Training Contracts
With the large number of applications we receive, we regret to say that we have to choose whom we will interview for training contracts and vacation placements on paper only.
The procedure for applications is that we will need your application by post or email as you prefer, together with a full CV. We do not have a special application form. Angela Davis will review a number of applications at a time, and come back to you if she would like to invite you to come for an interview.
We receive more than 300 applications for each vacancy. As a result of the academic demands upon our trainees (and solicitors) during their work with us, as well as the competition for places, we are afraid to say that we would be most unlikely to offer an interview to someone who did not have a good degree (2(i) Honours) and good grades at A level. If you do not meet those standards, it is particularly important that you explain in your application why you consider you would nevertheless be suitable for a training contract with us.
Before you go further, it may help if you read the pages on this site about the work we do and for us to explain a little more about Bell Lax.
We are a specialist litigation firm. We specialise in resolving commercial disputes, family and matrimonial problems and accident claims. We employ a total of some 25 staff. About 65% of our work relates to commercial and similar disputes, and about 35% to accident claims, acting mostly for claimants.
Our approach to a training contract is that we are looking to train lawyers who will continue with our firm at the end of their training contract. Therefore, the training is specialised and would be almost exclusively on litigation and related work. Because of the variety of litigation work which we carry out, we are able to offer experience in a sufficient number of areas to count as a training contract. But, it is fair to warn you that a training contract with us would only really be suitable for someone who has already made up their mind to pursue a career in litigation work.
As part of our continuing expansion and development, we are looking to recruit 2 or 3 trainees a year.
We want our trainees to acquire the skills to work as successful solicitors with us. An important part of our approach to work is that partners take an active interest in the tactical side of the cases we handle, but that the work is done on day to day basis by the right level of lawyer. For example, a partner will review all incoming and outgoing post and review all draft court papers. As part of our approach, we expect trainees to take primary responsibility for appropriate cases. That includes considering not just the technical side but also the tactical direction a case is going in, and discussing that with the supervising partner, so that trainees develop the skills needed to handle a case with a minimum of supervision. Our general approach is that, where it is in the client’s best interests, we pursue claims actively, so that we want trainees to think beyond the immediate task in front of them and to anticipate the next stages.
This means that you may find a training contract with us much more challenging and hard work compared to one with other firms.
Typically, our trainees move during their training contract between 3 seats, either 2 commercial disputes seats and 1 personal injury seat, or 2 personal injury seats and 1 commercial disputes seat. The precise period in each seat will vary according to the individuals and the work they are doing – for example, if someone is in the middle of a major case heading towards trial, it is usually in everyone’s best interests if they complete that before moving round; some people have particular skills and interest in one type of work compared to another. Towards the end of their training contract, we prefer people to move to the area where they will be working on qualification, to start building up the caseload they will handle upon qualifying.
If you are still interested, please apply by sending a copy of your CV and covering letter to:
Angela Davis
Bell Lax
New Bank House
21 Maney Corner
Sutton Coldfield
B72 1QL
Support Staff
As a busy litigation practice we sometimes have a vacancy for able and committed support and administration staff to work with our team of lawyers. If you have the drive and ability and would like to be considered for any potential posts, please send a CV and covering letter to the Practice Manager, Suzanne Holder at the above address or by e-mail on: suzanne.holder@belllax.com
