Qualifying as a NQ Solicitor in 2025? Find out what to do next!
You completed the LLB, obtained your Diploma in Legal Practice, and are now on the cusp of finishing your Traineeship- it’s a very exciting time!
Understandably, individuals have many questions about how their career will progress as their training contract comes to an end.
So, when you reach this point as a trainee, it can be easy not to take a step back, consider your options and begin to assess the type of culture, practice area and career path you are keen to undertake.
What do you need to be thinking about right now?
Below is a brief guide on the main things all Trainee NQ solicitors need to consider as they approach this crucial qualification time.
1. Should I Stay or Should I Go?
When considering your options, an important starting point is to reflect upon if you want to remain at your current firm. For some, it can be a reasonably straightforward yes/no outcome; however, if you are questioning this, below are a few points which to consider:
Is there a genuine and viable option to explore an NQ role in your desired practice area with your current firm? – you will have an idea of the preferred practice areas you want to specialise within on completing your Traineeship. It does not necessarily mean it will solely be the practice area you pursue your entire career; however, it is essential to assess if this would be a real possibility with your current firm.
Can I genuinely develop and progress my career at my existing firm? – a good barometer to use is those of your colleagues at the firm; has the firm genuinely invested in developing, retaining, and progressing their careers or does there seem to be an element of career stagnation?
Traineeship gratitude or misplaced loyalty? Without a doubt, all Trainee solicitors will be grateful for the opportunity to train with a firm; this does not necessarily mean you should accept an NQ opportunity with your training firm. When considering this aspect, it is best remain objective to your career goals aspirations and assess these against NQ opportunities in the broader sense.
When should I begin to consider my options? Each firm has different timescales for releasing and engaging their trainees for NQ positions. If you wait to hear what happens at your firm, you may miss out on other external opportunities.
What is my most significant driver for securing an NQ position? We have supported Trainee Solicitors for many years & without doubt, each motivation for exploring an NQ opportunity is always driven by many important factors. If you consider any avenue (be it internally or externally), it is important to have defined parameters before considering your options.
2. Partnering with a Legal Recruitment specialist
For most soon-to-be NQ Solicitors, partnering with a specialist legal recruiter will be a very new experience. Wiseman Consulting Limited do not have a one size fits all approach; as a respected and established legal recruitment specialist, we have a successful track record of partnering with Trainee Solicitors to achieve the following:
Guidance and extensive support throughout the entire recruitment process; from initial discussion, CV formatting, interview preparation, salary negotiations, on-boarding & post-start aftercare.
Utilise our client partnerships in Scotland, London & Regional legal markets: Wiseman Consulting Limited have many excellent client relationships with boutique firms, regional firms, and internal law firms across a variety of practice areas.
Offer in-depth advice: You may have already received an offer for an NQ position at your current firm; we are on hand to guide you on this to offer insight to the market externally. It may lead to discovering a firm that may provide a better-suited opportunity for your career needs. Loyalty is a great thing and commendable at this stage of your career, but it is vital to ensure you are considering your long-term prospects.
3. Assemble Your Trusted Counsel
When you have set your mind on exploring a new career opportunity, it is best to discuss this with those closest to you early on in the process, either before or after an initial discussion. Be it your most trusted peers, industry contacts, friends, or family members. In essence, you want to have what is often described as your board of directors to provide you with the necessary guidance on becoming an NQ solicitor.
