Many law firms have acknowledged these changes in NQ thinking over the last five years and certainly the process of securing an NQ position has been brought forward. As in previous years, many law firms are increasingly keen in securing their best trainees on qualification as early as possible. Even during 2022 many trainees reported into us that they had been able to secure a position in the spring even with the stresses and concerns of the start of the pandemic.
We have always said if you are able to secure a position in the spring it will provide you an opportunity to influence your final seat and will be beneficial to your new position (whether at your current firm or a new employer).
If you have been successful in securing a double seat in your chosen practice area this should give you a clear advantage during the process of getting your first position. Alongside a greater level of experience, you should benefit from greater technical knowledge and confidence when you start.
If your training firm does offer you an NQ role and you are comfortable that it is the best place for you to develop in your chosen practice area, your decision is simple, but resist the temptation to stay just because it is convenient. As mentioned, benchmark any offer you receive against the questions above. The early years of your career are vital in shaping your future.
Candidate advice Shamila Naheem
I placed Shamila Naheem at Pinsents in the summer of 2022. Shamila joined the firm on qualification in September 2022 having trained at Brighton County Council.
1, Shamila, when did you start thinking about making a move and what were your aspirations?
I’d been advised to start reaching out and keeping an eye on NQ jobs a year before qualification to understand the demand in the market for the sector I was interested in, and then to start speaking to recruiters to express interest around 9 months before qualifying.
Aspiration wise, the most important thing to me was to be in an environment that was nurturing and that would allow me to be the best solicitor I could be in five years time. I was also keen to find a role in projects which is a pretty niche area and was willing to compromise on location to find a role in this sector that was a good fit.
2, As we worked together on the job search how did you feel you benefitted from the relationship?
My recruitment process was very smooth! Jason reached out to law firms and lined up interviews for me that were a good fit for my ambitions.
3, What is the best piece of recruitment advice you could give to someone qualifying into law in 2023?
Start researching the sector, the market in your preferred location and the NQ market early to gather an understanding of what different companies are looking for. I’d also say to remember that this is a two-way process try and think about whether the place you are interviewing at would be a good fit for you and your ambitions and whether you can meet your long-term career (and life) goals there.
