UPDATE: The deadline for our 2013 Vacation Scheme & 2013 Training Contracts in London has now passed. We are currently screening applications and will be in touch with all applicants by the end of May to let them know the outcome of their application.
Bevan Brittan has worked hard to establish a reputation as a firm that provides excellent training and supervision for our trainee solicitors.
We make sure our trainees gain the broadest possible experience of working for high quality public and corporate clients. In addition, we offer competitive salaries and a funding package to support you through your studies before you join us. Our training programme is carefully structured to consist of practical work experience in conjunction with an extensive educational programme.
We provide training contracts across our three offices in Birmingham, Bristol and London. We offer seats in Commercial and Infrastructure, Property, Commercial Dispute Resolution, Employment, Clinical Risk , as well as exposure to Commercial and Corporate work.
If we sound like the type of firm you would like to work for, read on to find out more about the opportunities at Bevan Brittan. You will find further information and details on our trainee and vacation placement schemes below.
We currently have Training Contract vacancies commencing in 2013 in our London office, and for 2014 and 2015 in London, Birmingham and Bristol.
Click here to apply for our 2014 or 2015 training contract. Please note the application for deadlines is 31 July 2013.
Our vacation scheme will take place from 1st to 12th July 2013.
Should you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact Fiona Irish.
Structure of our training contracts
We offer training contracts each year with an intake in September. Your two year training contract with Bevan Brittan will be made up of four six month seats offering you the opportunity to gain experience across our practice areas. For each seat you will be supervised by either a Partner or Associate / Senior Associate. We also offer the opportunity to undertake a part time training contract, and 'part-time study' training contract.
Working as a trainee with Bevan Brittan will mean that from the outset you are given real responsibility. The emphasis is on getting stuck in, learning and enjoying yourself. You’ll be taking part in client meetings, doing your fair share of research and drafting and attending court hearings from the off. You will be handling your own matters and having plenty of client contact. Inevitably you will also be given routine tasks to do as well, like photocopying or proof-reading, but this will help you to understand what goes into shaping deals and managing matters.
All our trainee supervisors have clear supervision guidelines to enable them to provide you with the best quality practical day-to-day training and offer you opportunities to develop your legal skills and knowledge. They are on hand to give you guidance, advice and feedback on your performance.
At Bevan Brittan we believe it is crucial that our trainees have access to an extensive support network. As well as your supervisor and a trainee buddy, we have partners in each of our offices who are responsible for trainees, one of whom will be your Training Principal, and a dedicated HR Business Partner responsible for trainees. All are available to answer any questions or generally offer advice. This support is further bolstered by each trainee having a dedicated mentor (a more experienced solicitor) to provide advice and guidance.
Each quarter we hold a meeting for all the trainees, chaired by our Training Principal. Trainee related issues and initiatives are discussed. This is a valuable feedback mechanism for us as it allows us to review existing processes and procedures using fresh ideas and suggestions from our trainees.
Your first seat will be allocated for you when you join, however, we recognise it is important for you to gain experience in the areas which interest you. Therefore, every effort is made in planning seat allocations to accommodate your preferences and career plans, whilst also taking into consideration the needs of the business and the experience the Solicitors Regulation Authority requires you to have upon qualification.
As a new trainee to Bevan Brittan, you will spend your first few days participating in our dedicated trainee induction programme. Usually held in our Bristol office, this time is a real opportunity not only to get to know your fellow first year trainees, but also includes practical training sessions on topics including money laundering and the Firm’s IT packages to give you the skills to begin your first seat with confidence. During this first week, we also make sure there are plenty of opportunities to meet the second year trainees, Partners and members of the support departments in the Firm.
At the beginning of each new seat, you will be welc have a briefing meeting with your supervisor to find out about the department and the clients you will be dealing with. Your supervisor will also highlight what is expected of you in that seat (including your objectives and financial target) and you will discuss experiences / learning points from your previous seat.
Our appraisal process for trainees is closely aligned to the SRA requirements and here at Bevan Brittan we recognise that regular assessment and feedback is key to your development. During each seat you will receive a mid and end of seat review with your supervisor. We provide extensive training and guidance to our trainee supervisors to ensure you receive constructive feedback on your performance and areas for development. Your supervisor will also help to identify opportunities for you to gain exposure to skills and legal areas that you have not yet experienced.
