Bevan Brittan LLP - True Picture

Bevan Brittan training contract review 2025

The Firm

As one source put it, “one of the firm’s biggest strengths is the people that work here. I’m surrounded by people that are passionate and care about what they do.” So, in Bevan Brittan’s case, what is that exactly? Underpinning almost everything the firm does is a public sector focus, and that translates to the calibre of the person drawn to life at the firm. After all, if you find yourself at a doctor’s appointment, you’d always hope for a good bedside manner. Coincidentally, healthcare is one of the firm’s strengths, as training principal Judith Hopper is quick to highlight: “We are very proud of our healthcare work, but we work for the NHS in all areas. We want trainees to experience all we have to offer, and it’s key for us to broaden their horizons.” The split of work is self-described by the firm as 60% public and 40% private. All in all, the firm comprises departments in litigation, commercial and infrastructure, employment, property, and healthcare, each split into various sub-teams.

“I’m surrounded by people that are passionate and care about what they do.”

Our sister guide Chambers UK is also quick to heap on the praise, awarding rankings to over 20 departments, including top honours in administrative and public law, clinical negligence, healthcare and local government nationwide. Trainees at the firm are split between offices in Bristol, Leeds, Birmingham and London (with the Bristol HQ taking on the largest cohort). One trainee commented: “I’m sure everyone says this, but the people are all so welcoming and you can talk to anyone.” It’s something Hopper agrees with too: “Our public sector work attracts people with those kinds of values. You can do brilliant work and be nice people!” BB, I like your style!

The Seats

Trainees are required to do both a contentious and non-contentious seat at some stage of the training contract, but no specific seats are mandatory. Before starting the first seat, trainees provide a list of ten seats they’d be interested in trying out, but the general consensus was that chances of success depend on the stage of your training contract: “I think they prioritise second-years; your first seat will always be a bit of a gamble.”Secondments have no fixed structure and can vary depending on the cohort. We heard that “some are remote, some are full-time; it just depends on what the needs are from the client and balancing that with the work for the firm.”

The newly rebranded health & care resolution seat is all the rage at Bevan Brittan. An overwhelming majority of our sources had spent time in the seat, formerly known as clinical negligence. Being such a staple for the firm, trainees praised the structure and organisation of the trainee experience in the seat: “The way they teach you is so structured and logical. They don’t expect you to have any prior knowledge or anything; you’re taught how to do everything, and nothing is beyond explanation.” Sources were excited to be working in a team of such esteem and noted how that really seeped into their own work in the group: “I loved my time in that seat. I definitely felt like I was in at the top level with a top-level team.” We heard court attendance was common as well as drafting, witness statements, research, conferences, note writing, and liaising with counsel. Sources highlighted the benefits “in terms of developing your organisational skills, as there’s lots of deadlines and caseloads.” Perhaps unsurprisingly, the NHS is the firm’s biggest client in the area. In one recent case, Bevan Brittan was part of an NHS resolution that went before the Supreme Court to argue that doctors did not have a duty of care to protect members of a patient’s family from witnessing death or injury to loved ones. A case that would have a significant effect on the numbers of secondary victim claims.

The property department at Bevan Brittan encompasses a number of sub-teams including housing management, property regeneration, planning, property litigation, and commercial and healthcare property. Responsibility and a high level of autonomy were standout factors of life in a property seat: “You get a lot of responsibility really early on, so I learned a lot with the property team.” This included ownership of certain files and procedures. The firm’s client list features the likes of local councils, NHS trusts and small businesses, with trainees brought on at every stage of a matter. With court deadlines looming, that did mean that “you can sometimes be really up against it with deadlines.” Typical trainee tasks in the seat include drafting particulars of claims, CPRs, licences to assign, completions, client contact and property disputes. The firm recently advised Portsmouth City Council on their City Centre North Regeneration. The development received outline planning application for new homes, community facilities and walking routes.

“Bevan Brittan isn’t a firm that hides its trainees in a cupboard. I get to go to everything.”

