Trainees
Trainees
What do we look for?
Although we look for excellent academic standards, we also recognise that it takes much more than just good academic results to be a well-rounded trainee. We look for strong communication skills and candidates who show the necessary enthusiasm
and commercial awareness needed to work in a fast moving commercial environment.
We usually have four trainees working for us at any one time, although this may vary.
What is our recruitment process?
We recognise that a successful training contract needs to involve real commitment and investment on both sides. We also recognise that it's difficult both for us and for you to get to know each other properly based solely on an interview
process, no matter how rigorous that process is.
Consequently, we usually recruit our trainees from the people who already work for us as paralegals (although we are occasionally willing to make an exception to this where an external candidate's training contract application is exceptionally
strong or they have taken part in our summer work placement scheme and done extremely well).
We invite you, if you are interested in having a training contract with us, first to apply to work for us on a paralegal basis and if your application is successful, then we will provide you with paralegal work which enables you to develop
your skills and experience. If the relationship goes well for both of us, then we will usually give you an opportunity to apply for a training contract with us.
To apply for a paralegal position with Berg, please send your CV and a covering letter by email to
alisonl@berg.co.uk.
What will I be doing as a trainee?
We only recruit a small number of trainees, so as to ensure that you get proper "hands on" experience throughout your training contract. During your training contract, you will undertake work in at least three of our key departments:
- commercial litigation,
- commercial property,
- corporate/commercial, and
- employment.
We will endeavour to take account of your personal interests, as well as the needs of the firm when deciding on the departments you will work in.
We regard our trainees as a valuable part of our team and encourage them to get fully involved in every department they are in. We strike a balance between giving them the training they need, whilst also providing access to a range of quality
work and client contact, resulting in an experience which is both challenging and rewarding.
In each department, you will work with a number of the lawyers in that team and will gain the benefit of client contact, as well as the opportunity to manage your own files. We find that this helps our trainees develop their skills of time
management and prioritisation and also enables them to benefit from the knowledge and experience of a range of our fee earners. You will also have the benefit of one of our senior lawyers being assigned to you as your supervisor for the whole of your training
contract, as mentioned below.
During your training contract, you will also complete your Professional Skills Course.
What is life like as a Berg trainee?
We operate an open door policy, with a mixture of both individual offices and open plan working. Every member of our team is vital to our success and we ensure that you have the access, support and guidance you need as a trainee.
Our first year trainees are assigned a second year trainee as a "buddy". This is an informal contact to help you adjust to your new role as a Berg trainee. Your buddy is there as a friendly face (although not the only one you will see!) who
knows from recent experience exactly what life as a new trainee is like.
Each trainee also has one of our senior lawyers as their training supervisor. This supervisor is assigned to you for the duration of your training contract and meets with you on a regular basis (usually monthly) to review your progress.
Finally within each department where you work, you will also have the support of a senior lawyer within that team. Should you have any issues with your current work, then his or her door will always be open, no matter what the question.
We encourage our trainees to strike a balance between their professional and personal development. We encourage them to become members of the Manchester Trainee Solicitors' Group, which hosts a variety of social events throughout the year.
For more information, please refer to our Trainee blog.
Summer placements
If you are interested in a summer placement with Berg, please email your CV and a covering letter to
vacation@berg.co.uk before the end of March.