Blake Morgan’s Work Placement Initiative In Running For Prestigious Award

An innovative work placement programme at leading law firm Blake Morgan has been shortlisted for a major industry award.

The firm is in the running for the prestigious LawCareers.Net Training and Recruitment Awards, which set the benchmark for excellence in legal graduate recruitment. Blake Morgan has been nominated for Best Work Placement Scheme for Regional Firm.

The five-day vacation scheme takes place every summer and each year 40 graduates are given a unique insight into the working life of a Blake Morgan lawyer, as well as undergoing a series of skill-building activities. All the graduates have applied for training contracts and over the five days they work closely within their chosen specialist legal team, undertaking a dedicated research project. They also carry out a market tender presentation and are put to the test in a mock scenario where they must represent the firm to a discerning panel of potential clients.

A unique element of the programme is a half-day helping one of the firm’s chosen charities and recent tasks have included painting a room, assisting a homeless charity and gardening.

The scheme is run in each of Blake Morgan’s regions, with 10 graduates taking part at offices in London, Cardiff, the South Coast and the Thames Valley.

Liz Bryne, Head of HR and Learning and Development, for Blake Morgan, said: “We are very pleased to have been nominated for our first LawCareers.Net training and recruitment award.

“Our vacation scheme was given an overhaul in 2016 and this nomination reflects the tremendous amount of work we have put into making sure we have one of the best placement schemes in the country and that we provide the best possible candidate experience.

“As well as our brand ambassadors and regular university visits, the vacation scheme is a key part of us engaging with students at all stages of their legal career and ultimately being a law firm that they aspire to be a part of.”

Recent testimonials from those taking part in the vacation scheme included:

“I was very impressed with the quality of work, I felt like I was involved in the team, as well as it being interesting and informative”

“An exceptional experience which has further reinforced my interest to ensure a long-term career with Blake Morgan due to the high calibre work, positive culture and brilliant CR initiatives”.

The awards presentation ceremony takes place on Thursday, 17 May at IET Savoy Place in London, where the winners will be announced.