Trainees who had spent time in construction told us that it is split between contentious and non-contentious work, and you can express a preference if you are particularly interested in one over the other: “I’ve asked for more of one over the other, and they’ve really listened. I’m getting more work on that side of things.” We’ve heard it can be a fast-paced seat, with an abundance of meetings and minute-taking. Keep your social battery well recharged too, as we heard a people person is the kind of trainee that thrives here. For those that enjoy that element, the sources we spoke to were grateful for the opportunity: “Bevan Brittan isn’t a firm that hides its trainees in a cupboard. I get to go to everything.” In one recent matter, the firm advised Leeds Teaching Hospital on the early stages of two new sites in Leeds city centre, including the brand-new home for Leeds Children’s Hospital.

The employment group has grown considerably in recent times, which means you’ll be working with a lot of different people: “As a team, you work with people across all four offices during the seat.” We heard the majority of the work focuses on employment tribunals, which trainees described as “fast-paced.” Typical tasks within that remit include bundling, filing and research, as the trainees zero in on the more advisory aspects of the seat. In one recent case, the firm acted on behalf of 52 fire and rescue authorities in the wake of reforms to firefighters’ pensions that they claim are discriminatory. The reforms will affect over 10,000 firefighters in the UK.

Trainee Life

Sources were clear that supervisors weren’t prone to peering over your shoulder at every turn, but they will be there if you need them: “I have as much contact with them as I want or need, they’re always reachable.” Even if you don’t see your supervisors 24/7, weekly one-to-ones with your Bevan Brittan Buddy – who can either be an NQ or associate depending on your seat – provides room to catch up with any other queries. That said, the belief is that great lawyers need to hit the ground running, something that isn’t possible with too much hand-holding: “Sometimes they don’t give you the answer, they want you to think about it. They’re always pushing you to think like a lawyer.” We heard more formal training sessions aren’t particularly common, with the odd lunch-and-learn or webinar here or there. Instead, the firm takes an approach that lets the trainees learn by doing: “I’m always encouraged to have a go first, then we’ll go through it afterwards.” 

“Sometimes they don’t give you the answer, they want you to think about it. They’re always pushing you to think like a lawyer.”

All Bevan Brittan’s offices are open plan, which means you can find yourself sitting next to a fellow trainee one day and a senior partner the next. It’s worth noting too that the Birmingham branch moved into a new office in May 2023, which came equipped with a spacious open terrace, and the trainees enjoyed the London’s office proximity to the Royal Courts of Justice: “You feel when you go in that you’re in the heart of things, that you’re connected to the history of those institutions.” That said, the amount of time you spend in your given office may vary, as the firm offers a fully remote working option: “There’s no requirement for people to come in at all. Some teams have anchor days where you’re encouraged to come in, but it’s not mandatory.” Despite this, sources on our list averaged two to three days in the office per week.

When it came to hours, the consensus was that Bevan Brittan still offers one of the most attractive work-life balances in the game. It is seat-dependent, but the overwhelming majority signalled that 9-5.30pm was a standard day, with weekend work seemingly rare. We heard that some seats like litigation require longer stretches but nothing the trainees found unreasonable: “Anything past 7pm, I’d consider working late, but there’s definitely recognition that that’s not the norm.”

“A law firm that’s focused on public sector work just attracts a certain kind of down-to-earth individual.”

Sources were quick to point out that with the remote working option came a degree of flexibility that was incredibly helpful for those with young families and other commitments, but it did mean that attendance at firm social events can be hit or miss. That doesn’t mean there is a lack of options, however – quite the contrary. In the London office alone, there are monthly drinks, monthly lunches, team-specific ad hoc drinks and even a growing book club started by a trainee. Sources told us that trainees and junior lawyers especially do try to go out and socialise often. Trainees had nothing but the best things to say about their fellow colleagues too, praising everyone’s kindness, approachability and general friendliness. As one trainee theorised: “A law firm that deals in public sector work just attracts a certain kind of down-to-earth individual.”

