Brussels office seeks trainee solicitors for secondment

The Law Society’s Brussels Office offers trainee solicitors a unique opportunity to undertake a six-month secondment in Brussels, beginning in March and September of each year. Applications are now open for seats commencing in 2009.

The secondment enables trainees to gain direct experience of the European Union’s Institutions, and the possibility to participate in the legislative and political process. Trainees return armed with the knowledge and skills to help get the most out of Brussels for their firm and its clients.

Secondment activity

As a trainee in the office you will assist the Brussels team in actively monitoring EU legal developments ranging from competition law to criminal justice, public procurement to private international law.

Specific tasks will include preparing and writing the Brussels Agenda and the European Court of Justice case reports as well as drafting legislative updates highlighting developments in the corporate client and private client areas. You will also regularly attend European Parliament committees and high level conferences offering the opportunity to develop contacts with MEPs, key Commission officials, and UK Government departments.

Applications

Trainees interested in applying must provide a letter from their firm/employer confirming that it consents to the secondment and will continue to pay the your salary during the period.

To apply, please send your CV along with a covering letter and confirmation of your firm/employers consent to:

Julia Bateman, Head of the Brussels Office
Avenue des Nerviens 85, Boîte 10
Brussels 1040,
Belgium

Please specify whether you prefer the March or September start. The deadline for applications to both start dates is 21 November 2008 .

If you require an information note or would like to discuss the secondment, contact julia.bateman@lawsociety.org.uk.