1

Our vision is to be the number one law firm in the world for organisations being changed by the digital world or those leading that change

Your diverse talents & our expertise & inclusive environment & innovation & one global team & transforming your future & there are law firms & there’s

Graduate brochure 2019/20

londongraduates.twobirds.com

What’s inside?

Page 1About Bird & Bird

Pages 2–3Our work

Pages 4-5Community

Pages 6-7Diversity & Inclusion

Pages 8-9Sector specialisms

Pages 10-11Our schemes

Pages 12-17Our people

Pages 18-19Who we’re looking for

andLearning and development

Pages 20-21The application process

1

Over the course of nearly 180 years, Bird & Bird has evolved into a respected global business, serving

clients in 118 countries from 30 offices across Europe, the Middle East, North America

and Asia-Pacific region.

Today, our clients include the owners of seven of the ten most valuable brands on the planet and more than half of those listed by Forbes as the

world’s 100 most innovative companies. They need legal advisors who can work in partnership with

them, develop a deep understanding of their sector and add real value to their business.

It’s the reason they turn to Bird & Bird. It’s also why we look to recruit trainees who have the potential

and ambition to meet our clients’ exacting standards. Not only will you need to develop

technical legal skills to deliver high-quality legal advice, but you must also have an inquisitive,

down-to-earth and pragmatic approach.

If you think you have what it takes, we can offer you a challenging career in a fast-paced,

international environment. It’s your chance to help shape the future of the clients we work for

and the industries they serve.

About

Our work From the moment you arrive at the firm,

you’ll have the sense of being part of a global team that works seamlessly across a wide

variety of sectors. We apply our deep industry knowledge and excellent service

to deliver high-quality work for our clients. As a trainee, you’ll be given responsibility from the start, quickly exposing you to the

real-life challenges faced by our clients.

2

3

Sophie Eyre is Co-Head of our UK Dispute Resolution Group. She joined Bird & Bird in 2008.

“We act in a variety of disputes across the firm’s sectors and our clients come from all areas of the globe. I focus on disputes in the aviation and life science sectors as well as heading up the firm’s fraud group. The beauty of being a disputes lawyer is that no case is the same! To be effective, we really have to understand our client's business, what has gone wrong and devise strategies to get the client the best result having regard to commercial implications.

Phil Sherrell, who heads our international Media, Entertainment and Sports sector, joined Bird & Bird in 2011.

“One of the things I enjoy most about our work here is the complexity of the matters that clients entrust us with. Our positioning as a firm means that in most of our areas of work clients are only likely to come to us on particularly tricky issues which their in-house teams don’t feel they have the expertise to handle themselves, or on significant disputes which they haven’t been able to resolve commercially. As a result, we get to do some ‘proper law’, often considering questions

Elizabeth Reid is a partner in our Commercial Group in London. She joined Bird & Bird as an associate in 2010, was promoted to partner in 2014 and specialises in two sectors: Energy & Utilities, and Aviation & Defence.

“My practice is based around projects for the build, operation and maintenance of complex assets in both the defence and energy sectors. This brings myself and the team to some of the largest and most innovative technology-driven projects. Over the past 12 months our team has worked on projects involving nuclear submarines, warships, helicopters, autonomous bomb disposal units, renewable power projects and much more. The international nature of the firm means we are

Building client relationships

Thrive with quality work

International reach

This means we have to work closely with the client and build a relationship with a high degree of trust. No client wants to engage in a dispute, but if they do, they need us there to guide them through to the best possible result. Trainees are a key part of our team and are involved in cases across all sectors; they can often be working on an energy dispute in the morning and a dispute between airlines in the afternoon and having run to court in between.”

which haven’t been looked at by a Court before and having to start from first principles to work out how they would be resolved. It also means that we regularly find ourselves involved in business-critical issues for clients, giving us the opportunity to work very closely with the most senior lawyers and directors at our clients and to form deep and long-lasting relationships with them.”

taken to all corners of the globe and team up with our network of Bird & Bird offices all the time – at the moment we are working on projects across Europe as well as further afield such as Mexico and Australia. This makes for a fast-paced career where we become very much embedded with our clients and part of their team. The trainees and junior lawyers also gain excellent experience on these projects and get a lot of direct contact with the clients. I think our clients are really attracted to working with us because of both our passion for and understanding of the sectors they operate in, together with our excellent teams of lawyers who genuinely enjoy working with each other to build career-lasting relationships.”

