Taking part in our vacation scheme will give you an excellent opportunity to learn more about Bevan Brittan, meet our people, get a sense of our culture and understand more about the work that we do.
It also provides gives you first-hand experience of what a career in law looks like. We fill the majority of our training contract places through our vacation scheme.
Apply now
Key Information
- We offer two two-week paid vacation schemes every year in the summer
- You will join one department for the duration of the scheme
- There are placements available in each of our four offices (with hybrid working)
- Take part in a busy and engaging programme designed to immerse you into life at Bevan Brittan
Who can apply?
Vacation Scheme applications are open to penultimate and final year law students, final year non-law students, graduates and those considering a change in career.
As a UK top-100 law firm, we are looking for strong academic achievement from applicants; ABB at A-Level and a 2:1 at degree level is our expectation (the degree does not have to be in law). We also recognise the value of relevant, strong, commercial work experience and welcome applications from individuals who can demonstrate this, but may not fully meet our academic requirements. When applying, please do let us know of any clear mitigating circumstances, or if you have at least three years' relevant commercial work experience.
Your Journey into Bevan Brittan
What to Expect
Our vacation scheme is a paid placement that runs for two weeks during the summer in each of our offices. During the placement you will get to work in one of our departments, enabling you to gain first-hand experience of the work our lawyers.
Supervision and Support
You will get involved in real work for our clients and offered detailed feedback by each member of the team you work with, to help you start developing your skills as a future solicitor.
Not All Work
In addition to working in your team, you will get the chance to network with trainees and colleagues across all of our departments, prepare a client pitch and socialise with your peers all to get a real taste of what life at Bevan Brittan is like.
Applying for the Vacation Scheme
You will need to fill in an online application form, which are reviewed by our Early Talent team.
Please note, applications have now closed.
Application Tips
- Don’t forget to triple-check your application before submitting. Many responses we receive contain excellent content, but are let down by poor grammar and typing mistakes.
- Use language that is clear and easy to understand.
- Use different examples throughout the application form. We want to see candidates who are able to draw upon a variety of experiences.
- Remember to answer the question that's being asked, rather than applying a generic response used for other questions.
- Do your research thoroughly. We want applicants who are passionate about the type of work that we do and can demonstrate some understanding of our firm and its practice areas.
Application Process
FAQs
-
What is a vacation scheme?
Our Summer Vacation scheme is a two-week paid experience offering for students looking to experience what life is like as a solicitor. We use our vacation scheme to assess candidates for our future training contracts.
-
What is a training contract?
A training contract (also known as qualifying work experience or QWE) is a two-year period where trainee solicitors put into practice everything they have learnt while studying. During a training contract at Bevan Brittan, you will complete 4 six-month seats across our different departments, to develop your knowledge of different areas of law, and help you to decide which area of law you would like to qualify into.
-
Do I need to study the LPC or SQE?
All of our future trainees now need to complete the SQE, however if you have already completed the LPC/are already studying the LPC, we can still consider your application.
-
What is the SQE?
The SQE (Solicitor Qualifying Exam) is the assessment for all future lawyers, replacing the LPC. It forms two parts, SQE1 and SQE2.
-
I need visa sponsorship; can I still apply?
Unfortunately, we are currently unable to sponsor visas for our vacation scheme or training contracts. As our vacation scheme is in place to recruit future solicitors to the firm, we are unable to consider candidates who require a sponsored visa on qualification.
-
I do not have any legal work experience; will this affect my application?
Not at all, we understand not everyone has the opportunity to gain legal work experience, and will consider all applications whether they have work experience, legal or not.
-
I have some adjustments that I would need making as part of the process. Are you able to accommodate these?
Absolutely, please email early.talent@bevanbrittan.com with your name and required adjustments, and one of the team will be able to assist.
-
Can I ask for feedback on my application?
Unfortunately, due to the high volume of applications received, we are unable to give feedback at application form stage or video interview. For those who attend the vacation scheme or an assessment day we will however arrange a telephone call to discuss feedback on your performance.
-
I have applied before; can I apply again?
Yes absolutely, but you will need to complete a new application form. You can only apply to one of our vacancies in a recruitment cycle.
-
Do you accept applications from non-law students?
Yes, we accept applications with any degree (or equivalent).
-
Do you specify which electives I take at law school?
No. We do not stipulate which electives you must study, however we do ask that you consider the areas of law we practice in when choosing your modules.
-
What are you looking for in a future trainee?
We are looking for individuals with enthusiasm, especially for the sectors and areas of law in which we specialise. Individuals who are happy to work in a team, with a good understanding of commerciality.
-
What makes an application stand out?
Applications that really showcase a passion in the type of clients and sectors we work in are usually the ones that stand out the most. Make sure you do your research, and avoid submitting an application that is generic to any law firm. In addition, possibly the most important tip…check your spelling and grammar!
-
What does the recruitment process look like?
We only have two stages in our recruitment process – online application and video interview. If you are successful at both of these stages, you will be invited to the Vacation Scheme or an assessment centre, depending on which vacancy you have applied for.
-
Do you pay fees and maintenance grants?
We offer full funding for the PGDL & SQE where appropriate. Unfortunately, we are unable to offer retrospective reimbursement. We also offer a £5,000 maintenance bursary for all candidates who are still studying for the GDL/PGDL or SQE, full time or part time.
-
Will you consider applications from students without A-levels but other equivalent qualifications?
Yes, you do need to specify grades and, if possible, include the grading scale applied to the qualifications to allow us to assess your application fairly.
-
Do trainees have a choice of where they sit?
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.
-
Where can I apply?
You’ll be able to apply through the link at the top of this page if our application window is open.
Get in touch with our Early Talent team
Please look at our FAQs first to see if your question has already been answered.