At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Reconnect Programme and contribute to live client work while rebuilding your legal career.
- Company: DAC Beachcroft, a supportive and inclusive commercial law firm.
- Benefits: Six-month paid placement, mentoring, coaching, and a buddy for guidance.
- Other info: Celebrate your unique journey; we value diverse backgrounds and experiences.
- Why this job: Perfect opportunity for qualified lawyers returning after a break to refresh skills and gain confidence.
- Qualifications: Qualified lawyer with a break of over two years and a willingness to learn.
The predicted salary is between 29250 - 35750 £ per year.
Are you a qualified lawyer looking to return to practice after time away from the legal profession? Whether your career break was to care for a loved one, pursue another career path, or simply take time away from law, returning can feel like a big step. Through our Reconnect Programme, DAC Beachcroft offers a structured, supportive route back into legal work.
Reconnect is our award-winning in-house returnship programme for lawyers who have taken a career break and are ready to rebuild their legal career in a commercial law firm environment.
About Reconnect
Reconnect is designed for qualified lawyers who have been away from legal practice for more than two years and are looking for a supported route back into the profession. Successful candidates join DAC Beachcroft on a six-month paid returnship, with the opportunity to contribute to live client work while receiving structured support as they transition back into practice.
As part of the Reconnect Programme, you'll receive:
- A six-month paid placement within one of our legal teams
- Support from your supervisor and wider team
- A buddy for day-to-day questions and guidance
- Access to mentoring
- Specialist coaching through our partnership with Career Returners
- An environment to help you rebuild confidence, refresh your skills and re-establish your legal career
You will not be expected to return at full pace on day one. We know that coming back into practice can feel daunting, and we work with our teams to make sure expectations, support and development are clear from the outset.
At the end of your six-month placement, we'll review your experience, development and future career goals together, and where there is a mutual fit, explore opportunities for the next stage of your career with DAC Beachcroft.
Who we're looking for
Reconnect is aimed at qualified lawyers who:
- Have previously qualified and practised as a lawyer
- Have taken a break from legal practice of more than two years
- Are interested in returning to legal work within a commercial law firm environment
- Can bring relevant prior experience in one of our current practice areas, transferable skills and a willingness to learn
- Have good IT skills, including Microsoft Outlook
There is no upper limit on how long you may have been away from law. You may also have worked on a small-scale or self-employed basis to fit around your other commitments, or not have done any paid work for a number of years. We are interested in understanding your previous experience, your reasons for returning, and the kind of work you are looking to do next.
How the process works
When you apply, our recruitment team will review your experience, career break and areas of interest. We will consider whether your background aligns with any current opportunities across DAC Beachcroft, or whether you may be suitable for future roles through our Reconnect talent pool.
If your application progresses, we may invite you to an initial conversation by video or telephone. This is an opportunity for us to learn more about your experience and career goals, and for you to ask questions about the programme.
Where there is a suitable opportunity, we will then explore potential matches further with our legal teams.
At DAC Beachcroft, we don't just accept your differences - we celebrate them. We are committed to attracting, retaining and developing people from diverse backgrounds, with a range of life experiences and perspectives. Your career break is part of that experience, not a gap to explain away. So if you're good at what you do, come as you are.
As a Disability Confident employer, we are committed to an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. If you need adjustments at any stage, please contact in confidence. All applications are handled in the strictest confidence.
DACB Reconnect (Career Returners) in London employer: DAC Beachcroft
Join our prestigious London-based Construction Professional Indemnity team, where you will be part of a collaborative and dynamic work culture that values professional growth and development. As a Junior Project Associate, you will have the opportunity to work on complex, high-value matters alongside experienced colleagues, gaining invaluable insights into the construction and insurance sectors. With a strong focus on employee well-being and a hybrid working model, we offer a supportive environment that encourages innovation and teamwork, making us an excellent employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land DACB Reconnect (Career Returners) in London
✨Get Involved in Legal Networking Events
Jump into local or virtual legal networking events to meet industry pros and get your foot in the door! Use platforms like Eventbrite or Meetup to find gatherings, as these are great for making connections and hearing about temporary roles at firms like DAC Beachcroft.
✨Showcase Your Skills Online
Create a simple online portfolio to showcase your legal work, whether that's case briefs, research papers, or even blog posts on legal topics. This public display can really set you apart when looking for temp roles in law, especially if you can make it relevant to the work that DAC Beachcroft does!
✨Tap into Law School Resources
If you're near a law school, hit up their career services. They often have leads on temporary positions and can help connect you with alumni working at firms. Plus, they might host workshops or job fairs specific to the legal sector—great for scoring that temp position!
✨Stay Updated with Legal Job Boards
Regularly check specialised legal job boards like LawCareers.Net or TotallyLegal for temporary listings. Many firms post their openings directly there, and applying quickly can give you an edge over the competition when looking to join a prestigious firm like DAC Beachcroft.
We think you need these skills to ace DACB Reconnect (Career Returners) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Legal Know-How:In the legal services world, it's all about demonstrating your understanding of relevant laws and regulations. Make sure your CV highlights your legal training, internships, or any relevant projects you've worked on. If you've done any mooting or legal research, include those too - they can really set you apart!
Tailor Your Application for the Temp Role:Since this is a temporary position, your application should stress your adaptability and readiness to jump in right away. Highlight any previous temp roles where you quickly got up to speed, or any diverse experiences that show you can handle a variety of cases or tasks with ease.
Keep it Specific with Your Documents:Make sure your application includes essential legal documents, such as any relevant certifications or memberships in legal bodies. These can add credibility to your CV and show that you're serious about the profession – especially useful in a competitive field like law!
Express Your Enthusiasm in the Cover Letter:Your cover letter is a golden opportunity to express your enthusiasm for the role and the organisation. Let them know why you’re excited about this temporary position with DAC Beachcroft and how you're motivated to contribute to their success during your limited time with them!
How to prepare for a job interview at DAC Beachcroft
✨Show Off Your Legal Know-How
Prepare to discuss your understanding of legal terminology and concepts that might come up during the interview for the DACB Reconnect (Career Returners) role at DAC Beachcroft. Brush up on relevant laws or recent cases that could be pertinent to the temporary position, as they'll likely appreciate candidates who can think on their feet and adapt to the fast-paced legal environment.
✨Talk About Your Flexibility
Since this is a temporary role, employers want to know you can hit the ground running. Be ready to highlight past experiences where you've had to quickly adapt to new tasks or work cultures. Flexibility is key in a short-term position like this, so share specific examples that demonstrate your ability to manage changing priorities efficiently.
✨Prepare for the Casework Challenge
You might face hypothetical scenarios where you'd have to advise on a legal issue or case. Practice articulating your thought process clearly, as interviewers in the legal sector often expect candidates to walk them through their reasoning step-by-step. This will not only showcase your legal acumen but also demonstrate your communication skills, which are crucial in law.
✨Pitch Your Legal Portfolio
If you have any relevant work samples, such as briefs, contracts, or legal research, this is your chance to shine! Be ready to discuss what you did, what challenges you faced, and the outcomes. This speaks volumes more than just listing your skills; it shows you're proactive and results-oriented, which is essential for a temporary role at DAC Beachcroft.
