Application and selection process
The selection process for a training contract at BDB Pitmans is similar to other firms, an online application form and test followed by an assessment centre process.
Application Process
1
Applications open
Applications open for training contracts and summer placements in early December 2022.
Applying online may be a fast process but your preparation for it should be thorough. So before you log on, gather information about yourself, BDB Pitmans and the legal profession.
Application Form
Answer each question fully and properly, giving clear evidence of your skills and qualities. Tell us what you have done, but also what you learned from it.
Write your answers out in draft first, and check before completing online. Keep a copy of your application for future reference.
2
Situational Judgement Test
For both summer placements and training contracts you will be asked to complete an online situational judgement test. You will be advised by email when you are required to complete the test and you must complete it by the given deadline.
Some Tips
Make sure you are relaxed and ready before you start the test. If you’re stuck on one question, give your best answer.
Make sure you take the test yourself as you may be re-tested. If you’ve never completed an online test before, try to get some practice in. We’ll
also give you some test questions to help you understand how they work, before you take the online tests for real.
3
Applications close for summer placements
Applications close for summer placements on 31 January 2023.
Make sure you have submitted your form before this date and that you have given yourself enough time to complete the situational judgement test.
What happens now?
Between February and March we will review your application and choose candidates to offer summer placement opportunities to. If you are successful we will phone you to offer a place.
There is no interview and no assessment centre so make sure your application form helps us to pick you.
4
Summer placements take place
Our summer placements take place in June each year.
How to make the best of your placement
Ask questions – no question is a stupid one!
Say ‘yes’ to as much as you can. Everything is a learning opportunity – even the easy things. Approach all tasks with passion and enthusiasm – even the boring ones.
5
Applications close for training contracts
Applications close for training contracts on 31 May 2023.
Make sure you have submitted your form before this date and that you have given yourself enough time to complete the situational judgement test.
What happens now?
After this date members of our graduate recruitment panel will review your application and will select candidates to invite to the first stage assessment centre.
6
Preparing for assessment centres
Training contract selection takes place and offers made. We conduct a two stage assessment centre process consisting of interviews and a range of exercises designed to assess your ability in a variety of different situations you can expect to face as a trainee.
Interview preparation – Before your interview
Leave yourself plenty of time, so you won’t be stressed or late if there’s a transport delay. Do your research. Be ready to discuss why you want to join us. Know the key facts about us and the training contract process.
Review your application before your interview.
7
How to impress at assessment centres
Training contract selection takes place and offers made.
We conduct a two stage assessment centre process consisting of interviews and a range of exercises designed to assess your ability in a variety of different situations you can expect to face as a trainee.
Interview preparation – During the interview
Your interviewer will be looking for past evidence of your strengths and achievements. Be yourself. Relax, smile and answer as honestly as you can. Speak clearly and concisely. Listen to the question and make sure your answers are relevant.
Think about the questions you want to ask us. An interview is a two-way process and you need to decide whether we’re right for you too!
Finally, remember that the interview process is a valuable learning experience. Be yourself, try to enjoy it and if you aren’t successful at the interview, ask for feedback so that you can improve your performance next time.
Application process
Your application needs to be made online and the form can be accessed through the Apply Here link. You are asked to register and then set out your personal details, education, employment history and achievements. In addition, you need to answer a number of competency and career motivation questions to demonstrate your suitability for a summer placement and/or training contract with us.
We only accept applications that are completed on our online application form.
The deadline for our Summer Placement Programme is 5 February and for a training contract our deadline will be in July.
After you submit your application, you will be emailed a link to a video interview which must be completed before the deadline in order for your application to be considered.
The assessment process is conducted by the graduate recruitment panel consisting of a number of partners and senior lawyers from all our practice departments and HR. The firm uses various assessment tools including panel interviews, written exercises and a group exercise.
The timetable for conducting assessments is very tight and unfortunately we may not be able to assess you for a training contract on alternative dates.
What we look for
We are looking for well-rounded candidates with high professional standards, who can demonstrate commercial awareness, drive to deliver quality results, effective teamwork and communication skills.
In addition, we are looking for ambitious individuals who are passionate about a career in law and enthusiastic about the opportunities BDB Pitmans can offer.
We recruit people whom we hope will have a successful future with the firm after qualifying.
Successful candidates favour influencing over confrontation, are genuinely interested in all kinds of people and issues, and relish a challenge.
They have a positive attitude with the confidence and skills to get on with our diverse range of clients – from multinationals and politicians to landed gentry and charities. We hope our trainees won’t just be here to train but to take our success forward, so it is important that successful candidates are ambitious, forward-looking and have leadership potential.
We are equally happy to recruit trainees with law or non-law degrees, but you should have achieved a 2:1 in your degree. We are interested in recent graduates as well as candidates who have had experience in other areas and may be coming to law as a second career.
You should also have a history of achieving above average academic grades. If you your academic results have been affected by mitigating circumstances and still wish to apply, you should explain these in your online application. Please be advised that your course tutor may be asked to back up your mitigating circumstances.
