Inside Look at Law Firms

AN INSIDE LOOK AT

2012 EDITION
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Exceptional service
to exceptional clients
Slaughter and May is widely regarded as one of the most
prestigious law firms in the world. Because of our reputation
for excellence, we are often appointed as legal advisers to
leading companies on high profile and landmark
international transactions.
If you want to work on complex and challenging deals for
high calibre clients, and have a good 2:1 degree or better
(not necessarily in law), then this could be the firm for you.

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To find out more about career opportunities,
visit slaughterandmay.com

AN INSIDE LOOK AT

2012 EDITION
info:
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A big thank you to our sponsOrs

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INTRODUCTION
Welcome to the 2012 edition of our guide An Inside Look at Law Firms!
If finding a job in law wasn’t already difficult enough, securing a training contract following a global
recession really is a tough nut to crack. With vacancies at a premium and more and more graduates looking, it’s vital you are not only qualified, but also prepared and well informed.
This is where we can help you out. This guide will tell you everything you need to know about the top
players in law, in the words of their very own trainees and solicitors. This year 37 law firms have participated in our survey, so you’ll get to hear the thoughts of 1,057 trainees and solicitors.
In these pages you can find out exactly what it’s like to work at each firm, and what you can expect from
life as a trainee. Get detailed and honest info on topics ranging from the hours, training and working
environment to the interview process and much more. You’ll read the best insider tips and advice that
you can’t find anywhere else to help you find the firm that is right for you.
Best of luck with your job search!
The Inside Buzz team

6

Inside Buzz puts a new spin on the way graduates and job seekers research companies and careers. We
provide quotes from those in the know, the employees. Year round we survey thousands of employees
to hear what they think of their jobs – everything from the hours to company culture, perks to salaries,
and interviews to career progression. This helps to give you a real taste of what working at a certain
company is like. We publish the good, the bad, and the ugly. No company ever pays to have their profile
and employee reviews included on our website nor in our guides. We also refresh our profiles and
quotes regularly so all of the information is always up-to-date.

INTRODUCTION

ABOUT INSIDE BUZZ

Inside Buzz is on a mission to give you the tools to make informed decisions about your career.
On www.insidebuzz.co.uk, you will find:
>> 1,000s of quotes from current employees
>> Over 150 in-depth company profiles
>> Company interview advice and tips on getting hired
>> Engaging career articles, news and jobs
Inside Buzz publishes print and digital career guides, updated and distributed every year to students at
all major UK universities. 2012 editions include: An Inside Look at Accounting, An Inside Look at Consulting, An Inside Look at Investment Banking, An Inside Look at Investment Banks, An Inside Look at Law
Firms, An Inside Look at Graduate Employers.

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WHAT’S IN THIS GUIDE?
This guide walks you through the top law firms
offering training contracts and vacation schemes in
the UK. Profiles are split into sections; here is the
rundown as to what each part will tell you about
the firm:

ONE LINER

Seats
Trainees tell us about the seat options at their
firm (the number, departments, locations, secondments, etc.)

PROS & CONS

Formal Training
The lowdown on how training programmes are organised, whether there is time to attend and what
skills are taught, etc.

THE STATS

Informal Training & Mentoring
How accessible partners and senior solicitors are,
whether they make good mentors, and the lessons
and skills they’ve passed on, etc.

While not necessarily condensed into one line, this
will give you a snapshot of the firm.

The highlights of what trainees and solicitors have
to say about their firm.

Facts and figures, salaries, departments and
practices, locations, and the all important graduate
recruitment info.

QUOTES

Career Prospects
We ask what it takes to make it to the top of the
firm (the work, reviews, promotions, etc.).

Current employees have their say! A selection
of quotes collected from our trainee and
solicitor surveys, broken out into the following
sub-headings:

Where do you see yourself over the course of the
next 5-10 years?
Solicitors talk about what doors a career in law
had opened for them.

LIFE ON THE JOB
Satisfaction with work
We ask about the level of responsibility assigned,
satisfaction with the work allocated, and the
amount of contact with partners and clients.

Pro Bono
We ask whether pro bono counts towards billable
hours, if there is a minimum quota, and for specific
examples of projects.

What does your typical day involve?
Solicitors and trainees provide a glimpse of what
they get up to at the office.
Culture
A look at the firm’s structure, how teams work
together, and whether employees go for drinks
after work.

8

Partner / Solicitor Relations
We ask how trainees and solicitors are treated by
individual partners, as well as by the firm partnership as a whole.

Green Initiatives
We enquire about policies and attitudes towards
energy use, recycling, going paperless, etc.
Diversity
Employees speak on diversity with respect to
women, ethnicity and LGBT, and comment on
recruitment, retention, promotion, child care, and
maternity leave.

How prepared do you feel to practise law upon
qualification?
Trainees share their thoughts on their training
contract upcoming qualification.
HOURS, PAY & PERKS
Hours
We ask how many hours are billed per month, how
many hours are spent on average in the office and
how flexible the firm is (part-time, leave policies,
purchasing additional holiday etc.).
Salary
Trainees and solicitors comment on the all important topic of compensation.

THE BUZZ ON GETTING HIRED

You’ve had the what; this is the how! Tips and
advice on the application and interview process
based on our research and what employees have
told us.

FIRM PROFILE

A comprehensive overview of the firm’s history,
business structure, CSR and pro bono work.

ARTICLES & ADVICE

There is also a selection of the best law-related
articles from our website in this guide.

FEATURED EMPLOYERS

Minuses
And the flip-side, what they dislike the most.

You’ll occasionally come across a full page colour
advert and a page listing graduate opportunities
next to the company profiles. You’ll also find QR
codes over which you can scan your smartphone
to directly access the employer’s website. This is
the only sponsored info we feature; companies
have paid to have this information listed. After all,
we also have to make money and pay our bills. So
a big thank you to our sponsors, without whom
free distribution of the guide would not have been
made possible.

Fun Facts
Quirky or little-known facts about the firms.

For 1,000s more quotes, visit:

Perks
A rundown of the best perks!
Pluses
What employees like the most about their firm.

GETTING HIRED
Interviews & Applications
Trainees and solicitors talk about their interviews
and assessment days (How many rounds? Who did
they interview with? What format did the interview follow?).

WHAT’S IN THIS GUIDE?

Offices & Dress Code
A survey on the dos and don’ts of office dress,
and the facilities provided (gym, swimming pool,
cafeteria, etc.).

www.insidebuzz.co.uk

Tips & Advice
Vital employee tips for potential candidates looking to get their foot in the door.
What made you choose your firm?
Trainees and solicitors tell us their reasons for joining their firm.

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IN THIS GUIDE...
Allen & Overy
Berwin Leighton Paisner
Bond Pearce
Brabners Chaffe Street
Clifford Chance
DLA Piper
DWF
Herbert Smith
Hill Dickinson
Hogan Lovells
Ince & Co
Jones Day
Kirkland & Ellis International
Latham & Watkins

Mayer Brown
Mills & Reeve
Nabarro
Norton Rose
Olswang
Osborne Clarke
Shoosmiths
Sidley Austin
Slaughter and May
SNR Denton
Travers Smith
Trowers & Hamlins
Weil, Gotshal & Manges

AND COMING SOON...
Cleary Gottlieb
Clyde & Co
Dorsey & Whitney
Eversheds
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer

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Irwin Mitchell
McGrigors
Penningtons
Simmons & Simmons
Walker Morris

2!
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career news & web
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from around th
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• Find out wh p of the
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engage
• Connect and people
with the right

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ALLEN & OVERY
Magic Circle incumbent Allen & Overy is not only one of the UK’s most prestigious law firms, but also
one of the largest in the world in terms of revenue. With 39 offices across 27 countries, the firm employs
over 2,500 lawyers worldwide.

•
•
•
•
•
•

PROS

Top quality work and high-profile deals
A great name to have on your CV
No pressure for face time
The training is amongst the best in the City
Good compensation and perks for a UK firm
Very friendly atmosphere and ‘incredible
support staff’

THE STATS
No. of lawyers firm-wide: 2,500+
No. of lawyers in London: 1,058
London partners: 186
London solicitors: 620
London trainee intake: 104
London trainees retained: 91% (March 2012)
Approx. no. of applications per year: 2,000

BASE SALARY
LONDON 2011
1st year trainee: £38,000
2nd year trainee: £43,200
Newly qualified: £61,000
1 year PQE: £68,000
2 years PQE: £74,000
3 years PQE: £85,000

DEPARTMENTS & PRACTICES
Antitrust & EU • Banking • Corporate • Employment
& Benefits • Energy & Infrastructure • Environment &
Climate Change • Finance • Industry Sectors • Insurance
• Intellectual Property • International Capital Markets •
Litigation & Dispute Resolution • Real Estate • Regulatory
• Restructuring & Insolvency • Tax • US Law

LOCATIONS
No. of offices: 39
Abu Dhabi • Amsterdam • Antwerp • Athens • Bangkok

12

•
•
•
•

CONS

Hours can be long and unpredictable
Not a great deal of client contact for trainees
The unpredictability of your workload
Not that flexible when it comes to seat choices,
though there is a wide range of overseas seats
• The ladder to making partner is steep

• Beijing • Belfast • Bratislava • Brussels • Bucharest*
• Budapest • Casablanca • Doha • Dubai • Düsseldorf •
Frankfurt • Hamburg • Hong Kong • Jakarta* • London •
Luxembourg • Madrid • Mannheim • Milan • Moscow •
Munich • New York • Paris • Perth • Prague • Riyadh* •
Rome • São Paulo • Shanghai • Singapore • Sydney • Tokyo
• Warsaw • Washington, DC
*associated office
LONDON OFFICE (HQ)
One Bishops Square
London E1 6AO
Tel: +44 (0)20 3088 0000
www.allenovery.com

GRADUATE RECRUITMENT INFO
CONTACT: [email protected]
Application Deadlines:
Training Contracts:
31 July 2012 (for law undergraduates and law graduates
for training contracts commencing in March 2014 and
September 2014)
15 January 2013 (for final year non-law undergraduates
and graduates for training contracts commencing in March
2015 and September 2015)
Vacation Schemes:
Winter: 31 October 2012
Summer: 15 January 2013

LIFE ON THE JOB
Satisfaction with Work

“Responsibility is readily available and trainees
absolutely have the opportunity to run with what
they have. Once you’ve demonstrated yourself
to be competent, there is a huge amount of
responsibility available for the taking – e.g. be
primary point of contact for clients, run own
(small!) transactions, organise and run signings,
draft documents, review drafts, all the liaising with
local counsel and the counsel for the other side.”
First year trainee
“Tends to be a steady stream of fairly
uninteresting trainee work (running CP processes,
company searches, etc.), but enough more
challenging work that you can actually learn from
(drafting, calls, etc.) thrown in. Little direct contact
with partners unless you sit with one – you will
usually end up liaising with whichever junior
associate is assisting the partner on the deal.
Some client contact, but usually only by email.
Nature of the deals/transactions exposed to is
varied, very high-end and interesting.”
First year trainee
“The quality of work varies greatly depending
on who gives you it. Junior associates are usually
much more willing to give large responsibility
to trainees, whilst partners will only delegate
research and admin tasks that far down (for
example, doing company research). In 4 months
I have been to one client meeting with a junior
associate, but my senior associate trainer appears
to have no intention of allowing me any client
contact at all. The cases, transactions and deals
are huge, so there is no prospect of running
these alone.”
First year trainee

“I am given a huge amount of responsibility
compared to my peers. My supervisor is excellent
and is always happy to check my work if I am in
any way unsure. Being given responsibility is the
best way to learn quickly, however, this can make
life very stressful. This is my first seat at the firm
and I have learnt a tremendous amount in a
very short period and my confidence increases
every day. I have been involved in a wide variety
of deals.”
First year trainee

ALLEN & OVERY

QUOTES

What does your typical day at work involve?
“A few stray winding-up and company searches;
checking and amending CP docs such as board
minutes and company certificates; drafting fee
letters, accessions, notices, etc.; correspondence/
calls with local counsel and clients to keep the
transaction moving/resolve any issues; internal
briefings and discussions with associates.”
First year trainee

“There is no typical day. I have been asked to
write research notes and have drafted letters to
opposing counsel, clients, barristers, mediators.
I have drafted petitions to court and applications
to arbitral tribunals. I have contributed to a vast
document review exercise and created bundles of
documents, amongst other things.”
First year trainee
“Travelling to meetings (local and abroad), client
events in the evening, marketing, transactional
work such as drafting documents, managing
conditions precedent and transaction timetable,
first drafts of credit agreements and intercreditors,
reviewing comments on the same, etc.”
Newly qualified solicitor, Banking

13

“Drafting or commenting on documents, reviewing
comments from the other side, perhaps some
research into specific points that have come up on
a deal.”
Newly qualified solicitor, Capital Markets

Partner/Solicitor Relations

“Solicitors are informed on a departmental level
– either by email updates (e.g. recent awards,
rankings, annual performance) and a global level
– intranet articles, etc. There are also annual calls
in respect of strategy, annual results, etc. where
you can ask senior partners questions on any issue
you want (questions and attendees are arranged
by ballot). Important decisions involving the firm
are also transmitted personally – e.g. meetings
concerning the redundancy process from a couple
of years ago were held for each level of staff
in the firm.”
Newly qualified solicitor, Banking

Culture

“Trainees have an active social life. We tend to
congregate in the bar after work on a Friday and
there are plenty of socials. On a more daily level,
we catch up for coffee and there is always a large
group of trainees to sit with at lunch time. We
also support each other by sharing know-how and
helping out with each other’s work loads when
appropriate. There is also a liaison committee
where views can be aired with HR and the
training supervisor.”
First year trainee
“Trainees are incredibly supportive of one another
at this firm. Good natured, great fun, down to
earth and tolerant of everyone’s differences,
strengths and weaknesses. I socialise outside of
work with some of the trainees and have made
a few incredibly close friends out of my trainee
intake who I see on a regular basis at weekends.
Both departments I have sat in have been lovely.
I have had some of the nicest, most entertaining
trainers imaginable. I am really impressed by how
pleasant people here are.”
First year trainee

14

“The firm has an open-minded and innovative
culture. Colleagues are willing to support each
other in every respect and the staff, on the whole,
are extremely knowledgeable and friendly. Most
trainees are supportive, but some are just looking
to get ahead, dump their un-interesting work on
someone else and take the better tasks. Trainees
do socialise together, but largely in cliques rather
than all at once (it’s a big intake!). The trainee
intake (and workforce generally) is not very
diverse or sensitive to diversity – this can make
things uncomfortable for those few of a different
class/race/sexual orientation or gender identity,
but (unfortunately) I do not believe that this is
worse here than at any other City firm, and is
most probably slightly better.”
First year trainee

Seats

“Aside from the priority seat, it can be difficult to
get a seat in a “niche” area. Very wide range of
overseas seats, though some are very popular and
therefore difficult to get.”
First year trainee
“At least 4 seats of 6 months each, one of
which can be spent on client secondment or
international secondment with an overseas A&O
office (huge choice e.g. NY, Sydney, Budapest,
Paris, Dubai, etc). Also possible to do 3-month
seats in some departments though generally
people are less keen on this as it’s difficult to
get up to speed and impress colleagues in such
a short period of time, so people worry about
qualification prospects. Have to spend 12 months
in the ‘core practice areas’ – which makes sense
given that’s what the firm specialises in. When
you also factor in secondment (which is generally
though not always in a seat you have already sat
in) and the SRA requirement to gain experience in
three distinct practice areas, there doesn’t seem
to be much leeway. HR is very accommodating
though and seat planning info is readily available
from an early stage.”
First year trainee

Formal Training

“Training sessions are very organised and
structured. They are run in-house and all the
materials and teachers are excellent. The firm is
serious about us attending and in terms of the
skills that I have acquired, these vary from code of
conduct rules, accountancy issues, how to present
yourself to clients, to information on the financial
industry. We also have group training sessions
which normally involve updates to the relevant
area of law that the particular department
practices in.”
Second year trainee
“Training, on the whole, is very good though our
bespoke LPC in particular did well to prepare us
for working life. Compulsory PSC training is not
always as relevant. The firm gets excellent people
in to take the sessions so we get as much out
of it as possible. Lots of update meetings, huge
amounts of know-how circulating and professional
support lawyers on hand to help. Library on the
ball with keeping you updated with the relevant
news updates.”
First year trainee
“Time is always an issue, as sometimes work
dictates that you can’t just up and leave. To
that end, most of the lectures are recorded and
available for watching at a more suitable time in
order to ensure that nobody suffers as a result of
not being able to attend.”
First year trainee

Informal Training & Mentoring

“Informal training is easy to receive. For example,
you can ring and have someone give you oneon-one training at your desk for IT or document
production training. There are also numerous
lunch time sessions for both departmental training
and personal training (for example on the systems
we use).”
First year trainee

ALLEN & OVERY

“Typically, trainees do four seats. There is a wide
variety of departments to sit in such corporate,
banking, international capital markets, tax,
litigation, employment and pensions and real
estate. You have a great deal of choice, but
need to sit two ‘core’ areas which are corporate,
banking and ICM. There is an option to complete
your fourth seat abroad.”
First year trainee

“Senior lawyers are generally accessible; they
can be intimidating and perhaps it requires a bit
of nerve to approach them, but they are, in my
experience, always very forthcoming. Don’t really
have a mentoring system though; providing your
relationship with your supervisor is good, then it
is common to maintain contact and discuss with
them aspects of your training contract. Learning a
lot. Fast!”
First year trainee
“Very easy to receive informal training and
the open door policy means everyone is
approachable, and always willing to take the time
to discuss matters with you – whether that is deal
related or just general advice about seat planning,
qualification, etc.”
Second year trainee
“My trainer is fantastic and will answer any
questions I have, as well as give me regular
informal feedback. Partners genuinely have an
open door policy and are very accessible. The
main lesson I have learnt is the importance of
attention to detail.”
First year trainee

Pro Bono

“World bank research tasks, legal advice clinics,
soup kitchens, Red Cross disaster relief research
and report task, attending CV workshop for
graduates without a job.”
Newly qualified solicitor, Banking

15

“25 hours pro bono per year count towards
billable; lots of opportunities to get involved in
legal and community pro bono work. Personally, I
have been involved in the Whitechapel breakfast
mission, Smart Start programme, mentoring and
giving practice job interviews at local schools.”
Junior solicitor, Litigation

Green Initiatives

“All cups are now compostable and you can
bring your own cup to get discounted coffee
at our wonderful Italian coffee shop. There are
recycling facilities and posters about energy saving
everywhere. Lights turn off automatically. We are
a very green firm and a huge effort has been put
in to reduce our carbon footprints.”
First year trainee
“There are a lot of environmental signs around the
office, but paper waste is as high as at any other
firm! Biodegradable cups and environmental taps.
A new campaign to make everyone bring in their
own mug. Good facilities for cyclists to park.”
First year trainee
“The firm is obsessed with it – seems to be doing
everything they can. We have our own water
purifying plant so we fill our own glass bottles,
everything is recycled.”
First year trainee

Diversity

“There have been massive efforts made to ensure
that women are treated equally, including allowing
flexible working patterns for women and ensuring
that maternity leave is updated. There are also
good networks for LGBTUA members of staff.
However, there is still a significant bias towards
public schooling, Oxbridge educations and wealthy
backgrounds.”
First year trainee

16

“The maternity policy is bad. It was awful and
slight improvements have been made. The firm is
keen to emphasise in the press its commitment
to keeping its best lawyers regardless of gender,
but in reality I have seen very little to encourage
this. A huge number of female associates seem
to leave after having children and it appears to be
incredibly difficult to get the partnership to agree
to part time working at any level.”
First year trainee
“Very strong racial diversity. The firm has a very
strong mix of different ethnic backgrounds.
However, socially they are not very diverse
with relatively few people from non-affluent
backgrounds.”
First year trainee

