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Salary Interview Tips Working Hours Best & WorstWhat are the best and worst things about your job?
The level of responsibility and the work.
Read moreWhat are the best and worst things about your job?
As a trainee the firm gives you all the opportunity to learn and grow. Everyone at the firm are genuinely interested in your development and if you prove yourself with the minor/easy tasks, they quickly give you more responsibility and let you run your own matters.
All you need is to have a good attitude, do the basics right (e.g., communicate, take notes, organise yourself) and the technical skills are things you will naturally pick up.
The culture at the firm is very nurturing, supportive, and it is genuinely a great place to work.
Read moreWhat are the best and worst things about your job?
Open plan office. Partner approachability is brilliant. The level of responsibility given at the start. Canteen/cafe in the firm is lovely.
Read moreWhat are the best and worst things about your job?
Really good training program, with a general consensus around the whole firm that trainees are really important to the firm's success, so everyone at every level has a genuine interest in trainee development.
The calibre of work and clients you are involved with from the start.
What are the best and worst things about your job?
Exposure to transactions and decent amount of responsibility.
Read moreWhat are the best and worst things about your job?
- get to work in a really supportive encouraging team
- exposure to top tier work
- support from graduate recruitment team
- opportunities outside of core work; graduate recruitment, pro bono
What are the best and worst things about your job?
Excellent colleagues
Interesting clients
Good opportunities for secondments
Strong training programme
What are the best and worst things about your job?
Good colleagues
WFH
Good salary
Interesting work
Supportive atmosphere
What are the best and worst things about your job?
Great team with opportunities to take on a lot of responsibility from the beginning.
Read moreWhat are the best and worst things about your job?
The best thing about the job is the interesting work. It is really satisfying walking around London and seeing buildings and projects that I have worked on. The secondment opportunities have also been amazing. We have great technology and equipment provided, a lovely working environment and fantastic training.
Read moreWhat are the best and worst things about your job?
Interesting work
Friendly colleagues
Good opportunities whether it be pro bono/networking/ seat opportunities.
What are the best and worst things about your job?
Great company to work for, supportive and good learning opportunities and career progression
Read moreWhat are the best and worst things about your job?
The best thing about my job is the daily interaction I have with corporate clients and colleagues of varying levels of seniority. I have developed skills such as crisis management and effective business leadership simply by communicating with people and paying attention to how others handle difficult situations.
Read moreWhat are the best and worst things about your job?
Secondment opportunities
Technical nature of work in some departments
Excellent pedigree of clients in some departments
What are the best and worst things about your job?
The best thing about my current role in Real Estate Finance is the team. The team are friendly, approachable and down to earth. Everyone is helpful and always has time to help you if you need it or if you just want a catch up (especially now everyone is working from home). The team provide lots of training when you first start the seat to ensure you are familiar with the documents, how security is taken and the key tasks a trainee will be carrying out. This was really helpful especially as a first seat trainee when everything can seem a little daunting. The job is interesting and during my three months in the seat I have worked on some of the biggest new developments in London assisting both developers and lenders. In this seat you have the opportunity to interact internally with other teams and see their role in the transaction. Whilst also having a lot of client interaction, which sometimes trainees miss out on.
Read moreWhat are the best and worst things about your job?
I have enjoyed working as part of a team on large scale projects.
Also, there are opportunities to have direct client contact and to be the point of contact for matters.
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What are the best and worst things about your job?
Complex and varied workload
Nice people
Good international opportunities
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What are the best and worst things about your job?
Interesting and challenging work.
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What are the best and worst things about your job?
Almost everyone is really nice, friendly and welcoming
Read moreWhat are the best and worst things about your job?
Variety of work
Responsibility
Prestige of clients and deals
What are the best and worst things about your job?
You are challenged and learn a lot on the job
Read moreWhat are the best and worst things about your job?
High responsibility. Fast-paced deals. Interesting clients. Challenging work. Benefits. Friendly culture.
Read moreWhat are the best and worst things about your job?
The fast-paced working environment, my colleagues who are very friendly and supportive.
Read moreWhat are the best and worst things about your job?
In Commercial Construction, trainees are given a lot of responsibility. I am responsible for progressing projects and I am in regular contact with outside parties to ensure the projects continue to move forward. I have also taken the lead in negotiations over email in relation to various contracts.
Construction is quite a technical area of law, and as my seat has progressed I have really enjoyed developing my technical knowledge as I have got involved with more complex areas of the law. I have also really enjoyed developing my commercial awareness, thinking about how the commercial practicalities of a building site may affect the drafting of a contract.
Read moreWhat are the best and worst things about your job?
The technical nature of my work.
My friendly and helpful colleagues who have taught me a lot.
Read moreWhat are the best and worst things about your job?
Salary
Employment team is excellent with a great culture and leadership
Quality of work and clients
Client exposure
What are the best and worst things about your job?
Good working culture
Good level of responsibility
Interesting clients
Interesting matters
What are the best and worst things about your job?
Every day you learn something new and challenging.
The work is very varied.
Support in the firm is amazing.
What are the best and worst things about your job?
Challenging work
Strong collaborative atmosphere
Meritocratic structure
What are the best and worst things about your job?