For more about our work londongraduates.twobirds.com/our-work

4

CommunityWe are passionate about becoming a

proactive member of our local and wider communities. We focus our expertise,

skills and resources where we can make an effective contribution.

4

5

The firm takes a broad approach to pro bono work in that is largely guided by the individual interests of our lawyers. We are involved in long term pro bono projects and we also take on individual pro bono matters. Examples of some of our longer term relationships are set out below:

• South Westminster Legal Advice Centre (SWLAC): our lawyers and trainees volunteer at the Centre on a regular rotational basis

• We advised the Micro:bit Educational Foundation in relation to the successful digital education tool, the micro:bit, originally launched by Foundation Member, BBC Learning. We advised pro bono on setting up a Not-For-Profit organization, and ensuring it had the necessary rights in place (including brand licensing arrangements) to take the micro:bit project forward.

The micro:bit is a handheld, fully programmable computer which was given free to every Year 7 or equivalent child across the UK. The aim of the micro:bit project is to inspire widespread hands on learning, including digital skills. Since the launch of a public service campaign in March 2016, nearly 1 million micro:bits have been distributed across UK schools.

For the next stage of its development, the micro:bit legacy, supported by members including The Institution of Engineering and Technology, software design company ARM Holdings, domain name registry Nominet and the BBC, was handed over to the Foundation, supported by these organisations.

VolunteeringAll Partners and employees of Bird & Bird in London are encouraged to get involved in volunteering activities. These volunteering activities may be done as a team event or on an individual basis. In September 2016, we re-launched our activities which are now all based around social inclusion. Examples of our volunteering activities include:

Since 2008, we have worked with Young Citizens to place practising and trainee lawyers into the classroom to develop awareness and understanding of the law and facilitate links between legal professionals and secondary schools, mainly in economically deprived areas. It provides an opportunity for lawyers and trainees to discuss and explore various legal issues. It offers clear educational benefits to young people and enables volunteers to gain a real insight into the lives and issues that affect young people in their local community. We are currently working with two classes at Lambeth Academy in Clapham. Typical units covered by the students may include: Discrimination, Employment, and Human Rights.

In 2015 we signed the Vision for Literacy Pledge; this means we are committed to take practical action to tackle the UK’s literacy challenge. As part of this commitment we have started a Reading Partners scheme. Volunteers from our London office attend St Albans Primary School in Holborn every Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday during term time to spend half an hour with a pupil providing one-to-one reading

support, developing communication skills whilst offering the pupils a positive role model and an insight into the world of work.

We have partnered with Enabling Enterprise, a not-for-profit social enterprise, set up by a team of teachers in 2009. Their mission is to equip young people with the skills, experiences and aspirations they need to succeed in life. We host a workshop for students aged between 5-11 years old on a quarterly basis.

Social Mobility

Bursary SchemeThe Bird & Bird Bursary Programme was introduced in 2009 and we sponsor 12 students each year. It is designed to be part of the ongoing solution to the issue of under representation of candidates from lower socio-economic backgrounds within the legal profession; the objective of the fund is to address the financial hurdle that often deters students from studying Law at university. As part of the Bursary, students receive funding of £2,500 per year, a £500 voucher for essentials, a trainee mentor and a week’s work experience during their 1st year of university. We also run workshops throughout the 3 years to develop their employability skills.

Bird & Bird Pioneer ProgrammeThe Bird & Bird Pioneer Programme was introduced in 2012 and aims to:

• Provide insight, inspiration and information about careers in the legal profession and wider business world, as well as a chance to learn about and develop the key skills that employers are looking for.

• Provide targeted support to students over a four year period from Year 10 (age 14/15) to Year 13 (age 17/18).

• Identify students who would otherwise not have access to such opportunities.

• Properly prepare students for the decisions they will have to make as they decide what career path to embark on, including the relevance of university education.