Offices & Dress CODE

“The office is brilliant. It has everything you
could need and being right on the doorstep of
Spitalfields Markets means there are a whole
host of restaurants, bars and shops available.
Commuting is pretty easy too, with Shoreditch
High Street Overground and Liverpool Street
Station a couple of minutes away. The dress code
varies from department to department. In some
departments you will be expected to wear a suit,
whilst in others chinos will suffice.”
First year trainee
“The office is incredible. The artwork adds colour
and vibrancy and we often have exhibitions in
the foyer. The office is an inspiring environment
to be part of and it’s great to be in such a
fantastic location in Spitalfields. The gym,
restaurant, outdoor terraces, on-site GP, dentist,
physiotherapist and dry cleaner make our office
unbeatable! I use all facilities regularly and am
extremely grateful to be able to have access to
them. The roof terraces are particularly impressive
with rare views across London and immaculately
preened plants. The dress code is business casual
and people tend to be smart, yet comfortable.”
First year trainee

How prepared do you feel to practise law
upon qualification?
“I feel that I will be in a good position if I qualify
here. Whilst I will not know everything about the
practice area, the support system and know-how
network available will hopefully mean that I don’t
struggle.”
First year trainee
“I think it will be an enormous jump. There are
always people to help you out though.”
First year trainee
“Better prepared each day, but definitely with
LOADS still to learn...”
First year trainee
“Graduate recruitment has just been cut by
around 15 places, and there are a large number
of trainees in their final seat who have either not
been offered a qualification post or who have
been asked to qualify abroad. So not very.”
First year trainee

SALARY, HOURS & PERKS
Hours

“It is inevitable that hours are long at times, but
this is very much dictated by business need.
Trainees are encouraged to go home as early as
they can when possible and you are not expected
to stay in the office just to show your face if you

have nothing to do. Hours eventually balance
out as a busy period will be contrasted by more
reasonable hours later in your training contract.
Initially, I worked many more hours than I
expected, but now I work less than I expected. On
average, I work around 50 hours per week.”
First year trainee

ALLEN & OVERY

“Office is stunning. The roof gardens are
stunning. The facilities are first class. The gym and
sports hall are brilliantly equipped. Location by
Spitalfields market is fantastic. Firm deserves great
credit for its offices. No ties in the office unless
meeting clients.”
Second year trainee

“Average working week is 50-60 hours, comprised
of billable and non-billable (e.g. know-how,
marketing, pitch documents, etc.) hours. This is
what I expected. Occasionally, there can be 100hour weeks, but these usually balance out. The
key is that you are given responsibility to manage
your workload, and as long as you are meeting the
deadlines you are given for your work, there is no
need to hang around the office trying to look busy.
This is actively discouraged. If you have no work,
you go home. If you want to go to the gym in the
afternoon, you go.”
Second year trainee
“The hours are long, but this was expected and
is honestly not as bad as it sounds. It is actually
worse when you are quiet with work, as the time
drags. My average week normally consists of
working 9:30am – 7:30pm. However, when my
deal was closing I had two weeks of 8am – 11pm
as standard, along with working on a Sunday. But
it was actually pretty enjoyable, and the adrenalin
definitely keeps you going!”
First year trainee
“48 hours on average per week. The hours are not
as bad as the horror stories lead you to believe.
Late nights are the exception rather than the
norm and are only taken when necessary. This
does differ between departments, but trainees
should also be wary of thinking that they should
stay beyond 6.30pm when they have finished their
work. Opportunities to leave at a decent hour
should be taken wherever possible as there will be
occasions where an early finish is not possible.”
Second year trainee

17

Salary

“I am pretty satisfied with my compensation.
Not only are we paid well, but the added benefits
beyond the salary really make an impact. In
addition to healthcare and insurance, the
subsidised food and subsidised bar probably
save me the best part of £50 a week, which
quickly adds up. Saving on a gym membership
due to the firm having a free gym on site is also
an added bonus.”
First year trainee
“At times, the hourly rate can be disappointing
given the number of hours worked, but it is
entirely fair that trainees are paid the same
regardless of how many hours they work.”
First year trainee
“We are very well compensated as trainees –
obviously it looks absolutely abysmal when you
work it out as an hourly rate in a week where
you’ve billed 100 hours, but the remuneration
packages increase quickly after qualification and I
think on the whole they are just.”
First year trainee
“Pay is competitive amongst the Magic Circle and
better than all other English law firms. Pay still
significantly lags behind American firms. Bonus
at my level is a fixed award, based on the firm’s
performance – can be up to 10% of your salary.”
Newly qualified solicitor, Banking

Perks

“Huge 6th floor roof terrace with a subsidised bar!
Free dinner after 7pm, free taxi after 9.30pm. Free
gym in the basement with 5-a-side football court
and sauna. On-site doctor, physio and beautician.”
First year trainee
“Corporate box in the O2/Wembley – but you
have to go with clients! Some departments have
weekly (free) drinks where there is a department
tab in Lavanda (the A&O bar).”
First year trainee

18

“Secondment perks are excellent: uplift, free
accommodation, free flight out and return flight,
one free flight back, free flights for training with
which there is a degree of flexibility. You stay in
top hotels and can eat at top restaurants, access
to seats/boxes at sporting events (although
sometimes some costs are payable towards these
if not client related).”
Newly qualified solicitor, Banking
“Free gym in the office, fun bar, day off for moving
house, two extra days off when you get married.”
Junior solicitor, Litigation

Pluses

“The people, without a doubt. I am working with
my friends, which definitely makes the experience
that much more enjoyable. The subsidised bar and
the free gym come a close 2nd and 3rd.”
First year trainee
“Everyone is friendly and understands workloads.
There is no pressure for face time.”
First year trainee
“Status of working for such a highly regarded firm.
Most of the people here are a pleasure to work
with. Closing high-profile deals can be exciting.”
First year trainee
“Top deals, working with best lawyers in their
field, good compensation, nice offices, good and
ongoing training programme.”
First year trainee
“The people I work with are intellectually
phenomenal, but also very nice to work with. The
outdoor roof terrace on a sunny day.”
First year trainee

Minuses

“The hours. An inherent part of the job and
completely expected, but it is a bit galling when
it is a Friday night and 5.30pm comes around and
you still have work on your desk!”
First year trainee

“The office has so many facilities that you rarely
need to leave and you feel like you live here.”
First year trainee
“The hours are unpredictable and it is difficult to
plan things. Potentially not that much job security
on qualification as many of the current crop of
fourth seaters have been offered jobs abroad
instead of in London. There is often not much
transparency on this kind of thing from a trainee
perspective. I don’t think they are as flexible as
some firms regarding seat planning.”
First year trainee
“Unpredictability of workload – but this is also a
positive as no two days are the same.”
First year trainee

Fun Facts

“We are the only firm that I know of with an
on-site bar. Apparently, if you go to Moscow
on secondment in your fourth seat, you get an
allowance to buy warmer clothes.”
First year trainee
“There’s a Hummingbird bakery only 3 streets
away.”
First year trainee
“A&O was the firm advising on the abdication of
Edward VIII.”
First year trainee
“There is a real passion for cakes here.”
First year trainee
“I’ve learned that being chirpy is a valuable asset;
stay positive, no matter what!”
First year trainee

INTERVIEWS & APPLICATIONS
Interviews & Assessments

“After completing the online application form for
my vacation scheme I was invited to interview.
The interview was in two parts. Firstly, there was a
general interview for 30 minutes to discuss my CV
and application. This was followed by a 45-minute
discussion on a case study, which tested my
business awareness and problem solving abilities.
Following the formal interview process, I was
given a tour of the office and had a coffee with
a trainee.”
First year trainee

ALLEN & OVERY

“Long hours, the odd partner’s inability to
manage people.”
Second year trainee

“I had my first interview for the vac scheme
which I found really tough. There was an HR
interview, and then an interview with a partner/
senior associate who asked you questions about
a 16-page document you had 45 minutes to read.
So quite gruelling. I had my training contract
interview on the vacation scheme and it was much
more relaxed, more of a chat about the vacation
scheme experience.”
First year trainee
“I interviewed with 2 partners; the first partner
conducted a general interview, based on my
application. I had to present to the second
partner a case study, namely the possible risks
and advantages of buying a certain business. The
questions were quite probing; be prepared to talk
about the bad points of your CV!”
First year trainee
“Interview for a vac scheme had two stages: an
in-depth personal interview with a partner; and
a very challenging case study with a different
partner. Case study comprised a lengthy document
which you are required to read in 20 minutes
(there is barely enough time to speed read to the
end of the document) and then present advice to
the partner as if the partner was the ‘client’. It is a
difficult exercise.”
Second year trainee

19

“Difficult – but not harder than it needs to be;
online application form and an interview. No
assessment days, etc. The firm assumes that you
have the relevant intelligence once it has vetted
the paper applications. The focus in the interview
is how you will fit into the culture of the firm and
then there is a quasi-legal exercise to test your
ability to think logically, rationally and on your
feet.”
Newly qualified solicitor, Banking

Tips & Advice

“People with broad horizons and lots of interests.
Lots of extracurricular activities are really
important at A&O. They are big on pro bono and
volunteering. I think most people that are hired
are quite fun and friendly. There are specific
grade requirements; check the grad recruitment
website. There aren’t specific uni requirements
with respect to which one you went to. A&O is big
on inclusivity, and as long as you have good grades
and skills you won’t lose out because you’ve not
been to a red brick university.”
First year trainee
“I think the firm is interested in people who
work well with others, are confident (but not too
confident) and who have a real interest in the
area. Be personable and friendly. Also, be honest
– if you have a disappointment in your CV, talk
about it, why it happened and how you learned
from it. Read the FT/business pages before your
interview, so you can talk about what’s happening
in the market.”
First year trainee
“Generally, I describe the typical A&O trainee as
someone that is friendly, outgoing and personable
that you can put in a room with a FTSE 100 CEO
or housekeeper and will treat them exactly the
same.”
First year trainee

20

“I would advise researching the firm, looking at
any recent cases/clients that the firm had been
involved with. Candidates should be enthusiastic,
hard working, organised, proactive and show
knowledge about what training at the firm
involves.”
Second year trainee

What made you choose your firm?

“The people! When you work hard and long hours,
the only thing that takes the edge off is the fun
and friendly people around you. Out of the firms
that I experienced, A&O had the most people that
I would enjoy spending my time with. That’s the
key for me.”
First year trainee
“I was lucky enough to have had offers from
A&O and two other Magic Circle firms. From
my experiences on the vacation scheme, A&O
seemed the most social and welcoming working
environment, which was very important to
me. I have had great experiences with the firm
throughout the last few years; from sponsoring my
rugby team at university to financially rewarding
my degree and LPC results, they have always had a
genuine interest, showing my decision was clearly
a good one.”
First year trainee
“As with all big firms you get to work on the
top deals, excellent training, excellent salary
and perks, etc. A&O differentiated itself when I
interviewed by being interested in me and my
story – I really got the feeling that they wanted to
get to know me and not just tick boxes on their
form. I left with an impression that people that
worked at A&O enjoy the work and working with
the people. I found this to ring true throughout my
trainee and NQ career.”
Newly qualified solicitor, Banking
“Definitely seemed the most welcoming of
somebody who didn’t go to a Russell Group
university.”
First year trainee

Allen & Overy is keen to emphasise that while it
demands a strong academic background, it’s not just
focused on the Oxbridge elite. A look at its graduate
pool paints a colourful picture of candidates from
a wide range of academic institutions and diverse
backgrounds. Current trainees say ‘good academics,
social skills and business awareness are all key’, but
equally you should be ‘hard working, organised and
proactive’. A&O is known for its ‘work hard/play
hard’ culture and the firm only takes on trainees that
can keep up with its fast-paced environment. If this
sounds a little intimidating, don’t be put off.
All of the trainees in our survey agreed that A&O ‘is
a genuinely friendly firm’ and most trainees
‘are quite fun’.
A&O trainees tell us how ‘there is a wide variety of
departments to sit in’, such as real estate, litigation
and employment; but keep in mind that you will
have to complete two of your four six month seats in
the firm’s core departments – international capital
markets, banking and corporate. The training at
Allen & Overy is described by trainees as ‘absolutely
fantastic’ and one of ‘the best offered among UK law
firms’. In addition, there is a ‘huge range of client
secondments and secondments in overseas offices’
available. The firm gives its trainees the option to
go abroad for their final seat, to locations such as
Sydney, Dubai, Paris, New York or Budapest.
So what can you expect from the application
process? It’s relatively straightforward: with no
psychometric testing, verbal reasoning tests, group
exercises or assessment days. Instead candidates
are judged on a one-to-one basis through interviews
which include a case study exercise. The initial stage
requires you to fill in an online application form,
quizzing you on your background and CV. Make the
cut and you’ll be invited to two rounds of interviews;
as you might expect for a Magic Circle firm, one
trainee say it’s ‘very competitive’ to even land
an interview.
The first interview is more general and will focus on
your CV and business acumen. It is usually with a

partner or senior associate who will want to cover
your personal qualifications and experiences to
assess your motivation, skills and knowledge. Make
sure you can articulately explain your reasons for
applying to Allen & Overy and this is important.
Be prepared for questions such as ‘how do you
demonstrate you’re interested in business?’, ‘what
have you read in the FT/Economist recently which
interested you?’ or ‘what do you know about
our competition?’.

ALLEN & OVERY

THE BUZZ ON GETTING HIRED

For the second round, A&O trainees say to expect
a ‘45-minute discussion on a case study’, which
will heavily test your commercial awareness and
problem solving abilities. You’ll be asked to speed
read a lengthy document in 20 minutes, which
you will then have to present to your interviewer.
The presentation is followed by a discussion
about key points from the case study. This can
be ‘quite gruelling’ – you will be asked lots of
detailed questions about the document. But try
not to worry – questions are described as ‘fair and
thought provoking’ and interviewers do their best
to make ‘you feel at ease’. After you’ve finished both
interviews, you will be given a tour of the offices by a
current trainee.

Vacation Schemes

Allen & Overy also offers vacation schemes;
these often provide a springboard to landing a
training contract with the firm. There are summer
programmes available for penultimate year
students, and winter programmes for grads and
career changers, offering 65 students each year
the opportunity to get their hands dirty and gain
some real work experience. Summer schemes
run for three weeks while the winter ones are
shorter, lasting for only eight days. The firm also
offers international internships to 12 lucky students
who then spend their summer in New York, Hong
Kong, Dubai or Frankfurt. If you fancy one of these
international placements, a knowledge of the local
language is definitely a plus – especially if you’re
keen to go to the German office.

21

FIRM PROFILE
Representing one-fifth of the Magic Circle, Allen
& Overy is one of the UK’s oldest and most
prestigious law firms. A&O spreads its wings
across 39 offices and employs approximately
2,500 lawyers worldwide, including more than 500
partners. Best known for its banking, corporate
and international capital markets practices, A&O is
home to the largest number of American lawyers
outside of the US, creating a niche in advising
American clients overseas.
Founded in 1930 by George Allen and Thomas
Overy, the firm rose to prominence when, in 1936,
it advised on the abdication of King Edward VIII.
Since then, A&O has rarely been out of the legal
limelight. The firm advised on the first hostile
takeover in the so-called Aluminium Wars, and
in 1963 really staked its claim as a City brand by
drafting and developing the first Eurobond for the
Italian company Autostrade.

“The firm has even formed a global
alliance with the Red Cross, and is
helping them to promote new laws that
can speed up the international response
to natural disasters.”
The early 1980s saw investment banks branching
out and opening offices all around the world; the
law firms that represented them soon followed
suit and Allen & Overy was no exception. In 1978
the firm opened offices in Dubai and Brussels,
in 1985 it arrived in New York, and 2002 saw
the opening of its Shanghai office. In 2010 A&O
opened two Australian offices in Perth and Sydney,
and more recently established new branches in
Casablanca and Belfast, expanding its global reach
even further. The firm is now represented in all
the major financial centres across the world and

22

has one of the largest US presences of any UK
firm. In fact, 60% of A&O’s income now comes
from outside the UK.
Over the past few years, Allen & Overy has not
stopped growing and expanding in London, the
city where it all began. In 2005, A&O became
the first Magic Circle firm to convert to a Limited
Liability Partnership (LLP), meaning, among other
things, that the firm now has to periodically
publish its accounts. The following year, A&O
relocated from its iconic London headquarters,
opposite St Paul’s Cathedral, to new purpose built
offices near Liverpool Street. Not to be outdone in
the green-stakes, A&O’s new digs were installed
with 494 solar panels on the roof, generating
enough power for more than 200 laptops a year.

“Allen & Overy is one of the UK’s oldest
and most prestigious law firms.“
Although built on a foundation of banking and
finance, A&O’s lofty position is reinforced by
well established and reputed capital markets
and corporate law practices. As such, the firm’s
client list includes many of the world’s top
financial institutions. A&O’s banking and finance
solicitors advise over 800 corporate and financial
institutions. Other areas of expertise include
litigation and dispute resolution, employment and
benefits, tax and real estate.
Allen & Overy also casts a wide net in pro bono
and corporate responsibility matters: the firm’s
solicitors regularly act as trustees for local
charities, help primary schools in numeracy
and literacy projects, and mentor secondary
school pupils. The firm has even formed a global
alliance with the Red Cross, and is helping them
to promote new laws that can speed up the
international response to natural disasters.

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23

Berwin Leighton Paisner
Formed in 2001 by the merger of property firm Berwin Leighton, and commercial firm Paisner & Co,
and a vibrant firm with staple real estate, finance, tax and corporate practices, Berwin Leigton Paisner’s
recent history is marked by impressive growth.

PROS

• High levels of early responsibility and great
quality of work
• Collegiate, open and positive atmosphere
• Ambitious and forward-thinking firm
• Strong support network, so you ‘never feel
alone with something’
• Lots of communication from the top

•
•
•
•

CONS

Not a lot of freedom in your choice of seats
The office is split over two buildings
‘Can be hard work and long hours’ at times
No bonus scheme for trainees

THE STATS

LOCATIONS

No. of lawyers firm-wide: 730
No. of lawyers in London: 625
London partners: 190
London associates: 300
London trainee intake: 40
London trainees retained: 95% (2011), 88% (March 2012)

No. of offices: 9
Abu Dhabi • Berlin & Frankfurt • Brussels • Hong Kong •
London • Moscow* • Paris • Singapore
*The firm is named Goltsblat BLP in Russia

BASE SALARY
LONDON 2011
1st year trainee: £37,000
2nd year trainee: £40,000
Newly qualified: £58,000

DEPARTMENTS & PRACTICES
Commercial, TMT & Outsourcing • Competition • EU &
Trade • Corporate Finance • Dispute Resolution • Finance
• Human Resources • Intellectual Property • Real Estate •
Regulatory & Compliance • Restructuring & Insolvency •
Tax & Private Client

LONDON OFFICES
Adelaide House
London Bridge
London EC4R 9HA
Tel: +44 (0)20 7760 1000 or 020 3400 1000
St Magnus House
3 Lower Thames Street
London EC3R 6HE
Tel: +44 (0)20 7760 1000
www.blplaw.com

GRADUATE RECRUITMENT INFO
Graduate Recruitment Team
Email: [email protected]
Application Deadlines:
Training Contracts: 31st July 2012

24

LIFE ON THE JOB
Satisfaction with Work

“Throughout my first three seats I think I’ve
had some fantastic work. I’ve had regular client
contact, including attending meetings and acting
as the primary contact for the client on matters.
I have also been lucky enough to manage and
run small financing deals for one of the big
retail banks, which was a great experience. You
generally work for partners or senior associates
directly – if you prove yourself, they are generally
happy to let you run with tasks.”
Second year trainee
“You are given a lot of responsibility from the
first day, with meetings, telephone calls with
clients, taking primary responsibility for drafting
correspondence, attending strategy sessions and
undertaking research. The partners trust you to
get it right first time, so there is a good deal of
responsibility on your shoulders. You have direct
partner contact and can walk into any partner’s
office to ask questions or just to catch up. The
work is very good quality, at a high level, for
prestigious and demanding clients.”
First year trainee
“Although only in my third week, I have been
given work from almost every associate in the
department (and through them work by partners).
Associates and partners liaise with me directly
about arranging work. Every bit of work is on a
different topic and is very varied. I was emailing
clients almost from the beginning.”
First year trainee

What does your typical day at work involve?
“Research, training, sending correspondence to
clients, reviewing correspondence from other
solicitors and coming up with the first suggestions
for a response, which are usually followed. I
organise conference calls and meetings, take
documents to court and draft the relevant court
forms. There is never a spare minute to get bored,
it is full on but exciting.”
First year trainee