The team I work with is nice, and most people are very supportive. The trainee network is very good.
Read moreWhat are the best and worst things about your job?
Being trusted to speak to clients directly
Read moreWhat are the best and worst things about your job?
Good level of responsibility, supportive colleagues, good quality training
Read moreWhat are the best and worst things about your job?
Challenging work
Responsibility from the outset
Career progression
What are the best and worst things about your job?
That, even though I am a trainee, I am actually helping others to put together arguments by researching potential tactics. I feel like I am in the drama Suits - this is what I expected as a lawyer.
Read moreWhat are the best and worst things about your job?
The people are wonderful, always very friendly and welcoming. The type of work and the big scale of work we do is also incredible. The training is excellent too - the firm invests heavily in it.
Read moreWhat are the best and worst things about your job?
- working on large transactions with well-known clients
- salary
- colleagues
What are the best and worst things about your job?
Responsibility
Quality of work for trainees
What are the best and worst things about your job?
Manchester offers a high level of independence and responsibility right from the get go, which I'd wager may be even greater than that attained by our London colleagues.
Read moreWhat are the best and worst things about your job?
Salary, colleagues, quality of work, brand name.
Read moreWhat are the best and worst things about your job?
The people and support.
A support network is available from the first day that you join the firm. In addition to the pro-active graduate team, you are assigned a Trainee Buddy, an Associate Supervisor and a Partner Mentor. This not only gives you some friendly faces to look out for in the office but is representative of the collaborative (and by no means hierarchical) workplace with people from all levels in the firm ready to support your career and personal development.
What are the best and worst things about your job?
Generally a good place to work, nice people, broad sector cross-over in term of the work you do.
Read moreWhat are the best and worst things about your job?
Challenging, interesting work.
Great people and team.
Highly impressive and supportive supervisor, who I can ask questions to.
Stella list of clients.
Great extra-curriculum activities such as the football team. We even went on a fully paid for football tour to Amsterdam to play in the Willow Cup, a charity tournament.
Great offices and location.
What are the best and worst things about your job?
Interesting work, nice colleagues, collaborative and inclusive culture
Read moreWhat are the best and worst things about your job?
The variation of work that you receive.
Read moreWhat are the best and worst things about your job?
Moving about different teams and trying different areas of law with new people.
Read moreWhat are the best and worst things about your job?
The opportunity to work in different teams and to try out different areas of law. The responsibility of running your own matters and communicating with clients.
Read moreWhat are the best and worst things about your job?
The best things are the people I work with within the firm, the clients we work for and the work I have exposure to. Everyone is super helpful and wants to help you do well. Our clients are understanding and are always more than happy to discuss matters. I am currently working on a large benchmark reform project for a key client of the firm, which is really interesting and is challenging me every day.
Read moreWhat are the best and worst things about your job?
Career progression and exposure to various tasks
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What are the best and worst things about your job?
Career progression and exposure we get.
Read more
What are the best and worst things about your job?
The colleagues and responsibility of work
Read more
What are the best and worst things about your job?
Everyone is very helpful and supportive of university work and deadlines.
Read moreWhat are the best and worst things about your job?
I have a variety of work on a day-to-day basis and I am exposed to all departments in the firm, meaning I gain knowledge of the wider firm.
Read moreWhat are the best and worst things about your job?
The level of work is extremely challenging.
I work in a diverse and respectful team.
I have an extremely passionate apprenticeship manager who always looks out for my best interests.
What are the best and worst things about your job?
-Responsibility levels are more than I'd expect for an apprentice
-Great working culture with everyone being so helpful and welcoming to apprentices
-Apprentices are valued and seen as a great thing about the company, by senior employees so we are given challenging work
-Great support for the academic side of the apprenticeship and always being checked up on regarding how we are coping with the workload of Uni and working
What are the best and worst things about your job?
Being challenged in my work to ensure I am constantly progressing and improving.
Read moreWhat are the best and worst things about your job?
The best thing about my job is the fact that it is secure and I can become a Solicitor whilst learning on the go.
Read moreWhat are the best and worst things about your job?
The best thing is the support I have from my team as they are willing to help me with any queries I have.
Read moreWhat are the best and worst things about your job?
There are so many opportunities to work in different teams. The support that you receive from everyone in your team, your manager and everyone else in both the Manchester and London office, who want to see you succeed.
Read moreWhat are the best and worst things about your job?
Lots of engaging, interesting work.
Good office environment. Very friendly and open to everyone.
Fantastic colleagues and good management structure.
Lots of support available.
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Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner
Average start time: 09:30
Average end time: 19:00
Average number of working hours: 9.5
Based on 94 reviews
Earliest start time
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Application Advice:
Be thorough in your research about the company.
Interview Advice:
Know why you are applying to BCLP in particular as opposed to any other law firm.
Trainee Solicitor, Antitrust & Competition at Bryan Cave Leighton PaisnerRead the full review »
Application Advice:
Review the firm and its strengths and show that you are genuinely interested in the areas it specialises in
Interview Advice:
Read the questions carefully, people failed at my AC because they missed key information
Trainee Solicitor, Real estate at Bryan Cave Leighton PaisnerRead the full review »
Application Advice:
Ensure that you research the firm and can talk about one of our practice areas in sufficient detail. Show enthusiasm for the work and express why you are interested in the work that we do.