• Provide a framework for continued support during and after the 4 year period.

The Bird & Bird pioneer programme is delivered through three skills-based half-day workshops at our office in Years 10 and 11 and one week’s work experience in Year 12. During their week’s work experience, the students attend one of our clients offices for an afternoon to meet the legal team and others from the business. Once students have completed work experience in Year 12, they are invited to join the Bird & Bird Pioneer Alumni. This involves continued mentoring, supporting the younger students entering the programme and attending annual celebration events.

For more about our community londongraduates.twobirds.com/why-bird-bird/our-culture

66

Diversity & Inclusion

We strive to create and maintain an inclusive work environment in all our offices, where

all of our people are seen as individuals and are each supported and encouraged to achieve, regardless of any difference.

7

• Our Board approved a paper on Gender, with the goal of increasing female representation at the partnership level. We regularly host female focussed events and seminars to discuss hot topics and network. These events take place across our international offices. We also introduced a Global Women’s Development Programme in November 2016 which will run each year, with the aim of retaining our high performing female lawyers, whilst also finding out what the gender specific barriers are for the women within our firm.

• Winner of the Managing Partners’ Forum ‘Best Leadership Programme’ award and Legal Week’s ‘Diversity Innovation’ award for our Women’s Development Programme.

• As part of our work on gender equality, we launched the Together® project in Italy. Together® is a long term project looking at the reasons why women are not reaching leadership positions at the same rate as their male peers. The heart of the project is the involvement of men and the drafting of a Together® Code of Best Practice, following a series of seminars, conferences, coaching and workshops aimed at understanding the gender gap and how to make leadership more attractive to women. It is fully supported by our two male Managing Partners in the Italian office.

• As part of raising awareness and encouraging an open culture around Mental Health and Wellbeing, we have introduced a 6 months Mental Health and Resilience Training Programme for all our Trainee Solicitors in London. The programme is designed Trainee Solicitors during their first year of the firm and provide them with the necessary tools to cope with challenges bespoke to the role of a Junior Solicitor. We also run quarterly seminars on varioustopics along with email communication and poster campaigns. We have 3 partner sponsors and a steering group who help set the strategy. We have introduced training for partners and managers to spot the signs and manage people within their teams. We have also introduced Wellbeing Officers, who are a confidential point of contact for anyone who may be experiencing a mental health issue.

• We pride ourselves in being a family friendly firm, where we appreciate that people have commitments outside of work. To support this, we encourage an agile working environment which helps people balance the demands of work and family. We offer parental coaching to those going on and returning from maternity and paternity leave. We also run family focussed seminars throughout the year which are very well attended.

• We have a BAME network, “Embrace” and hold events to raise awareness and educate people in this area. This is open to everyone.

• We have an active LGBT* network, “standOUT” and hold regular events to raise awareness and educate people in this area. Our group is open to members of the LGBT* community and their allies. We have also introduced policies and training to support any trans individuals.

• We are a disability inclusive firm and partner with EmployAbility, a non-profit organisation dedicated to assisting students and graduates with all disabilities, including dyslexia or long term health conditions, into employment.

• We are founding signatories of the Law Society Diversity & Inclusion Charter. This is the flagship diversity initiative of the legal profession. It is an instantly recognisable public statement of commitment by its signatories and a framework for positive action across all strands of diversity. Purchasers of legal services are invited to support and promote supplier diversity through adoption of the Protocol on the Procurement of Legal Services.

• We are members of IP Inclusive, which was started by the Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys (CIPA) with the aim of increasing diversity within the IP profession.

• We introduce the Rare Recruitment Contextual Recruitment System (CRS) in August 2018. The Rare Contextual Recruitment System uses big data to help organisations identify candidates with the greatest potential despite their significant academic, personal or socio-economic disadvantage. The system works by combining publicly available information with candidates’ application responses. We use information from bespoke databases that we have built. For the UK, the first database contains the exam results of more than 4,000 secondary schools and sixth form colleges nationally; the second contains 2.5 million residential postcodes. The Contextual Recruitment System delivers two outputs to employers: flags to measure disadvantage and Performance Index (PI) to measure outperformance against students at the same school. Since its launch in 2015, the System has processed over 100,000 applications. Firms using the system see an uptick of 50% in the number of people they hire from disadvantaged backgrounds.

