Summer Placement Blog by Edward Scandrett

The vacation scheme at Bircham Dyson Bell is preceded by a Meet the Departments evening a few weeks before you are due to start. Whilst not compulsory, the evening was a good way to start your experience at the firm. We were given presentations by each of the departments outlining what they did, each with a trainee describing their role within that area as well. This was helpful to illustrate the kind of work you could expect within the departments you had been assigned to. The evening also gives you an opportunity to meet the other vacation scheme students, to find the office (which is impossible not to find, being opposite St. James Park tube) and talk with trainees and others within the firm. This helped to prepare you for the weeks ahead, quelling any nerves and illustrating that BDB are a friendly, down to earth firm, and that the vacation scheme need not be a stressful period for you.

On the first day you meet with the other vacation schemers and are given a morning of induction before being collected by your 'buddy’ and shown round your department, for me Real Estate. Both your buddy, usually a trainee, and your supervisor, usually an associate, are technically responsible for you during your time, answering any questions you have and providing you with work.

Real Estate has the reputation of being a very hands-on department, and I certainly found this to be true. In my week there I was given work by a number of people across the office, who were always willing to help you along the way, and it became clear that you could rely on anyone within the department, not just your buddy or supervisor, to help guide you through your week. Much of my work came from partners and knowing that I had not studied law were very accommodating and prepared to answer your questions, no matter how stupid they may have been. Not having studied law was not a big disadvantage, you have the resources at your disposal, and everyone is aware of what you will be able to do. In fact many high up in the firm are quite fond of non-law graduates, so it is not something that you have to worry about. Ultimately I like to think I was more of a help than a hindrance within the department, with my work ranging from administration, to research and drafting of rent deposit deeds and other legal documents. I found that I was given a broad insight into the department, and was made to feel very welcome, which culminated with a drink with many from the department in the pub after work on Friday.

Litigation was somewhat different. Although I was once again involved in real cases I wasn't quite as useful to the department. None the less I was kept busy by my supervisor who always had something for me to look into, and some tasks that needed doing, including drafting a witness statement for a case, and researching the processes of debt collection in countries outside of the EU. The week is likely to include a trip to court as well, however mine involved going up to Stratford to be told, as we had expected, that the hearing had in fact been adjourned. Not very dramatic, but it gives you an insight into procedure within the department

BDB do make sure that you experience more than just the work side of the firm. During our first week we were lucky enough to coincide with the end of AGM drinks, and were made very welcome. The evening gave us an opportunity to meet many of those within the firm that you would not ordinarily see, giving a deeper insight into the character of the firm. All within the firm were sociable and friendly, to the extent that you could, and I did, have a long conversation with the Managing Partner without realising who he was.

On the Thursday evening we were taken on the BDB walking tour of Westminster. It was informative and interesting, but then I studied History and Politics at university so it was well-suited to me. The tour made you aware of the amazing location of the offices, with Westminster Abbey, School and Palace just down the road, St. James Park behind the office, and Buckingham Palace around the corner. The walk was followed by drinks with some of the trainees, giving you an opportunity to find out about the firm in a more relaxed environment.

Ultimately the week was well organised and all those within the firm were ready to help you, and didn't make you feel guilty for doing so. There is no pressure to stay beyond hours, I was actively told by my supervisor to go home (I didn't take it too personally). The working day runs from 930-530 and there is no pressure to stray beyond those times, however arriving and leaving on the dot may not be wholly advisable.