Interview Advice:
Be yourself! It is so easy to tell when someone is trying to convey a false perception of themselves. Also, be sure to ask questions - make it a conversation!
Trainee Solicitor, Construction at Bryan Cave Leighton PaisnerRead the full review »
Application Advice:
Keep in mind that the HR team reads over 2,000 applications. Make sure that your application is easy to follow, clear, and to the point.
I used bullet points throughout my application so I can keep it focused and answer the question directly. I think this helped me get through the application stage but someone else may give you some other advice.
Getting through the application stage is the toughest simply because of the number of applicants. There is a lot of luck involved but don't lose hope. You just got to keep at it and try your best to make life easy for the person reading your application.
Answer the question directly, get to the point, and market yourself. It is basically selling yourself and anything counts. For example, I said that I went to an international school and developed the skill to build relationships + interact with people from different backgrounds (which would help me build relationships with clients). Leverage all your experiences and have a clear purpose for the information you are sharing - the "so what" of it all.
Interview Advice:
The interview is where I feel luck plays less of a role. In the application stage luck plays a significant role but during the assessment centre etc. it is more based on merits. That is not to say that if you don't pass the assessment centre/interview, you will never be a lawyer. It took me about 3-4 attempts to get passed the assessment centre/interview stage at different firms. You got to persevere and be confident.
The biggest issue in an interview is when people get nervous and lose their trail of thought. Its easier said than done, but don't put so much pressure/stress on yourself. The interview is not the be all or end all. The interviewers are really interested in getting to know you as a person and the interview at BCLP is more about strength-based. They will ask questions like "how do you deal with stress/failure" which are not really questions you can prepare for. Make sure to prepare for the "Why BCLP " and "Why Law" questions but then the rest of the interview should be more of a conversation.
Practice your interview with friends or family and again make sure to stick to the question, don't ramble, and make it more of a conversation. For example, if the interviewer asks you to list 2 strengths, just list it and ask "do you want me to expand on these?" to make the interview more like a conversation.
The interview is your place to shine and show your personality. Practice and don't try to be nervous and you will do alright. The firm is looking for human beings who will be a joy to work with. Be yourself and don't put too much pressure on yourself. Everything eventually works out.
Trainee Solicitor, Law at Bryan Cave Leighton PaisnerRead the full review »
Application Advice:
Consider all work experience and apply it to the firm's ethos.
Interview Advice:
Make sure you focus on not only technical knowledge, but skills-based knowledge. I.e. know your CV!
Trainee Solicitor, Litigation and Dispute Resolution at Bryan Cave Leighton PaisnerRead the full review »
Application Advice:
Try to make it personal to the firm and the applicant. If you can replace the firm name with another and it still makes sense, it is not personal enough. If you are speaking generically about interests (in practice areas, sectors, firm etc.) with no relation as to why these are specific to YOU (i.e. linking it to volunteering/experience you had, project you did, hobbies etc.), then it is not personal enough.
Interview Advice:
Be authentically you. At this stage, everyone on paper is equally as qualified as eachother with good grades, good written manner, good level of understanding/interest with the firm and profession. To stand out, you need to let your personality shine through and remember that you are speaking to a person on the other side of the table/screen, who will be looking for people who they can see themselves enjoying to work with. Be smiley, chatty, relaxed (but also make sure your understanding of why law/firm/you is equally as strong as was in application stage).
Trainee Solicitor, Corporate M&A at Bryan Cave Leighton PaisnerRead the full review »
Application Advice:
Try to attend an open day or a virtual law fair so you can speak to people who actually work at the firm. Try to tailor the application to the law firm itself.
Interview Advice:
Be prepared to justify your answers and to be challenged on your responses. Try to be relaxed.
Trainee Solicitor, Trainee Solicitor at Bryan Cave Leighton PaisnerRead the full review »
Application Advice:
Commercial awareness. Look at the sectors the firm operates in, find ones that interest you and research key events/updates/tends happening in their clients sector at the moment. Try and bring these up in your interview to demonstrate you're awareness of the market BCLP's clients operate in and the challenges, threats and opportunities they face.
Have an awareness of how a law firm operates as a business. Look at the impact of technology on the legal profession e.g Chat GPT
Be aware of what a trainee does in different departments, the difference between transactional and contentious seats ect
Interview Advice:
If you are given the name of your interviewers, research the sector they are in and the projects they worked on, try to bring this up in your interview.
Trainee Solicitor, Secondment – Pro Bono Human Rights at Bryan Cave Leighton PaisnerRead the full review »
Application Advice:
To understand what the firm does, and how that relates to what you are interested in.
Interview Advice:
Be yourself. There is no set type of candidate; the adage that it doesn't matter where you come from is certainly true and they want to see your authentic self in the interviews. If you come across as something you are not, you will be found out.
Trainee solicitor, Real Estate at Bryan Cave Leighton PaisnerRead the full review »
Application Advice:
research the firm's practice areas
Interview Advice:
research interviewer, research practice areas. tailor your work experience to the role.
Trainee Solicitor, Real Estate at Bryan Cave Leighton PaisnerRead the full review »
Application Advice:
Find what connects you to the Firm personally - this will make the 'why this Firm' question a lot easier to answer and your motivation will show naturally.
