Applications for graduate trainees starting in September 2023 has now closed however, we are now accepting applications for trainees commencing September 2024. The recruitment window is open until midnight on 30 June 2023.
Trainees joining the firm in 2023, if joining without completing the Legal Practice Course (LPC), will be the first cohort to follow our new Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) Programme, the newly introduced route to qualifying as a solicitor in England and Wales. If joining with the LPC you will be following the same programme, but under a registered training contract and undertaking the Professional Skills Course (PSC) rather than the SQE.
Our Graduate Trainee programme
We want our graduate trainees to develop into our partners of the future and we are very proud that the majority of our trainees stay with the firm upon qualification. To ensure our trainees are given the best opportunities to develop the skills they need to become a successful lawyer, we have created the Graduate Trainee Programme, in partnership with our training provider.
Throughout the programme, you will have the opportunity to demonstrate your drive, enthusiasm and ambition as well as learning the business knowledge, technical and interpersonal skills, and mindset you need to establish a stimulating and rewarding legal career. For those trainees following the newly introduced SQE programme, you’ll receive specific support that gives you optimum preparation to pass the new SQE assessments.
What you can expect from your training
Our training programme is designed to be interesting, challenging and rewarding. You’ll work with great lawyers on exciting projects, with the opportunity to experience a broad range of legal disciplines to help you make an informed decision about which area to specialise in.
What if I have completed the LPC?
You will join our Trainee Solicitor Programme which offers four six-month seats, 24 months in total. This may be reduced if you have previous eligible work experience.
What if I have a degree?
We require you to have a law degree or, for those who have a non-law degree, you must also have completed a conversion course, such as the GDL or PGDL. You will join as a graduate apprentice and the period of training will cover 4 seats over 30 months.
At the beginning of your training, you’ll be able to let us know in which areas you would like to gain experience. This will form part of your regular supervision sessions, as we understand your priorities may change as your interests develop. We currently offer seats in dispute resolution, corporate and commercial, employment, family, wills trust and probate, commercial property and personal injury.
You will be supervised by a senior associate or a partner who is committed to supporting your personal and professional development. They will provide you with regular feedback throughout your seat and extensive on-the-job support. We also have a training principle who will be able to provide advice and guidance on how to get the best out of your training programme and a dedicated member of our HR team who will meet with you regularly.
All trainees are encouraged to make the most of the opportunities we have for pro-bono work, such as working with Citizens Advice and getting involved with the charities that we support.
How to apply
Our recruitment process consists of a first and second stage interview. During your interviews we’ll tell you more about our culture at Brachers and what it’s like to work here. We’ll also want to find out a bit more about you, your ambition and why you’d like to join our firm.
To be considered for our Graduate Trainee Programme, please:
- Complete our application form
- Complete the optional equal opportunities form – you will be directed to this once the application form is completed
The deadline for applications is midnight on the 30 June 2023. Applications after this time will not be considered.
We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace and providing the support and resources required for you to perform at your best. Please inform us if you require any reasonable adjustments to be made (in accordance with the Equality Act 2010) at any stage of the recruitment process.
Apprenticeships at Brachers
We appreciate that not everyone has the means to or wants to go to university. However, an apprenticeship can provide an alternative route into your chosen career.
Apprenticeships with Brachers take you straight into the real-world application of legal skills and expertise. We offer a range of options for kick-starting your legal career path, including solicitors (see our graduate trainee section), paralegals and business support service roles.
Learn, earn, and gain invaluable experience
An apprenticeship allows you to combine work and study, mixing on-the-job training with structured learning through an external training provider. All the while, you earn a salary and enjoy all of our benefits.
Our apprentices learn both academically and vocationally, so you benefit from a combination of knowledge, insight and context that supports your progress. You will apply your learning to everyday legal work, use on-the-job experience to support your studies and ultimately gain qualifications that support your ambitions.
What kinds of apprenticeship do we offer?
Whether you’re completely new to the legal profession or looking to gain additional skills and progress in your current role with further qualifications, an apprenticeship could be the perfect way to start and develop your career. We’re continuously developing our apprenticeship opportunities and our current openings are shown in the ‘current vacancies’ section above.
Applicants must be aged 18 or over, so if you have completed A-level qualifications or equivalent, this may be the route for you.
Considering a legal career?
Gaining good work experience is essential to a better understanding of your potential career path. At Brachers, we offer work experience that gives you an insight into what it means to work at a law firm, both in legal and business roles. You’ll meet with a number of our colleagues, including lawyers and other business professionals, to experience the different areas of law we deal with and the clients we work with, as well as the business functions that keep the firm running smoothly.
We give preference to candidates with a keen interest in applying for our Graduate Training Programme, or those who have already applied.
How to apply
We offer a number of work experience opportunities throughout the year. We review applications at the end of March for placements over the Easter period and during the summer months.
If we receive your application after 31 March we cannot consider it for the current year, but if requested, we can consider it along with other applications received for the following year.
Applicants must be aged 18 or over.
We’re happy to answer any questions you might have about work experience at Brachers. Simply email humanresources@brachers.co.uk.
Apply here.
