2024

What are the reasons you want to work for Bevan Brittan over our competitors? (250 words)

I was initially drawn to BB due to their Band 1 presence in clinical negligence. During my second year at university, I studied the optional course of Medical law and thoroughly enjoyed it. I received one of my best grades in this module so decided to seek some practical experience in the area. I was successful in an application to Leigh Day, a leading Human Rights law firm with a specialised medical negligence team. I found working on claims related to Mesothelioma intellectually stimulating and developed a strong interest in pursuing the work further.  

I recently went to the (university) annual law fair where I met (name), a first-seat trainee at BB. I used my conversation with (name) to investigate more about the culture at BB. (name) explained that he had previously held reservations about the smaller trainee intake at the firm, something I was also unsure of. However, it was obvious that this was one of the positives of his experience. (name) told me of the various team-building events that BB had put on to build a collaborative environment between the trainees. He explained that the smaller intake has allowed him to not only grow closer to fellow trainees but also to feel more integrated and valued as an individual at the firm. Additionally, (name) told me that the firm will go above and beyond to cater to interests. He said that where an interest is expressed, the firm has been known to create niche TC seats accordingly.

What do you think are the greatest challenges facing law firms over the next 3 years? (250 words)

In the coming three years (and beyond), law firms will face the challenge of effectively integrating and leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) to maintain a competitive edge. The rise of generative AI has been transforming legal practice, enhancing efficiency in tasks such as contract review and analysis. However, this technological evolution also brings the risk of cyber attacks and the need for robust cybersecurity measures to protect client data and firm operations. Ethical issues have also been raised. The CEO of Accenture recently declared her belief that no companies are completely ready to use this technology ethically. I have myself investigated the risks of AI during my project week at Freshfields.

The adoption of AI technologies like Allen & Overy's contract negotiation tool demonstrates the legal industry's move towards innovation and disruption. Nonetheless, firms must navigate the potential for AI to shift work away from traditional legal processes towards more tech-driven solutions, which could alter the demand for legal services and impact staffing and billing approaches. Moreover, the use of AI in law may lead to greater efficiency and a revision of the value-to-cost balance that clients seek, potentially affecting the profitability of legal practices. 

As generative AI continues to advance, law firms will need to adapt quickly to the changing landscape. This includes not only adopting new technologies but also addressing the ethical and regulatory implications of AI in legal practice. Firms that can manage these challenges effectively will likely emerge stronger and more resilient in a rapidly evolving market. 

Give an example of a recent legal decision that is relevant to Bevan Brittan's business which you strongly agree or disagree with. Why? (250 words)

The Supreme Court’s decision in McCulloch v Forth Valley Health Board resonates strongly with me and reflects the values upheld by Bevan Brittan. The ruling enshrines the principle that patients have the right to be informed of all reasonable alternatives when it comes to their treatment, which is a fundamental aspect of patient autonomy and informed consent. 

By agreeing with this decision, I am endorsing a patient-centric approach in healthcare, where informed consent is not just a formality but a meaningful dialogue between patients and healthcare providers. This judicial stance aligns with Bevan Brittan’s commitment to upholding high standards of practice within healthcare law. It places the patient's rights at the forefront of medical decision-making, ensuring that the care they receive is not just clinically appropriate but also aligns with their values and preferences. This is something that I saw the importance of when hearing the needs of clients at Leigh Day.

The ruling reaffirms the Montgomery v Lanarkshire principle that patients must be informed of all reasonable alternative treatments. For healthcare providers, it clarifies the scope of their duty in the consent process, providing a clearer legal framework within which they can operate. 

In summary, the McCulloch v Forth Valley Health Board decision is a pivotal one that underpins the integrity of medical practice, aligning with Bevan Brittan’s ethos and its focus on medical negligence. It is a decision that not only fortifies legal precedent but also enhances the patient-practitioner relationship, which is the cornerstone of effective healthcare delivery. 

Give an example where you were a valued member of a team, and have been able to contribute to the team's success. What did you do? (250 words)

One of the highlights as a Stephen Lawrence scholar at Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer was my time spent in the London office for 'project week'. At the beginning of the week me and the other 15 scholars were notified that on Friday we would have to produce a project on the potential commercial benefits and legal risks that coincide with the development of the Metaverse. Additionally, we were going to have to produce our findings to a board of partners.  

My biggest impact on this collaborative task was seen on the third day. We noticed that we had not made sufficient progress and that without adjusting our strategy, we would not make the strict deadline. I took a leading role at this point and suggested splitting into smaller task-focused groups. This idea was well received and we did exactly that. Each smaller team had a leader who would work with the other leaders to ensure cohesion across the different sections of the report. 

I lead my own group focussed on the ethics of the Metaverse. I delegated different topics among my group of four and then on the evening of the fourth day went through all the work to guarantee it read smoothly as one piece of work rather than separate clunky sections.

The outcome of my leading role was that we finished our 46-page report in good time and presented it to partners. Partners remarked that our project was the best they had seen in 11 years of the scheme.