Womble Bond Dickinson Frequently Asked Questions

Find out all the essential answers to the most pressing questions you might have about Womble Bond Dickinson.

Can I apply if I have an LPC?

Yes, you can apply if you have completed the LPC. If you have already completed the LPC, you will be able to qualify through the traditional route (which includes completing the Professional Skills Courses as part of your Training Contract). This means if you have already completed the LPC, you will not have to complete the SQE. Please note, we will not pay for anyone to complete the LPC.

What are the qualification requirements to apply?

We don’t have “minimum requirements”. However, if you do not have the LPC, to qualify as a Solicitor in England and Wales, you will need to meet the SRA’s requirements.

I don’t yet have the LPC, will you fund this for me so I don’t have to sit the SQE exams?

No. At WBD, you will only be able to qualify via the “traditional route” if you have already completed the LPC – we will not fund the LPC for you. We only fund the PGDL and SQE.

If I’ve not yet completed the PGDL, is there a specific provider I need to use?

Yes, we partner with the University of Law (ULaw) for the PGDL.

I’m a non-law student, can I apply?

We accept applications from non-law students but we would expect you to have completed the PGDL, or equivalent, before starting the training contract.

What happens if I have already completed the SQE1 / SQE2?

If by the time you are offered a training contract you have already passed both SQE exams, you will join WBD and complete your qualifying work experience. If you have passed just SQE1, you will be able to join a preparatory course and subsequently complete the SQE2 assessments prior to commencing your period of qualifying work experience.

What happens if I already have qualifying work experience?

If you already have some qualifying work experience, it may be possible for us to reduce your training contract by up to a maximum of 6 months, however, this will be dependent on a number of factors including your performance, completion of our required development programmes, and, of course, business need at the time.

Will the SQE prep courses and exams be funded by the firm?

Yes, WBD will fund your SQE prep courses and exams – both the prep course and exams will be undertaken through ULaw, our preferred provider. You will also receive a maintenance grant whilst completing the SQE.

Will you fund the PGDL and will I receive a Maintenance Grant?

Yes. If you are a non-law graduate and have not yet started the PGDL upon offer of a training contract, we will fund this as well as provide a maintenance grant.

When will my qualifying work experience start (for our England offices)?

The period of qualifying work experience will commence at the start of your 2 year Training Contract, however your SQE preparation may start up to 12 months before this.

How long is the Training Contract (England) / Traineeship (Scotland)?

In England, you will complete a 2 year period of qualifying work experience at WBD, plus the necessary preparation time. For our Edinburgh office, the traineeship will also be 2 years

How many seats will I do?

You will gain experience working in 4 different placements, of 6 months each, during your training contract with us.

Will I have a choice of seats?

We will allow our trainees to have one seat choice (i.e. one seat that they definitely want to experience during their training contract) and we will do our best to accommodate this having regard to business need in your office location (which can vary from one rotation to another).

Beyond this, we will decide your other seats ensuring that you gain a rounded experience, inline with your interests, whilst meeting business needs.

What happens if I don’t pass SQE1 or 2 at the first attempt?

It is very much hoped that our preparatory courses and development programmes will well prepare you for the SQE assessments, but in the unlikely event that you do not pass, we will be reviewing the circumstances on a case by case basis before making a final decision on next steps, which may include further funding from the firm, self-funding or, in some circumstances, the termination of your training contract.

Apply now!