Early Careers in Law
Whether you’re starting to think about a career in law or you’re a law graduate looking to qualify, our programmes are designed to develop future lawyers at Barcan+Kirby.
About Barcan+Kirby
We are a mid-sized law firm based in Bristol and South Gloucestershire, with a reputation for providing high quality, common sense advice. We specialise in a comprehensive range of legal services for both individuals and businesses within the South West and nationwide, from family law to dispute resolution and commercial law.
As well as offering excellent training opportunities and opportunities to develop, we pride ourselves on a culture of respect and understanding. We look after our people and nurture their talent.
Our careers programmes
Work experience
If you are considering a career in law, work experience at Barcan+Kirby is the perfect way to experience life at a mid-sized law firm and what being a solicitor is really like. During the one-week placement, you will gain experience in all the areas of law we cover, from family law to commercial property, giving you a real taste of our areas of expertise.
Applications for our 2025 work experience programme are open to students in year 11 to 13. Click here for details.
Summer Vacation Programme
If you are in your second or final year of a law degree, studying for your Graduate Diploma in Law, the Legal Practice Course or SQE and are looking to gain hands-on legal experience, our virtual Summer Vacation Day is the perfect opportunity.
As well as experiencing the various areas of law we specialise in, you will have your own mentor and get to complete real work on real cases.
Applications for our 2025 Summer Vacation Day are open. Click here to find out more.
Paralegal Apprenticeship
Our 18-month programme is available to existing staff who want to move into a paralegal role. You do not need to hold a university qualification but legal work experience is required.
Paralegal Apprenticeship to CPQ Foundation Stage bridging qualification
We offer a six to 12-month programme for employees who have completed the Paralegal Apprenticeship and wish to further qualify as a CILEx lawyer via the CILEX Professional Qualification (CPQ).
CILEX Professional Qualification (CPQ) Apprenticeships
Through this apprenticeship, we offer staff the opportunity to qualify as a CILEx lawyer via the following routes :
- CPQ Foundation: for school leavers and those new to law.
- CPQ Advanced: for Law graduates or CILex Paralegals.
- CPQ Professional: for Paralegals or Senior Paralegals with CILEx Lawyer status, a Law degree and an LPC or a non-Law degree with a GDL and LPC or BPC (or equivalent).
Solicitor Apprenticeship Programme
This six-and-a-half-year programme is for aspiring solicitors who have A Levels but not a university degree. It provides exposure to a range of live cases, allowing you to gain invaluable experience in one department. You will also receive one-to-one mentoring from senior colleagues and a supportive team.
Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship Programme
The Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship Programme prepares apprentices for the Solicitors Qualifying Exams (SQE 1 and SQE 2) and provides the required qualifying work experience; the new route to qualifying as a Solicitor.
SQE qualifying work experience
If you are working towards passing the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) 1 and 2, you can apply to for qualifying work experience as part of our Staff Development Programme.
Further information
We post details of all our early careers programmes here on our website and across our social media pages once they go live, so make sure you follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.
There are also opportunities for our Paralegals to apply to our Staff Development Programme to qualify via one of the above routes.
If you have any questions about early careers at Barcan+Kirby, please don’t hesitate to contact our Recruitment team.