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‘Do I give up my regional TC offer to pursue opportunities in London?’

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By Legal Cheek on

10

Advice needed

City of London at sunset
In the latest instalment of our Career Conundrums series, an aspiring solicitor wants your advice on the benefits of training in London and the risks of searching for a different training contract.

“Last year, I accepted a training contract with the Manchester office of a national law firm. However, I have always been tempted by working in London and applied to some firms there this year.

I’ve got through to the next stage for a couple of firms in London but I’m no longer sure that this is the right decision. I am curious to know your readers’ opinions on training at a regional firm vs training in London. How much of a difference would it make to my opportunities post-qualification?

I am also worried that my original firm will know that I am in the application process at these firms and might rescind my training contract offer. Is this likely? Will I be considered dishonest for pursuing these opportunities? I don’t want to begin my legal career on the wrong note!”

If you have a career conundrum, email us at tips@legalcheek.com.

10 Comments

Trainee solicitor

Securing a training contract (TC) is highly competitive, especially in London, where the demand often exceeds the available positions. It’s important to recognise that opportunities in regional firms can offer substantial experience and career development. Starting your career in a regional office doesn’t preclude a future move to London; many professionals transition to London firms later in their careers or transfer within their firms if such options exist. Remember, the grass isn’t always greener on the other side. Gaining solid experience and building a strong foundation in your current role can be just as valuable as starting in a major city. Consider the long-term benefits and growth opportunities available to you before making a decision.

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(31)(2)

Ex-regions

Great comment. Speaking from experience myself (having trained in a regional international firm, then moving to a top city firm), I was amazed at how much more experience I had than my peers at my level in that city firm. Of course, it does largely depend on the seats you do and the firm’s client base, but there can definitely be a benefit to training in the regions given that those firms typically do a broader range of work. Their key selling point to clients (including to international clients, of which there are often many) is the much lower rates that they offer.

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(11)(0)

Anonymous

Thanks, ChatGPT.

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(7)(13)

Name

Qualify first and then move later. Otherwise you could end up in paralegal purgatory in London for an indefinite period.

You may also end up loving your life in Manchester, and market conditions could result in a narrowing of the pay gap.

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(11)(0)

nq associate

London is not always necessarily better. You can get just as good training at a regional firm and can always move to London after if you still have that itch. You can be a big fish in a regional firm but in London you’ll be one of many. It’s also not all about your job so have a think about which city would be best for you to live in personally and professionally.

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(6)(1)

London 0.5 PQE

I wouldn’t underestimate the experience you would get from a regional firm. I think it comes down to the type of work and clients your are working for and if this is what you want. In practise, this determines everything from hourly rates to pay and even office location (e.g. Clifford Chance is in Canary Wharf to be close to the banks). The culture of a firm is also shaped by its clients. Think about the practice areas and sectors you are most interested in. Does your firm offer this and the career progression you’re looking for? Be mindful that a lot of city firms give trainees the same tasks a paralegal would undertake. The learning is ongoing throughout your TC but ramps up at NQ when the safety wheels are off. I would say just keep applying and see where it goes. The firm you have an offer from isn’t going to find out.

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(6)(0)

Senior Associate

I trained at a regional office of a national firm. Ended up doing 2 seats in the London office and then qualified in London. Go with the regional TC. There should be opportunities to move to London later, possibly internally, and getting a TC is a big achievement that a lot do not manage.

I also believe my training was better in a regional and less intense office. I was given more responsibility and supervision than I would have in London.

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(8)(0)

Just qualify.

Qualifying is the goal. If another TC opportunity comes up then of course consider your options then, but if you think the firm which has already accepted you will be a good fit and you’ll get the experience you need then run with that opportunity. Get your TC done and dusted and start building your career.

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(5)(0)

There is more to life

Pack it in and become a hairdresser. Thats what I did and now I own 4 salons and make more than I did as an MC lawyer.

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(9)(0)

Anonymous

The grass isn’t always greener. You’ve secured a TC already which no doubt was hard work. Stick with it and enjoy the time you will have before starting your TC instead of going through application processes again. Outside of law, I’ve noticed a drop in quality of life in London – rents skyrocketing, price of most things skyrocketing. It’s an extremely busy city which can be overwhelming. Crime seems to be on the rise too – e.g. phone snatching. If you do want to move to London, try visiting more often or see if there are secondment opportunities.

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(0)(0)

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