"Having secured a training contract with a City firm, I asked the firm for permission to take a gap year for further study and travel before I commenced my LPC.
"After a few months in which I did not hear from the firm, I called up a partner of the firm and was told that 'things were fine and my job was secure'. A while later, HR got back to me saying deferment was 'fine'. However, at no stage was I given anything in writing to confirm these conversations - and I didn't feel asking them for something in writing was appropriate since at that time I thought if they were really keen on reneging the contract there was not much I could do anyway.
"Given the fact that they took so much time considering the matter, that I do not have anything written confirming my new start date, and the recent economic troubles, I am really worried about my contract! Are these worries unfounded? Is there anything I can do now?"
And remember, Career Clinic is only as good as the questions we receive, so email your career conundrums to community@legalweek.com.
COMMENTS (TOTAL 8 COMMENTS)
Do you have a copy of the employment contract? Without this, you have no proof of employment. It isn't your request for gap year that has screwed up your training contract, it's law firms saving money in any way they can i.e. you're shafted. Now you've got plenty of time to travel.
Investment Banker -30 Oct 2008 | 16:13
I think you're worrying over nothing. If the firm had wanted to renege on the contract, they would have written you to let you know. A lot of graduates take gap years between the end of their degree and the LPC. Why don't you just ring someone in graduate recruitment and ask them?
MC Trainee -30 Oct 2008 | 16:17
Time to pick up a practice trick - it's always nice to get your version of events in, in writing, first. Writing a polite, matter-of -fact letter to your HR contact, confirming that, in accordance with your conversation with X partner and Y HR rep, you are about to go on a gap year. Ask if there is anyone you need to contact next summer to make arrangements for starting your contract.(Or you could just grasp the nettle and ask them to confirm what they told you!)
Northern Inhouser -30 Oct 2008 | 16:19
Northern inhouser takes the words out of my mouth....
Anonymous -30 Oct 2008 | 17:58
Northern inhouser is absolutely correct, save for the asking questions part. No need to ask any questions - if they disagree or there is something you need to do (that they have not already mentioned), they will write back - and if they do, you can start worrying! If they don't, magic!Good luck!
US Associate -31 Oct 2008 | 08:08
I wonder if the principles of promissory estoppel might apply?
Curious Australian law student -02 Nov 2008 | 12:34
Curious Australian Law Student - stop being so curious. You dont need to know thinks like promissory estoppel in practice. Anyone remember Equity? I thought not.
Credit Crunch Christmas -06 Nov 2008 | 16:15
Definitely get it in writing. They are a City firm after all. You probably have nothingto worry about at all. Take that gap year and have a fab time. Make sure, however, that you have protected yourself as regards the training contract. Start thinking like a lawyer.
In-House -08 Nov 2008 | 19:49
RELATED JOBS
FURTHER READING
MOST READ
MOST COMMENTED
Advertisement
COURSES
LATEST JOBS
Advertisement
RECRUITERS
LEGAL EVENTS
LEGAL BRIEFINGS
- FSA Listing Rules - a few tweaks around the edges
- New Dodd Frank rules for foreign private advisers
- Aviation update - EU Emissions; employment changes; next generation civil aviation
- The way the cookies crumble: time for EC Directive compliance is running out
- Pensions clarity guide - Investment Management Agreements
SERVICES SECTION
NATIONAL ACCIDENT HELPLINE
National Accident Helpline have helped thousands of people claim 100% injury compensation for a wide range of accidents and injuries. Guaranteed. Click here for more info
NO WIN NO FEE SOLICITORS
Claims4Free offers free legal advice in pursuing a wide range of accidents and personal injury compensation claims. Fast, professional, local solicitors.
In-house Lawyers Group on LinkedIn
Legal Week's LinkedIn group for in-house lawyers, which now has over 3,000 members, acts as a networking tool for senior in-house counsel to discuss key issues affecting their roles.
Legal Week's Twitter feed, which now has over 13,000 followers, features a selection of the latest news, opinion, Career Clinic dilemmas and links to interesting articles from the world of law.
Irwin Mitchell Solicitors
Award winners at the Financial Times Innovative Lawyers awards 2011. Irwin Mitchell Solicitors are one of the most respected UK law firms, and offer services in various areas, including personal injury.