• We were one of the first law firms to sign a partnership agreement with Aspiring Solicitors when the organisation formed in 2013. The primary aim of Aspiring Solicitors is to increase diversity in the legal profession, specifically underrepresented groups through skills workshops, mentoring schemes, assistance with training contract applications and events with partner firms. A significant number of our trainees have been recruited through Aspiring Solicitors and we continue to work closely with Chris White to ensure we are recruiting from the widest talent pool possible.

For more about diversity londongraduates.twobirds.com/why-bird-bird/corporate-responsibility

Clients turn to us because of the deep industry knowledge of our legal experts. We are at the forefront of technological and regulatory change, so you’ll have the opportunity to apply your skills to cutting-edge commercial challenges,

not just legal theory. You’ll learn about the industries we serve while developing a deep understanding of how our clients’ businesses operate.

Sector specialisms

8

9

Our professionals at Bird & Bird don’t just understand the law; they enjoy learning about the wider context of their clients’ businesses so that they can apply their skills to the commercial realities of some of the world’s most exciting organisations. We understand the trends that are shaping the markets, and the technological and regulatory issues that are transforming industries. We’ll help you to develop your skills and capabilities to become a trusted advisor for our clients, supporting them on legal matters as well as business priorities and best practice. What you learn through practical experience will be as valuable to your long-term career as your legal qualifications. Our cutting-edge work speaks for itself. Here are some key facts about some of our specialist sectors:

Technology & CommunicationsWe are trusted advisors to many of the most valuable and innovative technology and communications companies in the world; however we also advise regulators, financiers and public sector entities who seek high quality advice on international tech issues. We have been at the forefront of legal developments in the sector for many decades, and have unrivalled expertise in advising on matters ranging from smaller innovative projects to some of the largest, most complex and ground-breaking transactions and disputes of recent years.

Our lawyers work at the cutting edge of technological developments disrupting other sectors and industries and with over 450 dedicated tech & comms lawyers based across our 30 international offices we are universally recognised as market leaders within this sector.

Automotive Our Automotive group provides advice across each stage of the lifecycle of a motor vehicle; from initial design and development through to serial production, sales and distribution, and disposal. Through our expertise in intellectual property and other technology-dependent sectors, we also have a strong understanding of automotive technologies and technological developments in this sector. Our clients include suppliers of production parts and investment goods, motor vehicle manufacturers, distributors, logistics businesses and investors.

Financial Services Our global team has deep sector expertise, working together across all legal disciplines. Our clients include major international and domestic banks, funds, asset managers, insurers and brokers. We are particularly well-versed in advising our clients on how to capitalise on the disruptive forces which permeate the sector, from increased regulatory compliance to the use of innovative technological solutions.

Retail & ConsumerOur multi-disciplinary team advises some of the world’s best known retail brands from across the fashion, luxury and household sectors, as well as food & beverage and hotel & leisure businesses. We provide our clients with strategically appropriate solutions to help guide them through all stages of the product and brand lifecycle, including advice on matters such as product and brand development, regulatory compliance, structuring, finance and international multi-channel growth.

Aviation & Defence Our international Aviation & Defence sector group comprises of two distinct but complementary groups, Aviation & Aerospace and Defence & Security.

Defence & Space - We have been working extensively in the defence and security sector for over 10 years. Our team have been involved in some of the most significant and complex military programmes ever undertaken across surface warships, nuclear submarines, land, combat, air (including unmanned air systems) medical, cyber security, satellites and IT/communications.

Aviation & Aerospace - We are now one of the leading Commercial Aviation law firms in Europe, the Middle East and Asia Pacific. What unites our specialist team across all our offices is a genuine passion and enthusiasm for the industry. Our work covers the whole Aviation & Aerospace sector advising airlines, lessors, financiers, aircraft manufacturers, ground handlers, airports, MROs, freight forwarders, insurers, tour operators and travel agents.

