Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP - True Picture

BCLP training contract review 2026

The Firm

If it’s been built or sold in the City, chances are somewhere, somehow BCLP laid the legal bricks: “We’ve worked on the largest single real estate transaction in the UK this year,” emerging talent partner Payam Yoseflavi happily updated us, nodding to the Crown Estate’s headline deal worth a whopping £24 billion. As one source at the firm put it: “It’s a market leader and a big name.”

It has the footprint to back it up too, with 34 offices worldwide. London (which houses the majority of trainees), Manchester and Southampton make up the firm’s UK bases. BCLP boasts over 30 accolades in Chambers UK, and a quick glance will reveal that the firm is indeed prime real estate for real estate, with top-tier practices in real estate, real estate litigation and planning in the capital. Rail is also something of a speciality at BCLP, with further top-ranked practices nationwide in asset finance: rail finance and rail: rolling stock. Of course, that said, it’s fair to say that an interest in property is foundational.

“It has a well-earned reputation for its training being second to none.”

But there’s more to a training contract than practice area prowess, and trainees were clear that BCLP was well placed to pave the way for early careers: “It has a well-earned reputation for its training being second to none.” As Yoseflavi confirms, “like a football academy, we take people who have incredible potential and talent, and ready them to play Champions League football with constant training, coaching and analysis, to become a solicitor in the UK.”

The Seats

Towards the end of the SQE process, and to familiarise incoming trainees, departments host presentations about their work: “Trainees in those teams also chat about their experiences, so you can ask any questions.” For each rotation a list is released, before trainees submit five preferences and have a one-to-one meeting with the talent development team “to talk about what you’re thinking about doing next, and, especially, what’s a qualification option.” As trainees progress, priority increases, particularly for third and fourth seaters.

“My email signature doesn’t say ‘trainee’, but ‘on legal secondment’ like the other associates and seniors from the City!”

For those interested, there are plenty of client secondment opportunities available. There are some big names on the list, but opportunities are ad hoc: “There’s a lot of responsibility with in house work and relationship building,” an insider told us, “it’s a useful education to see this work from a different perspective. My email signature doesn’t say ‘trainee’, but ‘on legal secondment’ like the other associates and seniors from the City!” As a note, the firm no longer offers international secondments on the TC.

Given that the core real estate practice is a staple of life at BCLP, a seat in the department is a common occurrence. Trainees are assigned into a specific team, but can collaborate across the others. There’s also plenty of crossover with planning, construction and real estate finance too. The core focus is handling the management, sale and purchase of UK assets for high-profile property owners such as the Crown Estate and Oxford Properties to major leasers, investors and developers. Sometimes, “those selling or buying assets are based around the world, although the management and sale are within the UK,” rookies explained. For instance, the firm represented Grosvenor, the property group operated on behalf of the Duke of Westminster and his family, on its entry into a joint venture with Norges Bank Investment Management (NBIM).

On bigger projects such as sales, trainees attend client meetings, incorporate comments from negotiations and have a first go at drafting ancillaries: “It’s a lot of responsibility, there is a lot of guidance if you ask for it.” Project management is also a significant part of life in the seat, with trainees overseeing the arrangement of signatures and completions. On the asset management side, the day to day sees trainees participating in negotiations and drafting leases and licences, “like for installing a security gate. There are lots of small things you can pick up and run with from start to finish, drafting the documents and emailing the other side,” a source emphasised.

“You’re thrown into the deep end taking on really cool and high-quality work. No one is asking me to print anything!”

For those interested in the financing aspect of real estate transactions, the real estate finance (REF) practice works on precisely that, across both domestic and cross-border transactions. With a focus on syndicated deals, the team represents lenders such as Barclays, KKR and Citibank, and in one recent matter advised Burstone, a global real estate business, on a strategic partnership with Blackstone. “You’re thrown into the deep end taking on really cool and high-quality work,” one insider gushed, “no one is asking me to print anything! It’s ‘let’s have a look at this security agreement.’”

Sources highlighted that subject to capability and trustworthiness, there is scope to step up to the plate, from setting up DocuSigns and managing the conditions precedent (CP) checklist, to preparing ancillaries and taking the first draft at security agreements, as well as the opportunity to work on smaller documents within the main facility agreement. All in all, we heard “it’s a good seat for getting a feel for how transactions function!”

Another of the bigger teams at BCLP,business and commercial disputes handles disputes for corporations, financial institutions and governments. As a snapshot, currently the team is acting for Northern & Shell in its action against The Gambling Commission in the High Court for failure to comply with their statutory obligations for the conduct of the procurement, after Northern & Shell’s vehicle, The New Lottery Company (TNLC), was unsuccessful in its bid to run the UK National Lottery.

