Frequently Asked Questions

We hope that your questions have been answered on our website
but before you start your application we have included a number of
frequently asked questions for easy reference below.

• 1 What is the deadline for applications?

  Applications for Summer Placements open in early November and the deadline is 5 February. Training Contracts applications will open in April and close in July.

  The date an application is submitted is not taken into consideration, as long as it has been received prior to the closing date. We do not recruit on a rolling basis.

• 2 I’m a foreign student, can I still apply?

  As part of your application you need to confirm that you are eligible to work in the UK. If you have any UK work restrictions these should be clearly set out in your application. This applies for training contracts and our summer placements.

  If you have a non-UK degree and you are completing a law conversion course at a UK university you may not need to complete the GDL. Please check with your course tutor to find out the exact requirements to qualify as a solicitor for your particular course. As long as you are eligible to start a training contract in the year we are advertising you can apply.

  Unfortunately we are unable to offer sponsorship for Summer Placements or Training Contracts.

• 3 I have a criminal record, can I still apply?

  We ask all applicants to declare if they have a criminal conviction as part of their application. If you have a criminal record you need to contact the Solicitors Regulation Authority to discuss your particular situation. Having a criminal record will not necessarily prevent you from being a solicitor in England and Wales.

• 4 Can I update my submitted application?

  Once you have submitted your online application you can add supplementary information. Any supplementary information submitted after the deadline will not be available for BDB Pitmans to see. For more information see the application form support page.

  Please note that the Graduate Recruitment Team do not have access to make changes to your application.

• 5 I’ve applied in the past, can I apply again?

  Yes of course! You can definitely apply again but you will need to submit a new application form.

  You can use the MyLocker system which stores key information about yourself (eg GCSE and A-level results) so you won’t need to type out all of your details again.

• 6 If I come on the Summer Placement scheme do I still have to attend the assessment centre for a Training Contract?

  Each year we ask that all candidates are assessed against the same criteria during our assessment centres, this ensures fairness for all candidates.

  Therefore, you will have to complete the assessment centre and interview, but you should be in a position to demonstrate your motivations for joining us and your knowledge of the firm.

• 7 I'm qualifying through the SQE, can I still apply?

  Yes, of course! As of 2025, we will only be accepting SQE applicants for our intakes.

• 8 Other questions?

  For all other enquiries, please email [email protected].