Ask BCLP Anything! (2025-26)

[Beth1010]

Hi everyone,

It’s great to meet you all – I am looking forward to answering any questions you may have.

To introduce myself, I’m Isabel and I’m the Legal Recruitment Manager here at BCLP. I oversee the recruitment of our Trainees and Associates across EMEA. I’ve been at the firm for 6 years now so would be very happy to answer any questions you may have about the firm and/or our application process!

Morning Isabel,

Thank you so much for your time.

I had a few questions and was hoping you could share some insight on:

1. What qualities or experiences tend to make a candidate stand out during the recruitment process?
2. What are the common mistakes you see applicants make when applying to BCLP?
3. How can applicants best reflect BCLP’s values in their applications or interviews?
4. How many direct training contracts does BCLP typically offer in each intake?
5. How does the firm support trainees in developing confidence when working with clients?

Kind regards,
Beth

 

[kirkoolim]

Hi there

Yes, it's still worth applying as we don't have grade requirements as you mention. We have only commenced interviews for our Spring Vacation Scheme so it's worth still applying! When it comes to application questions, we give candidates 500 words per questions, so we see people fall down where they haven't provided enough detail on these questions. It's also important to tailor these questions to you as an individual to make your application authentic.

Amazing, thank you so much for getting back to me Isabel. Have a lovely week ahead!

 

[ACHat8r]

Good morning Isabel,

If you can say, what key traits or skills do BCLP look for during the recruitment process?

In your experience, what aspects make an application stand out?

Are ACs completed virtually or in person?

Does BCLP prefer bullet points or pose for work experience and should we include skills we developed or just what our role involved?

Thanks so much for your time.

 

[Amgrad]

Hi Isabel,

My questions are:

1. As BCLP no longer has any Asian office anymore, would it affect someone who has an Asian background, especially the languages and work experiences in the emerging markets?
I am aware that BCLP might have changed internally to hire candidates from EMEA or transatlantic, instead of APAC (EA, SEA & ANZ)

2. Also, how BCLP approach candidates from low income and first gen university?
I had an offer to study at Edinburgh and LSE before, but I couldn't attend due to a lack of scholarships. Instead, I went to a low-tier college for my undergrad and worked alongside to build my commercial awareness.

3. How are the mitigating circumstances for CGSE equivalent?
I had a mediocre grade, due to colon surgery in my final year of secondary school, I was hospitalised for 10 weeks including a comma at ICU. Besides, I graduated top class at my A-Level equivalent and first class at university.

 

[CindyLong]

Dear Isabel,

I hope you are well.

I am aware BCLP recruit on a rolling basis and are currently recruiting for the Spring scheme. Are there still spaces available for the Spring scheme? Is there the risk all places will be taken before the final deadline?

Thank you for your time,

Kind regards,
Cindy

 

[chiichii]

Hi there

You have heard correctly that our online assessment is very bespoke to the firm and is tricky to prepare for. I would recommend that you utilise Cappfinity's preparation hub, which will have more information on the format of the online assessment. You should have received a link to this with your online test invitation.

Thanks so much Izzy! If I may ask, do you have any recommendations on how to prepare for the test besides than familiarise myself on the format of the online test?

 

[Isabel Elsey]

Morning Isabel,

Thank you so much for your time.

I had a few questions and was hoping you could share some insight on:
What qualities or experiences tend to make a candidate stand out during the recruitment process?

All the technical skills required such as attention to detail, analytical skills etc, communication skills and teamwork. Finally, resilience and learning agility are really important.

What are the common mistakes you see applicants make when applying to BCLP?

Not going into enough detail is a really common mistake.

[How can applicants best reflect BCLP’s values in their applications or interviews?

It's more important to reflect your own values as these are what make you human!

How many direct training contracts does BCLP typically offer in each intake?

We offer 20 places a year

How does the firm support trainees in developing confidence when working with clients?

There is a lot of training and support on offer to our Trainees from the word go - to ensuring that their softer skills are developing, as well as technical knowledge of the seat that they are sitting in.

 

[CindyLong]

Dear Isabel,
I hope you are well.

I am aware BCLP recruit on a rolling basis and are currently recruiting for the Spring scheme. Are there still spaces available for the Spring scheme? Is there a risk spaces will be filled before the final deadline?

Thank you for your time,

Kind regards,
Cindy

 

[Isabel Elsey]

Good morning Isabel,

If you can say, what key traits or skills do BCLP look for during the recruitment process? Various skills - attention to detail, communication skills, resilience, learning agility - the list goes on!

In your experience, what aspects make an application stand out? Authenticity! Making sure your application is tailored to not only the firm but to you as an individual.

Are ACs completed virtually or in person? They are in person in our London office

Does BCLP prefer bullet points or pose for work experience and should we include skills we developed or just what our role involved? Either is fine but we expect you to include the skills you have learnt.

Thanks so much for your time.

Hi there

Please see above!

 

[Isabel Elsey]

Thanks so much Izzy! If I may ask, do you have any recommendations on how to prepare for the test besides than familiarise myself on the format of the online test?

No problem! Unfortunately, there is no other way to prepare for it, as it's assessing your natural strengths and skills

 

[amina sadiq]

Hi everyone,

It’s great to meet you all – I am looking forward to answering any questions you may have.

