The Application Process
Step 1: The application form
The first thing you will need to do is complete our application form and send this to us with a copy of your up-to-date CV and covering letter.
Top tip: When updating your CV, make sure you have included all of your relevant legal experience. If you don’t have any relevant legal experience, that’s fine, but highlight any transferable skills that you think might help you in your role as a Trainee Solicitor.
Step 2: Assessment Centre
Those who are successful in their applications will be invited to attend an Assessment Centre.
Our Assessment Centres normally run from around 9am to 5pm. Although we do assess each candidate throughout the day, the experience will also provide an opportunity for you to find out more about us and to meet the lawyers you will be learning from.
You will take part in the following activities throughout the day:
- A group presentation – you will be asked to present a short presentation with other candidates to a small panel of Partners, Solicitors and Trainee Solicitors from the firm. You will be provided with advance material in order to help you prepare for the presentation and there will be time on the day to put the application together with your allocated team.
- Written exercise – you will be asked to perform a short unseen written task. This will be assessed on an individual basis. There will be a short mock client interview during the exercise.
- Practical task – this will provide you with an opportunity to demonstrate how you work in a team.
- Discussion exercise – you will be provided with a topic on the day and there will be an informal group discussion with the other applicants in your team and members of the firm.
Top tip: Try to relax. This is an opportunity for you to let us see your personality and demonstrate why Barcan+Kirby is the right firm for you.
Step 3: Interview
If you are successful at our assessment centre, you will be invited to attend an interview with our Training Principal and Executive Partner at our Bristol city centre office. This will be a fairly short interview (about an hour) and many of the questions will be based on your application form and why you would like to join Barcan+Kirby.
Top tip: Show us your personality during the interview and try to get across what is important to you, what your aspirations and ambitions are plus why you want to train at Barcan+Kirby. Be genuine! A two-year contract is a long time and we need to be the right firm for you just as much as you need to be a right fit for us.
Find out more
Wondering what it’s like to train as a Solicitor with us? Find out more here.