Selection is the key

Your news item on our NI training system (The Lawyer, 3 September, 1996) does not reflect our experience. We have had no difficulty in appointing suitable trainees. Academic candidates sometimes make inadequate solicitors, so our admissions procedure is based on an aptitude test as well.

This year we initially intended to appoint three trainees but offered four places due to the particular qualities of the successful applicants, and we have held our offer to the fourth over to next year because she will try again. We see our selection criteria of communication skills, confidence, personal energy, diligence and the ability to react under pressure must mirror the current system.

Gilbert Nesbitt

Wilson Nesbitt