We aim to recruit the right people, with the right attitude,
who are valued and respected.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. When can I apply for training contracts and vacation placements?

    Like most firms we recruit two years in advance for training contracts. Therefore law students should apply during their second year and non-law students in their final year. We recommend that you apply for a vacation placement during the same year that you apply for a training contract. We are currently looking for vacation placement applicants who can start a training contract in September 2014.

  2. How many trainees do you recruit?

    We generally look to recruit four trainees a year. In this recruitment year we are looking for trainees to start in September 2014.

  3. What are your retention rates?

    We recruit a relatively small number of trainees as our aim is to retain our entire intake each year. During the last five years offers have been made to the vast majority of our trainees.

  4. What do you look for in applicants?
    • Academics – A to C grades at GCSE and A Level and a 2.1 degree or above. However we do look at applications as whole and not having these grades does not mean that your application will automatically be rejected.
    • Strong interpersonal and communication skills - we have a strong team ethos and close working relationships with our clients and colleagues. You need to be able to get on well with both.
    • Enthusiasm, energy and a great attitude.
    • Commercial and business focus – you should have an interest in learning about business and want to work in a commercial firm.
    • Common sense.
    • A genuine interest in joining Muckle LLP and working in the North East.
  5. Do you accept applications from non-law students?

    Yes. We have a mix of law and non-law graduates and this is reflected in our current trainees. Non-law students should apply during the last year of their degree.

  6. What is your view on taking a year out?

    We have no problems with this. We appreciate there are many different reasons why you may wish to take time out. Enjoy it!

  7. I've had no work experience yet in a law firm. Will my application be adversely affected by this?

    No. One of the main purposes of the vacation placement is to see whether the firm is the right place for you. We are just as interested in hearing about other work experience you have done and how this has benefited you.

  8. If I have previously applied to Muckle can I apply again?

    Yes. In fact a number of the trainees that we have recruited have applied more than once. The key is to demonstrate why you are now a better candidate and how you have improved since your last application.

  9. Will you accept a 2.2 degree grade or below?

    Ideally applicants will have obtained a 2.1 or above or will be predicted to achieve one. However all applications are considered as a whole and therefore a 2.2 degree does not automatically mean your application will not be considered. We understand there can be reasons that have impacted on academic performance.

  10. Will I automatically have a better chance of a training contract at Muckle LLP if I've been on your vacation scheme?

    No. A number of our trainees have not done a work placement. Our graduate assessment day is for a combination of those people who have been on vacation placement and those that have applied directly for a training contract. A vacation placement is however an excellent way for you to get to know the firm better and help you decide whether it is the right firm for you.

  11. I am a mature student. Can I apply?

    Absolutely. All we are interested in is recruiting talented individuals who really want to join the firm.

  12. Do you specify which subjects trainees should take on the LPC?

    No. We encourage you to take subjects you will enjoy studying and find interesting. We are, of course, a commercial firm and suggest you take a broad range of commercial subjects.

  13. Do you have a preferred institution for the GDL/LPC?

    No. This is down to you and we appreciate that location is often an important element in deciding where to go.

  14. Do you pay fees and maintenance grants?

    Currently we reimburse LPC fees for those applicants who have accepted an offer of a training contract prior to starting their LPC. We do not currently pay maintenance grants.

  15. How will my training contract be structured?

    Trainees will generally spend six months in four practice areas. The areas include corporate, commercial, banking, property development or corporate real estate, construction, employment and dispute resolution. Some of our smaller and more specialist teams also have training seats from time to time, depending on work loads and interest.

  16. What happens on the graduate assessment day?

    You will do various tasks and role plays in which you get to demonstrate your interpersonal and communication skills. You won't have to do any psychometric or reasoning tasks. Our assessment day helps us get a better understanding of your personality and whether you would fit into our team well.

  17. If I apply for a vacation placement and I'm not successful does that mean my training contract application (if I applied at the same time) will be rejected?

    Yes. However you can submit a training contract only application later in the year particularly if you feel your application is now stronger (please see question 8 above).

  18. Do you pay travel expenses for interviews?

    No.