The day is almost here!
The 1st of August is the highly anticipated day when training contract offers are usually released in Hong Kong. After all the hard work involved in securing an offer, you’ll need to know what to do when you actually land one!
Why 1 August? The HK Law Society’s Code of Good Practice in the Recruitment of Trainee Solicitors (the “Code of Practice”) states that “[g]enerally, offers (written or verbal) for employment of trainee solicitors should be made no earlier than 1 August of the year which is 2 years prior to the intended year of commencement of the training contract” (emphasis added). This is to preserve fairness of the process and prevent firms from making offers increasingly early, which can have unintended consequences.
Are you ready for it? Here are some practical tips to help you prepare for this crucial moment in your legal career.
1. Understand your rights (according to the Code of Practice)
All offers will be made in writing. → If you only receive a phone call from HR, you should ask for an email / a letter setting out the full terms of the offer so that you can review in further detail.
Applicants will be given at least two weeks to confirm whether or not they wish to accept an offer. → You should take this time (especially if you receive more than one offer) to consider whether you wish to accept an offer. You should not be pressured to answer “by end of the week” if you need the time to reflect.
An offer will not be withdrawn before the time limit for acceptance has expired. → We highly recommend that you obtain the acceptance deadline in writing (be it in a formal offer letter or in the body of an email sent by the relevant personnel at the firm). Again, take the time you need to reply before the deadline!
The employer will give sympathetic consideration to an applicant’s request for an extension to the time limit on an offer provided that a good reason is given. → While it is said that “sympathetic consideration” will be given, you do need a good reason to ask for an extension. In any event, if an extension is given, ask for the revised time limit in writing to ensure it is clear that the offer will not lapse until that date.
Where an employer is prepared to provide financial assistance in relation to undergraduate or postgraduate studies, the terms and conditions on which the assistance is offered will be explained in writing when the training contract offer is made. Any time limit for the acceptance of an offer of financial assistance must not have the effect of reducing the time limit for accepting the training contract offer. → This usually relates your PCLL tuition fees and additional maintenance allowance for the year of your PCLL. Read these terms and conditions carefully.
2. Your responsibilities
Make a decision one way or the other within the relevant time limit for acceptance of offer. → Respond (whether to accept or turn down) promptly once you have made a decision, in any case by the deadline.
Accept offers in writing within the time frame stipulated.
If you receive more than two offers, turn down the excess offers that you do not wish to hold without delay. → We recommend that you first accept the offer that you wish to accept and ask for an acknowledgment before you reject other offers.
Once you have accepted an offer, inform all other employers who have made an offer or invited you to attend an interview and make no further applications for a training contract and accept no further offers.
From experience, students would often benefit from a confidential discussion about the options before making a choice. Our team will be available to help you assess offers, plan your response strategies, and advise you on the decision by providing different perspectives. Feel free to DM or email us to jump on a consultation call!
3. What if you don’t get any offers on the day?
Take deep breaths and stay calm. 1 August is the earliest date that firms would generally give out offers, so it does not (yet) mean that you’re not getting any offers this cycle!
That said, it is acceptable to follow up with the firms with which you have reached the final round of the recruitment process (e.g. completed a vacation scheme or passed the final round interview) to see if they have already decided not to offer you a training contract. This is so that you can plan ahead.
Once you have some clarity, or if you still haven’t heard back by 15 August, get in touch with us to devise your strategy and next steps.
Direct TC availabilities may be posted as they come up (e.g. after all the acceptable candidates have responded and the firm still has spaces to fill) in the following month(s).
4. Celebrate your efforts
No matter the outcome, take a moment to celebrate your hard work and dedication. You've put in the effort, and that’s something to be proud of.
As we always tell our students, the number of offers does not define you, your abilities, or your potential. Sometimes it’s fit, sometimes it’s luck.
The big day can be stressful, but remember to trust in your hard work. You’re ready for this. Deal with the day in a calm, organised way, understand the rules, and all will be fine. Good luck!
DM or email us for career consultation calls to discuss your career planning and obtain expert guidance. For (pre-)penultimate year students, join our Training Camp - an all-in-one platform to learn everything you need to know about ifirm applications. Visit admittedlylegal.com/trainingcamp for more information.
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