What would you do if you secured a training contract or a vacation scheme at Gowling WLG? Training at a prestigious, international, and highly-ranked law firm is every aspiring solicitor’s dream. In this guide, you will learn all about the application process, requirements, and a lot more to help you succeed.
Make sure to boost your chances of success by crafting a flawless legal CV and a personalized cover letter.
What is the Gowling Training Contract?
The Gowling Training Contract is a pivotal step for law graduates who aim to become solicitors. You will embark on this journey with world-class guidance from Gowling. At Gowling, you would be one of approximately 25 trainees recruited each year, with placements in either of their offices.
Your training would include rotations through four six-month seats, encompassing real estate, contentious, non-contentious practices, and a fourth seat of your choice, allowing you to gain broad legal experience across various fields such as environmental law and medical defense. Our training contract deadlines calendar is a great way to know when to apply to Gowling.
The firm emphasizes the mutual benefit of the training, where not only does the trainee receive substantial financial and professional benefits, but they are also groomed to make a significant impact with the firm’s clients. Gowling expresses that training with them is not just a path to becoming a lawyer but an opportunity to excel and make a real difference in the legal landscape.
Gowling Training Contract Requirements
Here are the entry requirements for Gowling’s Training Contract:
- Academic Grades: Gowling WLG accepts degrees with a 2:2 classification or below, focusing on the candidate’s overall abilities and potential rather than just academic results.
- Background Diversity: The firm is interested in candidates from all ages and backgrounds, valuing diverse experiences over a specific educational path.
- Legal Education: Preference is given to candidates who have completed their LPC and PGDL at the University of Law, but there is flexibility regarding this preference.
- Optimistic and Proactive Attitude: Gowling WLG seeks individuals who are optimistic about the future, possess a sharp mind, and exhibit an entrepreneurial spirit.
- Teamwork and Diversity: The firm values teamwork and the ability to work collaboratively with people from diverse backgrounds.
- Comprehensive Learning Experience: You will rotate through four six-month seats in real estate, contentious, non-contentious, and a choice of your own, possibly including a client secondment or an international office seat.
- Continuous Development: Post-training contract, Gowling WLG promises opportunities for continuous personal and professional development, ensuring that the investment in your training translates into a rewarding career with the firm.
What is the Gowling Vacation Scheme
The Gowling Vacation Scheme offers a prime opportunity for individuals interested in a legal career at Gowling WLG to showcase their abilities and gain insight into the firm’s operations. The scheme is designed to provide an extraordinary experience, positioning candidates directly in front of top lawyers at the firm. This not only serves as an introduction to Gowling WLG but also allows you to immerse yourself in the firm’s work culture and practices.
The firm stands out for its inclusive and non-hierarchical culture, emphasizing respect for individuality and valuing contributions from every team member, regardless of their seniority or location. If you are applying to Gowling, you might want to check out our vacation scheme deadlines calendar.
Spring Vacation Scheme at Gowling
The Spring Vacation Scheme at Gowling WLG offers a unique opportunity to gain first-hand experience in the legal field. Applications for the Birmingham summer vacation scheme open in early September. Gowling WLG prides itself on its non-hierarchical and inclusive culture, valuing individuality and respecting every team member’s contributions, regardless of their seniority or location.
Summer Vacation Scheme at Gowling
The Summer Vacation Scheme at Gowling WLG is designed as a stepping stone for individuals interested in pursuing a legal career with the firm. It’s an opportunity to engage with top lawyers, gain insight into the profession, and understand the firm’s unique approach to law.
For those aiming to apply for the Birmingham summer vacation scheme, the application window opens in early September. This allows aspirants ample time to prepare and understand what the application process entails. Gowling WLG provides resources to help applicants, including answers to frequently asked questions about vacation schemes
What You Will Do at Gowling Vacation Scheme
During a Gowling WLG vacation scheme, participants are fully immersed in the workings of the firm. They are not only involved in real work, but they also have the opportunity to interact with clients, providing a genuine taste of life as a lawyer.
- Real Work Experience: Engage in actual work, gaining hands-on experience in legal matters.
- Client Interaction: Get the opportunity to interact with Gowling WLG’s clients.
- Supportive Environment: Receive support from the firm’s team, ensuring you’re not overwhelmed.
- Mentorship: A qualified lawyer will act as your mentor, and a trainee will help you settle in.
- Feedback: Obtain honest and constructive feedback on your performance.
- Social Opportunities: Meet and socialize with the firm’s people, including trainees and qualified lawyers.
