Could you see yourself at Bircham Dyson Bell? If so, we’d love to see you on our summer placement programme. 
You will spend two weeks with us, gaining valuable experience with two of our legal departments. We aim to give you as much practical experience as possible, plus the opportunity to see first-hand how our solicitors and partners work.
In each of the departments you will be allocated a supervisor, one of our partners or senior solicitors, so you have support and guidance during your time with us. You will also have a nominated buddy, one of our current trainees or newly qualified solicitors, so you can hear their experiences first hand.
Additionally, a range of organised activities including a networking event and a trainee social will make your time with us enjoyable as well as insightful.
To be eligible you must be a final year non-law student, penultimate or final year law student or have completed your studies. We also accept applications from those studying the GDL or LPC.
Katherine Highton’s Summer Placement Experience
I applied to Bircham Dyson Bell because it offers excellent variety; of practice areas, clients and types of work. They have an excellent reputation in a number of key areas including Government and Infrastructure for which they are leaders in their field. BDB also has a reputation as a friendly and open firm and I was very pleased to find this is indeed the case. Everyone took the time to get to know me and to make sure I felt welcomed and included. This enhanced my experience at the firm as I could ask questions and learn a great deal from those around me.
During my two weeks with the firm I was allocated two different departments. After an enjoyable induction on the first morning, I joined the Government and Infrastructure Department (G&I). Most of the work I did here was of a research nature which reflects the types of projects being worked on in G&I and their sheer scale. I was pleased to see how my work contributed to the bigger picture as my supervisor made sure I understood the context of the research I was doing. I also had the opportunity to attend client meetings and sit in on conference calls which was a real highlight for me.
During my second week I joined the Real Estate department. The work I was given here was very hands on. There was a wide variety of tasks for me to do for both commercial and residential clients. I drafted letters, submitted forms online to the Land Registry, marked up leases and even when on a field trip to the local library to use their archives. The week was very enjoyable in a very warm and welcoming department. I already had an interest in property law prior to my vacation scheme and having spent a week in real estate it has confirmed my wish to do a seat there during my training contract.
Throughout the two weeks the trainees and vacation students organised get-togethers and socials. This included a walking tour of Westminster surrounding the firm, where a London Tour Guide gave us an insight into the history of the area, followed by drinks and food in a local pub. Overall the two weeks were thoroughly enjoyable and I could not recommend enough applying for a vacation scheme here.