a message from the Trainee principal
"As Trainee principal I am the partner responsible for
ensuring that we run our trainee solicitor recruitment and training
programme in accordance with the SRA's requirements. I could
not of course do this without our recruitment and training
teams, but it is my task to ensure that the
firm has an overarching view and that we discharge
our obligations to the high standards we have set
ourselves. At Blake Lapthorn we invest a great deal
of time and resource into training our staff and the
Trainee Solicitor programme is no exception.
We are looking to recruit Blake Lapthorn's lawyers of the
future. Our recruitment programme helps us to do
this because we can get to know you
and, importantly, you can get to know us. Once
selected you will become part of the firm even though you may not
begin your training contract for a further two years. By
giving you the opportunity to come into the firm during this
period we can ensure that you are up to date with developments
within the firm and you can tell us about your
achievements.
This interaction also means that you
have the opportunity to get to know the training team and your
peer group. As you would expect, when you join the firm
this level of support and engagement intensifies. The support
network we have set up will enable you to perform to the high
standards that we are looking for from our trainee
solicitors.
Successful solicitors have the ability to develop and
maintain strong relationships - both with clients
and colleagues. We will give you the opportunity to
develop this and many other essential skills
during your training so that when you qualify and hopefully
continue and develop your career with Blake Lapthorn you have all
the skills necessary to become a successful
commercially aware solicitor."
Starting a training contract can be nerve wracking as well as
exciting. At Blake Lapthorn we recognise the need for a
strong support network for our trainees to allow them to have the
best possible opportunities throughout their training contract and
also always have someone to discuss concerns, issues and queries
with.
the HR and Training teams
The HR and Training teams are involved in the entire trainee
process from recruitment through to qualification and beyond.
Whether it be organising the vacation scheme and assessment days,
sending out training contract offers before you join the firm to
seat allocation, mid/end of seat appraisals and reviews to the
qualification process at the end of your training contract.
seat supervisors
The seat supervisors are there to guide you through each of your
seats throughout your two year training contract. They will
set out and delegate the work you will be undertaking as well as
supporting you through your time with them. They will give
you access to a variety of cases and client work and will invite
you to sit in on client meetings and interviews. Our aim is
to provide quality client work to our trainees and to step up the
level of complexity and responsibility as you develop within each
seat.
trainee mentors
The trainee mentors are usually one – five years qualified
solicitors who act as a point of reference for you as a new
trainee. They will also be a friendly face in your office and
will be there to support and mentor you through your training
contract. You can call on your mentor to discuss any of your
issues or concerns. Your mentor will be situated in your
office and will assist with your transition from graduate to
trainee and then from trainee to qualified solicitor.
other trainees
There are two groups of trainees, firstly there is your intake
group who will be spread across the offices. We believe it is
important that the trainee intakes get to know each other and
organise two events before you start with the Firm. The first
is a getting to know you event which allows you to meet for the
first time the other trainees in your intake year as well as
current trainees and members of the Firm. The second event is
organised in the April before you join in the September and will
give you all the information you need to begin your training
contract including information on seat allocation, training, what
to expect and another opportunity to meet up with your trainee
intake group.
The second group of trainees which will be a great source of
information and support to you throughout the first year of your
training contract will be the intake group above you. They
will have experienced a majority of the seats you will be offered
and can help you out with queries about the offices, clients and
what you can expect. We encourage trainees who have seats in
the same offices to get together at lunchtimes as an opportunity to
get to know each other and keep you all updated on any relevant
information.
Our recruitment process for 2014 training contracts and 2012
vacation scheme is now open. To apply for a training contract with
/ without vacation scheme please go to our 'online application
form'.
If you have any questions regarding the recruitment
process, please call us on 01865 254288 or email us
at:
graduateinfo@bllaw.co.uk.