- Cultural Insight: Discover the firm’s culture and ethos to see if it aligns with your career goals
Application Process for Training Contract and Vacation Scheme at Gowling
The application process for Gowling WLG’s Training Contract and Vacation Scheme consists of several stages designed to assess candidates’ fit for the firm:
- Application Form: Introduce yourself and your experiences. Use this opportunity to show your skills, attributes, and understanding of Gowling WLG.
- Online Behaviour-Based Assessment: After the initial screening, you’ll complete an online assessment to identify your natural strengths. Find out how to pass the Watson Glaser Test.
- Video Interview: If successful in the assessment, you’ll have a video interview where you’ll respond to pre-recorded questions.
- Immersive Assessment Day: The final stage includes various exercises to demonstrate your potential as a commercial lawyer.
The application form seeks to understand your self-reflection, research abilities, and does not require a minimum grade, focusing instead on personal skills and attributes. The form is divided into sections on work experience and essay questions. Emphasis is placed on transferable skills from all life experiences, not just legal ones. Attention to detail, clear communication, and a thorough understanding of Gowling WLG and its values are critical for a successful application.
In our detailed guides, you will learn how to perfectly answer why this law firm and why study law application questions.
Why You Should Apply to Gowling WLG?
Applying to Gowling WLG offers numerous benefits:
- Inclusive Culture: Gowling WLG is known for its inclusive culture, valuing individuality and team collaboration across all levels.
- Comprehensive Learning: The firm provides a robust platform for learning, with vacation schemes that offer real work and client interaction.
- Supportive Environment: With mentorship from experienced professionals, applicants receive guidance and constructive feedback.
- Professional Growth: The firm’s focus on natural strengths and preferences aids in personal and professional development.
- Diverse Opportunities: Gowling WLG encourages applications from a variety of backgrounds, focusing on skills and attributes over grades.
- Global Exposure: As an international law firm, Gowling WLG provides exposure to a broad spectrum of legal practices and industries.
History of Gowling WLG
The history of Gowling WLG is marked by a significant merger that created a multinational law firm with deep historical roots:
- Founding Dates: The two entities that eventually merged to form Gowling WLG have long histories, with WLG being founded in 1834 and Gowling in 1877.
- Merger to Form Gowling WLG: In February 2016, Canada-based Gowlings and UK-based Wragge Lawrence Graham & Co combined to create Gowling WLG, marking the first multinational law firm combination co-led by a Canadian firm.
- Structure: The firm operates as Gowling WLG International Limited, a company limited by guarantee in England, with two separate limited liability partnerships in Canada and the UK, providing legal services independently but under one brand.
- Global Recognition: After its formation, Gowling WLG quickly established itself on the global stage, ranking 16th in The Lawyer UK 200 and 74th in the world for revenue.
- Notable Engagements: The firm has been involved in significant events, including acting as the Official Legal Advisers for the Birmingham Commonwealth Games and sponsoring international conferences.
What Makes Gowling WLG Stand Out
Gowling WLG distinguishes itself through:
- Client-Centric Approach: They prioritize client success, tailoring teams and strategies around client needs to provide both legal excellence and commercial value.
- Relationship-Driven: Belief in the power of relationships to achieve business results, fostering collaboration across services and locations.
- People-Focused Culture: Commitment to nurturing a culture centered on collective success, recruiting diverse and ambitious individuals.
- Continuous Improvement: The firm challenges itself to serve clients better, utilizing its network, innovative methodologies, and striving for greater efficiency
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the answers to the frequently asked questions regarding the Gowling training contract and vacation scheme:
How much do you get paid at Gowling?
Trainee solicitor salaries at Gowling WLG are competitive, with first-year trainees in London earning £47,000 and in Birmingham £33,000. In the second year, salaries rise to £52,000 and £36,000, respectively. Additionally, employees are offered a range of benefits, such as private medical care, life and income protection insurance, pension schemes, and a season ticket loan, among others.
What does Gowling look for in trainees?
Gowling WLG looks for trainees who are optimistic and excited about the future, with a sharp mind and an entrepreneurial spirit. The firm values the power of teamwork and seeks individuals who appreciate the significance of diverse contributions to collective success. They prefer candidates who are keen to be involved in making change happen and who define success as being challenged and enjoying impactful work.
Beyond academic achievements, Gowling WLG is interested in candidates who have developed transferable skills through various life experiences and possess commercial awareness. They value curiosity, the ability to stay updated with industry changes, and a genuine interest in legal practices. They emphasize looking for unique individuals whose diverse experiences and passions can contribute to the firm’s dynamic environment.