Energy & Utilities The International Energy & Utilities sector group is a dynamic, practice-agnostic group that actively welcomes involvement from all of the firm’s other practices and sectors. The group is positioned as cutting-edge and leads the way in understanding the IT or efficiency drives that lie at the heart of the markets we work in. Some of the group’s particular strengths include: energy regulation; major projects; corporate finance; emissions trading; environmental issues and dispute resolution.

Life Sciences & Healthcare Recognised across the major global legal directories as a top tier life sciences firm, our International Life Sciences & Healthcare group are trusted advisors to over 50% of the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies. From multijurisdictional patent litigation and strategic transactions to regulatory navigation and transformational projects for national healthcare systems, we cover the full spectrum of legal issues and projects at the heart of this complex and dynamic industry.

Media, Entertainment & SportBird & Bird’s long-term strategic focus has been on industries that are being disrupted by technology, and nowhere is this more true than in media, entertainment and sport. Our multi-disciplinary Media group advises clients across the entire content delivery chain and across all media platforms, including agencies, broadcasters, rights holders, media companies and online content providers. In Sport, our team acts in some of the highest-profile legal matters in world sport, and are recognised as undisputed market leaders ranked number one in Chambers UK for over a decade. Recent work includes acting for The Football Association, the International Cricket Council, the British & Irish Lions, Six Nations Rugby, International Tennis Federation and the World Anti-Doping Agency.

For more about our sectors londongraduates.twobirds.com/our-work/sector-specialisms

10

Whether you’re looking to sample daily life or secure yourself a training

contract at a modern, forward-thinking law firm, Bird & Bird can deliver.

Our schemes

11

For more schemes information londongraduates.twobirds.com/opportunities

Becoming a trainee at Bird & Bird is the first step to fulfilling your potential and shaping your long- term career. You’ll have real responsibility from day one – working for stimulating clients across a range of sectors in a number of practice areas.

It’s true to say, however, that your relationship with the firm starts from the moment we make you an offer. We maintain close links with BPP Law School to ensure that your transition into your training contract is as smooth as possible. You can expect regular contact, input and tailored seminars from the firm even before you begin your formal career.

Spending time with Bird & Bird is more than just work experience. It’s an opportunity to discover your potential and kick-start your career in law, taking you straight to the heart of a global law firm.

With access to people across the Firm, you’ll have a chance to live and breathe the brand, experiencing the business from the inside out. You’ll also see first-hand the impact of client relationships, and how we work seamlessly between 30 offices in Europe, the Middle East, Noth America and the Asia-Pacific region.

You’ll be working on client projects from the outset. Our vacation schemes are designed to strengthen your knowledge and give you an unfiltered look at the way people work on an international level. At the end of the scheme, we’ll be recruiting the best performers for our training contracts.

Vacation schemes

Training contracts Your two-year training contract will be split into four seats. We listen to your department preferences and ensure, wherever possible, that you have either an international or client secondment.

It’s a rich learning experience and you will be supported along the way by our Graduate Recruitment and Trainee Development team. You’ll be given accountability for important pieces of work and have the opportunity to attend client meetings and court hearings.

There is the opportunity for trainees to undertake a secondment at one of our international offices or clients for 3-6 months.

But there’s no work without play, which is why you’ll experience the Bird & Bird social life too. Get to know the people who may eventually become your colleagues and immerse yourself in the friendly and vibrant culture that makes Bird & Bird – and our people – so unique.

We hold 2 vacations schemes per year in the summer. There are 30 positions available across the two schemes. We pay the London living wage.

Vacation Scheme dates 2020

• Summer Vacation Scheme 1: Monday 22 June – Friday 3 July 2020

• Summer Vacation Scheme 2: Monday 13 July – Friday 24 July 2020

12

Adeena’s first experience of Bird & Bird was at an open day at university and she was instantly impressed at how the values and principles expressed on the firm’s website

were embodied by those she met. Adeena felt an immediate connection with the firm and knew that it was the place that would help

her become a successful commercial lawyer.

Location

How are you?londongraduates.twobirds.com/profiles

Fact file

Name: Adeena Wells Speciality: Intellectual Property Brand Management Departments to date: Dispute Resolution, Employment, Intellectual Property (Brand Management), Client Secondment Studied: Law with French Law and Language at University of Leicester.