Berwin Leighton Paisner

QUOTES

“Depending on the deal, a typical day can
involve anything from ancillary document
drafting, managing the due diligence on a deal,
incorporating new companies, travelling to other
firms to meet about the disclosure process,
helping with post-completion matters and
Companies House searches and filing.”
First year trainee
“Day to day, I’ll attend client meetings, produce
notes following the meetings, take on the
file management role (i.e. making sure the
correspondence is up to date), do discrete
research tasks on matters; review key documents
and summarise them.”
Second year trainee

Culture

“Very much a collaborative approach – trainees
often get briefed about deal specifics, and brought
fully into the centre of the deal working within
set mini teams. Support structures not only form
in the trainee intake, but also in other trainee
intakes, and juniors in the team offer constant
hints and tips and people to ask for. Supervisors
are of a high standard and very interactive.
Trainees regularly socialise during the week and
on weekends, and the social life is a big plus.”
First year trainee

25

“The firm is very keen on building relationships
between different people and different
departments. All the trainees take the LPC
together in the same classes with a course based
around the firm’s precedents so that by the time
we start we are comfortable and well-acquainted
both with the firm and with each other. Trainees
tend to eat together (whether with their intake
or with others) and do make plans to go out.
There are a lot of inclusive firm activates such
as work drinks, a Friday afternoon drinks trolley,
sports clubs, charity events, quizzes, etc. Different
departments do seem to have different attitudes
to sociability and working environment though.”
First year trainee
“The culture here is the best thing about BLP and
is the most important thing the firm needs to
maintain as it develops and goes forward. All firms
say this, but here it is an open door firm without
a strict hierarchy. At social events there is no
distinction between lawyers and support staff or
between partners and trainees. The trainees are
generally a friendly bunch and because we have
a bespoke LPC (the LPC+) you are already friends
when you start so there is always someone around
to grab a drink with.”
Second year trainee
“Trainees socialise together a lot and are generally
very supportive of one another (so if an email
goes round requesting assistance, it is generally
given!).”
Second year trainee

Formal Training

“Training is taken very seriously and attendance
is compulsory. The training programmes are very
useful and are backed up by material available
on the intranet, the Knowledge Development
lawyers and the librarians. There is trainee-specific
training, workgroup training, department training
and whole-firm training and each session attracts
very good speakers. Trainees are encouraged to go
to all training sessions.”
First year trainee

26

“Training is given high priority, with calendar
notifications sent around for department-specific
trainee programmes and time apportioned
accordingly to ensure their attendance is as high
as possible. Training starts formally during the
induction programme, encompassing lots of extra
skills (commercial awareness, risk management,
conflict resolution, writing styles) as well as the
usual law related skills (time recording, library and
IT training), and continues throughout the training
contract with numerous sessions each week.”
First year trainee
“The start of the training contract has two and
a half weeks of training. Additionally there are
weekly training sessions for trainees relevant to
the department they are sat in.”
First year trainee

Informal Training & Mentoring

“We have clear structures of who is supervising,
who is a (partner) mentor, who to ask for
problems in the department and for general
issues. We are given the choice of how much we
utilise the people available to us.”
First year trainee
“People always have time to pass on their
knowledge and a variety of team members have
each given me some valuable training in different
matters important to the department. Again, fee
earners offer a great support structure on many
levels, and partner mentors genuinely make the
effort to put time aside for queries.”
First year trainee
“The informal training is easy to get, you just ask,
and partners are very accessible. The mentor
programme isn’t hugely structured but is there if
you need it. I have learned an enormous amount
about how to deal with clients, both socially and
in situations of conflict.”
Second year trainee

Seats

“Trainees undertake 4 seats. Real estate,
corporate and a contentious seat are compulsory.
There is a variety of choice and trainees tend to
get a seat they are genuinely satisfied with. There
are opportunities to do a seat abroad; in Brussels
with the EU/Competition department, a Moscow
seat with one of the corporate teams, and now
there are also opportunities to do a seat in Abu
Dhabi with the hotels group.”
First year trainee
“The firm has 4 seats of 6 months each. You can
choose your departments but must complete a
core Real Estate seat and a core corporate seat,
plus a litigious seat (to comply with the 3 months
experience the SRA specifies). The firm has just
started to do seats abroad with a trainee currently
in Abu Dhabi and one about to go to Moscow,
plus some in Brussels. With the Singapore office
growing there may also be opportunities there.”
First year trainee
“Four seats, in five departments (corporate,
real estate, finance, tax, litigation and dispute
resolution) broken up into 24 work groups by
specialism. Guaranteed first choice at least once
during your contract, but preferences are taken
into account throughout.”
First year trainee

Green Initiatives

“We have recycling bins in the kitchens for plastic
cups and more. The restaurant has recycling
options. We have notices on all our printed
documents to encourage us to think before
printing.”
First year trainee

“The computers automatically switch off at
midnight (unless they are in use!), the lights
switch off after a certain period of inactivity, the
conference centre is only heated or cooled when
in use. There are recycling bins everywhere.
All documents are produced double sided as
standard. There are hot water taps in the kitchens
to prevent kettles being used and wasting power.”
First year trainee

Diversity

Berwin Leighton Paisner

“Informal training is where BLP is excellent. People
are approachable and always willing to take 5
minutes to explain.”
First year trainee

“As a female, it would be interesting to see the
firm be a little more proactive about female
retention strategies.”
Second year trainee
“There is a strong commitment to diversity, with
a very broad range of people joining the firm,
specific groups within the firm who promote
diversity and a women’s group who invite
prominent speakers. The biggest indicator is the
number of female/gay/non-white/non-British
partners and workgroup heads.”
First year trainee
“There are more women in the firm than men, but
this is not reflected at partner level. Because the
firm recognised that some women are not aiming
to become partners if it conflicts with other family
commitments it introduced Associate Directors
as a position. They do seem to be monitoring
diversity with various surveys.”
First year trainee

Offices & Dress CODE

“Smart casual when in the office, with a suit in
the cupboard for client meetings (although most
trainees and partners dress more formally than
associates). Office is a lovely listed building from
1928. Location is fantastic, great transport links
and easy access to the City. Facilities excellent
(great repro team, staff canteen, excellent post
room staff).”
Second year trainee

27

“The riverside location is fantastic and the facilities
first rate. Dress code is quite casual, ties and
jackets for meetings but otherwise open shirt and
trousers in the office.”
First year trainee
“London Bridge. The firm is split across two
buildings but I don’t see this as a problem – you
can get a cheeky bit of fresh air at times. Dress
code depends on departments, but it is generally
casual business attire.”
First year trainee
“The office is split across two buildings next door
to one another and the quality of natural light
available definitely depends on where you are!
All the offices are well equipped and comfortable.
The dress code is business casual and people are
reasonably informal in the office although suits
are expected for client meetings and events.”
Second year trainee

How prepared do you feel to practise law
upon qualification?
“Well prepared and excited for it!”
Second year trainee
“Very well supported and prepared.”
First year trainee

“I think my hours are pretty good for a City law
firm, I usually get in at 8.30 – 9 and leave between
6.30 and 7.15. I never feel that I’m wasting time
when I work late; there is always a good reason.
I have occasionally worked till 11 but that has
typically been the day before going on holiday
when there have been loose ends to tie up before
handing work over. The hours are better than
I had expected, but I had expected very long
hours. I had not expected the level of exhaustion
trainees feel – every minute of the day is spent
concentrating and it can be draining at first.”
First year trainee
“I have a very good department for hours! My
work is typically non-urgent because of the nature
of the department and so will typically work a 45
hours week. The latest I have stayed is around
8.30pm and do not anticipate it being much more.
But I do work hard to make sure that I have a good
structure and take shorter lunches so that I can
go home as soon as I feel my work for the day is
done. Other trainees in other departments are not
so lucky with hours.”
First year trainee
“A bit too much but I know it’s not nearly as
bad as lots of firms. Work on average 8:30am to
7:30pm each day. Never work at weekends.”
Second year trainee

Salary

SALARY, HOURS & PERKS
Hours

“I really cannot complain. Most of it is down to
personal time management. There is not a culture
of jackets on backs of seats here.”
First year trainee
“I work on average 9:30 – 8:00pm which is alright.
This seems about average when I talk to other
trainees or friends at different firms.”
Second year trainee

28

“Trainee salaries are average for the City, but once
you’ve qualified the associates seem a little more
dissatisfied when they consider what similar firms
pay.”
Second year trainee
“Should be a bonus scheme for trainees – lack of
this is weak.”
First year trainee
“It compares favourably to other firms, and is a
ridiculous amount of money for a 24 year old to
earn!”
First year trainee

Perks

“Partners are fairly generous when it comes to
their season tickets, but other than that there
aren’t that many unusual perks!”
Second year trainee
“Alibi, the firm’s subsidised staff restaurant, is
brilliant. The food is really good, there is a large
variety of options and the staff are lovely.”
First year trainee
“The benefits offered early on to trainees. Socials,
societies, clubs and generally getting involved in
the firm’s life is encouraged.”
First year trainee
“Car service when working late.”
First year trainee

Pluses

“The collegiate environment. Being in the
City. Good canteen food. Lots of social events
organised/teams/clubs to get involved with. No
jackets on back of chairs policy.”
First year trainee
“The people and the fact that the firm stuck to its
strategy during the recession.”
Second year trainee
“The positive atmosphere and the quality of the
work.”
First year trainee
“Good work, nice people, realistic ambitious.”
Second year trainee

Minuses

“A risk that the culture might change.”
Second year trainee
“I would prefer shorter hours, but I think they are
probably amongst the best for City law firms.”
First year trainee
“Not being able to have a freer choice of seats.”
First year trainee
“Running between the two buildings when it’s
pouring down.”
First year trainee

Berwin Leighton Paisner

“Pretty good. Of course one always wants more...
but compared to the average at other similar
firms, not bad at all.”
Second year trainee

Fun Facts

“There is a BLP band that is really quite good and
plays at the Christmas party, etc.”
First year trainee
“Roll On Friday said we had the best looking
trainees.”
First year trainee
“Adelaide House used to have golf course on the
roof.”
Second year trainee

INTERVIEWS & APPLICATIONS
Interviews & Assessment

“Phone interview – fairly easy. Assessment day
– getting tougher. Interviews – two partners
and depends, usually quite challenging, but not
designed to catch you out. HR and partners go to a
lot of effort to make people feel comfortable and
not overwhelmed.”
Second year trainee

29

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“There is a telephone interview, assessment day
and partner interview. The interview was with
two partners and was quite relaxed. Questions
adapted to the situation, so started off quite
commercial, but then became more like a chat
as the interview went on. The assessment day
was relatively intense, with a presentation task, a
written task and a debating task.”
First year trainee
“Telephone interview; assessment centre;
vacation scheme; partner interview. Mixture of
commercial and factual questions.”
First year trainee

Tips & Advice

“Candidates need to want to work for BLP and not
just ‘a City law firm’.”
Second year trainee
“Go to uni/career events and meet us in person.
Be friendly, interested and ask questions. You do
not need to know everything, but just express an
interest.”
Second year trainee
“The firm has a really wide range of candidates –
there doesn’t seem to be a type. We have a lot of
different ages and backgrounds. Everyone seems
to be very hard working though – during holidays
and weekends it was always fellow future trainees
in the library. We help each other as well; it does
not seem like a competition for each other’s place.
We all like to be sociable too.”
First year trainee

“Down to earth – don’t be fake, they see right
through. They go for very sociable people with
strong memorable personalities; they want
people they can have drinks down the pub with
as well as work with. A great variety of unis and
backgrounds, no clichés here. 2:1 minimum.”
First year trainee
“Be yourself, this firm is interested in real people
with senses of humour who are nice to work with,
as well as being intelligent and commercial. Have a
2:1, if at all possible.”
Second year trainee

Berwin Leighton Paisner

“There was a telephone interview, assessment
day, vacation placement and then an interview. I
interviewed with two partners, and it was just like
being back at university in a one-on-one hour’s
supervision – the questions went as far as your
knowledge stretched and just beyond to see how
you think and deal with new situations. You are
challenged and forced to defend a position. There
is nowhere to hide, you have to be sparky and
with it.”
First year trainee

what made you choose your firm?

“I chose my firm because I liked the people,
I wanted a City firm that didn’t put needless
pressure on its people, and I liked the way that the
firm was evolving. The firm seems to be moving
forward at a much quicker pace than all of its
contemporaries and is trying to exploit certain
gaps in the legal market.”
First year trainee
“The open and inviting atmosphere. There is a
real sense that the firm respects and cares for it
staff and that it has big plans for the future. It is a
confident, hopeful and positive place to be.”
First year trainee
“The people, no pretensions, lots of
communication from the very top to the very
bottom.”
First year trainee
“The personality of the firm as a whole and of
the individuals who work here. This is a firm
that feels as though it’s really going places and is
taking ground breaking steps in the legal market
with initiatives like Managed Legal Services
and Lawyers on Demand. Great integration of
international elements. Fantastically dynamic
managing partner, who sees opportunities and
takes risks.”
Second year trainee

31

THE BUZZ ON GETTING HIRED
BLP recruits from a range of universities, with one
trainee stating the firm’s attitude to recruitment
seems ‘background-blind. I was really impressed
by the diversity in my intake’. However, the one
thing all trainees do have in common is academic
achievement: BLP ordinarily expects good A-levels
and a 2:1 degree from its candidates. Having said
that, ‘a first from Oxbridge alone is not enough to get
the job, personality is key.’ So how can you impress?
Due to the relatively small number of trainees the
firm takes on each year, the competition for places
is high, and you need to make yourself memorable
in order to be successful. BLP looks for the standard
coveted traits such as enthusiasm, determination
and commercial awareness, but one trainee also
places importance on a ‘good sense of humour’.
Current advice is to ‘be yourself’ and not to try and
sell yourself as someone you’re not as the firm will
‘see right through’.
After submitting your online application, BLP follows
up with a phone interview. Here you might be
asked about anything you put on your application
form, as well as the odd question on current
affairs. If successful, you’ll receive an invitation to
an assessment day which will include a tour of the
offices and tasks such as a negotiation exercise, a
written exercise and a presentation. Your overall
performance in all of these assessments is taken into
consideration, so it is a good idea to be confident
and speak out throughout the day.
The final stage is the toughest and comprises an
interview with two partners. The questions go ‘as far
as your knowledge stretches’ and test your critical
thinking and ability to deal with new situations.
One trainee says that during this interview ‘you are
challenged and forced to defend a position. There
is nowhere to hide, so you have to be sparky and
with it’. Although this final interview is demanding,
it is ‘not designed to catch you out’. It gives you the
opportunity to really display your interest in the firm
and show off your knowledge about BLP’s latest
deals and news.

32

If all goes as you planned (or should that be hoped),
as a trainee at BLP you’ll undertake four seats and
spend six months in each. There is a broad range of
seats to choose from, although real estate, corporate
and a contentious seat are all compulsory. A current
trainee states that the firm ‘guarantees first choice at
least once during your contract, but preferences are
taken into account throughout.’ Furthermore, those
with the wanderlust will be pleased to hear that
there are opportunities to do a seat in one of the
firm’s foreign offices, with trainees being seconded
to locations as far flung as Abu Dhabi, Moscow and
Singapore.

Following the merger of property firm Berwin
Leighton and commercial firm Paisner & Co in
2001, Berwin Leighton Paisner (BLP) has created
ripples in the London legal market and is now
arguably one of the most vibrant law firms in
the City. Over the past several years, BLP has
expanded into new specialties while building on
its strong real estate and corporate practices. In
the process, the firm has increased its headcount
by hundreds, opened new overseas offices – most
recently in Hong Kong, Berlin and Frankfurt in
2011 – and has more than doubled its profits
per equity partner. The firm now boasts eight
international offices and its reach extends to a
network of ‘preferred firms’ in locations across the
globe. In fact, international work now accounts for
more than a third of BLP’s turnover.

“BLP has revolutionised the way legal
services can be delivered to their clients.”
The origins of the firm go back to 1932, when
Leslie Paisner founded law firm Paisner & Co to
provide general legal advice. The firm built up a
reputation for its corporate work and boasted
major clients of the likes of Great Universal
Stores and Penguin Books. Law firm Leighton &
Co meanwhile was founded towards the end of
the 1940s, specialising in litigation and property
advice for West End developers. Berwin & Co,
which counted tax, M&A and corporate finance
amongst its specialties, later merged with
Leighton & Co, creating a well respected property
firm whose clients included British Land and Tesco.
The 2001 merger of Berwin Leighton and
Paisner & Co created a law firm with over
1,300 employees, more than 700 lawyers and
suited both firms down to the ground. Berwin
Leighton was looking to take on more City work
and develop its banking and M&A practices;
meanwhile, Paisner & Co was struggling in

the increasingly competitive City and looking
to expand.
The growth of BLP over the last decade has been
impressive, especially with regards to corporate,
banking and finance-related work. Currently, BLP
is one of the leading law firms for property work,
with clients including The Crown Estate, Tesco,
Blackstone, Liverpool City Council and Credit
Suisse. The firm’s corporate practice has also
expanded, from the firm’s corporate finance, AIM
and private equity work. BLP’s policy of advising
small companies as they grow, such as on their
flotation on AIM, has meant that the firm has not
been short of corporate work.

Berwin Leighton Paisner

FIRM PROFILE

In finance, BLP has won a number of major
clients, including Barclays, ING International,
UBS, Merrill Lynch, The Boeing Company, and the
Olympic Delivery Authority. The firm is a leader in
privately funded public projects, for both private
finance initiatives and public private partnerships.
Furthermore, the firm’s litigation and dispute
resolution, and tax capabilities are not to be
ignored. BLP has a highly respected tax practice
that has expanded in recent years to become
one of the largest and broadest legal tax teams
in the City.
Additionally, BLP has revolutionised the way
legal services can be delivered to their clients.
The firm’s Lawyers on Demand program – a pool
of highly trained freelance lawyers available to
clients, and Managed Legal Service – where BLP
can manage all or part of a client’s legal needs for
them, mean that lawyers can vary their workload
to suit their lifestyles.
When it comes to pro bono work, BLP has a
committee which nominates a charity each year to
which the firm then devotes its fundraising efforts.
Furthermore, BLP is a patron of the Hayward
Gallery, borrowing works of art regularly for the
firm’s offices, and has worked on the London 2012
Olympics bid.

33

BOND PEARCE
Bond Pearce may not be a colossal international law firm, but it certainly is a ‘growing firm with big
aspirations’ and stands tall as a true regional heavyweight in the South East and South West.

PROS

• Quality work minus the pressure and long hours
of City firms
• Hands on responsibility, even on headline deals,
from the start
• Professional yet relaxed and friendly
atmosphere
• Progressive when it comes to diversity

THE STATS

LOCATIONS

No. of lawyers firm-wide: 360
No. of Partners: 74
Trainee intake: 15
Approx no. of applications per year: 700

No. of offices: 5
Aberdeen • Bristol • London • Plymouth • Southampton

BASE SALARY
2011
1st year trainee £24,000
2nd year trainee £25,000
Newly Qualified £39,000

DEPARTMENTS & PRACTICES
Banking and Finance • Commercial • Corporate • Dispute
Resolution • Employment & Benefits • Environment •
Pensions • Planning & Regeneration • Projects • Real
Estate • Regulatory and Competition • Tax

34

CONS

• Pay and perks could do with a boost
• Lacks the recognition that its City peers
may enjoy

BRISTOL OFFICE (HQ)
3 Temple Quay
Temple Back East
Bristol BS1 6DZ
Tel: +44 (0)845 415 0000
www.bondpearce.com

GRADUATE RECRUITMENT INFO
Samantha Lee (Recruitment)
Tel: +44 (0)845 415 6521

LIFE ON THE JOB
Satisfaction with Work

“The quality of work is very high and there are
always opportunities to get involved in the firm’s
headline deals. We are also given the opportunity
to run some smaller files ourselves, particularly in
litigation departments.”
Trainee, Southampton
“Trainees are given a lot of hands-on experience
and are encouraged to become heavily involved
with transactions/litigation, rather than
undertaking piecemeal work. We are given a lot of
client contact and are able to contribute at client
meetings. Much work is undertaken directly for
partners and there is no obvious separation from
them (especially as the offices are open-plan).
I have been involved in high-profile, high-value
transactions, which is great, especially as we are
based outside of the City!”
Trainee, Bristol
“I am very satisfied in my job. I am given a great
deal of responsibility and autonomy, coupled
with a strong supervision structure which means
I can always ask questions, or request that my
work is checked before it is sent out to clients,
and I do not feel that I am left alone. I have
considerable interaction with clients and have
my own files to run, now that I am in my fourth
seat (and in preparation for qualification). I have
direct contact with partners on a day-to-day basis
and am exposed to a wide variety of work, with
a wide variety of fee earners. The partners are
very approachable and the office culture is not
hierarchical at all.”
Trainee, Bristol

What does your typical day at work involve?

