FAQs trainee UK

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If we haven't covered your question below then please contact the Early Talent team or email us at strikinglyreal@rpclegal.com.

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Trainee

What is the reward and benefits package?

London

Our competitive annual trainee salary starts at £48,000 and rises to £52,000 in your second year. Post-qualification, salaries are £95,000 for Corporate & Commercial / Disputes and £85,000 for Insurance.

Bristol

Our competitive annual trainee salary starts at £42,000 and rises to £44,000 in your second year. Post-qualification, salaries are £60,000.

Along with this, you will be offered a flexible and creative benefits package. We know everyone is unique, and we want our benefits to reflect that. From personal passions to family life, RPC’s package allows you to tailor your benefits to suit you. Learn more about our benefits package here.

Information about the SRA Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) & funding (UK)

We remain committed to providing first-rate training and support from the moment you receive a training contract offer from us.

All RPC future trainees will need to complete the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) prior to commencing their training contract. SQE 1 tests functioning legal knowledge and SQE 2 assesses the legal written and oral skills of a solicitor. If you would like to find out more about the SQE please visit the SRA's website.

Future RPC Trainees will complete the Postgraduate Diploma in Law (only if you are a non-law graduate) and the Masters in Legal Practice at the University of Law. Bursaries are available for course fees, the SQE examinations as well as maintenance grants up to £12,000. Both SQE 1 and 2 will be completed before you start your training contract. We are still accepting applications from candidates who have successfully completed the LPC (which currently means that you may be exempt from completing SQE 1).

Please speak to a member of the early talent team strikinglyreal@rpclegal.com if you have any questions.

Will RPC provide visa sponsorship?

To take part in the London Summer Scheme, you must have the right to work full-time (35 hours per week) in the UK. If you accept a UK training contract offer with RPC, we can provide sponsorship for a Skilled Worker visa.

How much responsibility will I have?

The level of responsibility you take on will grow with you. From day one, you will be given real, meaningful work tailored to your abilities. We aim to challenge our trainees, but you will never be asked to do more than you’re ready for. Your supervisors will guide you at each stage of your training to ensure the right balance.

How will I know how I'm progressing?

We are proud of our open and honest culture. You will receive regular, informal feedback from your supervisors, alongside formal reviews every three months. These reviews give both you and us a chance to reflect on your progress and identify ways we can support your development further.

Do you do any international work?

Yes – around 30% of our work is international. We have offices in London, Bristol, Hong Kong, and Singapore, and are founding members of the TerraLex network, giving us access to lawyers in over 100 jurisdictions. There are also opportunities for international secondments to our Hong Kong and Singapore offices.

What's the firm's dress code?

At RPC, we dress for our day, using professional judgment to choose appropriate attire. We embrace all hairstyles and religious or cultural dress. This means you might wear more traditional business attire for certain events, while dressing more casually for internal meetings or with clients who are comfortable with a relaxed dress code.

For interviews or the summer scheme, we recommend traditional business wear, although a suit is not required. If you have any questions about dress or hairstyles during the recruitment process, please contact the Early Talent team.

Do you offer work experience?

We don’t offer informal work experience. However, candidates can gain insight into the firm by applying for our London Summer Scheme, attending one of our Insight Days, or completing our virtual work experience programme.

I have more questions, is there someone I can speak to?

If you have any questions about our Early Talent opportunities, please email strikinglyreal@rpclegal.com or call a member of the Early Talent team.

Can I apply if I have a disability or require adjustments?

Yes. Our recruitment process is fully inclusive and accessible. You can request adjustments at any stage, and we’ll work with you to ensure a fair process.