1. Grew up in Manchester

2. Studied at the University of Leicester

3. Spent a year abroad studying French Law at the Université de Strasbourg

Bird & Bird type #1

The Proactive Linguist

eager to learn & international & a good networker

I completed a summer vacation scheme in the Commercial department where I was given a lot of responsibility to work on various international projects with high profile clients in nearly all of our sectors. The vacation scheme is incredibly valuable in ensuring that not only you are the right fit for the firm, but that the firm is the right fit for you.

My first seat in the Dispute Resolution team, I experienced arbitration, mediation and litigation first-hand. During my second seat in the Employment team, I drafted contracts, liaised with our international offices on global HR projects and helped create our ‘Employment Law Zone’ app. My third seat was in the Brand Management team within the IP department. I drafted applications for design registrations, dealt with trade mark oppositions at the UK and EU Intellectual Property Offices, and created bundles for patent litigations. I went on client secondment for my fourth seat at one of our Retail & Consumer clients. In each of my seats I was exposed to various sectors groups, including Banking & Financial Services, Sports, Retail & Consumer and Energy, which really demonstrated how the firm is able to work seamlessly in key sectors across all departments; something which definitely sets Bird & Bird apart.

As well as a fast-paced and exciting legal career at Bird & Bird, I have also got involved with the firm’s social and volunteering activities; as part of the women’s football team and through volunteering in schools and legal advice centres, I’ve been able to develop a different skill-set and pursue my personal interests. I am also the Co-Chair of our BAME Network, Embrace, which gives me the freedom to pursue a cause that I am passionate about with the firm’s support and guidance. In September 2018, I qualified as an Associate in the Intellectual Property group based in London.

1

3

2

1313

14

Location

Fact file

Name: Ian Edwards Speciality: Technology, communications and outsourcing Interesting fact: Ian’s first job was working at a zoo

Bird & Bird type #8

The Enterprising Dealmaker

sector expert & mentor & a good sense of humour

I joined Bird & Bird because it has such a strong focus on technology and communications – it was a great opportunity to work with some very exciting clients on a range of cutting-edge projects.

But the reason I have stayed at the firm is just as much because of its culture. It is very informal and unstuffy and everyone is encouraged to pursue areas of law that interest them. Technology moves so quickly that we recognise that good ideas can come from anywhere within the firm – often from trainees themselves.

In fact, one of the things I still find very impressive about Bird & Bird is that, for any new innovation in technology – whether it is 3D printing, driverless cars or even quantum computing – there is always someone at the firm who is already thinking about the opportunities and legal implications for our clients.

As Bird & Bird’s training principal, I’m responsible for graduate recruitment. It is something I am very passionate about, not least because I can vividly remember how difficult it can be working out which firm is the right place for you. Part of my role is focussed on finding those candidates who can help to build the future of the firm. So it is very rewarding seeing our trainees develop during their training contracts and then move on to become associates and partners.

With its excellent reputation in technology, communications and outsourcing, Bird & Bird

was an obvious choice for Ian Edwards.

1. Born in the West Midlands

2. Studied Law at Oxford University

3. Worked as a lawyer in Sydney for 3 years

1

3

2

How are you?londongraduates.twobirds.com/profiles

15

16

Bird & Bird type #5

The Swift-Thinking Scientist

mentally agile & a quick decision maker & confident

I was attracted to Bird & Bird for its fantastic international reputation within intellectual property. I applied for the summer scheme, where I discovered that Bird & Bird was full of engaging and innovative people, which led me to understand how Bird & Bird had formed its reputation on the world’s stage in such a fast-paced environment.

In my first seat I was assigned to an international physics-based patent litigation which I saw through to trial. My experiences showed me that Bird & Bird really value you as individuals and encourages you to take ownership of your strengths early on. For my second seat I sat within the real estate department working predominantly on real estate finance. In many situations I was running my own negotiations and was the first point of contact for the client, which was a steep learning curve, but showed me how Bird & Bird provides you with invaluable training opportunities.