Rookies are able to get exposure to all stages of a dispute, big and small: “You have the oversight into the points of disputes and technical details and are often the first port of call for counsel!” a trainee explained, highlighting their role in case management, research and bundling (with tech making it an easier task). Given the stakes “there is less drafting as every bit of correspondence matters,” but trainees are able to take the first draft of letters and witness statements in some cases. What’s more, if a case progresses to trial, trainees have the chance to attend court as well.

Over in corporate M&A, the work spans mostly mid-market private and (some) public deals, alongside its “growing and promising private equity force!” As a rule of thumb, trainees get involved in project management and liaise with clients, alongside taking a stab at drafting ancillaries, purchase and sale agreements, and SPAs. In one recent headline deal, the team advised Playtech, an online gaming software supplier on its sale of Snaitech to Flutter, an online sports betting and iGaming operator for a whopping EUR2.3 billion.

Trainee Life

As one of the firm’s trainees put it: “There is a desire to foster growth. Everyone is friendly and willing to help, they want others to achieve. It’s a hardworking but comfortable environment.” Given that the Manchester and London offices have a modern feel and are open plan, trainees sit next to their supervisors making it easier to build a rapport and receive informal feedback: “They know what we are working on and give feedback that is tailored.” Formal feedback comes from supervisors in the form of the mid and end of seat review. Plus, all newbies receive the support of a trainee buddy and partner mentor.

“It’s incredibly good and forces you to keep up to date!”

The training on offer also received a solid thumbs up: “The quality is consistently good – at the end of the training contract you will be well trained, which is important,” sources attested. It kicks off with a thorough week long induction, followed by academy training covering technical skills and topics such as stress, motivation and receiving constructive feedback.

Departmentally, fee earners and knowledge lawyers frequently provide training and updates on everything from case law through to how to use AI tools in the workplace: “It’s incredibly good and forces you to keep up to date!” All training is uploaded internally and easily accessible for a quick refresh. Trainees are expected to be office at least four days a week for their development (though we heard that there is some degree of flexibility for external circumstances).

Alongside networking events for the vacation scheme and new joiners, there are wider team and office wide socials monthly “where you can meet others outside of your team.” This accompanies the long-awaited annual staples such as the trainee ball and Christmas party: “It’s always fun with a generous budget.” Another headline event is the ‘Beat the Board’ quiz! It involves teams taking on the firm’s board members for charity, with this year’s chosen organisation being Pancreatic Cancer UK. For the sport fanatics, there are football, netball, as well as a softball league. Rookies can also get involved in the inclusion networks, with communities and events that are open to all – “the firm has been incredibly supportive.”

Given that BCLP offers “a better work life balance” than they felt they could find elsewhere,insiders were satisfied with their compensation. It starts out at a competitive £50,000 for those in London and £33,000 in Manchester. Sources agreed that the hours are “very reasonable” and that “there is no expectation to stay late.” Whilst it is practice and workload dependent, on average trainees described working from 9am until 5.30 – 7pm. There might, however, be later occasions with pressing deadlines, ie, with a transaction closing. But “you don’t have to log back online unless something needs doing, and people are apologetic,” sources reassured from experience, and added: “this doesn’t happen often!”

When it comes to qualification, insiders were quick to point out that there are lifers amongst the partners and senior fee earners: “There’s a lot of respect and people work hard; you might not get that at another firm.” That said, with the fluidity of the legal profession, it’s a real mix when it comes to who stays and leaves. The process begins with a presentation from emerging talent on the timeline, followed by the job list release. Although this year, some mentioned that they wish it was released earlier on. Candidates then make their applications, followed by an interview, and some departments hold practical assessments. The firm did not disclose the number of qualifiers this year.

How to get a BCLP training contract

Vacation scheme deadlines: Spring: 12 December 2025 & Summer: 16 January 2026

Training contract deadline: 31 May 2026

Applications

BCLP gets around 2000 applications each year for its 20 training contract places via online forms that detail applicants' knowledge of the firm, reasons for considering a career in law, and general experience. The firm also asks two situational judgement questions on the form to assess candidates' ability to problem solve. The application process is the same for those aiming for a vacation scheme spot and straight-to-training-contract hopefuls.

The Legal Recruitment team screen every application and in 2020, introduced a new online situational judgement test that is bespoke to the firm. Up to 90 candidates are invited to a first stage interview with Junior Associates, with about 45 students making it through to an assessment centre. Assessment centres include a case study involving a presentation, and a final stage skills-based interview.

Vacation scheme

Between 85-90% of BCLP's trainee intake comes in through its vacation schemes. BCLP takes around 30 vac schemers a year, spread across two placements, held in April and June each year.

According to the firm, the two-week vac scheme provides those who are invited "the chance to gain some first-hand experience of life at BCLP and the work we do." Vac schemers are required to get "involved in everything from research and client meetings to court runs and presentations." Previous tasks have involved "advising a charity on how they could help prevent the use of the death penalty in Sri Lanka, and delivering a mock M&A pitch to a client." On top of work experience, the firm tells us that "you'll also get to attend a series of partner-led talks and workshops, have a sit-down lunch with partners and meet regularly with your supervisor." 

