Frequently asked questions

In what year at University should I be applying to attend an Open day?

If you are studying law you should be applying in your penultimate year of your degree, assuming you are not planning to take a gap year at any time after graduating. If you are studying a non-law subject you should be applying during your final year, assuming you are not planning to take a gap year at any time after graduating.

In what year at University should I be applying for Training Contracts?

From the time of applying for a Training Contract, you would need to be in a position to commence a Training Contract in two years time.

I want to take a gap year; will this disadvantage my application?

No, as long as you demonstrate that taking the gap year will benefit you in some way.

I want to take a gap year, when should I be applying?

You should apply for a Training Contract two years prior to when you will be ready to commence. Our online application facility enables you to apply from any Internet Café in the world!

I would like to come and work for Browne Jacobson before I apply for a training contract; can I?

We do not have a Vacation Placement Scheme but we do run Open days and, from time to time, we offer temporary contracts for Paralegals.

Details on how to apply to join us on one of our open days can be found on the Apply page and details of any Paralegal vacancies are available from the main recruitment section of the main website.

I would like to come and work for Browne Jacobson for a 1-year industrial placement; can I?

We do not offer industrial placements.

Do you offer paralegal vacancies?

Yes. If there any vacancies these will be advertised on our website, alternatively you can send a speculative application to info@brownejacobson.com

I need a work permit to work in the UK, what should I do?

The law states that in order for Browne Jacobson to obtain a work permit on your behalf, we would need to prove that we have been unable to recruit sufficient persons with a ‘resident worker’ status. Each application is indidivually considered on its merits however applicants should be aware that we receive many applications from ‘resident workers’, whose experience and skills match our requirements, and therefore we would require as much detail as possible from applicants to justify such a request.

My degree is not from an English institution, what should I do?

Please refer to the Law Society where you will be able to find more information about what steps you are required to take in order to qualify as an English solicitor.

How do I apply for a Training Contract?

Using the online application form, which can be found in the How to Apply section of the website.

What is the recruitment process?

Once applications are received, you should receive an email acknowledgement of its receipt within 48 hours, if you have applied online, 5 working days if you have submitted a paper application.

Once received, your application will be reviewed against our set criteria, and your required competencies if you meet our initial criteria. We will then contact you to arrange a telephone-screening interview, at your convenience.

If you are successful at this stage, your details will be held and we may invite you to attend an assessment centre, which is usually held during the first week of September, as per the Law Society's guidelines.

Assessment centres consist of psychometric and aptitude assessments, group exercises and presentations in the morning, followed a by partner interview.

What if I have some extra information I would like adding to my application once I have submitted it, for example exam results or work experience?

If you wish to amend your personal or contact details this can be done by logging onto your application details using your username and password and selecting 'amend application'. This link can be found in the How To Apply section.

I don't meet your required academic criteria, can I still apply?

Although we do stipulate that applicants should have a 2:1 degree classification and good/excellent academic grades we will not automatically discount an application if these have not been gained. There is space on the application form for applicants to enter any details you may feel to be relevant, for example any mitigating circumstances.

Applicants should be aware that the standard of applications we receive is extremely high, therefore in order that your application compares favourably with applicants who have achieved the stipulated academic requirements we would encourage you to ensure that the rest of your application form provides us with the best reflection of yourself and your abilities in order for us to progress your application further.

How do I get a brochure?

Using the link on our website, under the How To Apply section, you are required to register your details and we will then send out a brochure.

Does Browne Jacobson specify which PGDL / LPC provider I go to?

No, although we recommend that you select an institution that has a good resource base, a strong reputation, and a variety of electives - the Law Society website can help you here.

Does Browne Jacobson specify which electives I take at Law School?

No, however when choosing your electives you should decide what area of law you wish to work in when you commence a Training Contract, for example studying criminal or family law may not be particularly beneficial to you in working for a large commercial law firm.

Do you offer financial assistance?

Yes, if offered a training contract we will sponsor your PGDL and your LPC and provide you with a maintenance grant to help assist with postgraduate studies.

About Browne Jacobson…

How technologically advanced is Browne Jacobson?

Investing in leading-edge technology that benefits both our people and our clients is a key part of our growth strategy. This commitment to technology has led to us being nominated for the Legal technology Awards 2007. 

I want to train with an award-winning firm.  Has Browne Jacobson won any awards?

Absolutely!  Our award-winning firm continues to receive recognition for the quality of our training, IT systems, people management, office environment and the overall management of the practice. 

'Trainee Solicitor of the year'

The firm is very proud that this is the second year running in which our trainees have beaten off stiff competition to win the Nottinghamshire Law Society’s 2007 Trainee Solicitor of the year award.

Top 10 law firm to train with

We have been recognised as one of the top 10 law firms to train with in the UK for the last five years running.

'Best managed firm'

Last year the firm received top honours at the Managing Partners Forum 2006 European Practice Management Awards. We were awarded joint first prize for 'best managed firm' alongside global law firm Linklaters, winning the most prestigious award of the night and we were second in the 'best brand in practice' category. The MPF is Europe's leading association for managing partners with some 200 members based in the UK and Ireland.

The best-managed firm accolade is awarded to the firm that has demonstrated exceptional returns, strong growth and innovative strategies plus leadership in its chosen markets.  We were delighted that the judges highlighted the fact that we take a wider view of success than just financial success, as evidenced by some of the balanced measures we apply.

The Sunday Times 100 Best Companies to Work for

We were delighted to be ranked 47^th in the Sunday Times 100 Best Companies to Work for last year.  This is a huge accolade for a firm of our size and highlights our proven track record of attracting and retaining outstanding people.  

We are also proud of our below average employee turnover figures and our Investors in People accreditation.

Award winning technology

Previous technology accolades include winner of “Best use of IT” at the Managing Partners Forum European Practice Management Awards and runner up in the LOTIES awards for “IT team of the Year” and “Workflow/Case Management System” competing against larger national firms. Our ongoing commitment to technology was recognised in 2005 when we were short-listed again for the European Managing Partners Forum award for Best Use of IT.

We were also delighted that our standard of internal training has been successfully accredited as Gold from the Institute of IT Training, one of only 26 firms to be given the accreditation. We were also short-listed in the training initiative of the year in the Legal Technology Awards 2006.

What's the social scene like?

Trainee solicitors, like all members of the firm are encouraged to actively get involved with the firm, from the 'Browne Jacobson Sports Tournament' to trainee team building events. All Trainees are invited to the local Law Society trainee ball as well as the firm's own Summer Ball. In addition, trainees have their own busy schedule of social events throughout the year.

What is the likelihood of being offered a permanent position at the end of my contract?

We can't make any guarantees of jobs at the end of the contract as much depends on how you perform and settle into the firm together with developments in departments. We undertake regular appraisals during your time with us and encourage open discussion with your supervising partner, which will give you some indication of how you are performing.

Browne Jacobson is a progressive firm, which is dedicated to growing organically. The prospects for the right calibre of trainee are excellent.

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to call our HR Team on 0115 976 6214, or alternatively, email traineeapplications@brownejacobson.com

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