FAQ's

Trainee FAQ's

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• When can I apply?

  You can apply during your final year in college or anytime afterwards.  We currently have openings for Tax Trainees for 2012 and Trainee Solicitors for both 2012 and 2013 and our online application form must be completed and submitted by midnight on Tuesday 1 November 2011.

• Do I have to be a law graduate to apply to train as a Solicitor?

  No, we consider candidates from all academic disciplines. But you do need an excellent academic record, some work experience (not necessarily legal) and a strong desire to become a leading Solicitor.

• I want to train as a Solicitor - do I have to pass my FE-1 exams before applying?

  No, of course not.  You can apply before you sit your FE-1 exams but you must pass them before you start with us. For more information on when these exams are held and what they cover please consult the Law Society of Ireland website (www.lawsociety.ie).

• What background do I need to have if I want to apply for Tax?

  We are open to graduates from all disciplines - the key requirement is that you must be certain that you want to pursue a career in taxation.

• Can I train to be a Solicitor and Tax Consultant at the same time?

  No, you will not be able to follow both career paths at the same time and our offers will be for either a Legal or a Tax Traineeship. If you choose to train as a Solicitor you will be at some point be able to do a rotation in tax and possibly add tax as a further qualification over time but a dual programme is not currently available.

• What about secondments and working abroad?

  There are often opportunities for Trainees to do secondments with clients both here and abroad.  Tax Trainees, as part of our membership of Taxand, will often work on global assignments and may from time to time be required to travel or work abroad.

• When can I start as a Trainee?

  Typically Trainee Solicitors join either in September when PPC I starts at Blackhall Place or earlier in the same year if they wish to gain experience before going to Blackhall Place.  Tax Trainees will generally join in September/October.

• How long does it take to train?

  A Solicitor Traineeship takes a minimum of 2 years and 7 months - the key elements are 2 professional courses at Blackhall Place (PPC I and PPC II) and roughly 17 months of in-office experience at William Fry. 

  A Tax Traineeship is typically a 3-year contract - the key elements are Parts 1, 2 and 3 of the ITI tax exams and extensive in-office experience with William Fry Tax Advisors.  Paid study leave and exam leave are awarded for the tax exams.

• Do you offer jobs to Trainees when they qualify?

  William Fry has a strong track record as regards retention when Trainees qualify and a policy of filling vacancies from our Trainee pool. The precise number of jobs in any given year will vary depending on the economy but we always aim to retain as many Trainees as possible.

• If my application was not successful before can I apply again?

  Of course. Tell us what you have done since you last applied or were interviewed and we would be delighted to consider you again.