As a trainee at Bevan Brittan you will of course complete the requisite Professional Skills Course modules with a local provider. As well as trainee specific training, you are actively encouraged to attend departmental training, such as education lunches, whilst in your seats. This may sometimes include participating yourself with providing in-house seminars for your colleagues.
In addition, tailored courses are provided in areas including networking and presentation skills to assist with developing the core skills you will require when qualifying as a solicitor. You will also receive ongoing Finance and Risk training and a dedicated day of training at the end of your Training Contract to prepare you for the transition to a Newly Qualified role.
Here at Bevan Brittan we work hard to promote regular sports and social events. If you are sporty there are lots of teams sponsored by the Sports and Social Committee including football and netball.
The firm’s corporate responsibility strategy means that we are heavily involved in various pro bono activities. In addition our current trainees have recently been working to raise funds for our nominated charity, Action for Children and other charitable causes.
We have a number of planned and spontaneous social activities throughout the year. Recent events have included the firm wide 'Best of Brittan' Summer Party and 'give and gain' day, Christmas parties and pub quizes.
We recognise it is important to keep in touch with our new intake of trainees before you join and make sure you are invited to events including our AGM’s and Christmas parties.
We invest a great deal in developing the skills and experience of our trainees, which is why we aim to offer a permanent Newly Qualified role to as many of our strong performing trainees as possible. In 2012 we retained 7 out of 9 trainees.
Our trainees tend to qualify with us because of the wide range of career opportunities on offer, good quality work and our diverse client base.
To celebrate qualification with us, the firm offers additional unpaid Qualification leave which trainees can take at the end of their training contract. Many trainees take up this option and go on a well-deserved holiday prior to starting their NQ role with the firm.
We run a vacation placement scheme during the summer in each of our three offices. During the two week placement you will spend a week in two different departments enabling you to gain first hand experience of two different practice areas and get a taste of what life at Bevan Brittan is like. You’ll be given real work to do and formal feedback on how you’ve done by each member of staff you work for. In addition to this there will be the opportunity to meet current trainees and network with people across the firm to find out more about the work and culture at Bevan Brittan.
Our vacation placement scheme provides an invaluable taste of life here at Bevan Brittan. We strongly recommend you apply to participate in our vacation scheme if you are considering applying for a training contract with us. Historically, strong feedback from the vacation placement has led to individuals being offered training contracts with the Firm. There is often an opportunity to participate in an assessment centre during the placement, if you decide you do wish to be considered for a training contract with us.
The deadline for Vacation Placement applications is 31 March.
Our vacation scheme will take place from 1st to 12th July 2013.
The Benefits
- A competitive starting salary (including London weighting where appropriate)
- 25 days annual paid holiday, with the option to take up to an additional 5 days unpaid leave
- Financial support for GDL and LPC course where appropriate (unfortunately we are unable to offer retrospective reimbursement)
- Option to study LPC course on a part time basis as part of training contract
- A £5,000 maintenance bursary for candidates who are still studying
- Contributory Pension
- Private Medical Insurance
- Permanent health insurance/income protection
- A range of voluntary benefits including season ticket loans, childcare vouchers and the bike to work scheme
- An onsite fitness suite in our Bristol office
How to apply
As a professional national law firm, we are looking for strong academic achievement from applicants. A 2:1 at degree level is our expectation but the degree does not have to be in law. However, we recognise that not everyone has a degree so we also welcome applicants who can demonstrate at least three years relevant, strong, commercial experience. We are looking for applicants who can demonstrate clear ability in the core skill areas of:
- Initiative and problem solving
- Team working
- Showing an understanding of what makes a successful commercial solicitor.
We currently have Training Contract vacancies commencing in 2013 in our London office, and for 2014 and 2015 in London, Birmingham and Bristol.
CLICK HERE to apply for our 2013 vacation scheme or training contract.
Take a look at this extract from the 2012 Chambers Student profile of Bevan Brittan:
"Every single one of our interviewees made a point of telling us about just how “approachable” the firm is. It's a bit of a cliché, but we get the impression that BB really is an inclusive sort of place. “Everyone is willing to chat and get involved, and it's very welcoming. Everyone makes an effort.""
Click here to read the rest of the 2012 Chambers Student profile of Bevan Brittan