Gender diversity at the firm was flagged as strong, with insiders highlighting the number of female partners. For minorities, sources admitted there was work to be done but acknowledged that the firm itself is working hard to rectify this: “They put a good emphasis on the people they recruit. It’s paid off in the trainees we have too – there’s a massive range of backgrounds in this group.” The firm also uses a contextualised recruitment system to improve the hiring of those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. That’s also on top of taking part in the 10,000 Black Interns scheme, running a collection of diversity networks such as LGBTQ and East Asian groups, and celebrating important events such as Pride and Eid.

Trainees did report a slight lack of clarity around the firm’s salary, which is not disclosed to the public. Most trainees felt the nature of the public sector work and the accompanying work-life balance allowed for a slightly lower salary than for their peers at other firms of a similar size; however, more transparency seemed to be the desire from sources. One source was quick to note, however, that they do get the added benefit of private medical insurance: “They’re not super open about pay, but I am quite happy, to be honest. I think it’s reflective of the expectations of us and the work that we do.”

Come qualification time, it’s a quick and straightforward process: “Before the job list is released, we’re encouraged to reach out to a particular team we’re keen on and note our interest.” From there, during your final seat, the list is released and applications open. Hopeful NQs submit a CV and cover letter before an interview, which we heard was “a formal interview, but with relatively informal questions.” One source was particularly pleased to tell us: “The firm are accommodating and are flexible in order to keep the people they want.” In 2024, the firm retained eleven of twelve qualifiers.

How to get into Bevan Brittan

APPLY HERE Bevan Brittan | Careers at Bevan Brittan (candidats.io)

Vacation scheme deadline (2025): 11 February 2025 (opens 21 October 2024)

Training Contract (2027): 5 May 2025 (opens 21 October 2024)

The application form

Applications for a training contract or vacation scheme at Bevan Brittan are completed online and each year the firm receives around 800 applications across its four offices. Through the application form the firm hopes to understand more about the applicant’s commitment to and knowledge of Bevan Brittan’s business, including its values, strategy, clients, and the responsible business aspect of the firm.

The firm assesses applications holistically, taking into account individual experiences and circumstances and value diversity of background and experience.  Although ABB at A - Level and a 2:1 degree (or equivalent) are preferred, these criteria are not set in stone.

The recruitment process

If an application is shortlisted, candidates will be invited to complete a pre-recorded video assessment. This is an opportunity for the firm to get to know candidates a little more and to bring the application form to life. The video interview can be completed in candidates’ own time, and they will have the opportunity to first complete practise tests to help them prepare. The firm’s Early Talent team are on hand to assist or support throughout the process.

The vacation scheme

Bevan Brittan offers a two-week vacation scheme in each of its four offices. After an induction in Bristol,candidates will spend time in their chosen office and will be based within one department, gaining a real sense of what it’s like to be a Solicitor at Bevan Brittan. They are assigned a supervisor and a buddy, with whom they work closely on live matters and tasks.

Candidates are assessed and will receive feedback throughout the vacation scheme which will contribute to a final evaluation. The assessment also includes an interview with partners and the Early Talent team as well as a group task.

David Hobbs, Training Principal at Bevan Brittan, offers some tips for the recruitment process: ”The most important thing is to be yourself. As cliché as it sounds, we value individuality at Bevan Brittan. We want to understand who you are, your passions and motivations for pursuing a career in law at Bevan Brittan.

If you secure a vacation scheme place, really immerse yourself in the experience and take advantage of the opportunities to meet future colleagues and learn more about Bevan Brittan across the two weeks.  Network as much as possible. For many, this might be your first time in an office setting, so take the time to get to know people across the firm not just your immediate team.  Everyone here is approachable, so if you are curious about a specific department, don’t hesitate to ask for a chat”

The scheme is paid and candidates will receive financial support to attend in-person inductions in Bristol.  The scheme offers a valuable insight into the firm and offers a considerable boost to any application.  The firm may not recruit exclusively from the vacation scheme, but participation certainly helps and negates attendance at any further assessment centre.

Regardless of the outcome, all attendees will receive full feedback to support in their career journey moving forwards.

Trainee profile

During both the vacation scheme and the training contract interview process, the firm asks questions around why candidate wants to train with Bevan Brittan, what qualities they bring to the firm, as well as scenario-based questions aligned with the firm’s values.