beachcroft

To help you decide if Beachcroft is the kind of law firm you want to join, here are answers to the most common queries about our vacation placement scheme and training programme.

1. Do you run a vacation placement scheme?
We run a paid vacation placement scheme each year which takes place in the summer. For more information about our current scheme please visit the vacation placement scheme page.

2. Do you offer work experience?
We do not currently offer work experience to A-Level or first year degree students.

3. Do you accept applications from students with a non-law degree?
We welcome applications for our training programme from students of all disciplines. At least 40 per cent of our current trainees have a non-law degree.

4. Do you accept applicants with a 2.2 degree?
While we prefer a 2.1 degree, however academic qualifications are not our only criteria. We value work experience gained both within the legal field and from other fields, a variety of interests and well thought-out responses to the questions we ask on the application form. If you have a 2.2 degree we suggest that you include all relevant skills and experiences you have gained plus any further/higher education and training.

5. Do you accept applications from students with overseas qualifications?
Yes, we will consider all qualifications equivalent to those at the same level in the UK. If you need more information, please email us with your specific query.

6. Do you accept applications from students requiring a work permit?
We do accept applications from students who are currently holding or require a work permit.

7. Will you provide feedback following the submission of my application form?
Due to the high volume of applications we receive each year, we are unable to provide each person with personal feedback on their application form. When you submit your form you will receive confirmation of receipt. We will also inform you whether you have been successful or not as soon as possible after the closing date.

8. I was unsuccessful this year. Can I re-submit my application for next year's selection process?
In accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998 we do not keep recruitment records for longer than six months after the recruitment selection process. If you would like us to consider you again, please re-submit an application form. Remember that you will have undertaken an extra year of your course or work/travel experience to tell us about.

9. What happens once I have submitted my application form for a vacation placement scheme?
The closing date to apply for a vacation placement scheme is 1 March each year. If you are successful at the application stage we will invite you to complete an online psychometric test. We will make decisions based on the application form score and the test result. Successful candidates will then be contacted before the end of May and invited to a vacation placement scheme.

Everyone who attends a vacation placement scheme will automatically be considered for our training programme at an assessment centre held at the end of the placement. During the assessment centre you will undertake a variety of activities including a group exercise, an analysis exercise and a panel interview. We will ensure that you know what to expect before you attend the assessment centre.

10. What happens once I have submitted my application form for a training programme?
The closing date for applications is 1 August* each year. If you are successful at the application stage we will invite you to complete an online psychometric test. We will make decisions based on the application form score and the test result. Successful candidates will be contacted before the end of September and invited to an assessment centre. This is a day at either our Bristol, Leeds, London or Manchester location where you will undertake a variety of activities including a group exercise, an analysis exercise and a panel interview. We will ensure that you know what to expect before you attend the day.

Assessment centres enable us to see the 'real you' and you also get the opportunity to ask questions about us and meet the key partners and the HR team involved in the recruitment process.

* Some years the firm runs a second recruitment round with a closing date of 1 March, this is normally open to final year law, GDL and LPC students only.

11. When will I hear if I am successful after the assessment centre?
We pride ourselves on our efficient recruitment process. Offers and/or feedback are made promptly, and where possible we aim to contact all candidates within 48 hours of the last assessment centre. We provide feedback upon request following the assessment centre, whether you are successful or not. Feedback is very useful in helping you to improve your performance in future assessment and interview activities.

12. Do you select successful candidates on a rolling basis?
No, we score each application as it's received but do not select successful applicants until after the closing date has passed.

13. How many training programmes do you fill through your vacation placement scheme?
We fill about 40 per cent of our training programmes through the vacation placement scheme. Remaining places are filled after the 1 August closing date.

14. Do you have a preferred GDL or LPC provider?
Yes, we require all of our future trainees to complete their GDL and LPC at The College of Law. Applicants who have already completed one or both of these courses with a different provider at the time of application will still be considered.

15. Do you have any compulsory LPC electives?
No, but we recommend that you take the Corporate route and choose electives that are relevant to our main areas of practice. Our preferred electives are: Advanced Property Law and Practice, Commercial Dispute Resolution, Commercial Law, Employment Law and Practice, Insurance Law and Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence Litigation.

16. Do you provide LPC funding?
Yes we do, as well as funding for your GDL and a bursary. We are also happy to pay the fees and bursary retrospectively.

17. How many seats does a trainee complete during their training programme with the firm?
You will complete four, six-month seats during your two-year training programme. During this time you will also complete the Professional Skills Course, provided in-house by the University of the West of England.

In addition to the Professional Skills Course, the firm offers a continuous programme of in-house technical and non-technical training that you must attend. Mid and End of Seat Reviews are conducted during each seat by the relevant seat supervisor, who along with the designated Location Training Partner, will develop and encourage you throughout your training.

18. How does Beachcroft promote personal and career development after the training programme?
As you would expect from a firm with an Investors in People accreditation, we are committed to helping our people to develop. We offer a range of training opportunities, including a Property Diploma, which is available across the country. Departmental training includes a mix of in-house and external training and weekends away. In addition to training, we run a series of Development Centres to help lawyers progress to Associate and Partner level.

For the Solicitors Regulation Authorities guidelines about work permits and overseas study visit the Law Society's website: http://www.juniorlawyers.lawsociety.org.uk/.

For further information about a Beachcroft career email trainee@beachcroft.com.