Part B Bar Course honorarium: S$500 per month Trainee salary: S$2,500 per month
Training contracts - Singapore
Applications are open. Application closing date: 31st July 2024.
The first stage of a focused development programme
Our training programme has been developed in-house, ensuring you receive a bespoke, balanced and comprehensive introduction to the legal profession.
Programme structure
We are keen to offer the best possible training experience to those who join us, and are proud of the high quality work, early responsibility and exposure to clients our trainees enjoy. This begins from the moment you accept our Training Contract offer. We have a programme of events and communications to keep in touch between you accepting our offer and joining the firm.
Skills development
Throughout your training, you will be exposed to different areas of practice to equip you with a well-rounded experience of what legal practice entails. You will receive technical skills training, as well as complementary skills training which will fully equip you for your life as a newly-qualified lawyer and business advisor.
You will attend in-house training sessions organised periodically through the Pinsent Masons Academy. These cover various aspects of legal practice, from black-letter law topics to industry knowledge, client management and people skills. Training will not only be delivered locally, but will include sessions facilitated by lawyers in other Pinsent Masons offices in the region or the UK. Overseas trainers are also engaged to ensure that our lawyers are updated with the latest skills and competencies to thrive in the legal industry.
How to apply
We accept applications for Training Contracts from 1 September onwards.
Trainee numbers can fluctuate from year to year, but we typically recruit two trainees annually. Please submit the following documents via the Pinsent Masons Online Application System:
1. Cover letter, succinctly addressing the following:
a. Any previous applications to the Firm
b. Interests
c. Personal Achievements
2. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
3. Current degree transcripts
Your application is your opportunity to take the first step in what could be a remarkable legal career. Please take your time to ensure your CV best reflects the skills and attributes you possess, and provides relevant information regarding any work and/or life experience.
Salary
Our trainee salaries are subject regular review and as at January 2024 are as follows:
Entry requirements
If you do not meet the above criteria but there are mitigating circumstances that explain why you have failed to meet the minimum academic requirements, there is an opportunity for you to include this information in your application.
We want intelligent, well rounded team-players who are enthusiastic, driven, approachable and commercially aware. We look for candidates who demonstrate a good grasp of the law, practicality and common sense.
Additional benefits
Reimbursement of your Part B Bar course fees and all costs associated with registering and filing for your admission to the Bar upon retention.
International Private Medical Insurance coverage.
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
We invest in your training and are keen to do everything possible to enable you to continue your career with us after qualification. Resource planning ensures that you will be given the highest quality of work, stretching you further while allowing you to quickly learn and develop. Our aim is to retain all our Trainees, and we are happy to have had 100% retention since starting the training programme in 2014.
Continuous professional development
Your development does not stop upon qualification. Instead, you start to focus on becoming a specialist in your chosen area. This is facilitated and supported by bespoke training courses delivered through both your practice area and the Pinsent Masons Academy. This ensures that you will continue to develop the necessary skills to progress further in your career, taking on additional responsibility and driving the success of the business.
Some frequently asked questions
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How many Training Contracts do you offer each year?
Trainee numbers can fluctuate from year to year. Typically, we recruit two trainees each year. We review this annually to ensure we are meeting the needs of the business.
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Do you offer secondments?
There will be opportunities to work with lawyers and clients across our multi-national network, be it in APAC or beyond. Overseas secondment opportunities may be possible but are guided by business needs and requirements. Our STRIVE programme is available for qualified lawyers looking to spend time in a different jurisdiction.
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What is your retention rate?
As a Purpose-led business, we're really invested in the success of our Trainee Solicitors. So, we naturally aim to retain you on qualification. We have had 100% retention since starting the training programme in 2014.
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Do you offer a dual qualification to your trainees?
At the moment, our trainees qualify in Singapore only. However, there might be work driven circumstances that require an individual to qualify in another jurisdiction, which the Firm could consider supporting.
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Do I have to apply for an internship as well as a training contract?
An internship is not mandatory in securing a Training Contract. However, it will provide you with more in-depth knowledge of the Firm, our culture and values. It also provides the opportunity for us to get to know each other better.
You can apply directly for a Training Contract.
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