For my third seat I went on an IP client secondment. Working in-house gives you an invaluable learning experience of the financial and business pressures a client is under and how this determines the timeline and risks a client is constrained by during a deal or litigation. My fourth seat was in Employment – a really interesting department due to the added ‘human’ dimension. Disputes are no longer purely about money, but concern individuals’ livelihoods or sensitive issues. In September 2017 I qualified as an Associate in the Intellectual Property group based in London.

Location

Fact file

Name: Heather Randles Speciality: Intellectual Property - pat-ent litigation and brand enforcement Interesting fact: I regularly adapt my own clothing and had a business at school selling my embroidery skills.

Having worked in the physics department at the University of Bristol during my undergraduate

degree, on a project that had potential commercial applications, I became really

interested in the importance of intellectual property law within the technology sector. As I did further research I realised a career in law would be able to offer me the opportunity to

use both the analytical and technical skills I’d gained at university whilst working within an exciting, fast-paced commercial environment.

How are you?londongraduates.twobirds.com/profiles

1. Born in Hertfordshire

2. Studied Physics and Philosophy at the University of Bristol

3. Studied Mandarin in Beijing

1

2

3

17

18

Who we’re looking for

Whatever academic and personal qualities you have, you’ll share certain key

factors with everyone across the firm.

19

Our lawyers are commercially-minded and at the top of their game technically. Clients also expect, however, that they will offer something more: a passion for their particular industry and the technologies that are transforming it.

We’ll need to know you’re excited by the high-quality work at Bird & Bird and have a strong international perspective. While this doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ll speak a variety of languages or have visited every corner of the globe, you’ll take a keen interest in different cultures and understand the

We’ve designed our trainee development programme to treat you as an individual and support you in achieving your professional and business goals. That way, we’ll set you on the path to success right from the start. We recognise that formal classroom training is only part of the picture. Much of your learning will come from our active sector experts and the international network you build up. Our aim is to provide a rounded package of support that you can draw upon throughout your career.

Keeping track of progress

You’ll have a mid-seat appraisal after three months, at which you can explore your objectives and your supervisor can review your performance. There’s also an end-of-seat appraisal when the six-month period is complete. The Graduate Recruitment and Trainee Development team will be involved in both sessions, to ensure support, continuity and opportunities for personal development. It’s an open dialogue, in which you can talk about your aspirations for the future and identify ways in which the firm can help you to achieve your goals.

A dedicated development department

Promoting our lawyers’ development is so important to us that we’ve evolved our own specialist department focused on organising legal, technical and business skills training and support. It’s your chance to be guided

and supported on your way from graduate trainee to partner. Our Graduate Recruitment and Trainee Development team also stays actively involved throughout your journey from trainee to newly-qualified lawyer and beyond – ensuring that you have all the support and guidance you need to progress. We know there’s a steep learning curve, which is why we believe so strongly in mentoring and hands-on support.

Developing your professional skills

At Bird & Bird, we offer a wide selection of learning and career development opportunities designed to help you develop your interests and realise your potential. There’s everything from key industry briefings, contract-drafting workshops and mini MBA courses to presentation skills training, negotiation simulations and language training. There are also options for secondments to our other offices or to our clients’ offices.

In addition, you’ll be briefed on every sector of the firm and we’ll support you through your compulsory Professional Skills Course.

The Graduate Recruitment and Trainee Development team continue to provide ongoing support after qualification. We have designed a programme which eases the transition from trainee to qualified solicitor.

Learning and development

Who we’re looking forimportance of multinational co-operation. You’ll also have an interest in our sector specialisms and a willingness to learn more about them as you progress at the firm.

You’ll have a creative approach when responding to challenges and be a well-rounded team player who can demonstrate that you fit with our open, fast-paced culture.

Interested in working with us? londongraduates.twobirds.com/opportunities

20

So you’ve read about who we are and what we do, now find out about how you can apply.

You can find out more information on our website londongraduates.twobirds.com

The application process

21

The application process is the same whether you’re interested in applying for a training contract or a vacation scheme with us, please apply at londongraduates.twobirds.com/apply.

