This week we celebrate National Apprenticeship week at Brethertons. We have had many Apprentices join and develop with us over the years, including myself! We are proud of the investment we make in our Apprentices from starting out on their career journey to...
As a firm that values Personal Development, Brethertons are eager to provide support to those looking to start and develop a successful career in law.
Trainees
Apprentices
Work Experience
Trainees
Have you finished your law degree? Are you interested in finding out your next step to becoming a Lawyer?
At Brethertons we are keen to develop confident, talented individuals and provide training contracts to those who have the right qualifications, experience, and attitude to develop a successful career as a Solicitor. We aim to ensure training contracts are offered to those who invest their time in us as we invest our time in training them. We are committed to supporting each Brethertonian to develop their individual talents and career at Brethertons that is why we value personal development. With this in mind we offer our training contracts to our existing Paralegals. We like to invest at the heart of Brethertons – our employees.
We shortlist based on the following main criteria:
- Qualification – Completed LPC is required for an application to be considered
- Experience – We expect individuals to have relevant prior experience as a Paralegal/Legal Assistant.
- Attitude - we look for progressive, enthusiastic individuals, who share our values and always work to put the Client first.
What will you gain from a Training Contract at Brethertons?
- Access to our excellent benefits
- Development and support thoughout your career with us
- A supportive network of colleagues and mentors (generally newly qualified Solicitors) who can help you with any questions or queries you have during your training contract. They will have recently been through the training process and know the problems and concerns a new trainee faces
- A Training Principal – someone to go to for more involved queries or concerns, who is responsible for the Trainees training and development
Laura Stuart developed her career at Brethertons, she started her Training Contract in March 2014. She has progressed her career her at Brethertons and is now a Partner in the Wills, Trusts, Capacity and Probate team. Laura has the following to say about her experience:
“I began researching legal career routes whilst studying for my A Levels and quickly discovered that training contracts are like gold dust! I strongly believe that work experience and a good work ethic are invaluable to both you and your employer. I studied both my law degree and LPC part time whilst working in law – initially joining Brethertons as an Accounts Assistant, before progressing into a Paralegal role in Private Client and starting my training contract last year. Brethertons has supported me in developing my career, and from Commercial to Family - my different seats have all proved interesting and diverse. You are provided with further support through your training contract and there are always others on hand to offer advice. I am continuing to enjoy my time at Brethertons, and look forward to building my career here as a qualified Solicitor”.
If you are eager to develop your career at Brethertons, and would be interested in joining the firm at a Paralegal level, please view our current vacancies, or, if nothing is suitable please register your interest with Lucy Brown.
Apprentices
Brethertons is known for taking on apprentices into a variety of roles in our firm – from Administrative Assistants in our Support functions, to Legal Assistants to our Legal teams. We have previously been recognised in the Times Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers list, which is compiled annually by the National Apprenticeship Service in partnership with City & Guilds and recognises excellence in businesses that employ Apprentices.
We are always looking to diversify and find new ways that we can develop talent into different areas of our business so keep an eye on our website for information about apprenticeships as and when they arise.
We also have a great relationship with Heart of England Training (HOET) please see here our blog on how our Apprentices provide vital support to our teams.
There is no ceiling to your development at Brethertons and it is entirely possible for an individual to start their career as an apprentice and become a Partner of the firm.
See below experience from Lucy Brown who joined us as an Apprentice:
I started my career at Brethertons when I left school in 2015, my first role at Brethertons was an Office Assistant Apprentice. I was on a fixed term contract whilst completing Business Administration Level 2. This role included basic duties such as sorting the post and covering reception. When my contract came to an end, Brethertons offered me a permanent position as an Office Assistant, they also funded me to complete Business Administration Level 3. Now in 2022 I have grown my career at here, and I am now working as a HR Advisor. I have just completed my CIPD Level 3 qualification which I was also funded by Brethertons. It really is a great place to work. I have been at Brethertons 7 years and they have supported me every step along the way. From my very first day with the basics on how to answer the phone in a professional manner to funding my career development. I am committed and invested in Brethertons and they have recognised this and invested in me too. Apprenticeships really are a great way to start your career.
What do you need to be an Apprentice?
- The right attitude – we look for progressive, enthusiastic individuals who share our values
- An interest in Law – whether you are looking to develop a career in Law, or in one of our support functions, we are keen to speak to people who share the same passion for the Law as we do!
- Qualifications – we offer a variety of apprenticeships which require a variety of qualifications – all tend to require GCSE grades 5-9 (A*-C) in Maths and English, and some may require A Levels (or equivalent)
- An eagerness to learn whilst studying – Apprenticeships are a great opportunity to work whilst getting a qualification, and require dedication and good organisational skills to ensure you are successful in both aspects
What will you get in return?
- A qualification (dependent on the apprenticeship being undertaken)
- Invaluable practical experience
- Great benefits
- The opportunity to start your career in a firm that values you and your development
Does this sound like you? Please look on our current vacancies page to see if we are advertising something of interest at present, if not, please get in touch with Lucy Brown to register your interest for future opportunities.
Work Experience
Unfortunately we do not offer work experience. However at Brethertons, we understand the challenges facing those looking to get into law with little to no experience.
Amber Morris took part in our Work Experience Placement in 2018, and, is now working as a Solicitor in our Wills, Trusts, and Probate team. She has the following to say about her experience:
“I completed my degree at The University of Warwick, and through my time there got to know about Brethertons and considered that it would be a great place for me to build a career. I was happy to secure a placement on the two week summer Legal Work Experience Programme in 2018 and experience work at a modern medium sized law firm. I was able to spend time shadowing Solicitors in Family, Residential Conveyancing, and Wills, Trusts, and Probate, and give thorough consideration to the area of law I might like to practice in. Additionally, time was built into our schedule to allow us to meet with current Trainee Solicitors and Newly Qualified Lawyers – enabling us to ask questions and get tips about applications and different qualification options.
At the core of the programme is a project. We were given a Corporate Commercial project to complete as a group. We had to get to the core of a Commercial product, and give consideration to both the external marketing of the product, as well as internal communications and training of it within the firm. The two week project culminated with the presentation of our work to the Executive Committee and senior members of the firm. This enhanced not only my commercial awareness, but also teamworking and presentation skills.
Later in 2018, I was offered a position as a Trainee Paralegal at Brethertons in the Wills, Trusts and Probate department. I have been able to apply the knowledge and theory I have been learning through my LPC.
I work with a great team at Brethertons, and have found people to be friendly and willing to help and support each other since I took part in the Work Experience scheme. I am looking forward to further developing my career here.”
Want more information on the best routes to becoming a qualified Solicitor, see below:
The Law Society: http://www.warwickshirelawsociety.com/
CILEx: https://www.cilex.org.uk/
SQE Route: https://www.sra.org.uk/become-solicitor/sqe/
Prospects: https://www.prospects.ac.uk/