BOND PEARCE

QUOTES

“Generally, I tend to work from 9am until 5.30pm,
with later nights being very rare. I start by catching
up with my supervising partner to discuss the
tasks for the day and then reviewing my progress
throughout. I am often on the phone to clients, or
drafting formal documents for court, or preparing
letters of advice. My day varies depending on
the type of work we have on, but it is all very
interesting. 5.30pm soon comes around!”
Trainee, Southampton
“There is no typical day at work! I have a number
of transactions that I am constantly working on,
but am often asked to step in and help out with
other, more urgent matters. Photocopying does
not come onto the agenda often!”
Trainee, Bristol
“I am currently working in the commercial
property department and my typical day
involves reporting to clients on search results,
replies to CPSEs and title investigation, drafting
documentation including leases, licences to alter,
deeds of surrender, liaising with the Land Registry
to make applications, register interests, remove
notices, etc. and liaising with clients to move deals
forward and obtain instructions.”
Trainee, Bristol

Culture

“Trainees at Bond Pearce appear to have been
made from the same cloth. I think that the
recruitment process looks for a certain sort of
person, the criteria of which I am unable to put
my finger on. We go out for after-work drinks
together quite often and also socialise outside of
work. However, when it comes to seat selection
and NQ posts, as with any law firm, the gloves
come off.”
Trainee, Southampton

35

“The working environment is professional, yet
relaxed and friendly. Offices are open plan and
fee earners work in ‘pods’ – therefore there is
literally an open door policy at everyone’s desk.
Trainees get on well and have regular catch ups
– both at work to organise charity events/CSR
initiatives/trainee forums, and outside of work
socially. Trainees are very supportive of each
other and there is a collaborative, as opposed to
competitive, relationship between us.”
Trainee, Bristol
“Trainees are assigned a supervisor (typically a
partner or senior associate) to whom they report,
although you’ll generally carry out work for all
members of the team. The atmosphere is friendly
and the people are approachable and sociable
in the office. Trainees do tend to support one
another and we share our experience with each
other over lunch or at social events. One criticism
is that the social life outside of office hours isn’t
the most active.”
Trainee, Plymouth

Seats

“Trainees at Bond Pearce complete four seats
of six months each. The range of seats depends
upon the office that the trainee is based in, but as
a rough guide, the Bristol office offered a choice
of 13 different departments in March 2011, and
there is scope to move between offices. There are
currently no overseas seats offered.”
Trainee, Bristol
“Trainees do four seats of six months each; there’s
a wide range of departments and the opportunity
to be seconded to the legal department of
one of the firm’s clients or to one of the firm’s
other offices (e.g. London, Aberdeen). When
switching seats, trainees have to select and rank
four choices of which they will usually get one –
broadly speaking, you will get a chance to do the
seats you want over the course of your training
contract.”
Trainee, Southampton

36

Formal Training

“Training programmes are well structured and
organised. There is always time to attend. I have
developed my advocacy and legal writing skills, as
well as gaining greater commercial awareness.”
Trainee, London
“The firm has a structured training programme for
trainees, which operates alongside the PSC. The
sessions are well spaced out (which encourages
people to attend as it means that they don’t
have to take too much time away from their
departments in a concentrated period) and usually
take place over a whole day, which means that we
can all get together and focus upon the training,
rather than worrying about the emails we will
have to come back to! We are never made to feel
that we do not have time to attend these sessions.
The sessions we have attended so far include
writing and drafting skills and communication
skills.”
Trainee, Bristol
“The firm has a very structured training
programme, although this does vary from team
to team. In the team I am currently working in,
we have regular monthly ‘current awareness’
sessions, as well as ad hoc training on key issues.
We also attend webinars put on by external
providers, for example LexisNexis, in order to keep
up-to-date with the latest legal developments. In
addition to legal knowledge, we also have other
training. For example, recently the department
went on a team building event which included
raft building and an overnight camping trip. In
addition, the entire team – across all offices –
got together for a day of business development
training, on how to target and win new clients, as
well as nurture existing relationships.”
Trainee, Bristol

“In all of my seats I have received excellent
informal training and supervision. Lawyers are
generally available and will make time for you,
unless there is an urgent business need which
means meetings have to be cancelled. I have
learnt to pick my moments when to ask for
guidance as the supervision will be more useful
if there is more time to go through my work
thoroughly.”
Trainee, London
“Colleagues are always happy to help with queries
on a day-to-day basis. We are also assigned a
trainee buddy, who is usually from the trainee
cohort in the year above. This is good because
most of the problems you encounter early on in
the firm are ones which your buddy has already
been through. I have learnt to improve my general
professionalism from being at the firm and from
taking tips from supervisors. My writing skills have
also improved through my work being supervised,
to make it more commercial.”
Trainee, Southampton
“There are department-led training sessions
concentrating upon legal updates in that area of
law. These are generally one hour long and are
held once a month. Trainees are encouraged to
prepare training topics for these sessions. We are
encouraged to highlight areas that we feel we
need to focus upon. The partners and solicitors
are easily accessible and are happy to listen to any
problems or areas of concern. I am always aware
that people have a lot of work on and I therefore
don’t want to be constantly asking questions. It
is often about picking the right time and asking
the right questions. We have monthly reviews
and appraisals every three months with our
supervisors (who are often partners) and that is
the ideal time to raise any areas in which we feel
we need more support.”
Trainee, Bristol

Green Initiatives

“Each floor has a number of recycling bins
(including those for plastic drinking cups) and the
facilities team is keen on having computers turned
off overnight and lights only being used where
necessary.”
Trainee, Southampton

BOND PEARCE

Informal Training & Mentoring

“The office lights are on timer systems so they
turn off after a certain period of inactivity. The
firm operates a cycle to work scheme and in 2010
we rolled out a new printer system which was
designed to reduce paper waste (and reduced
our paper consumption dramatically in the first
month). Many departments have now become
paperless and it is envisaged that this will be
rolled out to the whole firm.”
Trainee, Bristol

diversity

“The firm is incredibly progressive when it comes
to diversity. Flexible working policies are used by
many people, and they are very understanding
when it comes to childcare. I have a two-year-old
and am about to go on maternity leave; the firm
has been very supportive of my working hours
and the need for me to leave on time for childcare
purposes. I have been extremely impressed by
their attitude in this regard.”
Trainee, Bristol
“We have a diversity forum group which
challenges our policies and procedures and
ensures that we are as diverse as possible. There
are flexible working hours available, and childcare
schemes for those with families. There is online
diversity training to ensure that all staff are aware
of the policies, law and how they can integrate
this into their working lives.”
Trainee, Bristol

Offices & Dress Code

“The office is modern with all the necessary
facilities. With regard to dress, suits are worn Mon
– Thurs with a casual dress down day each Friday.”
Trainee, Southampton

37

“The Bristol office is in the city centre, right next
to the train station. The offices are only five years
old and are open plan. We have lots of facilities
available, including on site catering and a breakout
area. The dress code is what you would expect for
a law firm – if you are meeting a client you should
be formally dressed. However, it can be more
relaxed if you are not having client contact. We
have a dress down policy every Friday (unless you
are meeting with a client), which always means
that there is a more light-hearted mood on a
Friday.”
Trainee, Bristol

How prepared do you feel to practise law
upon qualification?
“Very well prepared, although am aware that it
is likely to be a steep learning curve. I feel I have
been well prepared and that there is a genuine
interest in equipping me with the requisite skills
before I qualify.”
Trainee, Bristol
“Extremely prepared, as the help and assistance
I have gained will set me up for embarking on my
professional career.”
Trainee, Southampton

SALARY, HOURS & PERKS
Hours

“I currently work 35 hours a week on average.
Only in very exceptional circumstances have I
been asked to work later and, even then, not
beyond 7.30pm. Generally, I work less hours than
I would have expected, considering the size and
type of firm.”
Trainee, Southampton

38

“I probably work between 40 and 45 hours a
week, depending on my workload. This is probably
slightly less than I expected, given some of the
horror stories you hear about trainee hours.”
Trainee, Bristol
“I work on average 40 hours per week. I am
working the same hours as I expected. If there is
a lot of work on, we are expected to stay longer,
but as long as we have done everything that we
need to, we are not made to feel guilty for leaving
on time. It is understood that everyone has
commitments outside of work and it is important
to have a work/life balance.”
Trainee, Bristol

Salary

“The pay is competitive for the area, but maybe
less so for the quality of work that we are
expected to undertake.”
Trainee, Southampton
“Pay is not great, but the experience gained makes
up for it.”
Trainee, Southampton
“We are paid a reasonable wage, although it
is lower than some firms with which we align
ourselves.”
Trainee, Bristol

Perks

“There are no specific perks, other than the usual
health and pension benefits.”
Trainee, Southampton
“We have regular social events which are
subsidised for members of the sports and social
group.”
Trainee, Bristol

“Friendly working environment, positive culture,
and encouragement for everyone to reach their
potential.”
Trainee, Bristol
“Being part of a growing firm with big aspirations
and being part of a team which recognises my
efforts and my personality.”
Trainee, Southampton

MINUSES

“The management and low pay.”
Trainee, London
“Time recording (but that is a given in a law
firm!).”
Trainee, Bristol

Fun Facts

“Bond Pearce was involved with the litigation
that resulted in shops being able to trade on a
Sunday!”
Trainee, Bristol

“I had previously worked for the firm as a
paralegal, but still had to attend a two-week
vacation scheme in another office. I had a
structured interview with a partner and a senior
associate. I was asked about my skills and about
the firm.”
Trainee, London

BOND PEARCE

PLUSES

“The recruitment process consisted of an
assessment day which included a group exercise,
role play, and an interview. I had an interview with
a senior associate and an HR representative. The
format of the interview was relatively relaxed,
and included various questions relating to
business awareness and commercial acumen. The
assessment day was very enjoyable and there was
a real sense of investment by the firm. They had a
lot of assessors present, from associates through
to partners, and I felt the firm was really trying to
get the best out of the participants. Questions at
the interview included talking about something
in the news at present which had caught my eye,
what I thought the role of a solicitor entailed, and
what I thought the most important qualities of a
solicitor were.”
Trainee, Bristol

Tips & Advice

INTERVIEWS & APPLICATIONS
Interviews, Applications and Assessments
“The firm’s recruitment process either takes
the form of a two-week long vacation scheme,
with assessment over the scheme, or a formal
assessment centre day. There is therefore
generally only one round of interviews. I had my
interview with a partner and somebody from
HR. The interview was relatively relaxed and,
although there were obviously questions that
they were expected to ask, it was allowed to
progress naturally depending upon my answers.
The questions asked varied from interests and
hobbies, current affairs and areas of law/other
subjects studied.”
Trainee, Bristol

“The firm appears to want commercially minded,
sharp human beings (as opposed to highly
intelligent, but socially inept billing machines).
Having a 1st does not appear to be a requirement,
but any weaknesses in your grades will require a
good reason to justify it. My advice would be
to be yourself as anyone can fake it for one day,
but doing that for the rest of your life will be
hard work.”
Trainee, Southampton
“Look at the website, understand the firm’s vision
and try to use the ‘buzz’ words in your application.
Also be aware of the clients we act for and do
not refer to the recession as your commercial
awareness point as this has been ‘overdone’.”
Trainee, Southampton

39

“The firm does not have a typical trainee. Instead,
it operates a point scoring system which takes
into account the candidate as a whole. Candidates
should try and get themselves across as naturally
as possible on the application form and not focus
solely upon academics. Candidates should have
a strong academic background, lots of interests
outside of work, be approachable and confident
and have a passion for law and the city in which
they would like to be based. Bond Pearce does
not have a preferred university. Candidates are
expected to have a 2:1 at degree level, although
this is not compulsory.”
Trainee, Bristol

“I enjoyed working as a paralegal at the firm and
wanted to train there.”
Trainee, London
“They were by far the friendliest firm, and
the assessment day impressed upon me their
approachable style, and not a sign of stuffiness. It
has lived up to my expectations in that regard.”
Trainee, Bristol

What made you choose your firm?

“I attended one of their open days and liked
what I saw! They offered the right kind of work,
had offices in a city that I love and most of all,
everyone I met seemed really enthusiastic,
friendly and encouraging!”
Trainee, Bristol

Go online for in-depth profiles and
the latest interview advice in
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Banking
Consulting
Law
Other Industries

WWW.INSIDEBUZZ.CO.UK
40

With 600 employees, Bond Pearce may not be
a colossal international law firm, but it certainly
is a ‘growing firm with big aspirations’. Although
Bond Pearce’s presence is particularly strong in
the South of England with offices in Southampton,
Plymouth, Bristol and London, the firm moved into
Scotland (Aberdeen to be exact) a few years ago
to expand its national footprint. The firm’s trainee
intake has increased with the firm’s growth to 15,
but this doesn’t mean it’s an easy mission to snap
up a training contract.
While current trainees claim ‘there is less of a
focus on academics and more on personal skills
and communication’, prospective trainees will still
have to present Bond Pearce with a top degree
as ‘any weaknesses in your grades will require
a good reason to justify it’. Apart from that, you
should have ‘lots of interests outside of work’ so
make sure you have some extracurricular activities
under your belt. The firm is especially keen to hire
graduates who are ‘approachable and confident’
and don’t forget to put across your ‘passion for
law and the city’ you want to be based when you
apply – a strong local connection will certainly
work toward your advantage. The firm currently
takes on trainees in its Bristol, Plymouth and
Southampton offices, though seats are available in
London and Aberdeen.
Training contracts at Bond Pearce are made up
of four six-month seats, and we’re told ‘there’s a
wide range of departments and the opportunity
to be seconded to the legal department of one of
the firm’s clients’. Options vary, but usually include
insurance, commercial property, commercial
litigation, regulatory, oil and gas, financial services,
corporate, and property litigation. Trainees are not
able to do a seat abroad – don’t let this put you
off though as there isn’t going to be a shortage of
interesting work when you train at Bond Pearce
one trainee comments that ‘the quality of work
is very high and there are always opportunities
to get involved in the firm’s headline deals’.

If all of this sounds good to you, submit your
online application and – fingers crossed – you’ll
be invited to an assessment day consisting of an
interview with a partner and senior solicitor, a
role play, a few tests and a group exercise. The
firm will have ‘a lot of assessors present, from
associates through to partners’, but this shouldn’t
intimidate you. The recruitment process may be
‘pretty tough’, ‘difficult and tiring’, but it will also
be ‘relatively relaxed’ – and believe it or not, for
some ‘the assessment day was very enjoyable’.
The interviews will cover a range of topics and
you may be asked about anything ranging from
‘interests and hobbies’ to ‘current affairs and areas
of law/other subjects studied’.

BOND PEARCE

THE BUZZ ON GETTING HIRED

“The firm operates a point scoring
system which takes into account the
candidate as a whole’, so remember
to be ‘commercially minded, sharp’,
‘personable’ and ‘able to get on
with people’.”
In need of some last tips and advice? Current
trainees suggest candidates should ‘know what
clients the firm deals with and consider how you
would interact with those clients as the face of
Bond Pearce’. Other than that, keep in mind that
‘the firm does not hire a typical trainee. Instead, it
operates a point scoring system which takes into
account the candidate as a whole’, so remember
to be ‘commercially minded, sharp’, ‘personable’
and ‘able to get on with people’.

41

FIRM PROFILE
Take a quick scout round Bond Pearce’s website
and you may notice the words ‘customer’, ‘service’
and ‘experience’ crop up more than just a few
times. With a friendly, colourful, informal design
– more akin to a media agency than a commercial
law practice – it is clear Bond Pearce are trying
to sell themselves as a personable firm. And it
appears they have the goods to go with their
image: in 2010 Bond Pearce was named the
number one UK law firm for client service in the
Legal Week Client Satisfaction Report.

“In 2010 Bond Pearce was named the
number one UK law firm for client
service in the Legal Week Client
Satisfaction Report.”
Founded in Plymouth 1887, Bond Pearce has
grown into an established commercial player in
the South East, advising major UK businesses
and public sector organisations. But aside from
its provincial power-base, the firm is a big name
on the national stage, with marquee clients
including Banks, Renewables, B&Q, Carlsberg UK,
Cineworld, E.ON Ruhrgas, English Heritage, LV=,
Marks & Spencer, New Look, RWE Npower, Royal
Mail, Sainsburys and Specsavers.
Bond Pearce services clients in hospitality and
leisure, insurance, real estate and retail and
consumer goods. However, the firm’s flagship
department is energy, with its work securing a
£400 million investment fund for National Wind
Power the standout out amongst its recent
deals. The firm provides advice in a range of
areas including banking and finance, commercial,
corporate, dispute resolution, employment and
benefits, environment, pensions, planning and
regeneration, projects, real estate, regulatory and
competition and tax.

42

The firm now has offices in Plymouth,
Southampton, Aberdeen, London and Bristol.
The latter in particular has gone from strength
to strength since its 1998 launch, growing
incrementally through a series of relatively small
mergers and lateral hires. In 2001 the Bristol
base assimilated Eversheds’ property team and
merged with Bristol firm Cartwrights. Nationwide,
Bond Pearce now employs over 600, including 74
partners and over 360 other legal professionals.
Bond Pearce’s CSR mission statement is ‘to leave
behind something better than we inherited’. In
ensuring it has a positive impact on the world
in which it operates, Bond Pearce supports
several projects in its local communities. The
firm’s corporate responsibility group, led by its
Chairman, supports charitable organisations
across the UK – not just with financial support but
also by providing time and expertise.

“Bond Pearce’s CSR mission statement
is ‘to leave behind something better
than we inherited’.”
In 2011, the firm is supporting The Prince’s
Trust as its national charity, working with the
organisation to support young people from
troubled or less fortunate backgrounds. In several
regions, Bond Pearce also supports local causes
chosen by its employees, such as St Peter’s
Hospice in Bristol, Scratch in Southampton and
Theatre Royal Playhouse project in Plymouth.
Furthermore, Bond Pearce’s solicitors provide pro
bono work under a variety of guises. This includes
membership of a board of a children’s hospice,
chairmanship of boards of governors and work for
a number of community foundations.

BOND PEARCE

e
h
t
r
o
f
g
Lookin
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o
p
o
o
c
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latest

Accenture, Apple, Bain & Company, Bank of England, BBC, Booz & Company,
BP, Citi, Civil Service, Coca-Cola, Credit Suisse, Deloitte, Deutsche Bank,
Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Ernst & Young, FSA, GlaxoSmithKline, Goldman
Sachs, Google, Grant Thornton, HSBC Holdings, IBM, J.P. Morgan, John Lewis
Partnership, KPMG, L’Oréal, McKinsey & Company, Morgan Stanley, Oxfam,
PricewaterhouseCoopers, Procter & Gamble, Sony, Teach First, The Boston
Consulting Group, UBS, Unilever, Virgin Group and more...

for the latest scoop
go to www.insidebuzz.co.uk
43

BRABNERS CHAFFE STREET
A leading light of the North West corporate and commercial scene, Brabners Chaffe Street has
quadrupled in size in the past decade and provides a full range of legal services to mid-level corporates,
large businesses, private clients and other high net worth individuals. The firm has three offices in the
North West – Liverpool, Manchester and Preston.

