What do we look for?
Every year we are delighted by the high calibre of candidates applying for a training contract at Berg.
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.
How do I apply?
To be considered for a training contract with us, please e-mail your CV and a covering letter to trainee@berg.co.uk by 30th September to be considered for a training contract commencing the following September.
What is your recruitment process?
After the application deadline passes on 30th September, we create a shortlist for interview and notify the candidates on that shortlist during the course of January. We then invite those candidates for a first interview, which usually takes place in either
February or March.
At that first interview, we aim to get to know more about each candidate, as well as giving you the opportunity to ask us any questions you may have about Berg.
Those candidates who pass the first interview stage will then be called back for a second interview to take place usually by the end of March. This second interview requires candidates to demonstrate their legal knowledge and commercial awareness and may
also require them to give a short presentation.
Following the second interviews, we select the candidates who have been successful in their training contract application.We usually appoint two trainees, but this may vary from time to time.
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 you training contract you will undertake work in our key departments of:
- commercial litigation,
- commercial property,
- corporate/commercial, and
- employment.
We will endeavour to take account of you personal interests, as well as the needs of the firm when deciding on your fourth placement.
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, while also providing access to a range of quality work, 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 all 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 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 the question.
We encourage our trainees to strike a balance between their professional and personal development. We encourage our trainees to become members of the Manchester Trainee Solicitors Group, which hosts a variety of social events throughout the year, including
the MTSG Christmas Ball.
We look forward to your application.
If you are interested in a summer placement with Berg please email your CV and covering letter to vacation@berg.co.uk before the end of March.