The city

Recent regeneration means that Birmingham is really living up to its title as England’s Second City. The city now attracts high calibre candidates who choose to live and work in Birmingham as opposed to other areas. The redevelopment of the Bull Ring, the opening of Selfridges and the Mailbox have all helped to catapult Birmingham into the limelight and it is now attracting professionals from other UK cities. It is also proving to be a genuine option for those relocating from overseas.

The firms

The legal sector in Birmingham already has a heavily candidate driven market.  Birmingham offers a fantastic standard of living that doesn’t necessitate them sacrificing good quality legal work.  Many firms in the area are now very much competing with London firms for clients. 
The Birmingham market has a strong top tier market which include the following firms; Wragges, Eversheds, DLA, Pinsent Masons, Hammonds and Shoosmiths.
The city is seeing up-and-coming Mid Tier city centre firms such as Cobbetts, Gateley Wareing, Clarke Willmott and Howes Percival that are aggressively attacking the commercial markets, both on a localised and national basis. They are bidding and succeeding against the Top Tier, thanks to high profile hires and innovative business strategies.   Businesses are embracing the movement away from having a front office and back office team for their work, and enjoying a consistent relationship at Partner level.  Similarly lawyers making this move are enthused by the client contact and diversity of work, being involved on deals from instruction to completion.

Range of opportunities

Private Practice: The region can offer the full range of firms including leading national firms such as Wragge & Co, DLA and Eversheds; large regional practices including Cobbetts, Gateley Wareing, Clarke Willmott and Howes Percival as well as traditional high street practices and niche firms.
In-House: There are several large PLC businesses with highly regarded legal departments.  These include, Cadbury Schweppes, Avon, EON and Barclaycard.
Public Sector/Not For Profit: There are a number of legal functions within local authorities, government bodies, charities and educational institutions such as Learning and Skills Council.

Demand areas

  • Commercial
  • Pensions
  • Planning/PFI/Projects
  • Employment
  • Insolvency
  • Commercial Litigation
  • Defendan Personal Injury

The team and contact details

The Birmingham office has three dedicated permanent consultants who cover the West and East Midlands market and each has experience in the newly qualified market.
Our consultants welcome the opportunity to talk to any Trainee and Newly Qualified Solicitors already in the Birmingham market and also any Trainees who are considering relocating to the area for a confidential conversation.
In addition each consultant can offer advice on the process of qualifying including, CV preparation and interview advice and salary guidance.
For more information about NQ opportunities, please call 0121 634 8800 and ask to speak to one of our experienced consultants or alternatively email: [email protected]