UK Trainees

Why Bryan Cave?

Bryan Cave is a large international law firm with nearly 1,000 fee earners in 15 offices around the world. Bryan Cave’s practice is built on more than 130 years of solid performance and dedication to its clients which range from international corporations, large and small businesses, not-for-profit organizations, governmental entities to individual clients. We pride ourselves on our “One Firm” culture which is unique and vital to Bryan Cave lawyers.

UK Trainee Program

The London office of Bryan Cave, which runs the UK Trainee Program, was the firm’s first European office (it opened in 1982) and is completely integrated with the firm. A substantial proportion of our work in the London office is cross border and our clients, lawyers and trainees benefit from working together and sharing their knowledge and experience across jurisdiction and time zones.

Our UK Trainee Program nurtures and values talent. Bryan Cave’s collegiate atmosphere, both in the London office and throughout the firm, fosters personal and professional fulfilment. You will have the opportunity to assist in providing solutions to the legal requirements of our broad and varied international client base. Quite simply you will have access to the best colleagues, the best clients and the best support and training in a friendly, forward thinking environment.

What is Bryan Cave looking for?

We are interested in candidates who have a first class or 2:1 degree (law or non-law). You may have already completed the GDL or the LPC or you may be about to embark on one of these. We value experience gained in areas outside the law.

The firm is committed to equal opportunities at every level. We place great importance on diversity and respect each other’s different contributions. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply, provided you have sound academic qualifications, a head for business and an excitement about the practice of law in an international environment. Above all you need the potential and the commitment to be part of the Bryan Cave team.

The Trainee Program

The London office of Bryan Cave offers a unique program for trainees. We take on three trainees a year and provide individual support and first class training for two years. You will experience four seats during your training contract with us. The two core seats are Corporate/Commercial and Litigation but you will also have the opportunity to work in Employment, Pensions, Finance, Property (Real Estate), IP, International Trade and Private Client. You may also have the opportunity of a period abroad in one of our US offices. We try to accommodate trainees’ individual needs and interests when allocating seats. You will be closely supervised and mentored - as much by our associates, who play an important role in the training of our lawyers, as by partners and counsel. You will be given as much responsibility as you can handle.

Bryan Cave’s trainee program has been operating since 2001 and has received a commendation from the Law Society.

Summer Placement Scheme

We run an informal Summer Placement Scheme to enable candidates who might be interested in applying for a training contract with us to sample life as a trainee in the London office before they apply. We offer placements of four to six weeks. Our Summer Placement students are given hands on experience. You will be involved in the day to day work of our lawyers and by the end of your placement you will have a good understanding of our work and our culture. 

Financial Assistance 

Future trainees receive a payment to cover the cost of the LPC fees and in the case of non-law graduates to cover the cost of the GDL course. Bryan Cave also currently contributes £7,500 towards maintenance for one or two years, as applicable. 

Trainee Salaries 

From March 2008 the trainee starting salary will be £37,000. From September 2008 the starting salary will be £37,500. Trainee salaries increase by £1000 after each seat.. Other benefits include medical health insurance, life insurance, permanent health insurance and pension contributions. Annual holiday entitlement is 25 days plus public holidays.

Applications

Applications for our Trainee Program and Summer Placement Scheme should be made to:

Brenda Roberts
Director of Administration
Bryan Cave
88 Wood Street
London EC2V 7AJ
bjroberts@bryancave.com

We encourage you to apply two years ahead of the date that you would like to start with us if you are a potential trainee, however we do not rule out late applications.

If you are applying to join our Summer Placement Scheme you should apply no later than April before the summer in which you would like to work for us. Our associates play a valuable part in recruitment and you are likely to be interviewed by an associate as well as a partner.