PROS

• Great deal of responsibility given to trainees
• High level of support, and trainees can work
closely with partners
• Open-door policy and friendly, relaxed culture
• Great quality of work, and the workload varies
every day
• Good work/life balance encouraged

CONS

• Slow I.T. system
• Occasional tedious trainee tasks, e.g. organising
files
• Lack of maternity pay

QUOTES
LIFE ON THE JOB
Satisfaction with Work

“I have been given a broad range of work and a
manageable level of responsibility for matters.
I have sat in meetings with my supervisor and
clients, and I have also conducted some meetings
on my own, with just me and a client. I have direct
contact with the partners should I wish to ask for
any support and I have been exposed to some
high-profile deals and clients.”
Trainee, Preston
“A great deal of responsibility from early on,
although the degree of this does change from
department to department. On the other hand,
trainees do get their fair share of admin tasks!
There is a high degree of direct contact with
fee earners of all levels, most of whom are very
approachable.”
Second year trainee, Liverpool

44

“Trainees are given a great deal of responsibility
from day one of their contract, but are also
greatly supported by those giving them work.
The partners are very approachable and make
time for trainees. Work is given with reasonable
deadlines except where urgent and the work given
to trainees is largely valuable, experience laden
work. The work can be of a high profile nature due
to the size and reputation of Brabners.”
First year trainee, Liverpool

What does your typical day at work involve?
“It varies everyday which is great, and involves
doing a variety of work for several partners with
most work coming from the training principle
partner. Often involves research for partners and
helping them with preparing advice for clients,
drafting witness statements, instructions to
counsel and preparing bundles.”
First year trainee, Liverpool

“At our firm they believe that it is also important
to have a social life. We take part in a number
of networking events, and also have staff drinks
once a month. All of the trainees get on really well
and meet for lunch on a regular basis, as well as
lunching for people’s birthdays, Christmas, the
fact that it is payday, etc. There is a very good
atmosphere among the trainees. We also work
together on charity events.”
First year trainee, Liverpool

“My work varies day by day. I start at 9am
and usually leave at about 5.30pm. From 9am
– 1pm and 2 – 5.30pm my work will usually
involve drafting various applications to the land
registry, deeds, memoranda, letters, e-mails
and making telephone calls to clients and legal
representatives of others. I analyse the terms of
leases to determine what needs to be removed/
included for the client, prepare reports on leases
highlighting their key terms for clients, analyse
deeds and the results of property searches so
that such can be reported to clients, carrying
out research into various property matters for
colleagues (e.g. intensification of use as regards
easements) and attending meetings to discuss
the firm, client matters, or to be trained in certain
aspects of law.”
First year trainee, Liverpool

“The working environment is friendly yet
professional. Trainees are happy to help each
other. Trainees socialise with each other across
the firm at annual events such as the trainee
dinner in Liverpool, trainee drinks evenings in
Liverpool, the staff conference and at charity
events organised by the firm. On a local level, at
the Preston office there are informal drinks after
work, office walks to the Lake District, a running
club during the office lunch hour, an annual
summer BBQ and Christmas party.”
Trainee, Preston

Culture

“The firm as a whole is extremely friendly
and relaxed. We operate an open door policy
at all levels of staff, from managing partners
to secretaries, and so everyone in the firm is
approachable. First year trainees are assigned
a second year mentor who is their first point of
contact if they have any queries or problems.
However, all trainees are very supportive of each
other regardless of whether they are mentoring
or not. We try and socialise as much as possible
and tend to go for drinks and/or lunch together at
least once a week. This is important especially in
larger firms where due to the proximity between
trainees in different departments you may not see
a fellow trainee for a few days at a time.”
First year trainee, Manchester

BRABNERS CHAFFE STREET

“It involves liaising with clients and third parties
by letter, e-mail and/or telephone. Drafting
documents including leases, witness statements
and shareholder agreements, and researching
new or obscure points of law. Attending client
meetings, completion meetings and court/tribunal
hearings. Arranging training sessions. Drafting
client updates/bulletins, and providing general
support to the whole department.”
Second year trainee, Liverpool

Seats

“Trainees are able to do a minimum of four
seats in all departments across the firm (except
private client). There is also the chance to do a
secondment with the legal team of one of our
major clients, which is open to both first and
second year trainees. During the first few weeks
of the training contract a meeting is held with
the training partner to discuss your preferred
seats. Every attempt is made to place trainees in
at least one, if not all, of their preferred seats. If
this has not been possible, the trainee is offered
the chance to split their final seat into two threemonth seats, enabling the second year trainee
to either gain experience of a new department
before qualification, or to be put back into a
department in which they would like to qualify.”
First year trainee, Manchester

45

“Typically, each trainee does four six-month
seats in different departments. The following
departments are available in the Liverpool office:
commercial litigation (which includes property
litigation and media litigation), employment,
commercial property, corporate (which includes
commercial, charity and banking law), private
client, social housing (which includes litigation
and property).”
Second year trainee, Liverpool

Formal Training

“Brabners Chaffe Street provides in-house
training seminars, updater materials, and each
department regularly hold short meetings to
discuss new developments in the law. This ensures
that you are constantly up-to-date with the legal
developments, and feel as though you are on top
of the area of law that you are in. This is essential
when talking with clients. Despite it being difficult
due to the busy nature of the firm, Brabners
always makes time to provide, and for you to
attend training. Brabners also gets involved with
presentations at local universities and events.
Trainees are given the opportunity to do these,
which provide invaluable lessons. As well as
improving my legal knowledge and understanding,
at Brabners I have also learnt how to conduct
meetings, present and even write better.”
Second year trainee, Liverpool
“Training is taken seriously and is provided
regularly, in an interesting manner and with
expertise to ensure development. Attendance is
rarely an issue as plenty of details and notice is
given. Skills are learned substantively from the
content of sessions and from interaction with
colleagues. They are also gained in terms of
management of work and firm style expectations.”
First year trainee, Manchester

46

“Our initial training was undertaken in the first
week of our training contract and this was quite an
intensive training period. Following on from this,
we are regularly updated with various training
programmes ranging from IT systems to the use of
the LinkedIn service on the internet. Trainees do
tend to take all training sessions seriously and our
attendance at these sessions is expected, except
where work commitments mean we are too busy
to attend. When this is the case, a further session
is usually rearranged for a later date and in the
meantime any hard copy information is provided
to the individual trainee to review in their own
time. The firm also holds weekly training sessions
which trainees are expected to attend, these are
often department specific and so attendance by
senior fee earners varies, however trainees are
expected to attend all sessions. Time is made
available for sessions such as these and lunch is
often provided to ensure that attendees are able
to enjoy lunch at the same time.”
First year trainee, Manchester

Informal Training & Mentoring

“The partners that I have dealt with are very
hands on and very eager to teach you. They are
happy to attend ‘catch up/update’ meetings,
even if it is only for five minutes to clarify a minor
problem. I have learnt that if you don’t understand
something you should ALWAYS ask. There is no
such thing as a stupid question.”
First year trainee, Liverpool
“Solicitors, associates and partners often discuss
work with trainees on an informal basis and there
is therefore easy access to informal training.
Trainees are encouraged to speak with them
with respect to the work given and any questions
or concerns arising from such. Lessons/skills
I’ve learnt – be assertive and confident. Know
exactly the details of what you wish to discuss
before doing so. Ensure you always observe
deadlines and if there are any problems meeting
them explain this to the person who gave the
work. If any mistakes are made, address them
immediately.”
First year trainee, Liverpool

Offices & Dress Code

“The firm’s office is located in Exchange Flags,
Liverpool right behind the town hall. Exchange
Flags is a very well known and historic building,
and is a fantastic setting for offices. The office
is open plan, although some separation is
maintained; I think they have struck a great
balance. All the facilities that you need are
available. Obviously the dress code is office wear.
It is not essential to wear a tie every minute
of every day, unless you are meeting clients or
attending a hearing. Brabners also operates a
dress down policy every Friday.”
Second year trainee, Liverpool
“The office is set in the heart of Manchester
and is modern and bright, with enough space
for all members of staff without any sense of
claustrophobia. The dress code is office wear
Monday to Thursday (including suit jackets when
attending court or a meeting), and dress down on
Friday (unless you are scheduled to attend a client
meeting or court, etc.). It is advisable, particularly
in departments like litigation when things can
happen on the spur of the moment, to leave a
suit jacket in the office and bring a suitable skirt
or pair of trouser with you on a Friday in case you
are given the opportunity to attend a meeting or
hearing.”
First year trainee, Manchester

Green Initiatives

“Lights, computers and printers are turned off
when not in use. The heating is on a timer. There
are lots of recycling bins for different types of
waste. Staff are encouraged to cycle to work
where possible, with favourable rates on bikes
with a particular supplier. Staff are encouraged not
to use paper plates and plastic cups.”
Trainee, Preston
“The firm has emphasised the importance of
recycling and does indeed regularly recycle. Lights
turn off after a period without movement around
them and computers stand by if left alone for a
period thereby conserving energy. I believe the
firm seeks to reduce as far as practicable paper
consumption and has recently introduced a new
document management system for easier use of,
and access to, electronic documents.”
First year trainee, Liverpool

BRABNERS CHAFFE STREET

“I share an office with a partner who provides
feedback and assistance not only on work for
them; but also on any other matters I’m dealing
with, as well as generally discussing matters that
arise and explaining their significance. All fee
earners provide feedback on work done, and
explain the context of matters and the substance
behind our work, as well as explaining any
suggested improvements so that learning on the
job is significant.”
First year trainee, Manchester

diversity

“The firm is highly committed to promoting
diversity and equal opportunities. The firm’s
retention level of those recruited is excellent. All
but one of the previous trainees who have most
recently qualified, were retained. The prospect
for promotion within the firm seems high; I know
more associates and partners than I do solicitors.”
First year trainee, Liverpool
“The firm is diverse in its workforce in respect
of all areas such as sex, race, age and sexual
orientation. Unfortunately the nature of the beast
is that the senior level staff tend to be male.
However, there are more and more female fee
earners who are vying for partner level positions.
The only complaint I would have is that the firm
does not currently operate a maternity leave
policy, and so only statutory maternity leave is
currently available.”
First year trainee, Manchester
“Across the firm there are a good number of
female partners.”
Trainee, Preston

47

How prepared do you feel to practise law
upon qualification?
“I have not yet even completed the first of my four
seats, but I feel that should my other three seats
give me the experience that my first has then I will
be confident and very much prepared to practise
law on qualification.”
First year trainee, Liverpool
“I’ve only done my first seat in employment law,
but would feel very prepared and comfortable
practising in this area.”
First year trainee, Liverpool
“Very, can’t wait!”
Second year trainee, Liverpool

SALARY, HOURS & PERKS
Hours

“I tend to work around 50 hours per week, and
I am more than happy with this. People have
a certain stereotype of bigger firms, but it just
isn’t true. Brabners strongly encourages you to
maintain a work/life balance, especially while you
are a trainee.”
Second year trainee, Liverpool
“On average I work between 40 – 50 hours per
week. This is most definitely a satisfactory level
of working hours. The firm is not the sort of place
that you feel the need to stay late just to be seen.
If you have finished your work by 5.30pm then
you are free to go at 5.31pm! However, there was
a two week period where I worked 15 hour days
(plus working from home at the weekend). On
reflection, this does not seem anywhere near as
bad as some trainees, (to whom 15 hour days are
the norm) however at the time it was exhausting.”
First year trainee, Manchester

48

“It very much depends on the seat you are in –
some departments require longer working hours
than others. Working extra hours is always noticed
and you are thanked for it, but it is only expected
when absolutely necessary.”
Second year trainee, Manchester

Salary

“Brabners provides an attractive and competitive
salary, particularly when viewed against the
backdrop of the current economic climate.”
First year trainee, Liverpool
“Brabners Chaffe Street pays a competitive wage;
trainees are included in the bonus scheme and
have previously been given M&S vouchers as a
thank you.”
Second year trainee, Liverpool
“The salary is not as high as some of my peers
who work in similar size firms across Manchester;
however, it is definitely of a satisfactory level
for a trainee.”
First year trainee, Manchester

Perks

“Free staff drinks at the end of every month at a
local bar. The annual staff conference each year
(employees are put up by the firm in a hotel for a
night and participate in team building exercises,
capped off with a big meal and big party in the
evening, and a big breakfast in the morning!). Free
dinners and drinks at events throughout the year.
Travel loan scheme. Ability to claim back work
expenses. Free fruit, tea and coffee each day!”
First year trainee, Liverpool
“The firm provides lots of free social events for
staff, including a conference at a top hotel in
Cheshire, with dinner and an overnight stay. Free
tickets for trainees to attend MTSG events such
as the Christmas and summer balls, Manchester
Christmas party, plus departmental Christmas
lunches along with other social and marketing
events.”
First year trainee, Manchester

“Everyone is friendly and approachable, great
selection of seats, relaxed atmosphere, reasonable
deadlines for work, great salary. Great benefits
such as the travel loan scheme and numerous
events paid for by the firm. The firm is large and
reputable so trainees can be exposed to more high
value and high profile work. Trainees are given
a great deal of responsibility and corresponding
support.”
First year trainee, Liverpool
“The people and fellow trainees. You’re able to
work closely with partners on a variety of cases.
The social calendar, and potential to grow within
the firm.”
First year trainee, Liverpool
“The people – both socially and in a working
environment, such as partner led supervision
and assistance. The quality of work and
responsibility given.”
First year trainee, Manchester

MINUSES

“The I.T. system that the firm uses can be slow
at times. There will be occasions where trainees
must carry out tedious work such as organising
files or drafting schedules of documents.”
First year trainee, Liverpool
“Commuting into Manchester, the lack of
maternity pay, the I.T. system.”
First year trainee, Manchester
“Parking, I.T. system!”
First year trainee, Manchester

FUN FACTS

“The corporate seat at Brabners is not corporate
alone, but rather includes corporate, commercial
and charities all in one.”
First year trainee, Liverpool

“The firm supports a different charity each year
which is nominated by the members of staff. We
run charity events (including an Apprentice style
trainee event) each year to try and raise as much
money for these charities as possible.”
First year trainee, Manchester

INTERVIEWS & APPLICATIONS

BRABNERS CHAFFE STREET

PLUSES

Interviews, Applications and Assessments
“There were three rounds – the first round was
the application form, the second round was an
assessment day (which included a group task
and presentation). The third round was a formal
interview with our director of training and a
partner. The assessment day was enjoyable and
I was made to feel at ease by those interviewing.
Some questions that were asked included: How can
you demonstrate commercial awareness? Explain a
time when you have failed? How would your best
friend describe you? What are your strengths?”
Second year trainee, Liverpool
“There was a mixture of formal questions and
questions about you as an individual, e.g. what
triggered the credit crunch? Give us an example
of a time you were involved in a business
transaction? How would your friends describe
you? Why do you want to be a solicitor? Why do
you want to be a solicitor at Brabners? Where do
you see yourself in five years?”
First year trainee, Liverpool
“I attended an assessment day and an interview
which was with three partners who were all
very friendly and approachable. The assessment
day included a group task and an individual
presentation to partners, but the tasks were
interesting and not too false or forced. The
interview was a general chat through my CV and
application before some more firm/law specific
questions.”
First year trainee, Manchester

49

Tips & Advice

“The firm seeks people with intelligence, intuition,
humour, approachability and commitment, and
who have a connection with or interest in the
North West. The firm prefers candidates to
have achieved, or be forecast to achieve, a good
2.1 degree.”
First year trainee, Liverpool
“The firm looks to hire individuals who do not fit
in to any particular mould. If you think that you’re
sure to get a training contract here just because
you have impeccable academics, this is not the
case. Whilst academics are important, the firm
also looks for personality and a life outside of your
degree. You need to be able to communicate with
your peers on both a professional and sociable
level. It is all well and good getting a first class
degree from Oxford or Cambridge but if you can’t
hold a discussion about last night’s Coronation
Street or the football match at the weekend then
you are unlikely to succeed past the interview
stage. The firm only asks that you attain a 2.1 or
higher at degree level and is not in any way biased
to any particular university.”
First year trainee, Manchester
“Friendly and sociable. Candidates should be
intellectual but also personable; it is a good
advantage to be a good communicator, both to
clients and colleagues. It is advisable to have a 2:1,
but not essential. Brabners like to know why you
have chosen a particular city, i.e. what ties you
have here, but they do not recruit from specific
universities.”
Second year trainee, Liverpool

50

What made you choose your firm?

“The overall impression was fantastic, Brabners
Chaffe Street have the whole package, and I
especially liked the encouragement to maintain a
good work/life balance.”
Second year trainee, Liverpool
“Brabners has a relaxed yet hardworking
atmosphere. Emphasis is placed on client
satisfaction and the firm is not solely driven by
profits. The firm is large, but not so large that
trainees will never know many of the people they
are working with. The firm offers a wide range of
seats to trainees. Trainees are given a great deal of
responsibility and corresponding support. Finally,
the firm is highly reputable.”
First year trainee, Liverpool
“The work/life balance, the relaxed and friendly
atmosphere, the firm’s extension into specialised
areas such as sports and media law, the potential
for growth within the firm, the training structure
and the people in general.”
First year trainee, Manchester

The message coming from the Brabners camp
is unanimous: ‘whilst academics are important’,
once the prerequisite level of a 2:1 is achieved,
‘other factors become more important’. The firm
looks for candidates that will ‘fit into the work
and with the people’; as one trainee puts it, ‘you
need to be able to communicate with your peers
on both a professional and sociable level... [so]
if you can’t hold a discussion about last night’s
Coronation Street or the football match at the
weekend, you’re unlikely to succeed past the
interview stage’.
Brabners Chaffe Street doesn’t employ any
Oxbridge or red-brick snobbery; it’s ‘not in any
way biased to any particular university’ although
‘a connection with the North West’ is preferable.
Brabners actively looks to hire individuals who
‘do not fit in to any particular mould’, although
‘well rounded’, ‘intelligent’ and ‘hard working’ are
attributes that crop up in our survey responses.

“You need to be able to communicate
with your peers on both a professional
and sociable level... [so] if you can’t
hold a discussion about last night’s
Coronation Street or the football match
at the weekend, you’re unlikely to
succeed past the interview stage.”

The first takes the form of an assessment day,
with candidates facing a group activity and an
individual presentation to partners. The former
has been described as ‘interesting and not too
false or forced’, and unlike many other firms,
the assessment day doesn’t include verbal
reasoning tests.

BRABNERS CHAFFE STREET

THE BUZZ ON GETTING HIRED

The second round will see you faced with a
panel of interviewers – normally three or four –
comprising a training supervisor and partners.
This may sound like an intimidating proposition,
but the partners are normally ‘very friendly and
approachable’, after all, they would all have been
there themselves at some point in their career!
The interview tends to be a mix of ‘general chat’
on the candidate’s CV and application, and formal
industry specific questions. Expect to be quizzed
on your reason for choosing Brabners in particular,
be prepared to elaborate on previous work
experience and watch out for left-field pitches,
such as ‘What book are you currently reading?’
Successful applicants will do four six-month seats
during their training contract. The first seat is
chosen for you and every recruit must complete
a stint in commercial property. Brabners gives
trainees their preferred options for the remaining
two seats where they can, but if this is not
possible, ‘the trainee is offered the chance to split
their final seat into two three-month seats’. The
firm may not have offices abroad but there is the
chance for a secondment to the legal team of one
of Brabners’ major clients.

Trainees describe Brabners as a ‘local firm [with
a] good atmosphere’. The work/life balance and
specialisms such as sports and media law make
it a popular choice for trainees looking for good
quality work in the North West. Those wishing
to become part of this regional legal leader must
begin their journey with an online application.
This initial stage is followed by two rounds.

51

FIRM PROFILE
A leading light of the North West corporate and
commercial scene, Brabners Chaffe Street is
starting to become a regular feature in the Sunday
Times’ ‘100 Best Companies To Work For’. Having
quadrupled in size in the past decade, Brabners
now provides a full range of legal services to midlevel corporates, large businesses, private clients
and other high net worth individuals. Brabners has
three regional offices, in Liverpool, Manchester
and Preston, but that doesn’t mean the firm is
restricted to local or domestic markets. The firm’s
legal patter can be heard all across the Continent,
with Brabners represented in 83 offices across 35
countries through its networks with Eurolegal and
the Association of European Lawyers.
Each client, whether based in the North West
or further afield, has a relationship manager
whose role is to ‘learn and understand the client’s
business objectives, preferences, priorities and
concerns’. Brabners client roster includes plcs,
public sector bodies, banks and a wide range
of commercial, corporate and professional
businesses.

