Eversheds Sutherland is a prominent global law firm offering training contracts as a pathway to legal qualification. The firm emphasizes the importance of trainees to the future of their operations, indicating a commitment to providing the knowledge, tools, and opportunities necessary for a successful and rewarding legal career. In this comprehensive student guide, you will learn all about Eversheds Sutherland’s training contract and vacation scheme to help you succeed in the application process.
Make sure to boost your chances of success by crafting a flawless legal CV and a personalized cover letter.
What is Eversheds Sutherland Training Contract
A training contract with Eversheds Sutherland is a structured two-year program, divided into four six-month ‘seats,’ which are essentially rotations through different areas of law. This allows trainees to gain a breadth of experience across various legal disciplines. To ensure a well-rounded experience, trainees are required to spend at least one seat in a contentious area of law. Find out about training contract deadlines so you know how to plan your application.
If you have not completed an undergraduate law degree, Eversheds Sutherland provides support for the Post Graduate Diploma in Law (PGDL) conversion course at The University of Law, which is to be undertaken in the academic year before beginning the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) preparation course, as stated on their UK website.
Our comprehensive guide will help you craft perfect answers to why study law and why this law firm questions on your training contract application.
Trainees may also have the opportunity to undertake secondments, which are temporary assignments at a client’s office or another Eversheds office either in the UK or internationally, adding an additional dimension of practical experience to their training.
Eversheds Sutherland Training Contract Requirements
The requirements for securing a training contract with Eversheds Sutherland involve several academic and preparatory steps. You should aim to achieve the following:
- 128 UCAS points from the best three A-Levels or their equivalent.
- 2.1 degree or equivalent in any degree discipline.
- Pass or above in law school, which includes the Graduate Diploma in Law (PGDL) and/or the Legal Practice Course (LPC)/Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE).
Before joining as a trainee, it is required to undertake and pass the SQE preparation course, along with SQE1 and SQE2 in the academic year prior. However, those who have already completed the LPC at the point of offer would be exempt from sitting SQE1 but would still need to complete the SQE preparation course and pass SQE2.
What is the Eversheds Sutherland Vacation Scheme
The Eversheds Sutherland Vacation Scheme is a short-term placement opportunity designed to give individuals a comprehensive insight into the workings of a global law firm. These schemes typically last two weeks in the UK offices and three weeks in the Hong Kong office, providing participants with a chance to experience the firm’s culture and the variety of work it handles.
The vacation scheme is open to both students and those already working who are looking to pursue a career in law. It is aimed at helping individuals realize their potential within the legal field by offering a range of opportunities. Check out our vacation scheme deadlines calendar.
Summer Vacation Scheme at Eversheds Sutherland
The firm offers summer vacation scheme placements for aspiring solicitors. Various offices participate in this recruitment opportunity London, Leeds, Newcastle, Cambridge, Manchester, London, Cardiff, Birmingham and Nottingham
Eversheds Sutherland prides itself on offering first-class training, international opportunities, and exposure to high-quality clients and major transactions, which indicates that candidates should be prepared for a dynamic and challenging work experience.
Overall, securing a vacation scheme with Eversheds Sutherland requires strong academic credentials, successful completion of requisite legal courses, and a readiness to engage in comprehensive learning opportunities.
The firm doesn’t have winter or spring vacation schemes.
What You Will Do During Eversheds Sutherland Vacation Scheme
The activities during the scheme may include attending court, assisting with research, drafting documents, and spending time in two different fee-earning departments. Additionally, participants will have the opportunity to meet partners and other key members of the firm, which can be beneficial for networking and gaining a deeper understanding of the firm’s operations.
This practical experience is integral to understanding the day-to-day activities of a lawyer and provides a realistic view of the profession, which is invaluable for those considering a legal career and potentially a training contract with Eversheds Sutherland. Participants in the vacation scheme can expect to earn money while gaining valuable hands-on legal experience.
Application Process for Training Contract and Vacation Scheme at Eversheds Sutherland
The application process for Eversheds Sutherland’s training contract and vacation schemes is comprehensive and covers several stages to ensure that candidates are well-suited to the firm’s culture and work demands.
The application process is split into 3 stages:
- Online Application: At this stage, the firm gathers your qualifications, language skills, and work experience. Also includes strength-based questions about past and potential work situations. Learn more about the Watson Glaser Test and how to pass it.
- Video Interview: You will have to record a video interview answering strengths-based questions about situations you have faced or could face in the role and what energizes you about them. The video will be approximately 10 minutes long and you’ll need to answer the questions presented without pausing or re-recording.
- Assessment Day: Selection day involves a strengths-based interview and two exercises to assess your potential and interests.
