BCLP offers sector-specific training contracts

International firm Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner has developed training contracts focusing on specific practice areas as part of a strategy to boost solicitors’ sector experience.

From September, graduates will be able to apply to specialise in real estate or financial services, with the option to complete an international or client secondment. BCLP is also introducing an option for trainees to complete an ‘innovation seat’, focusing on technology and engineering.

Senior graduate recruitment & development manager Chloe Muir said the new sector-specific opportunities 'will strengthen our talent attraction for aspiring lawyers who have a clear sector interest. Many trainees won’t know which practice they want to pursue on joining BCLP, but we also understand that for some future trainees, they already have a clear practice or sector in mind.’

BCLP is also expanding its undergraduate placement scheme, offering all penultimate year law students the chance to apply for a year-long internship at the firm. While it previously took on two undergraduates, it will now recruit a minimum of four.

Next month, the current route to become a solicitor will be phased out by the Solicitors Qualifying Exam, marking the biggest change to qualification in almost 30 years. Under the SQE, candidates must complete two years of qualifying work experience in order to become a solicitor, as well as passing two sets of exams: SQE1 and SQE2.