paralegal interview - Training contract and trainee solicitor information and resources

Jo1985 · #1 (**permalink**) 16th October 2007, 13:09

Hi

I have an interview tomorrow for a paralegal position. I was just wondering whether I should ask about the possibility of a future TC during the interview, or whether that would be interview suicide?

What do people think?

Thanks

Jo

carpediem · #2 (**permalink**) 16th October 2007, 13:36

I would def ask, at the end of the day virtually all firms realise that wanna trainees apply for paralegal jobs as a stepping stone to a T.C. If u've done LPC most firms would be more surprised if u'd just forked out nearly 10 grand and then just wanted to be a paralegal for rest of your life.

#3 (**permalink**) 16th October 2007, 14:30

I would play it slightly differently; try to guage what they are looking for, if they want to recruit someone to be a paralegal for a few years then don't show your cards and say "yes, I am happy to be a paralegal forever"

totallylegalx · #4 (**permalink**) 16th October 2007, 16:14

i have been to so many interviews and secured so many para roles that i know what i am talking about...

do not mention TCs unless asked. even then u say, well i would like to work here first and see where it takes me. my first intention would be to fulfil the role to the best of my ability, after that if it goes great and a tc came about brilliant!

many firms have a policy of treating para roles as A DIFFERENT CAREER path to trainees, many will also state that the para route will not lead to a back door training contract. in reality after time it can do, but firms want to be careful, mentioning you want a tc through that para role isnt the best route to take!