability to draft professional documents. During the two year training contract we develop the skills of our trainees to the standard of a professional solicitor. We do not expect you to be perfect at the recruitment stage.
Do trainees socialise outside work?
Trainees often socialise during the week and at weekends — often going en masse to the local pub, sometimes going out for a meal or to the cinema. Other events include the annual Trainee Solicitors Ball and sporting activities such as tennis, indoor football, indoor hockey and rounders.
I have a 2:2. Is it worth my time to apply?
No. We are looking for a minimum 2:1 degree qualification.
Which LPC providers do you recommend?
We recommend you view the Law Society website which has the results of Law Society monitoring visits to LPC providers.
Do you keep in touch with trainees who you have recruited but haven't joined the firm yet?
Both the graduate recruitment team and the current trainees like to keep in contact with the future recruits by:
- the recruitment team will often see future trainees at university fairs
- we organise a Christmas lunch for all the trainees who are starting the following September - enabling future trainees to get to know each other
What are the current salaries for trainee solicitors?
The current salary for first year trainees is £23,000 per annum. The current salary for second year trainees is £24,000 per annum.