It is important to note that whether you apply and complete the Vacation Scheme or apply directly for a training contract, the application process is the same. Applicants should be aware that they can only make one application per academic year and that all applications must be submitted online.
Why You Should Apply to Eversheds Sutherland?
Applying to Eversheds Sutherland offers numerous advantages for aspiring solicitors:
- Global Reach: As one of the world’s largest law firms, it offers exposure to international legal practices and the opportunity to work with a diverse client base.
- Diverse Experience: The firm’s training contracts provide a comprehensive learning experience across various legal areas, enhancing your legal expertise.
- Support for Qualifications: Eversheds Sutherland supports non-law graduates with conversion courses and provides comprehensive preparation for the SQE.
- Career Development: The firm views trainees as future firm leaders and invests in their long-term career growth.
- Competitive Remuneration: They offer competitive salaries for trainees, reflecting the firm’s commitment to attracting top talent.
- Inclusive Culture: Eversheds Sutherland is known for its commitment to diversity, inclusion, and corporate responsibility, fostering an environment where all employees can thrive.
These factors make Eversheds Sutherland an attractive option for those seeking to establish a robust foundation for a legal career.
History of Eversheds Sutherland
Eversheds Sutherland, with its headquarters in London, UK, and Atlanta, Georgia, is a leading global law practice formed by the merger of Eversheds LLP (founded in 1988) and Sutherland Asbill & Brennan LLP (founded in 1924), culminating in the creation of Eversheds Sutherland LLP in February 2017.
Today, it stands as one of the 50 largest law practices in the world, employing more than 2,800 lawyers and over 4,000 staff members across its various offices. The firm experienced significant changes in the late 2000s and early 2010s, including a major restructuring between 2008 and 2010 and a merger with the law consortium KSLG in 2011, before parting ways with its South African arm in 2013.
What Makes Eversheds Sutherland Stand Out
Eversheds Sutherland stands out in the legal industry for several reasons, highlighting why you might choose to apply for a training contract or vacation scheme with the firm:
- Comprehensive Service Offering: Known for its commercial awareness and industry knowledge, Eversheds Sutherland provides innovative and tailored solutions across all contracting legal areas that businesses and public bodies need to achieve their commercial objectives. The firm’s international commercial law group is uniquely equipped to deliver on a global scale.
- Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion: The firm has a culture that emphasizes diversity, inclusion, pro bono work, and community service. Eversheds Sutherland focuses on the professional development of its staff and is committed to sustainability, which demonstrates its dedication to social and environmental responsibility.
- Global Reach and Seamless Collaboration: With offices across the UK, USA, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, Eversheds Sutherland is one of the largest full-service law firms in the world. Their global teams work seamlessly across borders to deliver high-quality, innovative solutions to complex business issues for a diverse range of clients.
- Innovation and Technology: The firm leverages technology to enhance its service delivery. For example, Eversheds Sutherland has a people-based marketing technology platform and has produced a series of commercial law videos showcasing their lawyers from nine specialist areas, demonstrating how they work differently and effectively.
These characteristics not only make Eversheds Sutherland a leading law practice but also create an environment that is conducive to learning, professional growth, and meaningful work, which can be highly attractive to those seeking to start or further their legal careers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the answers to the frequently asked questions regarding the Eversheds Sutherland training contract and vacation scheme:
How much do Eversheds Sutherland trainee solicitors make?
Trainee solicitors at Eversheds Sutherland on average make £33,000 per year, which includes bonuses and additional compensation. The typical salary is around £28,500, with a range of £27,150 – £28,975. Find out more about solicitor salaries in our comprehensive guide.
How many trainees do Eversheds take?
Eversheds Sutherland hires approximately 20 trainees in each intake. However, this number may vary by office and year.
Is Eversheds Sutherland prestigious?
Eversheds Sutherland is considered one of the world’s 50 largest law practices with a substantial global presence and a strong reputation in the legal industry. With a highly experienced team of lawyers, Eversheds Sutherland has built a strong reputation in the legal industry, delivering high-quality advice and innovative solutions to complex legal challenges faced by its clients. Although Eversheds Sutherland is not a magic circle law firm it is clearly a very prestigious company.
How hard is it to get a solicitor training contract at Eversheds Sutherland?
Securing a solicitor training contract at Eversheds Sutherland can be challenging due to the competitive nature of the process. Candidates need to demonstrate academic excellence, relevant work experience, and align with the firm’s values and culture.
How much do Eversheds trainees get paid in London?
First-year trainee solicitors at Eversheds Sutherland in London receive a salary of £46,000. This figure is indicative of the London legal market and may be higher compared to other regions. These figures reflect the competitive nature of training contracts and the high standards expected by law firms such as Eversheds Sutherland. The salary figures may be subject to change and should be verified with the firm for the most current information.
