Birkett Long has a long history of providing training opportunities and regularly recruits graduates for training contracts.
Generally
Our main priority in recruiting trainees is for the long-term. We hope for more than just a two year contract which comes to an end with the trainee moving on; rather, our aim is that we will then have a solicitor committed to Essex and to Birkett Long. We have a high retention rate for our trainees, and a number of them are now partners with the firm.
Whilst our applicants must have a strong academic record , we are also looking for some extra “depth” – well-rounded individuals with interests which will enhance a career in the law. We are a firm which values quality and provides the highest level of client care, and it is therefore important to us to recruit individuals with similar values.
Our recruitment process
We normally recruit our trainees two years in advance. Therefore, for a training contract commencing on 1 September 2014, an application must be made before 31 July 2012 by way of an on-line application form. All applications are then considered and the first round of assessments days is set up. We hold assessment days with a number of applicants each day. The second round will take a completely different format to the first, from which we recruit two candidates.
We keep in touch with our successful candidates during the intervening two years, receiving regular updates of their progress and development and inviting them to join us for some social functions so that we all know one another a little better when the time comes for the training contract to begin.
Seats
Each trainee will have the opportunity to cover four seats of six months’ duration across the firm, one of which must be a contentious seat. The seats may be based in either of our offices. The first seat is selected by us, wherever possible, on the basis of any stated preference. Once the trainee has joined us, regular discussion takes place regarding the remaining three seats, with trainees having the opportunity to cover their main interests, so far as is possible, to enable an early decision to be taken as to which discipline the trainee wishes to qualify into. Our six ”legal” teams and areas of work are:
- Commercial Litigation
- Property
- Commercial and Corporate Finance
- Employment
- Family
- Personal Tax Trust and Probate
The firm also has a Financial Services Team.
Career development
We often hold lunches and business meetings with our trainees to ensure good communication.
We have a Mentoring Scheme in place to provide support and advice about career development to trainees and newly qualified solicitors.
We have a formal career structure in place - from trainee to equity partner. Set criteria are in place which need to be fulfilled to secure an invitation to associate, or subsequently, to partnership level.
Culture
Birkett Long provides a good work/life balance for all employees, including trainees. We are looking for people who can communicate at all levels, are driven by ambition and have a sense of fun. We have an active social committee which organises monthly activities (including theatre trips, ten pin bowling, quizzes etc) for all staff, a charity committee spearheading fundraising for our annual “charity of the year” and, many sporting activities, including cricket, golf, football, tennis and netball.
Our culture is such that we both care for our staff and listen to their suggestions and ideas. Awards are presented to members of staff whose good ideas are implemented.
Start date
Training contracts normally start on or about the 1 September each year. The first week will be spent in induction which provides an introduction to our case management system, policies, procedures and working practices. The process is designed to ensure that staff are eased into our working environment as smoothly as possible.
Training
Unfortunately Birkett Long's grant and loan scheme has been temporarily suspended - applicants for 2014 will not be eligible.
Applications
The next vacancies will arise in September 2014. Birkett Long Solicitors pays above the Law Society's recommended minimum salary and is interested in attracting applications from 2:1 candidates.
The closing date for receipt of applications for training contracts to commence in 2014 is 31 July 2012. All application forms should be sent to graduaterecruitment@birkettlong.co.uk.