Interview Advice:
Be yourself, show confidence and a personality. Let them walk away thinking they know you and that you know something about them (professionally and personally). Situational judgement questions were a focus of my training contract interview, so it's important to really explain and demonstrate how you would succeed as a trainee, and even as an associate in the future.
Trainee Solicitor, Real Estate at Bryan Cave Leighton PaisnerRead the full review »
Application Advice:
Give genuine answers, demonstrating your authentic personality and things that you are passionate about.
Interview Advice:
The final interview stage involved a mix of competency based questions and questions specific to my CV and experience. I looked up the interviewers before the interview and this helped me to prepare some more tailored questions to ask.
Trainee Solicitor, Construction at Bryan Cave Leighton PaisnerRead the full review »
Application Advice:
Be yourself, think about WHY you are attracted to the firm. Make sure each point ties back to yourself and your interests.
Interview Advice:
Be yourself, ask questions and make sure you understand how the firm operates and makes money.
Trainee Solicitor, Tax, Advice and Controversy (1st Seat) at Bryan Cave Leighton PaisnerRead the full review »
Interview Advice:
Ensure that you demonstrate commercial awareness in your answers and how you are target driven/can meet targets using practical examples.
Trainee Solicitor, Office of General Counsel at Bryan Cave Leighton PaisnerRead the full review »
Application Advice:
Research current news stories that relate to the firm's areas of expertise to support your answers on what areas of law interest you. It will ensure you demonstrate your interest in learning outside of your studies. BCLP is well known for its real estate work and the property sector is constantly changing, so this would be a good place to start.
Interview Advice:
At my interview, I was asked what personal challenges have I faced outside of school and work that have shaped me as a person. I think this is a great question to ask because lawyers need to be resilient. Determination in the face of adversity is a skill acquired through experience, and I would advise anyone interviewing to think about how they can show that they have the ability to bounce back in difficult situations.
Trainee Solicitor, Core Real Estate – Asset Management at Bryan Cave Leighton PaisnerRead the full review »
Application Advice:
Focus on relating your experience to the skills the firm is looking for.
Interview Advice:
Build a rapport with the interviewers - ask good questions about them and find something you have in common with them.
Trainee, Secondment to Reprieve (UK Litigation) at Bryan Cave Leighton PaisnerRead the full review »
Application Advice:
Spend time researching the firm to ensure you understand the firm's values and culture. When carrying out your research think what am I interested in and make sure this is reflected in your application, that way you can show why you would be a good fit for the firm. If you can attend open days and vacation schemes it is a great way to get to know the firm and probe its employees about what they enjoy about the firm .
Interview Advice:
Most importantly be yourself, the interview is about getting to know you therefore don't be afraid to show your personality, at the end of the day they are hiring someone who they would want to work with. If you are unsure of an answer to a question in an interview don't panic, take a deep breathe, ask for a minute to think about it and then show your reasoning for reaching the answer. Even if your answer is wrong, your reasoning will show the partners you think things through in a logical way. Also the partners will help point you in the right direction, just smile and carry on.
Trainee Solicitor, Real Estate Finance at Bryan Cave Leighton PaisnerRead the full review »
Application Advice: Use examples from your work, volunteering or education to demonstrate the skills you have, which are relevant for the job you are applying for.
Trainee Solicitor, Real Estate at Bryan Cave Leighton PaisnerRead the full review »
Application Advice: Don't just focus on your academics, show how every little piece of experience has helped you grow and demonstrated the skills you'll need as a lawyer - it doesn't even matter if this experience isn't law-related; we want to see that you have a good understanding of the transferrable skills necessary to succeed.
Interview Advice: Be yourself and try and let your personality shine through - if you've been asked to interview then presumably you have the grades. This stage is about making sure the firm is the right fit for you and vice versa.
Trainee Solicitor, Disputes at Bryan Cave Leighton PaisnerRead the full review »
Application Advice: Understand the bigger picture. Know what the firm's key growth areas are.
Interview Advice: Be able to express why you are interested in the firm specifically rather than any other firm.
Trainee solicitor, M&A and Corporate Finance at Bryan Cave Leighton PaisnerRead the full review »
Application Advice:
Seat options in Manchester are primarily real estate focussed
Trainee Solicitor, Real Estate at Bryan Cave Leighton PaisnerRead the full review »
Application Advice:
Research the firm and their ongoing work and tailor your application around that.
Provide evidence of any skills you say you have (e.g. I've shown leadership because I director a play which 200 people bought tickets for)
Read the full review »
Application Advice:
Look out for what the firm's core strengths and practice areas are.
Interview Advice:
Be clear why you want a career in commercial law, and why our firm specifically in the middle of a crowded market.
Trainee Solicitor, International Arbitration at Bryan Cave Leighton PaisnerRead the full review »
Application Advice:
Research the firm and tailor your interests/experience to what company's ethos and business strategy are.
Interview Advice:
Sounds cliché but be yourself. The more you show your personality and create a rapport with the interviewer, the less daunting the interview will be. I would also say know what your USPs are and motivations for wanting to work at BCLP specifically.
