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Trainees

Summer vacation scheme

summer vacation scheme

If you're looking to get a head start on your legal career, our summer vacation scheme gives you the opportunity to experience life and work at Browne Jacobson.

We offer up to 20 places on our vacation scheme, which is typically held towards the end of June. You will be given the opportunity to undertake real work as well as learn more about the legal departments and the firm through interaction with our partners, lawyers and trainees. Placements will be across our Nottingham and Birmingham offices.

Applications must be made by 1 February.

Make an application

frequently asked questions

Background

In 2015 the firm launched its summer vacation scheme which replaced the annual open day. It provides an opportunity for prospective trainees to spend time with the business.

The summer vacation scheme is open to external candidates only. Individuals already working at the firm will be able to apply for training contracts via either the alternative route or the more traditional training contract application process.

Purpose

The vacation scheme provides candidates with the opportunity to undertake real work and learn more about our legal departments through interaction with partners, lawyers, trainees and our support teams. During the scheme, candidates will have their performance assessed and may be invited back to attend our assessment centre or offered a training contract depending upon requirements.

Am I eligible to apply?

Our summer vacation scheme is open to those able to start a training contract in 2019 or sooner.

Throughout the selection and assessment process, we will be looking for a range of attributes which typically include:

commitment, ambition and enthusiasm for law - we want to know that you are serious about your career in law
practical approach - our clients want a common sense and commercial approach when solving their legal and business problems
commercial awareness - are you aware of what is happening in the business world?
willingness to accept responsibility – as a trainee, you’ll be managing your own time and handling your own cases so we need to know that you’re up for the job
teamwork - we want you to be able to use your own initiative and have the ability to work in a team
drive - we look for people who get things done.

What will the application process involve?

As well as your application online, the application process is likely to consist of the following activities:

psychometric testing – to include both critical thinking assessments and numerical and verbal reasoning testing which evaluates an individual’s ability to deal with both statistical data and apply logic
telephone interview – we may ask you to complete a short telephone interview
assessment centre – this will comprise of a range of different activities which may include a case study, group activity and interview.

The basics - what should I know about the summer vacation scheme?

our summer vacation scheme will be held in late June for 2 weeks across our Nottingham and Birmingham offices.
you will be provided with financial assistance (£250 per week) to help with travel or accommodation costs
we are looking to offer up to 20 placements
throughout the placement, you will be supported by a supervisor; you will also have plenty of opportunity to talk to our current trainees and partners
your performance over the fortnight will be reviewed with you and feedback given.

What does the summer vacation scheme involve?

The placement will provide you with the following:

enable you to spend time in a legal team working with both trainees and lawyers on a range of tasks
understand how a law firm is structured and operates on a daily basis
learn more about the sectors in which Browne Jacobson operates
further develop your skills to include problem solving, legal knowledge and commercial awareness
receive feedback on your performance and consideration for a training contract.

Can I still apply for a training contract?

All applications for the summer vacation scheme will also be considered for a 2019 training contract.

What should I do next?

If you want to apply for a summer vacation scheme you will need to complete an online application by 1 February. Applications are reviewed during March so you will hear by early April if you are being considered and what the next steps are. It is likely that the assessment centre will take place in early May.

Where can I find out more about being a trainee with us?

For information about life as a trainee visit their blog at www.traineetalk.co.uk or follow them on twitter at @brownejtrainees. More information about our training contacts can be found here.