Big Four accountancy firm EY will recruit eight trainee solicitors in the UK over the next two years, launching its first-ever lawyer training scheme in the UK.
The firm, which obtained an ABS licence in December last year, has opened applications this week for a September intake in 2016. It will take four applicants next year and another four in 2017.
And in line with EY’s wider recruitment criteria, students no longer need a 2:1 degree classification to apply. Instead EY will use a range of online ‘strength’ and numeracy assessments to test the applicants.
EY’s UK legal services team has grown to over 30 people and the firm expects this figure to double in the course of the next 12 months and beyond.
Applications close on 30 November for the programme which runs for two years. EY has not decided on a Legal Practitioners Course provider yet.
EY UK head of legal services Philip Goodstone said: ‘This is a really exciting development for us and reflects the level of client demand we are already receiving for our services, despite only opening our doors less than 12 months ago. We have big ambitions for the growth of the team and a training contract programme will allow us to develop and nurture top talent in house.’
The consultancy firm’s legal practice already has 1,500 legal professionals across 67 countries. Recent hires include former Addleshaw Goddard managing partner Paul Devitt and corporate partner Richard Thomas, who will leave the firm to join EY next year.
victoria.young@legalease.co.uk