Placement Student, Core Real Estate at Bryan Cave Leighton PaisnerRead the full review »
Application Advice:
Make sure you do your research and ensure your answers are specific to BCLP. Focus on the key reasons you want to apply, whether it be the firm's culture, innovation and/or the deals the firm works on. Make it clear why BCLP stands our from the other law firms to you.
Interview Advice:
What is something you are passionate about, that you could have a discussion / debate about? (Question I was asked).
Trainee Solicitor, Commercial Construction at Bryan Cave Leighton PaisnerRead the full review »
Application Advice:
Ensure that statements about skills are backed up with evidence.
Trainee Solicitor, Commercial Disputes at Bryan Cave Leighton PaisnerRead the full review »
Application Advice:
Take your time and review your application properly.
Interview Advice:
Research the firm, take an interest in the work conducted, be yourself.
Trainee Solicitor, Commercial Construction at Bryan Cave Leighton PaisnerRead the full review »
Application Advice:
Highlight your interest in the firm and support it with examples (why do you personally like the firm).
Interview Advice:
Prepare for questions such as:
How do you think BCLP is different from other firms?
Why did you choose BCLP?
Be honest and genuine in your answers. All the partners at BCLP are very approachable and personable, so they would appreciate a genuine approach.
Trainee Solicitor, Tax at Bryan Cave Leighton PaisnerRead the full review »
Application Advice:
Answer the question asked in a well-structured format, showcase yourself.
Interview Advice:
Be candid.
Questions asked: walk me through your resume, tell me about a time when...
Read the full review »
Application Advice:
Be honest and put time into the questions on the application form
Interview Advice:
Know your application form inside out and be genuine
Trainee Solicitor, International Arbitration & Construction Disputes at Bryan Cave Leighton PaisnerRead the full review »
Interview Advice:
Be prepared for scenario and legal questions
Trainee Solicitor, Commercial Construction at Bryan Cave Leighton PaisnerRead the full review »
Application Advice:
Tailor application to the firm and understand the firm's key area of real estate
Interview Advice:
Make sure you have a well thought-out answer to 'Why law?'
Trainee Solicitor, Real Estate at Bryan Cave Leighton PaisnerRead the full review »
Application Advice:
Proof read your application numerous times.
Identify unique characteristics of the firm.
Interview Advice:
Know why you want to be a lawyer and what attracts you to the firm in particular.
Trainee, Real Estate Finance at Bryan Cave Leighton PaisnerRead the full review »
Application Advice:
When answering the law firm's questions, make sure that you apply current affairs into the answers. For example, you need to ask yourself: Is there something that the law firm will be worried about (for itself and its client); and, is it possible to apply that to any of the questions that have been asked.
This will help to illustrate your commercial awareness, as well as your knowledge of the firm and its clients.
Interview Advice:
Communication is key. I spoke to current trainees of the firm, its future trainees and recently qualified trainees - LinkedIn is very useful. This helped me to prepare for the interview.
It goes without saying that you should know your application like the back of your hand.
Trainee Solicitor, International Arbitration and Construction Disputes at Bryan Cave Leighton PaisnerRead the full review »
Application Advice:
Ensure that your application form is tailored to the firm, its work and its culture.
Interview Advice:
Know your CV and application form inside out, think and speak calmly and think commercially.
Trainee Solicitor, Litigation and Corporate Risk at Bryan Cave Leighton PaisnerRead the full review »
Interview Advice:
Questions I was asked:
- advice to an entrepreneur setting up a new business
- topic you would speak on at Speaker's Corner
Read the full review »
Application Advice:
Be specific. Don't copy and paste at all. You need to show how you could be a commercial lawyer at BCLP.
Interview Advice:
See the commercial side of clients' legal problems.
Trainee Solicitor, Trainee at Bryan Cave Leighton PaisnerRead the full review »
Application Advice:
Be absolutely certain you want to do real estate law before applying to the Manchester office because that's currently all you can do but it's not well signposted.
Interview Advice:
Be yourself, and be open. The partners who interviewed me were laid back and interested in a more informal chat. Don't neglect your market research though, every little helps.
Trainee Solicitor, Core Real Estate at Bryan Cave Leighton PaisnerRead the full review »
Application Advice:
Attend networking + presentation events, research specific things about the firm, appear enthusiastic.
Interview Advice:
Be enthusiastic, don't be afraid to take a moment to consider answers, study general commercial knowledge.
Questions included 'why law?', 'why this firm?', 'what would you speak about if given the chance to speak at Speaker's Corner?', 'why a solicitor and not a barrister', 'what issues would you consider when setting up a new company'.
Trainee Solicitor, Planning at Bryan Cave Leighton PaisnerRead the full review »
Application Advice:
A trainee in any city silver circle law firm needs to be diligent, resilient and willing to learn. In BCLP particularly, I think that being personable goes a long way. Whilst there is no 'BCLP type', something that we all have in common is the fact that we are confident, friendly and driven in our career aspirations.
Interview Advice:
Be yourself. The company is not looking for a corporate robot, they are looking for willing and able individuals.
Trainee Solicitor, Corporate M&A at Bryan Cave Leighton PaisnerRead the full review »
Application Advice:
Tailor it specifically to BCLP as much as possible. Try to get as much relevant work experience (and transferable skills) as you can before applying.
