UK Trainee Program and UK Summer Scheme

Why Bryan Cave?

Bryan Cave is a large international law firm with more than 1,000 lawyers and other professionals in 24 offices around the world. Bryan Cave’s practice is built on more than 135 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 defines who we are and who we want to be.

UK Trainee Program

The London office of Bryan Cave runs the UK Trainee Program. A substantial proportion of our work in the London office is cross border and our clients, lawyers, staff and trainees benefit from working together and sharing their knowledge and experience across jurisdiction and time zones.

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 are expected to achieve (or have already obtained) a first class or 2:1 degree (law or non-law).  In the majority of cases, under-graduate law students apply for the UK Training Program in their penultimate year of university and non-law students in  their final year of university.  Alternatively, you may have already completed the GDL or the LPC or you may be about to embark on one of these. We also 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 enthusiasm 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

We take on two trainees a year and provide individual support and first class training for two years.  Typically, you will experience four seats during your training contract with us. The two core seats are Corporate/Commercial and Litigation but you may also have the opportunity to work in Employment, Finance, Property (Real Estate), IP and International Trade.  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.

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 up to £7,500 towards maintenance.

Trainee Salaries 

Trainee salaries start at £40,000 per annum and are reviewed every six months. Other benefits include medical health insurance, life insurance, permanent health insurance and pension contributions. Annual holiday entitlement is 25 days plus public holidays.

UK Summer Scheme

We run an informal UK Summer 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. Our UK Summer Scheme 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.

Applications

Applications for our UK Trainee Program and UK Summer Scheme should be made by completing and submitting our online application form, which can be found here.

UK Trainee Program application window - 15 June to 31 July
UK Summer Scheme application window - 15 December to 31 January

If you are applying to join our UK Trainee Program, applications should reach us between 15 June and 31 July two years ahead of the date that you would like to start with us. If you are applying to join our UK Summer Scheme, applications should reach us between 15 December and 31 January immediately prior to the summer in which you would like to work for us.

If you have any queries, please contact:

Clinton Baker
Director of Administration
Bryan Cave