To introduce myself, I’m Isabel and I’m the Legal Recruitment Manager here at BCLP. I oversee the recruitment of our Trainees and Associates across EMEA. I’ve been at the firm for 6 years now so would be very happy to answer any questions you may have about the firm and/or our application process!

Hi Isabel,

I hope you’re well. I just had a quick question to ask when do the Manchester vacation scheme/ training contract applications open?

2. Do you still offer the financial services specific training contrac

Hi everyone,

It’s great to meet you all – I am looking forward to answering any questions you may have.

To introduce myself, I’m Isabel and I’m the Legal Recruitment Manager here at BCLP. I oversee the recruitment of our Trainees and Associates across EMEA. I’ve been at the firm for 6 years now so would be very happy to answer any questions you may have about the firm and/or our application process!

Good morning Isabel,

I hope you’re well! Just 2 queries:

1. When are the regional office training contract/vacation scheme applications expected to open?

2. Is the financial services training contract an option for regional trainees too?

 

[Isabel Elsey]

Dear Isabel,

I hope you are well.

I am aware BCLP recruit on a rolling basis and are currently recruiting for the Spring scheme. Are there still spaces available for the Spring scheme? Is there the risk all places will be taken before the final deadline?

Thank you for your time,

Kind regards,
Cindy

Hi Cindy

No, we have only just started interviews, so there is still time to get your application in!

 

[Isabel Elsey]

Hi Isabel,

I hope you’re well. I just had a quick question to ask when do the Manchester vacation scheme/ training contract applications open?

This is still TBC, but it's worth keeping an eye on our website for updates.

2. Do you still offer the financial services specific training contract?

No, unfortunately, we don't. However we are able to tailor your normal training contract to a sector that interests you.

 

[Sunflower342]

If we did not get the chance to get actual law experience (i.e., insight days, vac etc), is it okay to list nonetheless the law-relateds event we have attended throughout the years in your CV?
Or would it be better to write a bullet point of what we have earned from it like we would for other non-law related jobs?

 

[V2002]

Good morning Isabel,

I hope you are doing well.

I had two quick questions regarding the training contract application process. For the behavioural questions, specifically questions 3 and 4, would you recommend using the STAR technique to structure our responses? Given the word count is quite substantial, would you prefer that we include a lot of detail in our answers?

Additionally, I wanted to ask whether BCLP will be attending the Legal Cheek Virtual Law Fair in November or any other upcoming events where applicants can meet trainees and learn more about the firm.

Thank you very much for your time and guidance.

 

[CindyLong]

Hi Cindy

No, we have only just started interviews, so there is still time to get your application in!

Great to hear, thank you Isabel

 

[Isabel Elsey]

Hi Isabel,

My questions are:

1. As BCLP no longer has any Asian office anymore, would it affect someone who has an Asian background, especially the languages and work experiences in the emerging markets?
I am aware that BCLP might have changed internally to hire candidates from EMEA or transatlantic, instead of APAC (EA, SEA & ANZ)

2. Also, how BCLP approach candidates from low income and first gen university?
I had an offer to study at Edinburgh and LSE before, but I couldn't attend due to a lack of scholarships. Instead, I went to a low-tier college for my undergrad and worked alongside to build my commercial awareness.

3. How are the mitigating circumstances for CGSE equivalent?
I had a mediocre grade, due to colon surgery in my final year of secondary school, I was hospitalised for 10 weeks including a comma at ICU. Besides, I graduated top class at my A-Level equivalent and first class at university.

Hi there - please see my answers below:

1. No, there is no change in who we are recruiting because of this - we are still looking for candidates who are from a range of different backgrounds and with language skills.

2. We are proud to use Rare's Contextual Recruitment system, which identifies candidates from a lower socioeconomic background and flags them to us, so that we are aware.

3. We don't have grade requirements, but would encourage you to disclose any mitigating circumstances in the text box availible.

 

[Isabel Elsey]

Good morning Isabel,

I hope you are doing well.

I had two quick questions regarding the training contract application process. For the behavioural questions, specifically questions 3 and 4, would you recommend using the STAR technique to structure our responses? Given the word count is quite substantial, would you prefer that we include a lot of detail in our answers?

Additionally, I wanted to ask whether BCLP will be attending the Legal Cheek Virtual Law Fair in November or any other upcoming events where applicants can meet trainees and learn more about the firm.

Thank you very much for your time and guidance.

Hi there

Yes, I would recommend the STAR technique for these questions and ensure that you go into enough detail.

Yes, we will be attending the Legal Cheek law fair.

 

[Zun]

Dear Isabel,

I would like to know about the firm's support for working mums. As I am a mother of two and drawn to BCLP's work culture, I want to know more about it, please. I just completed my LLM Legal Practice SQE1 & 2 at the University of Law and attained a 2:1 grade from the University of Reading. Would you recommend applying for the direct training contract or vacation scheme first? Thanks.

Kind regards,
Zun

 

[Isabel Elsey]

If we did not get the chance to get actual law experience (i.e., insight days, vac etc), is it okay to list nonetheless the law-relateds event we have attended throughout the years in your CV?
Or would it be better to write a bullet point of what we have earned from it like we would for other non-law related jobs?

Yes that's absolutely fine - it's worth checking out Forage as a virtual work experience platform.