Two major law firms have teamed up with Barclays to offer a ‘rare’ training contract programme that will give trainees first-hand experience of working in-house and private practice.

The Barclays Joint Training Contract Scheme will see trainees who have completed their legal practice course do half of their training contract at TLT or Simmons & Simmons and the other half at Barclays.

At the end of the scheme, trainees will be able to apply for any open newly-qualified positions that may be available at the three organisations.

TLT partner Ed Fiddick said the programme is unique. 'At TLT, challenging convention is one of our values and we are delighted to put that into practice again alongside Barclays. We’re also focused on giving our young lawyers new opportunities to explore different areas of law and to work closely with our clients - to help them find what they are passionate about and how they want to specialise.

'This scheme will offer trainees the exceptional opportunity to experience working in a law firm and as part of a great in-house team, and we really look forward to working with the successful candidates joining this pioneering programme.’

Tim Boyce, a disputes and investigations partner at Simmons & Simmons, said trainees ‘play a significant role in shaping the future of law firms and to be able to provide them with this exceptional opportunity reflects the firm’s commitment to being a next generation law firm’.

David Jackson, general counsel for corporate centre at Barclays, said the training programme aligned with the bank’s focus on developing a diverse legal function and strengthening an inclusive culture. 'We are enthusiastic about collaborating with Simmons & Simmons and TLT to open up a different and innovative pathway into the legal profession that attracts the very best talent.'

The programme will begin in September, with one trainee based at TLT and one at Simmons & Simmons, both in London. Another two will start their training contracts next March. The employing entity during the training contract will be the relevant law firm.

 

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