FAQs
Vacation schemes
How many vacation scheme places do you have?
We take 60 candidates over three summer vacation schemes, and 15 candidates at Easter.
When should I apply?
We will open on 1 November 2008 for 2009 vacation schemes.
How are the vacation schemes organised?
We run three two-week schemes between June, July and August each year. Candidates have the opportunity to sit in two different departments of their choice. The Easter scheme is for one week and, again, candidates have a choice of departments.
If I am unsuccessful in obtaining a placement, will this limit my chances of obtaining a training contract?
If your summer scheme application is unsuccessful we will not reconsider you for a training contract in the same year however this does not restrict you from reapplying the following year.
Telephone interviews
How long will the telephone interview last?
The telephone interview will last approx. 10-15 minutes.
Do I call you or will you call me?
We will call you on the preferred contact number that you provide. If you are travelling, we are more than happy to contact you on an international number.
Is there any preparation I should do for a telephone interview?
The questions asked during the telephone interview are not intended to be trick questions. You should, of course, research the firm thoroughly using a variety of sources and also ensure you are up to date with current affairs.
When will I hear if I have got through to the assessment day stage?
We will get back to you within two working days.
Assessment days
Where are the assessment days held?
Assessment days are held at our London Bridge offices.
How many students do you invite to the assessment days?
We see around 500 students each year at assessment centres for 40 training contracts and 75 vacation scheme places.
Is there any preparation I should do for an assessment day?
You should always research any firm that you visit for an assessment day/open day/interview. The website is a good place to start, but you may want to read other legal and commercial publications so you are up to date with current affairs.
When will I hear whether I have been successful?
You will hear back from us within one week of attending an assessment centre.
Interviews
Who conducts interviews?
Interviews are conducted by two partners.
General
I have already completed the LPC at another institution - will this affect my chances of obtaining a training contract at BLP?
Not at all, plenty of candidates apply for training contracts having already completed the LPC.
I have heard about the new BLP LPC+. Do I have any choice over the electives I do?
The electives will focus on our core areas of corporate, finance, real estate, litigation and tax and all BLP trainees will follow the same courses.
What is the induction like when I start my training contract?
The induction programme lasts about two weeks; you will be trained how to use the firm’s IT systems and library resources, develop your understanding of the firm, the different practice areas, support services and the trainee role through a variety of presentations and workshops. You will also make a start on the PSC (Professional Skills Course) that all trainee solicitors are required to complete as part of their training contract. In addition, you will complete the first Career Development Course which has been designed for trainees.
What other support is available to me during my training contract?
In addition to the day-to-day support you will receive from your supervisor, all trainees are allocated a Partner Mentor.
How do you organise the Professional Skills Course?
The PSC is organised and run in-house by our own training team supported by external trainers and is ongoing throughout the training contract.
What other training will I receive during my training contract?
In most seats you will be expected to attend weekly technical training sessions specific to your department.
What efforts will BLP make to keep in contact with me during my studies?
All pre-trainees are allocated a trainee ‘buddy’ who along with the Graduate Recruitment team is there to answer any queries you may have before starting your training contract. You will be kept updated on any news and developments at the firm via email and will also receive your own copy of the in-house newsletter which comes out quarterly. In addition, you will be invited to regular pre-trainee lunches, where you will have an opportunity to meet some of our Partners and trainees.
When will I choose my seats, and can I choose the ones I want?
Yes, trainees are given a choice over seats and preferences are nearly always met. All trainees do a seat in real estate and corporate finance and it is a Law Society requirement that you do a minimum of three months’ contentious work which can be met either by doing a litigation seat or a non-litigation seat with contentious aspects. You will be asked to submit your choices for your next seat a few months in to a seat.
How many trainees do you seek to retain on qualification?
Our aim is to retain as many of our trainees as possible on qualification. Typically our retention rates range from 80%-90% which places us very well in relation to our competitors.
Are there any opportunities for secondments or working abroad whilst I am training?
Yes, trainees interested in doing a seat in the EU and Competition group can spend up to six months in our Brussels office.
I have a 2.2. Is it worth my time to apply
We do accept applications from candidates who fall short of the academic criteria and are sympathetic to those that have mitigating circumstances. However, rising standards in education does mean that most applicants now meet the minimum requirements and therefore it can be very difficult to secure a training contract if you have a 2.2.
Do you favour applications from any particular universities?
No, we welcome applications from graduates of any discipline and from any university.
What opportunities are there to use language skills?
There is an increasing amount of international work flowing in to the firm and therefore foreign languages are highly sought after.
Is it possible to defer my start date for 6/9 months?
Yes, we would always accommodate a request to defer unless it affected trainee numbers/the balance of trainees across the March and September intakes. Up to one year is an acceptable period of deferral.