DAC Beachcroft is one of the largest commercial law firms in the UK, with offices in London, Manchester, Leeds, Birmingham, Bristol, Newcastle, Winchester, Newport, Edinburgh and Glasgow. With a global workforce of over 2,200 people, the firm places great value on developing its people, and in 2012 achieved the Gold Investors in People award.
The trainee scheme offers “a dedicated learning and development programme, with support from our Graduate advisors and key Partners from the wider business”, says the careers section of the firm’s website.
In September 2013 DAC Beachcroft confirmed the appointment of 18 of our of 22 newly-qualified (NQ) lawyers to full-time roles – a retention rate of 82%. The roles are spread across five of the firm’s UK office locations: Bristol (5), Manchester (2), London (9), Leeds (1) and Newcastle (1).
There is also a UK apprenticeship scheme being piloted (as of September 2013), with five school leavers starting a two-year apprenticeships in the Bristol and Newport offices, working in claims solutions and corporate recovery. Overall the culture is regarded as friendly and sociable, with a good work-life balance.
DAC Beachcroft was created in 2012 by a tie-up between Beachcroft and Davies Arnold Cooper. Historically the firm was best known for insurance litigation expertise, but it has now broadened to commercial legal and litigation advice to a number of industries – financial institutions, the health and public sector, real estate, technology and industrial and consumer goods and services.
There is a big focus on international expansion, and DAC Beachcroft Group now has representation in Dublin, Madrid, Mexico City, Santiago de Chile, Singapore, Auckland and Wellington and associated offices in Brazil, Canada, Malaysia and Colombia. “We have huge reach and depth in the marketplace, which brings unique opportunities for our employees,” says the corporate website.
DAC Beachcroft supports communities where it operates, through charitable giving, pro bono work and programmes such as those operated by Business in the Community and The Prince’s Trust.
Chambers UK, A Client’s Guide to the Legal Profession 2013, recognised 122 of DAC Beachcrofts’ partners and professionals as ‘leading lawyers’ in their fields.
Seeking commercially-focused people
DAC Beachcroft says it needs lawyers who think strategically, not just legally. “Success means putting our clients’ commercial goals at the heart of everything we do.”
So lawyers here are encouraged to build strong working relationships with clients to gain local sector knowledge and develop commercial expertise.
Opportunities at DAC Beachcroft:
DAC Beachcroft recruits for the following legal roles:
- qualified solicitors at all levels
- paralegals
- claims handlers
- legal executives
- professional support lawyers
The practice groups are:
- Claims Solutions
- Commercial & Corporate
- Dispute Resolution
- Employment & Pensions
- Global (Insurance)
- Real Estate
For more information visit the DAC Beachcroft careers page.