Interview Advice:
Research the firm, and the person interviewing you, as much as possible in advance. Try to think of it as more of a two-way conversation than an interview i.e. an opportunity for you to find out about the firm as much as them finding out about you.
Trainee Solicitor, International Arbitration & Construction Disputes at Bryan Cave Leighton PaisnerRead the full review »
Application Advice:
Know more about the work the firm does than the 'big-ticket' deals like the Walkie-Talkie.
Interview Advice:
I haven't heard of anyone getting totally grilled, so don't worry about that. Have a good idea of why you want to work here and link it to something unique about this particular firm.
Trainee, Finance at Bryan Cave Leighton PaisnerRead the full review »
Application Advice:
Apply early. Don't wait until the end of the application period.
Obtain experience first - especially in the area you are interested in.
If you can, always apply to the Vacation scheme over straight Training contract.
Make each application bespoke to the firm - don't copy and paste applications.
Decide what you want to go into then apply to those firms, that way your choice of applications won't seem random to an interviewer.
Proof-read your applications then proofread again. Then proofread some more. Before printing them out and proofreading again.
Interview Advice:
Be on time, smart, and polite.
Work out your angle - what is your USP. For example, you are applying to a banking firm and you absolutely love banking and have obtained experience working in finance law - make sure you emphasize this.
Rather than trying to read the FT every single day and trying to be prepared to know everything in response to a 'commercial awareness' question - focus on a couple of key areas in the market and know everything to do with it. In an interview, you can return to your key areas such as cyber security, or Brexit.
When you have finished what you are saying stop talking. Don't wait for the interviewer to stop you. Be concise.
Read the full review »
Application Advice:
Know the firm's USPs
Interview Advice:
Be clued up on current commercial or topical issues and trends
Trainee Solicitor, Investment Management at Bryan Cave Leighton PaisnerRead the full review »
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Solicitor Apprentice, Core Real Estate at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner View »Application Advice:
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Legal apprentice, Legal at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner View »Application Advice:
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Legal Apprentice, Legal at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner View »Application Advice:
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Legal, Real Estate at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner View »Application Advice:
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Solicitor Apprenticeship, Real Estate at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner View »Application Advice:
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Paralegal Apprentice, Real Estate at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner View »Application Advice:
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Legal Apprentice, Manchester LPDC at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner View »Application Advice:
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Legal Apprentice, Real Estate at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner View »Best:
The work and colleagues.
Worst:
Not applicable.
Trainee Solicitor, Antitrust & Competition at Bryan Cave Leighton PaisnerRead the full review »
Best:
silver circle, good training in real estate, good trainee pay
Worst:
poor retention rate, NQ pay not in line with silver circle
Trainee Solicitor, Real estate at Bryan Cave Leighton PaisnerRead the full review »
Best:
The culture of the firm.
The fact that everyone is truly interested in my development and there are ample opportunities to grow and learn.
Worst:
The firm's practice areas is very Real Estate focused meaning that opportunities for top work in other practice areas may be lacking.
Trainee Solicitor, Law at Bryan Cave Leighton PaisnerRead the full review »
Best:
Extensive training programme both within teams and across departments.
Supportive colleagues who show interest in assisting with progression of juniors.
Worst:
Opportunities to work on more complex work / client facing work can take long time to come around.
Trainee, Corporate and Finance Transactions at Bryan Cave Leighton PaisnerRead the full review »
Best:
Commitment to I&D and wellbeing.
Worst:
Technology. Salary progression.
Trainee Solicitor, Litigation and Dispute Resolution at Bryan Cave Leighton PaisnerRead the full review »
Best:
The reputation in the legal industry.
The international presence.
The office and canteen.
Worst:
The technology.
Trainee Solicitor, Corporate M&A at Bryan Cave Leighton PaisnerRead the full review »
Best:
People, quality of work
Worst:
Nothing
Trainee Solicitor, Trainee Solicitor at Bryan Cave Leighton PaisnerRead the full review »
Best:
- support and culture
- transparency on gender pay gap
- good seat choices
- pay
Read the full review »
Best:
Colleagues
Quality of work
Worst:
Range of different work
Trainee solicitor, Real Estate at Bryan Cave Leighton PaisnerRead the full review »
Best:
see previous answer
Trainee Solicitor, Real Estate at Bryan Cave Leighton PaisnerRead the full review »
Best:
Inclusion and Diversity initiatives heavily focused on and promoted throughout all levels
Worst:
Some teams more inclusive than others.
Trainee Solicitor, Real Estate at Bryan Cave Leighton PaisnerRead the full review »
Best:
Quality of training provided (depth and variety), support networks available and opportunity to work with prestigious clients.
Trainee Solicitor, Real Estate at Bryan Cave Leighton PaisnerRead the full review »
Best:
The best thing about the company is the people. I really enjoy collaborating with my colleagues every day. They are very experienced and I appreciate the amount of time that they give to helping me develop my skills and experience. There are also lots of opportunities to get involved with company wide initiatives which has helped me to network across the business.
Worst:
The worst thing is the mandated 4 days a week in the office (for junior staff). I would prefer more flexibility to work from home 2-3 days a week.
