Birkett Long has a long history of providing training opportunities and regularly recruits graduates for training contracts.
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.
Birkett Long Training Contract
Seats
Each trainee will have the opportunity to cover up to four seats of six months’ duration across the firm, one of which must be a contentious seat. The seats may be based in any of our three offices. The first seat is selected by us but, wherever possible, based of any stated preference by the trainee. 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.
The firm is divided into four departments – Commercial, Dispute Resolution, Private Client and Real Estate. Our areas of work include:
- Dispute Resolution
- Court of Protection and Inheritance Disputes
- Property – Commercial and Residential
- Agriculture & Estates Team
- Business
- BLHR and Employment
- Divorce and Family
- Personal Tax Trust and Probate
- Intellectual Property
- Education
The firm also offers Independent Financial Services (BL IFA) and Human Resources (BL HR) advice to clients.
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 to 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, senior associate, salaried partner and subsequently, to equity 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 & Charity Committee which organises regular activities (including theatre trips, ten pin bowling, quizzes etc) for all staff as well as spearheading the fundraising for our charity the Birkett Long Foundation. We also host 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.
