Hi, can some one educate me about the process that must be followed in order to attain a training contract with law firms in England? I am a recent Political Science graduate from a Canadian university, and have two pending GDL offers from BPP and College for law. I am due to start the program in sep 2009, if i do take up the GDL offer. But i heard that students usually apply for training contracts two years in advance, is that true, am i too late, what is the application procedure?
Please advise!
cheers.

Your most reliable route will be talk to the firms or look on their websites yourself.

I think your advice as to lead times might have been mistaken (see, for example http://www.slaughterandmay.com/careers/trainee-solicitors/apply/the-application-process.aspx), though I believe the training contract itself is for a period of two years which may have been the source of confusion.

No, the information is correct. All big firms and a large percentrage of medium firms recruit 2 years in advance and the deadlines will generally appear be over the next month or so. You'll need to get researching I fancy! Good luck!

Two years from the start of the GDL is not a problem because in addition to the year you spend doing the GDl, you will then have to do the LPC which is another year.

If the OP is starting the GDL in Sep 09 then surely a two year wait would necessitate her applying this March? That way she would be awarded the TC in 2009 to start in September 2011, the year she finishes the LPC (running straight after in academic year 10/11). Otherwise she would have to wait until 2012 to start the TC.

Hey guys...Can you suggest about what kind of training contract should I search for?

Effectively, I have 3 years (Full time) work experience as legal Trainee in India.

I have applied for GDL in College of Law, BPP and City. I have already received an unconditional offer from College of Law...?

After that I wish to take on LPC at the same institution.

If I apply right now for Training Contract before starting with my GDL in September 2009....Can someone suggest will I get a training contract or not ??? I want a training contract to start in 2011

What kind of firm should I look for...and what kind of salary can I expect in such a bad market.