"I applied for a Training Contract at PDT and joined as a Trainee Solicitor in September 2019, after joining the firm as a paralegal in our corporate department in January 2019. I then qualified into the Corporate department in September 2021.

The first stage of the process is to complete the application form available on the website, attached with your CV and a covering letter. A top tip of mine would be to focus your covering letter on why you want to be a lawyer and why you have chosen to apply to PDT, as although the partners do take into account your academics and previous experience, they also take into consideration your views and values and whether you will be the ‘right fit’ for the team. 

If successful, you will be invited to an interview. I was invited back for an interview where I had been asked to prepare a 10-minute presentation on a topic of my choice (this could be legal or non-legal), to present to two of the partners of the firm. Choosing your topic is really important – do not choose a topic you are not confident on as there is nothing worse than hearing one of those ‘dreaded’ questions that you can’t answer! Additionally, try and think of a topic that makes you stand out, so your interviewers remember you.

After the presentation, if successful, you will be invited back for the final stage of the process. This is an interview with James Clewlow, our Managing Partner, accompanied by the Training Partner Rebecca Glazebrook. The biggest tip of mine sounds rather cliché but really is invaluable - be yourself. PDT is unique in the respect that every member of staff is treated like a member of family, and they want to see an honest version of you. The whole purpose of a training contract is for development and growth, and they would much rather see an enthusiastic candidate who is willing to learn than a candidate who believes they know it all. 

I really hope you enjoy the experience of applying to PDT and that you are successful in reaching the next stage in your legal career. Finally, best of luck!” 

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