“Brabners Chaffe Street is starting
to become a regular feature in the
Sunday Times’ ‘100 Best Companies
To Work For’.“
Brabners’ commercial services arm is the first of
its cornerstone practices. It provides services to an
array of sectors and industries, from business and
legal guidance on the day-to-day requirements of
running a company, to arcane advice on specialist
areas such as IP rights, data, technology and
media. Highly regarded for its corporate work,
Brabners provides a range of services to all kinds
of clients, from financial institutions to charities.
Both corporate and commercial services are
accommodated in all three offices, comprising over
30 lawyers as well as support staff.

52

The firm employs a partner-led approach to its
employment services division, endeavouring to
identify issues before they become problems
and advising clients proactively. In litigation,
Brabners has a team of 30 people spread across
its three offices with expertise in a number of
areas, including media, environmental and general
commercial litigation, as well as private client
services such as personal injury claims.

“Brabners has advised on headlinegrabbing transfers, including deals for
David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo.”
Through its private client services, Brabners has
been advising business owners, landowners and
executives for more than 200 years, and has
unsurprisingly developed a strong reputation and
expertise in this field in the North West – whether
that be drafting wills or advising on complicated
tax planning. The firm’s property department is
one of the largest of its kind in the region, and
boasts a client list that includes everything from
blue chip companies and banks, to local authorities
and individuals.
Lastly, but certainly not least, is Brabners’ sports
department. Not just a bellwether of the North
West, it is a market leader both within the UK and
internationally. Tending to leading names in the
world of sport, the firm’s sports division advises a
vast array of clients from international federations,
national governing bodies and clubs, to event
organisers, sponsors, broadcasters and individual
sportsmen and women. Brabners notably offers
regulatory and transactional experiences and
exposure to top flight football clubs in England
and Europe, and has advised on headline-grabbing
transfers, including deals for David Beckham and
Cristiano Ronaldo.

This new kid on the Magic Circle block has witnessed a meteoric rise over the past couple of decades;
having grabbed internationalisation by the horns, Clifford Chance has established itself as the largest law
firm both in the UK and globally.

PROS

• Very meritocratic – once you’ve proved
yourself, good work will come your way
• Regular direct contact with partners
• High quality clients and work
• Involvement in big international deals
from the outset
• Excellent, extensive formal training
• International opportunities – every trainee
that wants to do a seat abroad can

CONS

• No trainee bonuses as seen at other
Magic Circle firms
• Lack of control over hours, and therefore
social plans
• Can sometimes feel like a ‘very small fish
in a massive pond’
• A fair bit of repetitive trainee work
such as proofreading

THE STATS

LOCATIONS

No. of lawyers firm-wide: 2,360 (not including partners)
No. of lawyers in London: 730 (not including partners)
London Partners: 190
London trainee intake: 120 per year
London trainees retained: 82% (2010)

No. of offices: 32
Abu Dhabi • Amsterdam • Bangkok • Barcelona • Beijing
• Brussels • Bucharest • Doha • Dubai • Düsseldorf
• Frankfurt • Hong Kong • Istanbul • Kyiv • London •
Luxembourg • Madrid • Milan • Moscow • Munich • New
York • Paris • Perth • Prague • Riyadh* • Rome • São
Paulo • Shanghai • Singapore • Sydney • Tokyo • Warsaw •
Washington DC

BASE SALARY
LONDON 2011
1st year trainee £38,000
2nd year trainee £43,200
Newly qualified £61,500

*Co-operation agreement with Al-Jadaan & Partners Law
Firm.

DEPARTMENTS & PRACTICES

LONDON OFFICE
10 Upper Bank Street
London E14 5JJ
Tel: +44 (0)20 7006 1000
www.cliffordchance.com

Banking & Finance • Capital Markets • Corporate/M&A •
Litigation & Dispute Resolution • Real Estate •
Tax, Pensions & Employment

CLIFFORD CHANCE

CLIFFORD CHANCE

GRADUATE RECRUITMENT INFO
Tel: +44 (0)20 7006 3003
[email protected]

53

QUOTES
LIFE ON THE JOB
Satisfaction with Work

“The firm is very meritocratic; once you prove
yourself to superiors good work will come your
way. Client contact is frequent but seldom faceto-face in the department I am in. The partners
are very approachable (unless they’re really busy)
and I work closely with one or two of them on a
regular basis. The deals we do are second to none;
if there’s a big deal out there we are probably on
it, at least in a small way and trainees are brought
right into the heart of even the biggest, most highprofile transactions from the outset.”
First year trainee
“I am very happy with the quality of work and
level of responsibility. Clients and deals are usually
the most prestigious ones and the level of work
depends on the trainee’s prior experience and
department (with smaller departments offering
more responsibility). Support services are very
good and ensure that trainees get to do legal work
rather than mundane proofing or copying, etc.”
First year trainee
“Work satisfaction depends on which department
you are in. Some of the law-based departments
are very satisfying, but you always have work such
as preparing bundles of documents and paginating
documents which is time-consuming, often
urgent, and unrewarding.”
Second year trainee
“The amount of responsibility you get and client
interaction really depends on who you work
for, the partner who’s running the deal, and the
nature of the deal itself. Even if you’re competent
and can be placed in front of clients, quite a lot of
the time you’re just helping out with transaction
management.”
Second year trainee

54

What does your typical day at work involve?

“No two days are ever the same. Even when you
are doing a big piece of ongoing work, there are
always things coming in from clients and what you
are doing by lunchtime is not always what you had
planned at 9 o’clock. It is not rare for me to do
drafting, due diligence, client care and research
tasks in the same day, sometimes in the same half
hour.”
First year trainee
“I can be involved in anything from doing ad hoc
pieces of research and then tailoring them to the
requirements of the particular client, to drafting
ancillary agreements and documents. Trainees are
often also involved in managing the paperwork
generated by deals, which means you get a great
insight into how the deal works and the different
aspects of it.”
First year trainee
“Checking mail, acting on work requests
depending on capacity, doing some research
or minor drafting under supervision, feedback
from seniors after review, incorporating changes
suggested. While this is more or less a structure/
sequence, no two days have been alike and a day
varies depending on the nature of deal, stage of
the deal, and timelines fixed.”
First year trainee

Culture

“The firm is very open and friendly. There is a lot of
support amongst trainees and this extends into the
ranks of the associates too. Departmental socials
tend to take place every couple of months and
trainee events around once a month to once every
six weeks. Less formal socialising is always going on,
whether it be drinks in the bar or heading out of
the office for something more adventurous.”
First year trainee

“Contrary to most people’s expectations, the firm
(or at least certain departments) have a much
more easy going approach. There is little or no
concept of face-time – in fact my supervisor has
often asked me why I am still in the office at 6.30.
All partners and associates that I have worked
for have been very approachable and willing to
answer questions. Obviously you are expected
to use your own initiative to try and solve any
problems yourself first, but people are more than
happy for you to wander into their office and
check your understanding. As trainees do the
LPC together, you will generally know the people
you are starting work with and this is very helpful
when you need to ask straightforward questions
on how the office works, etc. There are regular
department drinks and trainee drinks, and you will
most likely find someone you know in the bar in
the office on any given evening to socialise with.”
First year trainee

Seats

“All departments take trainees – but you have to
take at least one finance and one corporate seat,
and (unless you opt out) one litigation/contentious
seat. HR is very helpful – if they can’t satisfy your
seat preferences in one seat, you will generally be
able to negotiate a competitive/glamorous seat
later. Most trainees do at least one seat abroad,
but some choose to do two. Often, if you have
language skills that are required in certain seats
(e.g. Frankfurt, Paris, Milan) you can use that to
bargain with HR and get a more exciting seat (e.g.
Hong Kong, Dubai, New York) as well.”
First year trainee

“Trainees do four seats in total. Finance, Corporate
and Litigious seats must be done (though there
is an option to do Litigation through pro bono or
summer courses). You can sit in any department at
the firm and there is a lot of choice and dialogue
to discuss where you want to go. Going abroad is
an option and is positively encouraged.”
First year trainee

CLIFFORD CHANCE

“The trainee group is very friendly and quite a
few trainees socialise outside work and even live
together. The bespoke LPC means that nearly all
of the trainees in that intake know each other,
which can be very helpful. It is normal practice
for trainees to contact each other for help on
legal or general work matters. There is a trainee
committee which organises social events such as
winter and summer parties and drinks at the start
and end of seats.”
First year trainee

“Majority of available seats are in finance,
corporate, capital markets or real estate. There is
plenty of choice and you’re usually able to get the
seats you want. Plenty of options to go abroad,
although naturally some seats (Tokyo, Hong Kong,
Singapore) are very competitive and are a bit
harder to get.”
Second year trainee

Formal Training

“The firm has its own academy, which provides
huge amounts of ongoing professional
development. Departmental courses are run
at least once a week. The training ranges from
lectures to fully interactive discussion groups
and includes occasional overnight off-sites. Legal,
technical and ‘soft’ skills (such as communication,
networking, and client care) are all covered in
the programme. There are also frequent lectures
and seminars on non-work-related topics, such as
regular guided tours of new art exhibitions.”
First year trainee
“There are inductions at the beginning of most
seats for several days, then a few training days
dotted around during the seat. Occasionally
people are asked to skip them to do important
work, but only very rarely and I have never been
asked to, most people take them seriously and
make sure you can attend. Lots of skills picked
up; obviously the obligatory law society required
ones, but also things like networking, which is
useful.”
Second year trainee

55

“We have excellent training resources with a
specialist team constantly updating the courses.
We are also trained in skills such as business
communication and presentation to ensure that
we can communicate effectively with clients and
colleagues.”
First year trainee

Informal Training & Mentoring

“Time pressure can often prevent full explanations
of tasks at the time they are given, but generally
senior lawyers are happy to go over issues and
will give constructive feedback. I’ve learned a lot
about how to present documents, interactions
with clients and the commercial imperatives of
clients.”
First year trainee
“Pretty easy to get feedback on your work and
people are always willing to help – there is
always someone who has time. The partners
and associates make very good mentors and
clearly have been in our position themselves. I
have learnt how to deal with clients and general
drafting preferences plus general deal etiquette.”
First year trainee
“Supervisors and partners are always happy to
answer trainees’ questions and there seems to
be a very good programme for training them to
be good trainers. The attitude is that you should
always try to work something out for yourself
but, if that fails or takes too long, there is always
someone to explain it or to confirm your own
thoughts.”
First year trainee
“Some people take on the mentoring role to a
much greater degree. All of my supervisors have
been very good at training and looking after you.”
Second year trainee

56

Offices & Dress

“The office is excellent, the transport links are
generally good and the facilities are worldclass. The dress code is business casual and the
firm seems to be relatively relaxed about this,
although you are expected to dress smartly and
professionally and wear a suit if you are dealing
directly with clients.”
First year trainee
“The office is fantastic. Being in Canary Wharf it is
very modern and has everything you could need: a
gym, squash courts, swimming pool, a hair salon,
a post office, a games room, a Starbucks, a bar, a
sandwich bar and a restaurant; not to mention the
full gamut of professional support facilities.”
First year trainee
“Swanky and modern office, and arguably one
of the grandest buildings. Location is at Canary
Wharf and although not in the City, the place has
a charm of its own and has a very business district
feel, which is also green and by the river with
great views. Facilities are very nice and include an
internal gym and swimming pool.”
First year trainee
“Trainees share an office with their supervisor.
It is private, but it would be nice to have nonglass walls! Dress is smart casual. Suits are only
required when seeing clients.”
Second year trainee

Green Initiatives

“The firm has a recycling programme in place
for paper, cans, plastics and other recyclables.
We also have various collections (batteries,
mobile phones, stamps) for charity. The lights
are automatically set to turn off after periods of
inactivity, and there are incentives for bringing
your own cups to the coffee shop, etc.”
First year trainee

“Lots of recycling around and I’m aware of efforts
to reduce use of energy although it’s not pushed
very hard. I do get annoyed with people leaving
their desk lamps on all night and their computers
and screens, there doesn’t seem to be anyone else
who cares about this though.”
Second year trainee

Diversity

“There are lots of women at junior level, but this
hasn’t quite filtered up to the partnership. The
firm has a dedicated India group and recruits a
lot of Asian people (including many trainees from
India). There are not many black employees at
the firm at all. There’s an LGBT group. I’m not sure
how many LGBT people actually attend. I know
several out people at work (including myself) –
and have not experienced any problems, but am
aware of other employees who keep their sexual
orientation private.”
Second year trainee
“I think they’re quite good on this. They have
events and talks for various groups of people
(minorities, women...), although it wasn’t really
something that I was aware of until I came to
the firm. They are very flexible when it comes to
personal circumstances around child care etc., so
long as you don’t take the p*** – obviously you
have to work hard and do long hours, but if you
need to work from home or leave early for a sick
child or because your arrangements have fallen
through, that’s usually not a problem.”
Second year trainee

“The firm is constantly reviewing its diversity
policy, looking to promote more women to
the partnership, etc. However, I like the fact
that diversity is not hammered away at all the
time; people are left to get on with their work,
regardless of gender, sexual orientation, race, etc.”
First year trainee

CLIFFORD CHANCE

“Paper recycling in each office, recycling bins
for almost all other things on each floor, lights
which switch off automatically (sometimes even if
you are still in the room but have been sat still for
too long!).”
First year trainee

How prepared do you feel to practise law
upon qualification?
“It is still some way off, but I feel confident the
training programme will get me there!”
First year trainee
“I’m only in my first seat so not sure about
qualification, but I definitely feel much more
competent and confident than when I started.”
First year trainee
“I would feel very prepared going into any other
‘Magic Circle’ or City firm.”
Second year trainee
“Not very much more prepared than after doing
my law degree.”
Second year trainee

SALARY, HOURS & PERKS
Hours

“Over 6 months I have probably worked on
average 8/9 hours a day. This is about what I
expected although obviously it varies depending
on what work you have and what stage the deal
you are working on is at. Clearly when there
is a closing or things are very busy you will be
expected to stay and work, but when things are
quiet people are happy for you to leave early. It is
a lifestyle choice and if you are not willing to work
around the fact that the work comes in waves this
probably is not the firm for you.”
First year trainee

57

“In my current department I work probably
50 hours a week on average. My worst period
involved working 100 in 5 days (or 3 all-nighters in
4 nights).”
Second year trainee
“50 hours a week. About what I expected but
in the area of corporate I have been in, nobody
leaves until at least 6.30pm even if they don’t
have work (officially work finishes at 5.30pm and
partners say there is no “face time culture” – there
is a bit).”
First year trainee
“During the last six months I averaged about
52 hours per week. I slightly exceed my billable
targets. We are expected to be in the office from
9:30-17.30 officially; however 9:15-18:30 is what
most trainees aim for.”
Second year trainee

Salary

“The salary is very high for someone my age, with
only investment bankers making more. Compared
to some US firms the salary is “low” but equally
I feel that those firms want their pound of flesh
for their money. There are some weeks when you
work 70+ hours and the pay per hour seems quite
measly, but we are very fortunate.”
First year trainee
“We don’t get trainee bonuses, unlike the other
Magic Circle firms, even though we put in as many
hours as trainees at our competitors do. The
swimming pool does not make up for it since we
don’t even get any time to use it.”
Second year trainee
“We are on the upper end of trainee salaries.”
Second year trainee
“We are well paid, but of course when you work
out the hourly rate with the hours you work, some
people say it is below minimum wage.”
Second year trainee

58

Perks

“Dinners, executive taxis and the best biscuits in
the City are great, but the uplift in salary and free
accommodation during overseas secondments are
probably the best perks. And the boxes at the O2
and the Emirates, of course.”
First year trainee
“Clifford Chance has a box at the O2 and everyone
can apply for tickets to certain shows (client
events are given priority but many people do get
to take friends/family). Free dinner at the office
after 7, free taxi home after 9 (10 in summer),
free gym and swimming pool in the building,
free tea and biscuits to your desk after 9, free
accommodation and expenses paid for during
your seat abroad.”
First year trainee
“Squash courts, swimming pool and view from the
30th floor.”
First year trainee
“Weekend in Paris – great dinner and night out
and a weekend staying at Disneyland.”
Second year trainee

Pluses

“The people are great. In a firm the size of
Clifford Chance I am always surprised at how well
everyone gets along.”
First year trainee
“International, lots of people to meet and a strong
network to benefit from, good name and good
work, although not at the trainee level.”
First year trainee
“Steak Friday – cheap sirloin steak cooked to
perfection every Friday lunchtime! Also the pool!”
First year trainee

Minuses

“The hours can be long and there’s no getting
away from the fact that 2am is never a great time
to be in the office.”
First year trainee
“Lack of certainty regarding social plans. Inability
to do more than one contentious seat.”
Second year trainee
“Face-time; lack of a bonus; commuting to Canary
Wharf; being a very small fish in a massive pond.”
First year trainee
“Perfection is expected.”
Second year trainee

Fun Facts

“The Clifford Chance kitchens make the best
cookies in town. The biscuits and cookies are
incredibly good – if you are working late a pot of
tea and some smarties cookies can really help
life spirits.”
First year trainee

“Only firm with a swimming pool! All cookies and
cakes served at client meetings are baked in-house
– I can say from personal experience that they
taste amazing!”
First year trainee

CLIFFORD CHANCE

“It’s very relaxed. You can start late (10ish) as
long as you get the job done. You can leave on
time as long as you get the job done. If you’ve
done a lot of late nights and broken your back on
a nightmare deal, you are usually given a day or
two off in lieu. You can work from home if you’re
really unable to come into work. If you have a
medical appointment in the middle of the day
you can keep it as long as it doesn’t clash with
your meetings. Things like that are non-issues as
long as the work gets done on time and gets done
properly.”
Second year trainee

INTERVIEWS & APPLICATIONS
Applications, Interviews & Assessments

“If you do your research, are keen and diligent
then it makes things easier. The hardest part is
getting a really good CV together with the ability
to answer why this firm and why the law. The rest
should fall into place if you are enthusiastic and
informed.”
First year trainee
“Assessment day was: tour, talk from a partner,
group task (working to build a case in teams
and then being pitted against another team to
negotiate a desired business outcome), verbal
reasoning test, business question (similar to
questions you get given on the business part of
the LPC), and interview with two partners.”
Second year trainee
“There is an initial online test, before an
assessment day which includes a group exercise,
a one-on-one interview, a commercial awareness
test and a verbal reasoning test. The commercial
awareness questions are very difficult. For the
group exercise, they look at how you interact
within the group. E.g., it is good to ask someone
else in the group what they think about an issue,
as well as making comments yourself.”
Second year trainee

“We have a games room where you can play pool,
table football, air hockey and PlayStation. It’s very
underused!”
Second year trainee

59

“I imagine it is pretty competitive. There are
online tests and then an assessment day with
a further test, case study, group exercise and
interview. You are interviewed by a partner and
a senior associate. You discuss your responses to
the case study, some commercial questions and
talk about yourself and your reasons for being
there. A common question is to discuss a recent
commercial issue.”
Second year trainee

Tips & Advice

“The firm takes a very cosmopolitan mix of
people. There is no Clifford Chance standard
type so anyone and everyone is welcome. Just be
willing to learn, bright, keen and hardworking.”
First year trainee
“The firm normally hires people who are easy to
work with and who are teachable. If you try and
dominate the group exercise on the assessment
day to show off your leadership abilities, this
usually doesn’t go down very well. Abrasive,
defensive types don’t last very long. Soft skills
would include good manners, ability to make small
talk with a wide variety of people and being highly
organised.”
Second year trainee
“You will need a “good” 2:1 and whilst I don’t
think the firm looks for any specific universities,
it definitely targets some universities more than
others. In terms of soft skills, I think it helps
to come across as confident and able to make
conversation – by the time you’ve got to interview
you already have the academics that they are
looking for, what you need to show at this point is
that you are someone that the interviewers would
like to have in their team.”
Second year trainee

60

“The firm is trying to maintain its diversity. A
reasonable amount of intelligence is required.
While a substantial portion of trainees are from
Oxbridge, going to any other university does not
mean you can’t get in.”
Second year trainee

What made you choose your firm?

