Bates Wells & Braithwaite London LLP. Graduate Development Programme. Bates Wells & Braithwaite London LLP (February 2013)

Transcription

1 Bates Wells & Braithwaite London LLP Graduate Development Programme Bates Wells & Braithwaite London LLP (February 2013)

2 We look for Commitment and reliability A robust, can do attitude Results, not process driven Recognition that at first it will be very mundane Team player Flexible and able to take on new tasks quickly Good keyboard and IT skills Attention to detail Able to deliver high quality written work Articulate and presentable Enthusiastic Attracted to the BWB Ethos and client base

3 BWB s Ethos Our purpose is to do worthwhile work to the best of our ability for clients we respect as commercial lawyers, recognising that we do so in a highly competitive environment. We will, at all times, seek to value everyone in the firm and strive to provide secure and enjoyable employment, preserving a balance between work and home. We will encourage a diverse and open culture which fosters innovation, together with trust and loyalty amongst all within the firm and with clients. All this we undertake in the context of making a reasonable living and always with a commitment to justice and the public interest.

4 Recruitment Application Process STAGE 1 Online verbal reasoning To assess your reasoning skills (Approx. 30 minutes) STAGE 2 First round interview with HR (Approx. 1 hour) STAGE 3 Second round interview with a senior member of staff from selected departments (Approx. 1 hour)

5 Job Titles & Duties

6 Job Description - General Job Title: Legal Administrator (Fee Earner support) Reports to: Head of Department supporting Direct Reports: None.

7 Professional Route 1 Professional Route 2 Team Manager 35k + Professional Qualification Fee Earner Support 30k IT BD HR Finance Junior Fee Earner Support 22k Junior Support + Foundation Programme Legal Administrator (40 week 1 Year Placement Graduate Sandwich Course, ILEX & Mid GDL/LPC) 21k

8 Professional Route 3 Professional Route 4 Solicitor 47k Solicitor Legal Executive 4 Years Paralegal to qualification 4 Years 31k/ 34.5 Training Contract 2 Years Senior Paralegal (1 Year Placement) with departmental seat rotations 25k Junior Paralegal (1 Year Placement) + 22k Law Degree or GDL (Part-Time) (40 week 1 Year Placement Graduate Sandwich Course, ILEX & Mid GDL/LPC) 21k

9 Job Description The Role Key Responsibilities and Duties include: Working as part of the fee earner support team, partner and team of fee earners. Filing / File management (including file opening and closing); applicants need to be organised and willing to get jobs done. Money laundering checks (including data input and schedule for future checks); this involves identifying new and existing clients in order to comply with UK anti-money laundering regulations. Applicants must liaise with fee earners and use their judgement to assess risk. Ensuring that Fee Earner compliance is efficiently and effectively managed.

10 Job Description The Role (cont/.) General miscellaneous admin tasks around the office and within a team. Research; fee earners may request legal administrators to carry out research. Being an aide at a law conference. Taking minutes at internal and client meetings. Assisting at internal and external seminars / talks; this will provide legal administrators with the opportunity to learn whilst being of assistance to the firm. Billing; the role or legal administrator is continually expanding and now includes central billing for some of the firm s largest clients. Each Admin is now responsible for their own billing schedules.

11 Job Description Person Specification Experience and Attributes required: A spirit of co-operation and a positive can do attitude. Excellent English verbal and written communication skills are essential including the ability to relate to people at all levels. Good at spelling and grammar. Ability to effectively prioritise, excellent organisation and administrative ability. Ability to use initiative and to work well under pressure / to deadlines. An understanding in all Microsoft office packages. Good Team player.

12 Job Description Person Specification (cont/.) Professional telephone manner and the ability to take messages effectively and efficiently. Ability to multi-task. Personable, but professional. The flexibility to work outside normal office hours may be required from time-to-time.

13 Induction Process

14 Induction Our successful graduates will feel part of the firm from the day that they join. They will be given a full induction not only to the graduate development programme, but also into the family history of the firm along with our values and beliefs. Introduction to your assigned supervisor, who will be there to assist our graduates for the first year of the programme before they are introduced to their line manager when they reach year 2. Regular Legal Admin Forums with an experienced Senior Associate within the firm chairing.

15 Induction (cont/.) Our aim of introducing this initiative was to ensure that the applicants had the opportunity to provide the firm with constructive feedback regarding the GDP and other aspects that involve their role. This has been very successful and something that is encouraged by senior members of the firm. On-going support from an experienced paralegal who has reached year two of the graduate development programme to help you get where you want to go and build a successful network of contacts both inside and outside the firm.

16 Learning & Development Opportunities

17 Learning and Development We have a new L&D policy, which includes a variety of programmes. L&D is a top priority for BWB because our vision is to see you rise through the ranks of our business. By joining our graduate development programme we guarantee to offer you a personal development plan that involves both operational and people / behavioural skills that will give you the opportunity to become a valuable and respected staff member of our business. On the job training is a valuable tool that we fully support. With our variety of departments and specialised fields, it is all about individuality and encouraging a diverse workforce to work as a team to ensure job satisfaction and productivity for the business.

18 Rewards

19 Rewards 25 days holiday with additional 35 hours time in lieu overtime option Pension - 4% BWB contribution from 1 July 2012 Buying Annual Leave scheme - up to 5 days can be bought each year Sabbatical Policy Policies for occasional flexible working / home working Permanent Health Insurance scheme (PHI) Death in Service scheme Profit Sharing Scheme Introducer schemes - staff and clients Childcare Vouchers Season Ticket Loan provision Corporate Fitness First Platinum / Black Label Membership

20 Rewards (cont/.) Gym and / or Squash Membership for the gym in the building Subsidised Keep Fit weekly classes Subsidised Yoga weekly classes Access to complementary therapies, eg. reflexology Eye care provisions Cycle to Work Scheme Extra day's holiday - Christmas Shopping Day Access to offers from the Globe Theatre via Corporate Membership