Schofield Sweeney Solicitors

When students are immersed in their law degree studies, it is difficult to think beyond finishing the course and securing a place on the LPC or BVC. But once the routine of exams and assignments is over and you are competing in the marketplace, how can you tip the scales in your favour at the interview and application stage? What really happens when dreams become reality and you commence your legal career?

To answer these and many more important questions, staff from Schofield Sweeney, a progressive commercial practice based in Bradford, came to Bradford Law School to offer the low-down on everything from securing that elusive training contract to life as a newly qualified solicitor.

Schofield Sweeney

Mary Rose, a partner at Schofield Sweeney, explained that the practice was started by four Bradford lawyers who had come up through the ranks of commercial firms in Leeds. They had identified that there was a good market as there were few large commercial practices in Bradford. They service a local client base of mostly owner managed Bradford businesses, although they were also drawing work from Leeds now.

The firm only does commercial work: commercial litigation and property matters, business advice and disputes (no family or criminal work) so they are very focused.

Training at Schofield Sweeney

Schofield Sweeney decided from the outset that the firm would employ trainees. Mary Rose explained that many other local firms don't have trainees, for financial reasons. They are reluctant to invest so much in someone who may leave on qualification to join a firm in Leeds.

 

 

 

The firm started with one trainee, which had doubled three years ago and now had three, one working in each department. Half of the trainees employed have stayed with the firm after qualifying. Those who have left have gone to good commercial practices or have taken up opportunities in house with companies, for instance, Filtronic.

Mary Rose explained that she could not stress how important devoting time and effort on completing the application form was. In order to have a level playing field on which to assess applicants Schofield Sweeney now have an online form that can be downloaded from their website.

Click here for tips on how to apply for a training contract!