“The firm’s leading position, poster boy image,
stellar reputation, international reach and diverse
culture, and its size which offers a great variety
and a lot of possibilities.”
First year trainee
“The openness and honesty of the firm was what
attracted me. I spent two days in the office and
met dozens of people, all of whom were very
honest about the bad parts, as well as the good, of
life at the firm.”
First year trainee
“It’s a lot more relaxed and a lot less hierarchical
than the other Magic Circle firms, and the lawyers
genuinely seem to enjoy each other’s company.
Long hours are much more bearable if you’re
sharing a room with a friend rather than someone
who’s just a ‘colleague’.”
Second year trainee
“Great international prospects, varied and
interesting work and the strong commitment to
pro bono.”
First year trainee

Clifford Chance expects a 2:1 minimum from all
its applicants, and ‘while a substantial portion of
trainees are from Oxbridge, going to any other
university does not mean you can’t get in’. The
hiring process is extremely competitive though,
but what else would you expect from one of
the world’s most prestigious law firms? Clifford
Chance looks for a mix of candidates that possess
‘intelligence’, ‘a willingness to learn’, ‘potential’,
‘confidence’, and the ‘ability to make small talk
with a wide variety of people’. These traits are
important for the firm’s trainees as a great deal of
responsibility is levied from the off.
The process is fairly straightforward: following
an online application and verbal reasoning test,
successful candidates will be asked to attend an
assessment day. This will consist of a tour and
quick introduction to the firm, a group exercise,
a commercial awareness test, a verbal reasoning
test and a partner interview.
For the commercial awareness test, while you
need to be aware of key topical issues affecting
law, you are not expected to already know the ins
and outs of the UK legal system. You’ll be given
a short amount of time before your interview to
look at a business scenario question and prepare
your response. Interviewers’ questions will instead
focus on whether you can draw logical conclusions
and if you are able to explain yourself clearly –
both skills required of any good solicitor.
In the group exercise you will be divided into
smaller groups and given a business scenario
to read, analyse and discuss in your group. It is
important that everyone in your group talks. The
better your team works together, the better each
of you will be judged individually as ‘they look at
how you interact within the group’. Remember to
always explain yourself and justify your thinking.

Candidates will typically be interviewed by a
partner and senior associate. You’ll be asked to
talk through your CV, explaining your choice of
subjects and degree discipline, previous work
experience, and be confronted with the usual ‘why
law?’, ‘why Clifford Chance?’ questioning. Bear in
mind, you’re applying to one of the best law firms
out there, so it should come as no surprise that
you’ll need to put your best foot forward.

CLIFFORD CHANCE

THE BUZZ ON GETTING HIRED

“Bear in mind, you’re applying to one of
the best law firms out there, so it should
come as no surprise that you’ll need to
put your best foot forward.”
Successful applicants will sit four six-month seats
throughout the training contract, two of which
must be in corporate and finance. Trainees are
also required to do a contentious seat, or instead
complete a two week course at the College of Law.
The music to many a trainee’s ear is that Clifford
Chance recruits are ‘positively encouraged’ to
do a seat abroad, with around 85% taking the
international plunge, and ‘some people even do
two seats abroad’. Either way, trainees have a wide
choice of seats, with numerous sub-departments
to choose from within corporate, finance, capital
markets, tax, pensions and employment, real
estate and dispute resolution. The firm may not
be able to accommodate everyone all of the time,
but ‘if you are realistic about your choices and
make it clear which departments you particularly
want to gain experience in, HR will usually be able
to accommodate’ you.

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FIRM PROFILE
Clifford Chance is arguably the largest law firm
both in the UK and globally, and perhaps the bestknown legal brand in the City. The firm employs
3,400 lawyers, with a total of 6,000 staff across
32 offices worldwide. Although best known for its
finance department, the past decade has seen the
firm’s corporate practice rise to prominence, and
in 2006, Clifford Chance became the first law firm
to generate revenues totalling over £1 billion.
The origins of Clifford Chance can be traced
back to the 1800s, but it was the merger of
two London firms in 1987, Coward Chance and
Clifford Turner, that created the firm as it is
today. This union singlehandedly transformed
London’s legal landscape. The alliance created a
full-service giant twice the size of the next largest
firm and enabled Clifford Chance to expand
internationally. Headquartered in London, the
structure of the firm was transformed in the 1990s
by managing partner Geoffrey Howe, shifting to a
more centralised management with less partner
independence. In 2000, it merged again, with
German firm, Punder Volhard Weber & Axster, and
Rogers & Wells from New York, making Clifford
Chance the largest firm in the world.
Clifford Chance has two US offices, New York and
Washington DC, and many more across Europe,
Asia, South America and the Middle East. The
recent focus of the firm’s international operations
is towards the emerging markets, namely China,
India, the Middle East and Eastern Europe. In
China the firm has offices in Beijing and Shanghai,
as well as in Hong Kong. In the Middle East,
Clifford Chance has opened outposts in Dubai and
Abu Dhabi, and most recently the firm opened
an office in Istanbul in April 2011. Additionally, a
capital markets group was formed in Singapore in
2008, to focus on the firm’s Indian clients.
Although Clifford Chance is best known as a top
banking and finance firm, revered for its work in
banking with top financial institutions, it has more
than just fiscal strings to its mighty bow. The firm’s
operations are broken into six global practice

62

areas: banking and finance, capital markets,
corporate/M&A, litigation and dispute resolution,
real estate and tax, pensions and employment.
In corporate, Clifford Chance is one of the best
firms for private equity work, dispute resolution
and real estate, in addition to excelling in M&A.
Corporate clients include the Canary Wharf Group,
Siemens, Shell, Barclays, Merrill Lynch and UBS.
The firm takes diversity seriously and because it
has a strong international reach, that filters down
into recruiting. Women, minorities and LGBT
groups are all well represented and employees
remark that as long as you can handle the work,
no one cares about colour, background, or sexual
orientation.
Clifford Chance also strongly encourages pro
bono work and represents individuals, NGOs
and charities to ensure that everyone has access
to justice, finance, and education. Employees
at Clifford Chance are given ten hours a year
for community initiatives and can participate in
drop-in legal clinics and literacy schemes, helping
children with special needs and aiding young
refugees.

CLIFFORD CHANCE

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63

SQUEEZE MORE INTO TWO YEARS
WE OFFER YOU ONE OF THE SHARPEST
TRAINING CONTRACTS AROUND
Everything matters and every day counts when you’re
a trainee at DLA Piper. We squeeze huge amounts of
experience, responsibility and personal development
into your 24 months with us. That means you get to
know more about the law, our firm and about yourself.

Working with one of the world’s leading practices also
means more opportunities: the chance to try the things
you want to try, work on secondments abroad or with
clients, and get involved with headline making matters.
Enjoy every last bit of your training contract and
develop the all round skills that all top lawyers need.
Visit our website for more details:
www.dlapipergraduates.co.uk or follow us
on Facebook.

www.dlapiper.com | DLA Piper uk llp

64

DLA Piper is a global law firm operating through various separate and distinct legal entities.
Further details of these entities can be found at www.dlapiper.com

AUG11 | 2134814

Few firms employ as many lawyers worldwide as DLA Piper. Augmenting its international network of
offices with alliances and a number of ‘best friend’ firms, DLA Piper has over 4,200 lawyers spread across
30 countries.

PROS

• High-profile clients and quality international
work outside of London
• Large global network with lots of secondment
opportunities
• Responsibility and hands-on work for trainees
• Committed to diversity, with a newly
established Women’s Network
• Constant training opportunities
• Good trainee retention

THE STATS
No. of lawyers firm-wide: 4,200
No. of lawyers in the UK: 1,000
London Partners: 134
London Solicitors: 220
Trainee intake in the UK: 85
Trainees retained: 82% (2010)
Approx. no. of applications per year: 4,000

BASE SALARY
LONDON 2011
1st year trainee £37,000
2nd year trainee £40,000
ENGLISH REGIONAL OFFICES 2011
1st year trainee £25,000
2nd year trainee £27,000
SCOTLAND 2011
1st year trainee £22,000
2nd year trainee £24,000

DEPARTMENTS & PRACTICES
Antitrust & EU Competition • Commercial Contracts •
Construction • Corporate • Employment, Pensions &

•
•
•
•

DLA PIPER

DLA PIPER

CONS

Few firm-wide social events
Regional salary far behind London
Lack of communication and feedback at times
Edinburgh and Glasgow treated as one office –
trainees in Scotland may face long commutes
• Unsociable hours

Benefits • Finance • Intellectual Property • International
Arbitration • International Trade • Litigation & Arbitration •
Product Liability • Projects and Infrastructure • Real Estate
• Regulatory & Government Affairs • Restructuring • Tax
• Technology & Media • White Collar, Corporate Crime &
Investigations

LOCATIONS
No. of offices: 76
Abu Dhabi • Accra* • Amsterdam • Antwerp • Atlanta •
Auckland* • Austin • Baltimore (Downtown) • Baltimore
(Mount Washington) • Bangkok • Beijing • Berlin •
Birmingham • Boston • Bratislava • Brisbane* • Brussels
• Bucharest • Budapest* • Cairo* • Canberra* • Cape
Town* • Caracas • Chicago • Cologne • Dallas • Dar
es Salaam* • Doha • Dubai • Edinburgh • Frankfurt •
Glasgow • Hamburg • Hong Kong • Houston • Istanbul
• Johannesburg* • Kuwait City* • Kyiv • La Jolla • Leeds
• Liverpool • London • Los Angeles (Century City) • Los
Angeles (Downtown) • Lusaka* • Madrid • Manama •
Manchester • Melbourne* • Miami • Milan • Minneapolis
• Moscow • Munich • Muscat • Mwanza* • Nairobi* •
New Jersey (Atlantic City) • New Jersey (Florham Park)
• New York • Northern Virginia • Oslo • Paris • Perth*
• Philadelphia • Phoenix • Prague • Raleigh • Riyadh •
Rome • Sacramento • San Diego (Downtown) • San Diego

65

(Golden Triangle) • San Francisco • São Paulo • Sarajevo*
• Seattle • Shanghai • Sheffield • Silicon Valley • Singapore
• St Petersburg • Stockholm* • Sydney* • Tampa • Tbilisi •
Tokyo • Vienna • Warsaw • Washington, DC • Wellington*
• Wilmington • Zagreb*
* Associate offices

LONDON OFFICE
3 Noble Street
London EC2V 7EE
Tel: +44 (0)8700 111 111
www.dlapiper.com

GRADUATE RECRUITMENT INFO
Email: [email protected]

QUOTES
LIFE ON THE JOB
Satisfaction with Work

“This very much depends on which department
you are in and how busy the department is. The
busier it is, the more likely it is you will get work
which is more challenging, rewarding and more
involved in that particular case/transaction. There
are always occasions where trainees are given the
mundane jobs of filing, photocopying, bundling,
etc. which are a lot less rewarding. The quality
of the work will also depend on how much you
go and find it. You are expected to go and ask
for work and hunt it out and if you want specific
experience in something to ask for it. Work will
not just land on your desk (especially not the more
interesting work!). Client interaction depends
on the department you are in. You are generally
encouraged to interact with clients although this
will be closely supervised and monitored.”
First year trainee, Birmingham

66

“Each seat offers different experiences and
exposure. Supervisor working styles vary, but
there is a general effort to involve trainees in work
from day one. In litigation for instance, trainees
are given their own files to run independently
(under supervision), liaising directly with clients
for instructions, preparing and drafting documents
alone and making decisions whenever required. In
finance, trainees are also responsible for a number
of tasks and typically get to negotiate and agree
ancillary documentation alone. There is also lots
of client contact (e.g. pre-transactional meetings,
mediations, completions, lease negotiations, etc.)
which enables trainees to grow in confidence,
learn from others and also build their own
network.”
Second year trainee, Manchester

What does your typical day at work involve?
“I have various tasks on a number of different
files that I action on a daily basis. This includes
document management, liaising with other
departments, making calls to court and other
parties and feeding back to supervisors. Most
weeks include an internal training session or
Webinar and where appropriate I sit in on calls
to clients.”
First year trainee, Leeds
“A day as a trainee often means helping out other
members of the team; this could be by means
of administrative bundling, filing and chasing
clients for particular documents. However it can
also mean meetings with clients, note taking on
meetings with counsel and drafting documents to
fit a particular instruction. There is often time to
catch up with other trainees over lunch for a few
minutes and/or to chat to other team members.”
First year trainee, Manchester
“Typically, trainees will get involved at some level
with any deal or matter that a team is managing.
In a transactional seat, tasks might include drafting
documents or assisting with the drafting of more
complex agreements, liaising with clients and
other solicitors, undertaking research and dealing
with completion requirements. In a contentious
seat, trainees may be expected to undertake the
drafting of court/tribunal documents, conduct
research, deal with clients, other solicitors,
counsel and consultants and attend court
proceedings, tribunals or inquiries.”
Second year trainee, Edinburgh

Culture

“Trainees socialise together, especially on a Friday
night. Trainees support each other and it is not a
competitive environment. The office is obviously
structured but EVERYONE is friendly (even the
partners!). This is something that I had the
opportunity to experience on my vac scheme and
I have never looked back. It is one of the office’s
main selling points.”
Second year trainee, Sheffield

DLA PIPER

“I have been given responsibility from the start
running small files myself, liaising with clients
and other parties, and reporting to supervisors
internally. The departments I have worked in
have made a real effort to include me in larger
deals and cases, allowing me to sit in on calls and
meetings with clients and witnesses. Partners
are approachable and considerate and although
the hours can be long at times, it is rare for your
efforts not to be recognised and I have been
frequently thanked.”
First year trainee, Leeds

“Trainees share an office with their supervisor,
who will either be a senior associate or a partner,
depending upon the department that you are in.
In my office there will normally be two trainees
in each department, and each trainee will get
involved in different matters, but generally it is
ensured that you work with everyone else in the
team in order that you get experience of different
types of work and ways of working. There are 6
trainees per year in my office, and we are all very
supportive of each other. If you have a problem
the others are always willing to help, and we see
each other most days. We have informal nights
out, but there is also a social committee, which
arranges lots of events throughout the year as
well.”
Second year trainee, Liverpool
“Trainee social life is fantastic. The majority
socialise very regularly and become genuine
friends rather than co-workers very quickly. DLA
provides immense support at the beginning of the
TC by paying for a residential. Were it not for this
weekend the relationship between trainees would
be entirely different.”
First year trainee, London
“Everyone is motivated and hard working, but
there is a definite ‘work hard, play hard’ culture.
Trainees are very supportive, we socialise a lot
– Friday drinks, cinema trips, lunch by the canal
– most are friends, not just colleagues. I think we
feel like a band of war buddies, having got through
the terrifying first seat together!”
First year trainee, Leeds

67

Seats

“Trainees do four seats during the traineeship.
The departments available in the Scottish offices
are: real estate, construction and engineering,
planning, litigation, insurance, employment, IPT,
corporate, projects, banking and restructuring. We
are asked for three preferences of departments,
but there is no guarantee that we will be given
one of those preferences. It depends on the
business needs of each department at the time.
There is the possibility of doing an international
secondment where you can spend time in one of
the other offices outside the UK.”
First year trainee, Edinburgh
“Each trainee undertakes four seats. The
departments in the office include real estate,
property litigation, construction, employment,
litigation, corporate, IPT and restructuring. You
are always asked what your first three preferences
would be and then graduate recruitment will try
and accommodate this. I have been lucky enough
to have a preference in all my four seats. Both
client secondments in the UK and a secondment
to a foreign office are on offer. It is not just the
London trainees that have the opportunities to
undertake these, and recently a trainee from the
Sheffield office spent six months in Tokyo.”
Second year trainee, Sheffield
“Four six-month seats. You are able to sit in any
department in the office. In Leeds there are seats
in property, corporate, pensions, employment,
restructuring, litigation, regulatory, IPT, finance
and projects. In other offices other seats may
be available, for example, some offices have a
construction department and the London office
has a number of specialist departments. On each
seat move the trainees are requested to provide 3
seat preferences. You are generally allocated one
of your preferences. I am currently on secondment
to our Singapore office. Other secondments
include Hong Kong, Russia and Thailand.”
Second year trainee, Leeds

68

Formal Training

“I have attended various training courses,
including the PSC courses, departmental courses
and other training. The training contract begins
with two weeks of induction, during which
trainees attend a number of PSC classes and
induction courses on IT, office policies, anti money
laundering procedures, etc. There is a one or twoday departmental induction course held at the
beginning of every seat. Most departments also
have regular training sessions either weekly or
monthly, and trainees are often invited to external
training events run by barristers’ chambers,
professional organisations, etc.”
First year trainee, London
“The standard of training at DLA Piper is excellent.
Prior to starting the training contract, trainees
attend a week-long residential course which allows
them to integrate with their peers and attend
PSC modules, as well as firm-specific training. PSC
courses tend to be held off-site in intensive weeklong sessions. Departmental training is given both
at the start and throughout each seat – usually
sessions are held at lunchtime and tend to be
interactive.”
First year trainee, London
“I feel thoroughly invested in. There are constant
training opportunities and an attitude that they
are to be taken seriously.”
First year trainee, London

Informal Training & Mentoring

“There are mentoring opportunities run by the
Women’s Network (which are also available
to men) and you can always ask for informal
mentoring. The PSLs and Knowledge Management
are generally happy to point you towards training
materials on particular topics, and there is often a
budget for training courses if there is an area you
are particularly interested in.”
First year trainee, London

“Easy to receive informal training – if you make
it known you would like training, they will
endeavour to organise it. The vast majority of
solicitors and partners are extremely accessible.
I have had 4 fantastic supervisors – from a 6
year PQE to a senior equity partner – and feel so
fortunate to have been in a room with someone
to whom I can always ask questions! I’ve learnt
the importance of being organised and keeping
a to-do list, the need to keep the client happy at
all times and the need to prioritise; sometimes
you will need to let friends down. I think being
a solicitor involves being excellent with people
– building relationships and trust – and think
that if you have this skill and you know what
you are talking about, this is a very powerful
combination.”
Second year trainee, London

Green Initiatives

“There are lots of recycling trays and bins on
the office floors. However, there is a lot of paper
wastage as well, but I imagine that this is the same
across all law firms. Lights and air conditioning
systems are always timed to go off automatically
in the evenings to save energy.”
First year trainee, London
“We recycle paper, with facilities on each floor. We
have also curbed air travel significantly and have
a month where meetings can only (within reason)
be held by telephone conference, rather than
travelling to another location.”
Second year trainee, London

“There is a firm-wide programme to reduce its
carbon footprint. All paper and plastic is recycled.
Desks, etc. are made from sustainably sourced
materials.”
First year trainee, Glasgow

DLA PIPER

“Attitudes towards mentoring and training vary
between departments and are also dependent on
workload i.e. how much time a fee earner is able
to dedicate to this. However, overall solicitors and
partners are very accessible and are aware that
a key part of the training contract is experience
rather than billable hours. Supervisors will often
try to accommodate trainees’ learning needs
wherever possible.”
First year trainee, London

Diversity

“The Women’s Network, recently established to
support talented female lawyers to stay at the
firm/in the profession, has been a success. The
NQ/retention process is handled excellently, we
were kept up to date and everyone was very
tactful, given that it can be a stressful time. The
firm is diverse and attracts applicants from a range
of backgrounds, together with LGBT employees
who, although not having their own LGBT group,
have not encountered any issues as far as I am
aware. It is also encouraging to see that LGBT
employees have made partner, so it is comforting
that should you not disclose your sexuality, it
should not be because of the worry that it will
impact your career progression.”
Second year trainee, London
“The commitment is there but the evidence isn’t
in all areas. There are more women than men at
trainee, solicitor and associate levels and as many
LGBT as I would expect to meet in any regular
working environment. At a glance there isn’t a lot
of ethnic diversity but this could be typical of the
office and area.”
First year trainee, Leeds
“There’s no denying that there is a real issue
with women in law generally, and that DLA’s
statistics make disappointing reading. However,
it is working hard to improve this by the recent
creation of the Women’s Network and by
encouraging women in their careers; there is still
a long way to go and only time will tell. In terms
of ethnic minorities, diversity doesn’t seem to be
an issue. DLA takes part in the BLD program and
offers support to students from ethnic minorities
wanting to go into law.”
Second year trainee, Manchester

