Berwin Leighton Paisner blp | training contract | vacation scheme

• Berwin Leighton Paisner (BLP)

  Created out of a merger between Berwin-Leighton and Paisner & Co. in 2001, BLP incorporated as an LLP in 2006. Counted among the top 20 firms in London, its expertise is in areas of real estate, corporate, finance, tax, litigation and dispute resolution.
  
  Leisure & on-line gaming are also a couple of areas where BLP has branched out recently. The real estate practice is the firm's shining light, boasting some high profile clients such as Tesco, Canary Wharf, etc. In recent few years, the firm has worked on building its Finance and Corporate practice areas. BLP operates out of four offices – London, Paris, Brussels and Singapore. In addition, BLP has 'preferred partner' tie-ups with 6 firms in 65 countries.
  
  The firm is staffed by over 1,400 personnel, including 650 lawyers and about 200 partners. The client roster includes UBS, Tesco, Barclays, Merrill Lynch, Aviva, Canary Wharf, Olympic Delivery Authority and Shell UK Ltd.

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  Berwin Leighton Paisner has made considerable progress in expanding its business, invested hugely in training and support services like IT and has scored visible returns on practice areas other than real estate, which, however, remains its biggest cash cow. Everyone readily acknowledges that Berwin Leighton Paisner has had remarkable growth and much is expected of this firm in the next 5-10 years.
  
  Almost everyone seems to agree that BLP has a good work culture, there is a pervasive aura of camaraderie, no rigid hierarchy and everyone seems to appreciate and indulge in team-work. Billable hours are healthy and there is an active sport culture followed, providing plenty of opportunities to socialize and network.
  
  Most trainees are very impressed with the training package offered by the firm. BLP has made considerable investment in a specialized training curriculum LPC+, one of the first City firms to do so. You can expect to be given responsibility as soon as you join, but can also expect a lot of support and guidance from your team.

  Berwin Leighton Paisner is most known for its Real Estate business and is counted among the most premier players in this segment. It offers expertise in commercial real estate, licensing, real estate finance, engineering, construction, litigation, health and safety and environment. Also very visible is the firm's Finance division, concentrating on banking, capital markets, project finance, PFI/PPP, charities and consumer credit.
  
  The firm also focuses on Betting & Gaming, Commercial Contracts, Intellectual Property, Data Protection, Outsourcing, Private Equity and Venture Capital. Other significant practice areas are litigation and dispute resolution and tax.

  The firm offers around 45 training contracts each year, to candidates from both law and non law backgrounds. You should have a 2.1 degree and 340 UCAS points (AAB) at A level. Law students in at least their penultimate year and non-law students in their  final year (or beyond) can apply for a training contract or a vacation scheme.
  
  The firm looks for trainees that can display good knowledge of commercial business, are creative and stand out in a crowd. Past work experience is highly favoured and is a huge plus for Berwin Leighton Paisner. You must also be able to demonstrate a particular interest in the areas of law practiced at the firm.

  'Assessment centres are conducted from November onwards at the London office. The assessment is typically comprised of a drafting exercise, a role-play and a negotiation and candidates also have,a tour of the offices and lunch with the trainees. Results of the assessment centre are communicated within a week's time.
  
  The training contract begins with a general induction conducted for 2 weeks covering information on IT, research, library and other support sources, an in-depth understanding of the firm and its activities, role of trainees and an introduction to the Professional Skills Course. In addition, the trainees attend a training course at Sandhurst Military Academy, which focuses on the first stages of their career development.
  
  Berwin Leighton Paisner offers trainees a firm-specific course – LPC+, in association with the College of Law. The first half is a general course with all other trainees, and the second section is devoted to LPC+ (only for BLP trainees) with corporate, finance and real estate as electives. The aim of this course is to ensure that, prior to resuming the training contract, you are equipped with the knowledge and means to understand and participate in day-to-day work.
  
  The training contract extends across four 6-month seats in real estate, corporate finance, litigation and one another seat of their choice. The first 2 seats are compulsory requirements, the seat in litigation is to comply with Law Society requirements. The fourth seat could also consist of a client secondment or an overseas stint at the Brussels or Moscow office.

  For more information on the Berwin Leighton Paisner Graduate Scheme, you can view further details via the link.

  Berwin Leighton Paisner offers winter, spring and summer vacation schemes. The winter and spring schemes last for one week and theh summer scheme are typically for two weeks. The candidates get to sit in a department of their choice and are paired with trainee solicitors. You will get a chance to work on real-time projects, doing research, drafting reports, attend client meetings, etc. During the scheme, presentations by partners and trainees are also organised.

  All candidates are considered for a two partner interview either during or shortly after the vacation scheme. Annually there are 60 positions on offer for the summer course and 15 each for the winter and spring programme. In addition, BLP will be running a 3 day insight programme for 1st year law students in April 2012.

  If you are awarded a training contract, GDL/LPC course fees are fully funded and an additional £7,200 stipend per annum is provided. Trainee solicitors will receive a salary of £37,000 in the first year and £41,000 in the second year.
  
  Other benefits include a discretionary bonus scheme at firm and individual basis, contributory pension scheme, subsidised gym and restaurant and all the other perks you would usually expect. Trainees can avail of 25 days vacation.

  Application forms will be available from 1st October, intake is twice a year in March & September. The deadlines are as follows; for training contracts it is 31st July 2012, for the winter vacation scheme it is 31st October 2011 and for the spring and summer vacation schemes it is 31st Jan 2012. Assessment centres for training contracts and vacation placements will be conducted from November onwards. In addition, the deadline for the three day insight programme for first year law students in 10th February 2012.
  
  Application forms for training contracts and vacation placements are available on-line. Visit http://www.blplaw.com for application details. You can forward any questions or clarifications to: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

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