In this section you'll find different views on life as a trainee and an insight into what the training contract really involves.
These articles have been written by those who have either been through the process already or who are currently undertaking a trainee contract. You'll get to see why they chose Bird & Bird, how they cope and what you can expect on the trainee programme.
Dan Eliasson, Associate
Bird & Bird was suggested to me by a tutor at law school. I was told that the firm offered a very structured and supportive training contract and that the people were friendly and approachable - an ideal environment for a trainee.
From my first seat in the Employment Group, I realised that the work would be interesting and challenging, and I was pleasantly surprised at the level of responsibility I was given and the degree of support I received from my mentor.
At the start of my second year, I was given the opportunity of a 3 month secondment to Bird & Bird’s Madrid office (with 14 offices across Europe and Asia, the firm has grown incredibly since 2000). My Spanish secondment gave me the chance to work in other key sectors that I had not already been exposed to, helped my overall development as a lawyer, and also gave me some great Spanish contacts.
The firm has a wide variety of social activities such as football, cricket and softball to get involved in – an annual highlight being the inter-office five-a-side European Football Championship! During the summer I captained the softball team, which provided a great way of getting to know people from all departments within the firm.
Whatever department you work in at Bird & Bird, it’s very clear that you’re part of a team and work for each other. The reward for all this is a challenging and stimulating environment, and a real work-life balance.