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B P Collins is a modern and successful full-service Our place the interests of our clients ahead of firm which delivers robust legal solutions for every other consideration. Our vision is to provide both commercial and private clients. a truly exceptional service in a law firm excited about personal commitment and thinking beyond We specialise in tailored, innovative and effective boundaries. legal advice for all our clients – from business start-ups to multi-nationals, from successful We look for bright, enthusiastic and ambitious entrepreneurs to retired professionals. individuals who can make a positive contribution to So you want to be a ? B P Collins from day one. A high academic standard With more than 50 lawyers, many of our team are is expected but we place equal emphasis on extra recognised regional leaders or national experts. Our curricular activities and achievements. You've seen the television programmes, watched the reputation is very strong. We are independently rated movies and are now considering becoming a hot shot among the top regional firms in the UK and our performance bears comparison with any City firm. legal eagle, taking on courtroom battles and defending We provide an accessible, local service which is your clients in their hour of need. Be warned... responsive, reliable and personal.

Training seats offered in: being a lawyer is hard work, Corporate and commercial Employment law becoming a lawyer is even harder Family law Litigation and dispute resolution Private client ...but the rewards are massive Property

B P Collins LLP Collins House 32-38 Station Road Gerrards Cross Buckinghamshire SL9 8EL Tel: +44 (0)1753 889995 Fax: +44 (0)1753 889851 talk to the experts www.bpcollins.co.uk [email protected] 01753 889995 bpcollins.co.uk The term ‘lawyer’ includes and which are the two main types of lawyers within the when I was younger, I had dreams of UK legal profession. Barristers primarily present and argue cases in court whereas solicitors provide legal advice and guidance. becoming a fireman, but during my student days I thrived on being able to learn new Becoming a things and, as a trainee solicitor, I am Most budding lawyers qualify as solicitors rather The law is complex so the training to become a than barristers. solicitor takes several years and can be challenging. The Law Society lays down rules for the legal learning everyday! The role of a solicitor is to provide legal services education and training required which is designed to directly to clients (individuals, companies or other ensure that the trainee receives an education that is bodies). Clients come to solicitors for guidance on both thorough and broad. how to deal with their business or personal proposals my training as a family law solicitor has really and problems. There are over 100,000 solicitors in England and Wales with practising certificates issued by the Law The solicitor advises on the steps needed to proceed Society (which need to be renewed annually). made me feel like I am contributing towards and then manages the case or the deal for the client until a conclusion has been reached. A may Your choice of will affect your future other people and making their lives better. be consulted if and when a second opinion or court career. A firm's clients, its work and its reputation will representation is needed. The solicitor's role is much determine not only the experience you gain, but also more like that of a project manager than the your future marketability as a lawyer. barrister's. Trainee solicitors at B P Collins

“It never feels stressful.You might have lots to do and you might not be able to see your desk for all the work, but you still have a giggle and somehow the atmosphere is really bubbly.”

Trainees quoted in The Student Guide your route to success

Route A: A Levels Degree in law Becoming a barrister Law graduate (2 years) (3 years)

Route B: Non- A Levels Degree in any Graduate Diploma in Law Legal practice Training There is a great deal more to being a barrister than jury. Their style of argument must be convincing and law graduate subject (GDL) (1 year) course contract looking good in a wig and gown! Essentially persuasive both in court and on paper. (2 years) barristers do three things: This is a rewarding career for people with the right • Appear in court to represent others combination of skills and qualities but you need to be Route C: GCSE / Mature Enter legal ILEX Part I ILEX Part II 2 years legal Legal practice Non-graduate student employment (2 years) (2 years) experience course (1 year) • Give specialised legal advice in person or in writing very committed and hard-working. An undergraduate • Draft court documents degree, a law conversion course (if you don't study Professional law), Bar Vocational Course (BVC) and skills course Barristers must understand the client's perspective (shadowing a practising barrister) is the career path. ongoing and use their legal knowledge to help construct a solution that makes business or common sense, as There are currently 9,000 barristers in practice in Admission well as legal sense. England and Wales, the majority of which are to the Roll self-employed. Being a barrister is a great job but They must display skill and clarity in making complex competition is fierce and the hours are long. legal arguments understandable to the client and the