Student Review

I enjoyed the Insight Scheme because it gave me an opportunity to witness life in a City law firm, learn more about the key practice areas of BCLP and undertake real trainee tasks. I also got to gain an understanding of the culture the firm operates in and learn about the assessment process.

Everyone in my department was really friendly and made sure I felt welcomed. They included me in conversations and always gave me a rundown of the work they were talking about or completing. Graduate recruitment also made me feel very comfortable and I felt like I was part of the team.

The associate and trainee I was working with ensured I would always have my questions answered and spared rime to explain concepts I did not understand. They regularly checked in with me to make sure I was on the right lines. Graduate recruitment also gave us tips on how to approach work in our departments.

It gave me a really good idea of how I will be assessed in future vacation schemes and what kind of tasks I will be completing as a trainee. I found out that you are quite intensely observed for the Insight scheme so I received feedback on how I could improve which I thought was valuable. I certainly improved my communication and critical thinking skills by understanding research tasks and working in a team.

Very well structured. All the questions we had initially about D&I, pro bono, ect, were answered by graduate recruitment by the end of the week. Sitting in partner talks meant we got an idea of BCLP’s core practice areas. The social events were also really helpful to get to know one another and talk to current trainees.

The atmosphere was really friendly but everyone was also really professional. It was great to learn more about the people I was working with in my department, graduate recruitment and the other Insight Scheme Attendees. The socials were really relaxed and provided a great atomosphere to ask questions about the firm and training.

The firm was great in investing in our personal development by giving us an overview on how we can acquire certain skills and qualities required in a lawyer. For example we got to practice a mock negotiation and then gain feedback on how we could improve and what activists would facilate such development.

As I met trainees, associates and partners, I had a great understanding of what it would be like to have a role within BCLP at all levels of seniority. Taking on trainee tasks and learning more from grad rec gave me an understanding of how the training contract was structured.

It helped a lot since I got it learn about diversity and inclusion initiatives, pro bono work and actually interacting with people in the firm I witnessed how they operate in a non-hierarchical structure. There is a very collaborative and relationship drives spirit in the firm. Everyone respects you no matter how junior you are.

As I learn about the role of a trainee solicitor from undertaking tasks and actually shadowing one, it enables me to reinforce the career path I want to go into. Actually being in a City law firm was a very unique experience that I thoroughly enjoyed and this confirmed that commercial law was for me.

We were given £400 to cover expenses. This was more than adequate to cover for travel expenses and more generous than what other firms provided. I was grateful for this and thought it was a great gesture from BCLP to reward and reimburse the insight scheme attendees in this manner.

There were 2 social events. One was at the Flight Club were we played darts with grad red and trainees. The other was at The Listing were we networked over light food and drinks. There was also a one on one meeting with 1 partner from the firm which was insightful.

They were great. They catered to everyone’s needs. For exmaole, it was made sure there were either halal or vegetarian options and also non-alcoholic beverages. It was a really nice environment to ask many questions and have them answered by trainees and grad rec. I also go to find out more abiut the other attendees.

Yes I found out about the netball team that you can take part ink and diversity and inclusivity initiatives such as the Inclusivity Group. BCLP is very dedicated to such initiatives and values culture a lot so getting to know more about that made the firm stand out since they’re passionate and want to make a difference.

It was a really well structured and informative insight scheme and therefore I would definitely recommend it. It provides a great opportunity to see how a City law firm operates and the culture it adopts. Getting to know BCLP was a great and it gave me the chance to apply for VS or TC before the general public.