Of the current partners, over 50% undertook their articles or training contracts with the firm.

This alone demonstrates that trainees are properly regarded as the future of the firm and, as such, recruitment and training of trainees is treated as a priority.

During their training contracts, trainees have an opportunity to spend six months in each of four of the firm’s departments. These are as follows:

• Corporate and Commercial

• Business Defence

• Employment and Employee Benefits

• Commercial Property

• Intellectual Property

• Commercial Dispute Resolution

• Property Litigation

• Construction and Engineering

• Probate, Wills and Trusts

Within each seat, a dedicated supervisor will take responsibility for ensuring that each trainee receives a proper level of training in accordance with the current edition of the Law Society’s Guide to Authorisation.

Trainees are encouraged to participate in meetings, attend court and tribunal hearings, attend internal training sessions and participate in seminars. In addition, a formal appraisal is undertaken twice during each seat to ensure that the correct breadth and depth of training is taking place.

What current trainees say about training at Greenwoods Solicitors LLP

"As a trainee at Greenwoods you are given responsibility from day one and really feel as though you are making a positive contribution."

"A Greenwoods trainee gets the best of both worlds - quality of work and quality of life. You benefit from working for a firm that attracts premium clients but without the downside of having to work the long hours that City firm's trainees do."

"Being a large regional firm, Greenwoods offers a combination of the advantages of a regional and city firms' training contract. Firstly, accessibility to files to be able to learn from and experience the day to day running of the file, under the direction of partners and fee earners who have vast experience in their field. Secondly, premium clients and substantive work that ensures you receive comprehensive and wide-ranging training."

"I feel valued both as an individual and as a member of a team."

"From the start of my training contract I found Greenwoods to be a friendly firm. People were always happy to answer my questions and point me in the right direction."

Applying for a training contract with Greenwoods Solicitors LLP

Send your CV to Rosemary Gearing, Personnel Manager with a handwritten covering letter before 31 July two years before the start date for which you are applying. For training contracts beginning in September 2008 applications should be received by 31 July 2006.

The application procedure

We will write to you to confirm that your application has been received. In or about September all applications are reviewed and a shortlist developed.

We will write to you to advise you whether or not you have been short listed.

Short listed candidates will be invited to an initial interview with John Macaulay, Training Principal and Rosemary Gearing. From these initial interviews a number of candidates are selected to attend an Assessment Day. Should you be unsuccessful at this stage we are always happy to provide you with feedback.

The Assessment Day provides an opportunity for you to find out more about Greenwoods and includes lunch with current trainees. During the Assessment Day we will ask you to prepare a two minute presentation, undertake a psychometric test, which includes a feedback session, and attend a second interview.

Within a week of the Assessment Day we will contact you to let you know whether or not we will be offering you a Training Contract. If you are successful, a formal offer letter will then follow shortly thereafter.

Day one!

When you arrive at Greenwoods Solicitors LLP you will take part in our induction programme. This will help you find your feet, and will provide you with information about how the firm operates together with training on using IT, telecoms and library systems.

If you would like to be part of a firm which regards its trainees as a vital resource with an important part to play in current and future success, we look forward to receiving your application and to helping you realise your full potential.