Trainee Solicitor, Construction at Bryan Cave Leighton PaisnerRead the full review »
Best:
Culture - very friendly and supportive.
Worst:
Can be very busy at times.
Trainee Solicitor, Tax, Advice and Controversy (1st Seat) at Bryan Cave Leighton PaisnerRead the full review »
Best:
Commitment to diversity
Worst:
Lack of transparency around career progression
Trainee Solicitor, Insurance & Reinsurance Disputes at Bryan Cave Leighton PaisnerRead the full review »
Best:
Range of clients
Inclusion and diversity initiatives
Worst:
Retention of staff
Trainee Solicitor, Office of General Counsel at Bryan Cave Leighton PaisnerRead the full review »
Best:
The people and company culture, good pay and benefits too
Worst:
Work can be challenging, hours can be long
Trainee, Commercial Disputes and International Arbitration at Bryan Cave Leighton PaisnerRead the full review »
Best:
Great culture, very dedicated to inclusivity and diversity. Not as hierarchical as other law firms.
Trainee Solicitor, Real Estate Finance at Bryan Cave Leighton PaisnerRead the full review »
Best:
The level of responsibility and interaction with clients afforded to trainees.
Trainee Solicitor, Core Real Estate – Asset Management at Bryan Cave Leighton PaisnerRead the full review »
Best:
Diversity and inclusivity initiatives
Generally care about people's mental health and wellbeing over profit
Worst:
Infrequent communication from management
Confusion as to the direction of the firm
Trainees/people not felt valued
Read the full review »
Best:
The best things about my job are; the people, the calibre of work and the opportunities to get involved in work in your seat and pro-bono work. Everyone at the firm is approachable, friendly and helpful this facilitates a happy and fun environment to work in. The work is high value, interesting and trainees have a lot of responsibility which means you learn a lot and the work is varied and challenging. Lastly, the firm has pro-bono opportunities which is a great opportunity to give back, meet other people in the firm and expand your skills.
Trainee Solicitor, Real Estate Finance at Bryan Cave Leighton PaisnerRead the full review »
Best: Great people, interesting and varied work, good international opportunities
Worst: Pay and benefits
Trainee Solicitor, Disputes at Bryan Cave Leighton PaisnerRead the full review »
Best: Friendly and hard working colleagues
Worst: Office facilities
Trainee solicitor, M&A and Corporate Finance at Bryan Cave Leighton PaisnerRead the full review »
Best: Complex work. Training and support from colleagues. Friendly culture.
Trainee Solicitor, Commercial Construction at Bryan Cave Leighton PaisnerRead the full review »
Best:
People are generally very kind and supportive of your development.
Good clients and interesting work.
Good responsibility for trainees whilst still having a lot of support.
Hours are decent compared to some City firms. Not much weekend work.
Worst:
Trainee work can be quite administrative.
Trainee salary is good but not many other benefits offered.
Read the full review »
Best:
Generally nice people
Worst:
No as much breadth of practice areas as one might hope for, especially in terms of NQ prospects.
Trainee Solicitor, International Arbitration at Bryan Cave Leighton PaisnerRead the full review »
Best:
Clientele, friendly work environment, high responsibility, benefits/perks.
Worst:
Hours - however, this comes with the role of being a solicitor at a city law firm.
Placement Student, Core Real Estate at Bryan Cave Leighton PaisnerRead the full review »
Best:
Great work/life balance, very supportive, inclusive and friendly culture, provides excellent training sessions.
Placement Student, Real Estate Finance at Bryan Cave Leighton PaisnerRead the full review »
Best:
The people that I work with from various areas of the firm - the culture.
Worst:
Nothing
Trainee Solicitor, Commercial Construction at Bryan Cave Leighton PaisnerRead the full review »
Best:
The inclusive, non-hierarchical culture.
The inclusion and diversity initiatives.
Trainee Solicitor, Tax Advice & Controversy at Bryan Cave Leighton PaisnerRead the full review »
Best:
Salary
Benefits
Culture in certain teams is excellent
Good work/ life compared to equivalent firms
Location
Worst:
Culture in some teams is toxic
Too real estate invested
Read the full review »
Best:
Good culture, great colleagues
Trainee Solicitor, Commercial Construction at Bryan Cave Leighton PaisnerRead the full review »
Best:
Collaborative culture
Good work-life balance
Worst:
Needs to diversify
Trainee Solicitor, International Arbitration & Construction Disputes at Bryan Cave Leighton PaisnerRead the full review »
Best:
Nice work environment and friendly people
Trainee Solicitor, Commercial Construction at Bryan Cave Leighton PaisnerRead the full review »
Best:
It appreciates the importance of work life balance. It has good diversity and inclusion initiatives which it seems to sincerely believe in. It has international opportunities. It is a friendly firm by and large. The canteen is very good. The graduate recruitment team is helpful.
Worst:
The salary is lower than other big city firms. The retention rates for trainees qualifying is low, which suggests career progression at the firm is limited if entering as a solicitor at this level.
