2.1 degree already gained or predicted to achieve. Commendation or above in overseas/postgraduate legal studies and completed the conversion examination.
Training contracts - Hong Kong
Applications are currently closed. Please see our Hong Kong Winter Vacation Placement programme;
The best training experience possible
On our tailored programme, we give you the best training experience possible, with a full, balanced introduction to the legal profession.
Induction
Your induction starts on day one with our signature get together at our Central Plaza Office where you’ll have the chance to meet your fellow Trainees and begin to build a network of contacts across the firm.
Legal and skills training are scheduled throughout the traineeship. With a series of social events, it also gives you the chance to strengthen your bonds with others in the office or in the region.
Training and seat rotation
On our two-year training programme, you’ll enjoy the chance to build both the technical legal skills and complementary skills you need to become a newly-qualified Solicitor and business advisor.
Throughout the programme you’ll gain broad exposure to different areas of the firm by moving seat every six months. The training in each seat is ‘front loaded’ to enable you to quickly develop legal knowledge of each area and take on real responsibility. When you qualify, you’ll have fully informed idea of which practice areas interest you and can take your career to the next level in your chosen specialism.
Our local partners and HR will support you throughout your Training Contract, from liaising with the wider business on seat allocation, to meeting with you regularly to offer personal or professional support and guidance.
How to apply
Candidates who would like to be considered for a Training Contract with Pinsent Masons, should initially apply for either our summer or winter Vacation Placement programme.
Please submit the following documents during your application;
1. Cover letter indicating your preferred area of practice, interested year of Training Contract & your availability for the Vacation Placement
2. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
3. Current degree transcripts
4. Academic transcripts at HKDSE / HKCEE (or equivalent)
5. Any other supporting documentation you consider relevant
All applications are screened to a pre-defined framework and shortlisted candidates who best demonstrate that they meet our criteria will be contacted and invited to attend an interview.
Salary
PCLL sponsorship
To make sure we recruit the very best people, regardless of their background, we’ll provide financial assistance for your PCLL tuition fees.
Entry requirements
If you don’t meet the above criteria but there are mitigating circumstances that explain why you’ve failed to meet the minimum academic requirements, there’s an opportunity for you to include this information in your application.
What we're looking for
A focus on detail
With a conscientious approach, you’ll have the ability to read and absorb large amounts of reference material and spot errors quickly. You’ll be a stickler for detail when it comes to your own writing too, ensuring it’s always clear and accurate.
An interest in business
We’re a commercial law firm, so you’ll have a genuine interest in how business works. That means keeping up-to-date with the latest business issues, as well as appreciating how legal expertise can support and steer commercial organisations.
Intellectual capability
You’ve the intellectual curiosity to explore new approaches and ask others’ opinions. With an analytical approach, you think things through and weigh up the implications, but also have the capacity to think on your feet to find solutions.
Openness
You’ll be approachable, outgoing and confident engaging with people from different backgrounds and experiences to your own. Whether you’re communicating with colleagues or clients, you’ll understand the need to adapt your message to suit your audience.
Personal drive
You’ll need to combine a real desire to be the best with the energy, ambition and enthusiasm to go the extra mile to succeed. With a can-do attitude, you’re always open to learning from your experience, so you can be even better next time.
Personal responsibility
You understand that taking responsibility for your successes and acknowledging when things go wrong will help you to constantly improve and achieve your career aims. By knowing your strengths and weaknesses, you give others confidence in your abilities.
Positive impact
With the self-assurance to voice your own opinions and defend your point of view when you need to, you’ll be a convincing and persuasive communicator. But you’ll also have the self-awareness to ask for help when you need it.
Self-organisation
You understand priorities and monitor your progress towards set objectives. By being well-organised and planning and managing your work efficiently, you make sure you always deliver quality work on time.
Our recruitment process
We’ve designed our application process to ensure you’ll know the outcome in no more than four months after the application deadline. The below shows a typical recruitment and selection process. You’ll be given full details of the process in relation to your own recruitment as appropriate.
Qualification and beyond
Trainee retention
Our investment in your training means we’ll do everything possible to continue your career with us after qualification. We carefully control the number of Trainees in the business to maximise retention. Resource planning ensures that you will be given the highest quality of work, which will stretch you further and allow you to quickly learn and develop.
Newly-Qualified (NQ) selection process
We run a fair and transparent NQ selection process. Our graduate development team work with the business to identify which roles are available and circulate a list. You’ll be able to apply for any relevant, available vacancies across the firm’s offices. The recruitment process is centrally managed and includes interviews and technical skills assessments. The outcomes will be based on your performance at assessment and throughout your training contract. This gives you every opportunity to further your career with a leading, well-respected firm in your chosen area of law.
Continuous professional development
After qualification, you can look forward to a variety of development opportunities that will enable you to become a specialist in your chosen area. With a wide range of courses available through the Pinsent Masons Academy, as well as in your practice area, you’ll have plenty of scope to develop your skills, add to your responsibilities and build a successful career.
Some frequently asked questions
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How many training contracts do you offer each year?
We offer up to 3 Training Contracts each year in Hong Kong. This is reviewed regularly to make sure it meets our business needs.
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Do I need a vacation placement to be offered a training contract?
Anyone seeking a Training Contract with Pinsent Masons should apply to our summer or winter internship programme. This programme offers an ideal opportunity for you to get to know the Firm, our people and our values and culture.
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Can I defer my offer?
Yes, if you want to defer your start date for 12 months. We look at these on a case-by-case basis, taking our business needs into account. If you want to defer, you should give the local HR team reasonable notice before your agreed start date by contacting us at [email protected].
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If I have previous training experience, can it count towards my training contract?
Our Training Contract gives you experience-based professional training over four six-month seats. This means you experience a variety of teams and gain a well-rounded view of our business. If you have extensive legal work experience, you can apply to reduce the length of the training contract, which will be subject to the approval of HK Law Society. We’ll also consider your case in line the needs of the business.
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Do I get to choose my seats?
You can let us know which seat you’d prefer for each move and we’ll do our best to meet your request, in line with HK Law Society guidelines and our business needs.
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Do you offer client secondments?
Yes. We’ll offer places based on performance, availability of such clients’ needs and future career aspirations.