Bird & Bird is a disability inclusive employer. Please let us know if you require any adjustments to be made for the recruitment process. If you would prefer to discuss this confidentially with our disability partner EmployAbility, please contact +44 7852 764 684 or info@employ-ability.org.uk

We hold two vacation schemes each year, each two weeks long in June and July.

Please note that we review our Vacation Schemes and Training Contract applications concurrently. This provides each applicant with an equal opportunity of securing a training contract at the firm. Assessment days for both the Vacation Scheme and Training Contract will be held in early 2020. We appreciate that not everyone can attend one of our vacation schemes, so in that instance please do apply for a training contract.

Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) do so at BBP Law School – Waterloo campus. However, we can be flexible with regards to the location.

The SRA has changed the route to qualification for solicitors and it is anticipated it will take effect from September 2021. The GDL and LPC will cease to exist in the current format and will be replaced by the SQE 1 & 2 exams. We will continue to keep our trainees up to date and confirm that we will still provide financial assistance with the fees.

Financial assistance

We are able to provide graduates who have accepted Bird & Bird training contracts with financial assistance. This is to help you while you’re studying for the GDL and/or LPC examinations.

We review the level of assistance every year. Currently, it includes payment of:

• your GDL and/or LPC fees

• your Law Society registration fee

• an annual maintenance grant of £5,500 for each full time study year (GDL and/or LPC)

The application process

Our deadline for our vacation schemes and training contract applications is 13 December 2019.

Once you have submitted your online application, it will be screened by a member of the graduate recruitment team. If you are successful, you will be invited to complete an online test. Successful candidates are then invited to the next stage in the process which is a video interview. Selected candidates are then invited to an assessment day. Assessment days for our training contract and vacation schemes will take place in January, February and March 2020.

Unfortunately, we are unable to consider candidates who have applied previously in the same recruitment year and been unsuccessful (at either application or interview). Please wait until the next recruitment year (which commences each October) before submitting another application.

For more information about the process, visit londongraduates.twobirds.com.

If you have any queries or would like to find out more by speaking to someone, please contact the Graduate Recruitment and Trainee Development team on 020 7415 6000 or email london.graduates@twobirds.com

Rewards and benefits

How to apply

Salary

We review our trainee salaries every year in September. Trainee salaries as of September 2018 are £40,000 for the first year and £42,000 for the second.

In addition, the benefits for trainee solicitors at Bird & Bird include:

• 25 days’ paid holiday annually

• 5% pension contribution

• private medical insurance

• permanent health insurance

• life assurance

• interest-free season ticket loans

• 2 days paid volunteering each year

Our GDL and LPC at BBP Law School

All future Bird & Bird trainees study a Legal Practice Course (LPC) specifically tailored for Bird & Bird at BBP Law School. We also ask that all future trainees who need to study the

Apply now londongraduates.twobirds.com/apply

Issued by Bird & Bird LLP

Graduate Recruitment and Trainee Development team 12 New Fetter Lane London EC4A 1JP United Kingdom

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of Bird & Bird LLP.

Bird & Bird LLP is a limited liability partnership, registered in England and Wales with registered number 0C340318 and is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. Its registered office and principal place of business is at 12 New Fetter Lane, London EC4A 1JP. Bird & Bird is an international legal practice comprising Bird & Bird LLP and its affiliated and associated businesses and has offices in the locations listed on our web site: twobirds.com. The word “partner” is used to refer to a member of Bird & Bird LLP or an employee or consultant, or to a partner, member, director, employee or consultant in any of its affiliated and associated businesses, who is a lawyer with equivalent standing and qualifications. A list of members of Bird & Bird LLP, and of any non-members who are designated as partners and of their respective professional qualifications, is open to inspection at the above address.

© Copyright 2019 Bird & Bird LLP. All rights reserved.

Abu Dhabi & Amsterdam & Beijing & Berlin & Bratislava & Brussels & Budapest & Copenhagen & Dubai & Dusseldorf & Frankfurt & The Hague &

Hamburg & Helsinki & Hong Kong & London & Luxembourg & Lyon & Madrid & Milan & Munich & Paris & Prague & Rome & San Francisco & Shanghai & Singapore & Stockholm & Sydney & Warsaw