Trainee Solicitor, Structured Debt at Bryan Cave Leighton PaisnerRead the full review »
Best:
The people
Worst:
Long hours
Trainee Solicitor, Real Estate at Bryan Cave Leighton PaisnerRead the full review »
Best:
Charity initiatives, pro bono work, minority action groups
Worst:
N/A
Trainee Solicitor, Investment Management at Bryan Cave Leighton PaisnerRead the full review »
Best:
Responsibility
People
Worst:
Market perception
Trainee, Real Estate Finance at Bryan Cave Leighton PaisnerRead the full review »
Best:
Diversity - it is truly a diverse team and, the support for growth by being given complex/fun tasks.
I also love the fact that we have Knowledge development Lawyers and that they are always around to give training where you feel that you may need more growth or even help on a task.
Worst:
I will let you know, once there is one.
Trainee Solicitor, International Arbitration and Construction Disputes at Bryan Cave Leighton PaisnerRead the full review »
Best:
- diversity and inclusivity initiatives
- colleagues
- client-base
-prestige
- culture
Worst:
- unrealistic time-frames for some work
Trainee Solicitor, Energy, Environment and Infrastructure Finance at Bryan Cave Leighton PaisnerRead the full review »
Best:
Caring employer
Good leadership
Worst:
Systems are outdated
Some supervisors can micro manage
Read the full review »
Best:
The people. Almost everyone is exceptionally friendly and supportive, even during the busiest times.
Worst:
Working with the supporting departments (grad rec, HR, accounts) can often feel like an uphill struggle. This can often have some demotivating knock-on effects.
Trainee Solicitor, Core Real Estate at Bryan Cave Leighton PaisnerRead the full review »
Best:
focus on mental health wellbeing
care about employees
international scope
great people/team
Worst:
Salary compared to other firms
HR can't always assist with your chosen career progression
Read the full review »
Best:
Prestigous
Training means I will be a qualified solicitor
progression post qualification
Worst:
Cultural issues
Lack of feedback on how company is preforming as a whole.
Read the full review »
Best:
Diversity initiatives, market position
Trainee Solicitor, Planning at Bryan Cave Leighton PaisnerRead the full review »
Best:
Dedication to inclusivity and fostering a positive and supportive working environment. Lead from the top and committed to at all levels of the firm.
Worst:
The 'hit and miss' lifts (but we are moving buildings!).
Trainee Solicitor, Corporate M&A at Bryan Cave Leighton PaisnerRead the full review »
Best:
Weekend working is not encouraged
Friendly colleagues
Large trainee pool so good for support
Worst:
Strict policies (meal allowances and Taxi)
Lack of quality work at a junior level
Long hours in certain departments
Hierarchical
No control over working hours
Read the full review »
Best:
Challenging, interesting work.
Great people and team.
Highly impressive and supportive supervisor, who I can ask questions to.
Stella list of clients.
Great extra-curriculum activities such as the football team. We even went on a fully paid for football tour to Amsterdam to play in the Willow Cup, a charity tournament.
Great offices and location.
Great salaries.
Good opportunities to continue your career.
Worst:
Canteen could be better.
Trainee, Real Estate Finance at Bryan Cave Leighton PaisnerRead the full review »
Best:
Inclusive culture, nice colleagues
Worst:
Office needs a refurb, sometimes long hours.
Trainee Solicitor, Investment Management at Bryan Cave Leighton PaisnerRead the full review »
Worst:
Office needs a refurb, sometimes long hours.
Solicitor Apprentice, Real Estate at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner View »Worst:
Office needs a refurb, sometimes long hours.
Solicitor Apprentice, Real Estate at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner View »Worst:
Office needs a refurb, sometimes long hours.
Trainee Solicitor Apprentice, Manchester LPDC at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner View »Worst:
Office needs a refurb, sometimes long hours.
Solicitor Apprentice, Manchester LPDC at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner View »Worst:
Office needs a refurb, sometimes long hours.
Solicitor Apprentice, Core Real Estate at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner View »Worst:
Office needs a refurb, sometimes long hours.
Solicitor Apprentice, Structured Finance at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner View »Worst:
Office needs a refurb, sometimes long hours.
Legal apprentice, Real Estate at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner View »Worst:
Office needs a refurb, sometimes long hours.
Legal apprentice, Legal at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner View »Worst:
Office needs a refurb, sometimes long hours.
Legal apprentice, Real Estate at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner View »Worst:
Office needs a refurb, sometimes long hours.
Legal Apprentice, Compliance at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner View »Worst:
Office needs a refurb, sometimes long hours.
Solicitor Apprentice, Real Estate at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner View »Worst:
Office needs a refurb, sometimes long hours.
Solicitor Apprentice, Structured Debt at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner View »Worst:
Office needs a refurb, sometimes long hours.
Legal Apprentice, Legal at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner View »Worst:
Office needs a refurb, sometimes long hours.
Legal, Real Estate at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner View »Worst:
Office needs a refurb, sometimes long hours.
Solicitor Apprenticeship, Real Estate at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner View »Worst:
Office needs a refurb, sometimes long hours.
Paralegal Apprentice, Real Estate at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner View »Worst:
Office needs a refurb, sometimes long hours.
Legal Apprentice, Manchester LPDC at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner View »Worst:
Office needs a refurb, sometimes long hours.
Legal Apprentice, Real Estate at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner View »
