DMU graduate lands training contract with top law firm

No two working days are ever the same for law graduate James Woodcock, who has just landed a training contract working for a Legal 500 firm.

James Woodcock, who completed the Legal Practice Course (LPC) in July 2015 and was awarded a Pass with Distinction at De Montfort University Leicester (DMU), works in the corporate department of Freeths, a national law firm with 11 offices.



Training contracts are notoriously tough to get with more graduates than positions available in the UK – so trainee solicitors are under pressure to set themselves apart in this fiercely competitive environment.

James says a combination of outstanding results and building up a solid CV of work experience has helped him be awarded a coveted training contract. He will now complete two years of recognized training before officially qualifying as a solicitor.

He said that his year on the LPC, which bridges the gap between academia and the realities of working in the legal profession, had helped to bring the subject alive.

James, whose family is from Leicestershire, said: “DMU’s Legal Practice Course was a lot more practical, it was more about making the transition into working. It was predominantly two full days of seminars and the other days were spent preparing for the following week. One of the best things about the LPC was that there were 15 of us in each class, so we worked together as a group and helped each other out.”

“The tutors were really good. DMU has several really helpful tutors who were always willing to help with queries and support us.”

Before beginning his LPC, James had completed several work experience placements at law firms throughout his undergraduate degree. Once his LPC was done, he applied for a legal assistant role at Freeths which he did for 12 months before being offered a training contract in June.

RELATED NEWS:
* Placement helps DMU law graduate make great connections
* Law school celebrates links with local law community
* DMU graduate works her magic to land role at elite firm

He now works in the corporate department, dealing with businesses, banking and finance. “It’s a very varied role,” he said. “Because Freeths is such a large company, we are able to specialize more than other firms.”

“Every day you are doing something different. You learn a lot that way, and gain a broader understanding.”

James suggests that aspiring solicitors get as much work experience on their CV as possible to demonstrate breadth of personal development as well as studying.  “It’s quite tough to get work experience in a law firm but it is important to show potential employers that you have that tenacity and experience.”