Trainee profile

BCLP recruit students and graduates from a diverse range of backgrounds. Targeting over around 50 universities across the UK, the firm recruits a mix of Russell Group, Oxbridge and non-Russell group students from a range of degree disciplines. According to Isabel Elsey, Legal Recruitment Manager, “we value individuals that are proactive, motivated and creative thinkers. Adaptability is a core quality that we look for in our trainees coupled with an ability to maintain resilience.” Mature applicants and career changers are also valued at BCLP for their prior experience. “We have trainees from a range of backgrounds such as Finance, Teaching, Engineering and Construction; all of which are areas that resonate well with our clients and present transferable skills,” Elsey adds.

Interview with BCLP emerging talent partner, Payam Yoseflavi

The Firm

Chambers Student: How would you describe the firm? How would you describe its position in the market?

Payam Yoseflavi: BCLP is a full-service law firm with offices around the world, in Europe, North America and the Middle East. We have a client intelligent approach at the heart of our business; it’s a trusted business advisor relationship sitting alongside our clients to support them through the good times and challenges. We are very much focused on ensuring that our business is geared towards creating those long-term trusted advisor relationships with our clients. In terms of the training angle, we have created an environment whereby everyone in the business from the trainees upwards learn and cultivate the skills not only to do the technical part of the job but also to communicate and give advice to the clients when they need it the most, being able to help them make the tough calls. We’re trying to teach our lawyers to have a pragmatic mindset where they can take the theory and apply it in practice in the ever-changing global landscape.

CS: Are there any highlights from the last year you think would be helpful for our readers to know about?

Yoseflavi: In terms of the deals, we’ve worked on the largest single real estate transaction in the UK this year. We’ve been advising the Crown Estate who have just entered into a joint venture with Lendlease in relation to bringing a number of projects alive – the largest single real estate transaction in the UK this year. Some more really exciting projects have been wrapped up in this transaction, for example Euston Station in the region of regeneration. As for the training contract, we’re constantly trying to evolve and adapt to meet the needs of junior lawyers, particularly around upskilling our trainees. Not only on the technical stuff but also training the right mindset such as on resilience, to ensure that they’re constantly learning and developing. A lot of that work has been done this new year since I’ve taken on this role, and it seems to be bearing fruit.

The Training Contract

CS: How would you describe the training environment/culture that you have aimed to create at the firm?

Yoseflavi: Like a football academy, we take people who have incredible potential and talent, and ready them to play Champions League football with constant training, coaching, and analysis, to become a solicitor in the UK. The aim of the training contract is to give them all the core skills so they are the jewel of the league eye.

CS: What’s the current set up with remote working for trainees? Is there a set number of days where trainees are expected to come into the office?

Yoseflavi: We expect our trainees to be in the office four days a week and they can work from home one day a week, for the purpose of learning. For example, when you learn to cook you typically watch someone who knows how to cook, and then maybe they’ll allow you to chop an onion in front of them. Then they will turn around and say you’re doing it wrong, then you do it again and again. You will try the meal; sometimes it is nice and sometimes it might not be. But all of that interaction takes place alongside an expert, and so you learn by virtue of that relationship. The training contract is finite period, there are lots of core competencies that you need to learn, and the optimal learning environment is alongside those you can learn and observe from.

Applications & Recruitment

CS: What sort of person thrives at the firm? How can a candidate really impress at interview?

Yoseflavi: We like people who have tried things. When candidates go through the interview process, we ask them to draw on real life experiences to exemplify the characteristics that we’re looking for. To be clear not just succeeded, but also, we want to know about the things you haven’t succeeded at because candidates with the most resilience and have learnt a valuable lesson, gone and done it again and used the benefit of the lesson for a better result, are who we’re really looking for. I would recommend that people just go and try things, it doesn’t need to be anything big, just something whereby you’ve an idea as to the core qualifiers the law firm is looking for and you’ve done things that allow you to exemplify in an interview that you’ve understood those qualities – that will set you up the best.

CS: Does the firm have any set recruitment targets around diversity?

Yoseflavi: The firm doesn’t have any set targets; the firm pays close attention to the best quality talent and seeing talent in its truest form – we’re looking for universal qualities, and we assess candidates in reference to those universal qualities.

CS: And finally, do you have any advice for those thinking about pursuing a career in law? Either at your firm or more generally?         

Yoseflavi: My advice is always the same, you should firstly be courageous enough to try and apply. Trust the process and listen to the feedback you get from people who are actually in that environment and use that as an opportunity to cultivate, because ultimately in the long term you will be better off. You’ll be better off by virtue of the fact that you had those conversations. But you can’t gain any benefit from that process or try to get a job like this if you’re not brave enough to apply in the first place. So, you should apply!