69

Offices & Dress code

“Our offices are located near St Paul’s cathedral.
The London office is split between the main office
on Noble Street which has individual offices, and
the new office in One London Wall which is openplan. Each office definitely has its own character,
but both are large glass buildings which benefit
from easy access to great shops, restaurants and
bars nearby.”
First year trainee, London
“The office is lovely – light, spacious and
modern. We each have a large desk in an office
that we share with one other fee earner – our
supervisor. We have a subsidised staff canteen, a
reprographics team who provide high spec copies
of documents, a document production team who
create documents and amend documents as
we annotate them so we can get on with other
things and we have our own secretaries in each
department. The dress code is business wear – the
men wear suits with ties (although jackets are
often on the backs of chairs), while the women
may wear suits, trousers/skirts and blouses or
smart tops. As a tip, I always have a black blazer
on the back of my chair so I can be smart enough
to attend a last minute client meeting!”
First year trainee, Leeds
“The Manchester office is split over two
buildings that are next to each other. This can be
annoying when you are in the office that does
not hold document production, facilities or, most
importantly, the canteen. However, facilities staff
regularly come round to pick up and distribute
internal mail. The facilities team is very helpful
and contributes significantly to the smooth
running of the office. The firm expects staff to
dress in office attire, but as a female I am not
expected to wear a suit every day.”
First year trainee, Manchester
“Both Scottish offices are centrally located.
They are all open plan. The dress code is smart
business wear, but this tends to be more relaxed
in Scotland where, for example, men will not wear
ties and women will not necessarily wear suits all
of the time.”
Second year trainee, Edinburgh

70

How prepared do you feel to practise law
upon qualification?
“Whilst you can never be fully prepared, I feel that
this firm has given me the best opportunity and I
know that help and support will be there for me at
each stage of my career.”
Second year trainee, Sheffield
“I think it will be a huge challenge, but am excited
at the prospect and believe I will be in a very
supportive environment which makes me feel less
daunted.”
Second year trainee, London
“I feel very prepared, because of the hands-on
nature of the work I have done as a trainee and
the experience I have had in dealing with clients.”
First year trainee, London
“Prepared-ish. I think it’s going to be a steep
learning curve. Losing the security blanket
provided by the title ‘trainee’ is going to be
tough.”
Second year trainee, London
“Very well – you have no option but to swim here
as they put you in at the deep end.”
First year trainee, Sheffield

SALARY, HOURS & PERKS
Hours

“Every week is different. Sometimes the hours are
extremely long, but only when it’s necessary. As
a firm they encourage you to make the most of
down time and from my experience, don’t expect
trainees to put in face time.”
Second year trainee, London

“It really is hard to say! Ultimately, you stay in
work to get the job done. As a very loose average,
I would say I work between 40 and 50 hours a
week. Sometimes you have lots of quiet days
(or even weeks!), but then other times you can
work long hours every day for a week. It is totally
department dependent and work load dependent.
I think I am working to about the level I had
anticipated I would need to. There are days when
it is very frustrating because you can’t make plans
or have to cancel plans, and that’s what makes
it hard. When you are working long hours on
complex matters, it really is exhausting, but
there is an overwhelming sense of achievement
when you have completed a difficult task and
you can see how your assistance helped to
complete a project.”
First year trainee, Leeds
“40 – 45 hours. This is what I expected and I
think generally the trainees don’t mind putting
in long hours – what they mind is being taken
for granted and made to stay to photocopy. But
most departments are grateful, and respectful of
your free time. Eventually, you learn the balance
between being available and preserving a life
outside the office. The one gripe is that we do
‘London hours’ but get regional pay – real joke
is that we seem to work longer hours than the
London trainees!”
First year trainee, Leeds

Salary

“Much better than any other Scottish firm (they
also pay diploma fees and provide a maintenance
grant, which is not the norm).”
Second year trainee, Glasgow

DLA PIPER

“This is very dependent on what department
you are in and how busy the department is. My
first seat was in corporate and I was generally
working about a 50 hour week and at the worst
point a 70+ hour week. If the department is quiet
though, they are generally happy for you to do
your contracted hours (9am – 5.30pm). My second
seat is in regulatory and the hours are generally
a bit less (40+ a week), but much more sporadic
so sometimes you may have to work weekends
because it is so busy. Generally, working more
than I expected, but if you are busy and the work
is interesting then you don’t mind and you are
happy to do the hours.”
First year trainee, Birmingham

“DLA Piper trainee salaries tend to be at the
higher end of the scale in Scotland, and do
compete with the big Scottish firms. However,
they are markedly lower than those for DLA
trainees in the regional English offices and, in
particular, the London office.”
Second year trainee, Edinburgh
“I think that I am paid a decent salary for the work
that I do and the opportunities that training at
DLA will provide in my future career. Additionally,
DLA paid my GDL and LPC fees, along with
providing a £5,000 grant during each year. This has
alleviated a lot of potential debt.”
First year trainee, Manchester
“As a trainee, a bit above the regional average. But
I do think the regional NQ salary should be higher,
especially as the work and sometimes hours are
exactly London quality.”
First year trainee, Birmingham

Perks

“Probably the social events – i.e. Christmas dinner
in the Hilton and free nights out to comedy clubs
and quizzes. The international secondments with
accommodation and living expenses is a real perk
too – if you are lucky enough to get one!”
First year trainee, Liverpool
“We get subsidised Starbucks and canteen in the
office, 20% off at local bars and discounted taste
cards for 50% off in restaurants nationally. We also
have a paid-for membership to the JLD in Leeds
which gets us into events including Christmas
balls, wine tasting evenings and casino nights,
etc.”
First year trainee, Leeds

71

“Our commuting train fares are paid; £5,000
maintenance grant before you begin the training
contract, free breakfasts and I have been able to
attend various events with the firm.”
First year trainee, Edinburgh
“Corporate membership to the Tate and access to
most Barbican exhibitions for free.”
First year trainee, London
“The firm puts on office drinks each month on the
Friday after payday. These are held in the office
and everybody is invited to attend.”
First year trainee, Manchester

“Potentially not enough client contact as a
trainee.”
First year trainee, Leeds
“There is a lot of emphasis on business
development tasks and attending firm events –
this can be quite demanding on your precious
free time!”
First year trainee, Leeds
“There should be a stronger push for social
activities (i.e. sports, events) across the firm as a
whole. More benefits would be appreciated.”
First year trainee, London

Pluses

“The staff, the support given to trainees and the
fact that the firm cares about its trainees.”
First year trainee, Edinburgh

“Hours can be long, regional salary is far behind
London even though the work is exactly the
same.”
First year trainee, Birmingham

“Varied amount of work (interesting and
sometimes very difficult), friendliness of all
employees (generally), international presence,
actually get involved with transnational work and
work together with international fee earners.”
First year trainee, Leeds

“Scottish trainees are not able to express a
preference for a particular Scottish office, meaning
that they may have to commute/move to that city
if not situated there, often with a short period of
advance warning.”
Second year trainee, Edinburgh

“The friendliness, the opportunities for client
contact and the fact that trainees are given lots
of hands-on practical work and not just the
photocopying!”
First year trainee, London
“Atmosphere, approachable staff, diversity of
departments to do seats in, good work/life
balance and great support. Great retention
and commitment to keeping trainees on at
qualification.”
Second year trainee
“Good work, friendly people and it’s going places.”
Second year trainee, London

72

Minuses

Fun Facts

“The Scottish trainees organise a Burns supper
every year for all the other UK trainees.”
First year trainee, Edinburgh
“We have a stairwell challenge each year to see
who can run up to the 10th floor the quickest.”
First year trainee, London
“The firm will pay for your membership of the
Birmingham Trainee Solicitors Society whilst you
are a trainee which includes a ticket to a ball.”
First year trainee, Birmingham
“The banana flavoured toffees in the meeting
rooms are really yummy.”
Second year trainee, London

Interviews, Applications and Assessments
“There were two rounds: one interview and then
a second round assessment centre. This involved
giving a presentation on a topic of choice, two
written exercises and an interview. The interview
lasted about 45 minutes and was with a member
of the GR team and a partner, followed by a
tour of the office with a current trainee. It was
fairly tough, quite a lot of commercial awareness
questions, why London, why law (I had a non-law
background), why DLA...at the end of the day,
we had drinks and canapés on the top floor with
some partners, but we were all so exhausted
by the end of it we could only manage one glass
of wine!”
Second year trainee, London

“After completing an extensive application form,
I had to go through two rounds of interviews
and a further presentation day. The presentation
day involved a one hour interview, a 15-minute
presentation with Q&A and two written exercises.
The interview questions were quite tough, but the
interviewers made me feel as relaxed as possible.”
First year trainee, Liverpool
“There was a comprehensive application form and
an assessment day for the vacation scheme. There
was then the vacation scheme itself with one
day of this being dedicated to a full assessment
day. The assessment day included two exams; a
presentation and an interview. The interview was
relatively informal with standard questions about
my CV and commercial stories that interested me.
It really felt as though they wanted to see how
well I would fit into the firm, which made for a
pleasant interview experience.”
First year trainee, London

“An interview to get a summer placement,
followed by an interview at the end of the
placement. Then the next stage is an interview,
a written test and an assessment day where you
prepare a presentation and take part in team
assignments. Questions at the interview were not
designed to ‘trick’, but were designed to see what
your expectations of being a lawyer are, what
makes a good lawyer, how ambitious you are,
whether you have a good work ethic and whether
you have good communication skills.”
First year trainee, Glasgow

DLA PIPER

INTERVIEWS & APPLICATIONS

Tips & Advice

“Research and preparation are key. Speak to
your careers service who usually have feedback
forms from previous candidate experiences which
give an insight into the process. Practice a mock
interview with friends/family. Look up any recent
news/developments that the firm and the legal
industry have announced and also have an idea
what’s going on in the business sector. Work
experience is usually a good selling point too. The
firm looks for more than good academics – you
need to be well rounded and personable. Need
to have a good sense of humour and be able to
recognise your weaknesses – no ‘Apprentice’
wannabes allowed!”
First year trainee, Liverpool
“Hard working, motivated but down-to-earth – no
one who thinks they are God’s gift to law. Good
personal skills, able to be relaxed but professional
– able to laugh!”
First year trainee, Leeds
“The firm does not have a particular “mould”
of trainee. However, they do look for confident,
capable and commercially aware trainees. You
do not have to be the finished article but they
do look for serious potential. People require a
minimum of a 2:1. The firm looks for people with
a commitment to the law, a commitment to the
area where the firm is located and evidence of
researching the firm inside out.”
Second year trainee, Liverpool

73

“We have a diverse group in our trainees at the
moment. We have people who did law degrees,
people who did law conversions, people who have
come straight through and are only 22 and people
who have been working and retrained and are in
their 30s. We do have a couple of people with 1sts
from Cambridge uni, but that is certainly not a
requirement! You do need a 2:1 to apply though.”
First year trainee, Leeds

What made you choose your firm?

“Its diversity, its ambition, its global yet local
nature, its investment in its staff and its clients.”
First year trainee, Manchester
“Most enjoyable interviews and assessment
day – international scope, potential and positive
attitude, diversity, range of practice areas,
opportunities for secondment and working
abroad.”
Second year trainee, London

74

“Lovely atmosphere when I was here on
vacation scheme, everybody was really friendly,
they provide exceptional training and great
opportunities, for example international
secondments and very high quality work, without
having to move to London.”
Second year trainee, Liverpool
“I wanted to work for a firm with an excellent
reputation in commercial law both regionally and
nationally, and which also offered international
opportunities. DLA stood out in that respect,
particularly because of its blue chip client base
and its global network. Because I returned to law
after working for a few years, I was also looking for
a firm that could sponsor me during my GDL and
LPC and could offer a generous financial package
during the training contract.”
Second year trainee, Manchester
“I like the people, the work is challenging and
interesting and I’m getting quality work outside of
London.”
First year trainee, Leeds

DLA Piper has around 90 training contracts available
each year throughout its eight UK offices, and receives
3,000 to 4,000 applications for those places. So, what
are the requirements for getting one of these training
contracts? One current trainee says that you ‘should
be intelligent and have a wide range of interests.
Candidates need to be good with people, confident
and able to use their initiative,’ or in the words of
another trainee, ‘the firm is down-to-earth and so are
its people’.

day – usually held in September and October. The
day includes a presentation, written exercises and a
further interview. The interviewers vary and might
include a partner, associate or a member of the
graduate recruitment team. Trainees said that the
‘interview questions were quite tough’, but you’re
made to ‘feel as relaxed as possible’. Additionally,
‘questions at the interview were not designed
to ‘trick’, but were designed to see what your
expectations of being a lawyer are’.

The firm does not appear to recruit from particular
universities and a mix of law and non-law graduates
make up the trainee intake. Nonetheless, good
academic achievements are expected. In fact, DLA
Piper requires candidates to have a minimum of ABB
at A-Level and a 2:1 degree. As always, a keen interest
in the corporate world, a good dose of enthusiasm,
an eagerness to learn and ‘a keen eye for detail’ are
very helpful.

You can expect to be asked about your educational
background and interests, and to be tested on your
commercial and legal knowledge. Make sure you
know your academic history in detail, and take a few
minutes to think about why you have applied, why
you are interested in law and what about DLA Piper in
particular appeals to you. One trainee also states that
‘evidence of researching the firm inside out’ will help.
After the interview, you can look forward to a tour of
the office with a current trainee.

The training contract at DLA Piper requires trainees
to undertake four six-month seats in any of the
firm’s departments such as corporate, employment,
pensions and benefits, finance and projects, IPT
litigation and regulatory, real estate, restructuring
and tax. The departments available will vary slightly
depending on the office you’re training in. There are
opportunities to ‘do a seat abroad, although these are
very competitive – recent overseas secondments have
included Tokyo, Hong Kong, Singapore and Moscow’,
as well as Dubai, and the firm has just announced
a new secondment to their Sydney office. The firm
also offers a number of UK and international client
secondments. Current DLA Piper trainees say that
they ‘are given a large amount of client contact in all
departments’ so expect ‘responsibility from the start’
and exposure to ‘high profile deals’.
If all of this sounds alluring to you, choose the
office you want to train in and send off the online
application form. You can only apply to one office and
current trainees say it helps to ‘show some affiliation
to the city’ you choose. If you’re applying for a training
contract, the next stage is a 20 to 30 minute interview;
make it through this and you’ll attend an assessment

DLA PIPER

THE BUZZ ON GETTING HIRED

VacATION Schemes
For those interested in getting a first glimpse into the
firm, DLA Piper offers approximately 170 vacation
scheme places in the summer. These two-week
schemes take place across the UK between June and
August, and are designed to give students the chance
to experience work in two different departments. You
should be aware that you need to apply for a scheme
in the office where you’d choose to apply for a training
contract.
You need to apply online, and if successful are invited
to an assessment day where you’ll take part in a
business game with fellow candidates. Get onto a
scheme, and you’ll find towards the end there is
another assessment day for the training contract
which involves various tasks and an interview with
two partners. One current trainee describes this
interview as ‘formal with questions surrounding
scenarios, client situations, and what I had learnt on
the vacation scheme’.

75

FIRM PROFILE
DLA Piper has grown from its regional roots in
Sheffield and Leeds to become one of the largest
law firms in the world. Formed in January 2005 –
following a triple merger between the UK’s DLA,
Chicago-based Piper Rudnick, and California’s Gray
Cary Ware & Freidenrich – DLA Piper became the
first firm with more than 1,000 lawyers on each
side of the Atlantic.

“DLA Piper is a true giant in global law.”
Not one to rest on its laurels, DLA Piper has
continued its expansion by acquiring entire
departments from rival firms – it now has over
4,200 lawyers across 30 countries in 76 offices.
Make no mistake: DLA Piper is a true giant in
global law. Some of its newer offices include
Berlin, Miami and Wilmington, and the firm has
entered into exclusive alliances with numerous
firms worldwide – including an alliance with
practices in South Africa, Zambia, Tanzania and
Egypt, and a strong ‘best friends’ network with
firms across Latin America.

“The firm also has a strong commitment
to corporate responsibility, with its staff
worldwide spending 156,000 hours on
pro bono causes in 2010.”
The firm’s traditional concentration on mid-tier
work rather than big-banner corporate deals has
helped to maintain its worldwide growth. Unlike
many of its global counterparts, DLA Piper does
not principally target large-scale M&A and banking
work. However, this may be set to change after
the hire of ex-Linklaters Managing Partner Tony

76

Angel as Joint Global Co-Chairman and Senior
Partner. The firm boasts a roster of banking
clients, including household names such as
Barclays and Lloyds, and has also secured plaudits
for its private equity, real estate, IT, property and
media work.
In its history, DLA Piper has proved to be a
forerunner in various matters. Not only was
the firm one of the first to structure itself on a
corporate model, but it was also one of the first to
embrace the concept of lateral hiring. Additionally,
the firm pioneered the custom of publicly
releasing its annual profits and revenues, which
might not seem like a big deal today, but was
practically unheard of at the time. Unlike many
international rivals, the London office is not the
firm’s only focus in the UK; regional sites account
for 60% of turnover and DLA Piper has eight UK
offices in Birmingham, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds,
Liverpool, London, Manchester and Sheffield.

“The firm boasts a roster of banking
clients, including household names such
as Barclays and Lloyds.”
DLA Piper regularly ranks in The Times Top
100 Graduate Employers, and its commitment
to diversity issues has seen the firm receive
acknowledgment for its support of women in
business. The firm also has a strong commitment
to corporate responsibility, with its staff
worldwide spending 156,000 hours on pro bono
causes in 2010. Initiatives include supporting
aid and educational programmes for women in
Central America, while back in the UK, the firm’s
Leeds offices has built up a strong reputation for
offering asylum advice.

Work for DLA PIPER
(advertisement)

TRAINING CONTRACT

WORK PLACEMENT

We have approximately 90 vacancies for training
contracts to commence in 2014 across our UK offices.
We welcome applications from students from all degree
disciplines who have a minimum of ABB at A Level (or
equivalent) and expect, or have achieved, a 2.1. degree
classification, but a strong academic background is not
all we look for! We seek enthusiastic and committed
individuals, whose strong communication and analytical
skills will enable them to deal with the intellectual
challenges of the job. We believe that our people are
the basis of our success therefore we do not want clones
and therefore consider each application on its own
merits. Each trainee is valued, each intake is diverse,
so it is up to you to show us what makes you a well
rounded individual.

The firm operates a formal summer scheme in all of
our UK offices. The schemes run for two weeks and
is designed to give candidates a thorough insight into
DLA Piper. Candidates will spend time in two different
departments and attend a number of workshops,
presentations and group exercises as well as a number
of social events. As part of the scheme candidates are
assessed for a training contract, therefore they should
apply to do a summer scheme in the office where they
wish to complete their training contract.

WHEN TO APPLY
The final deadline for applications for training contracts
commencing in 2014 is July 2012. We do not recruit
on a rolling basis, however we would encourage you to
leave plenty of time to complete your form before the
deadline.

SALARY
Starting salaries for trainee solicitors are as follows:
Scotland: £22,000 rising to £24,000 in the second year
Regions: £25,000 rising to £27,000 in the second year
London: £37,000 rising to £40,000 in the second year

VACANCIES

DLA PIPER

JOBS

DATES
June - August 2012

WHEN TO APPLY
The deadline for summer schemes in 2012 is 31 January
2012

SALARY
Scotland and the Regions - £225 per week ; London
£250 per week

VACANCIES
Approximately 170 across the UK

APPLY
All applications should be made via the online form
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 08700 111 111
Website: www.dlapipergraduates.co.uk

We recruit 90 trainee solicitors each year.

77

DWF
DWF is a fast-growing national firm with offices across the UK in Birmingham, Leeds, Liverpool, London,
Manchester, Newcastle and Preston. DWF employs over 1,400 people and provides a range of legal
services to businesses and private clients.

PROS

• Lots of responsibility and client interaction
• Friendly and encouraging partners
• Wide variety of tasks and opportunities to work
in different departments
• Social and supportive environment
• High trainee retention rate
• Good hours and work/life balance

THE STATS

LOCATIONS

No. of lawyers firm-wide: 1,400+
No. of Partners: 132
Trainee intake: 24
Trainees retained: 100% (2010), 100% (2011)
No. of applications per year: c. 1,000
Interview ratio: 7:1

No. of offices: 7
Birmingham • Leeds • Liverpool • London • Manchester •
Newcastle • Preston

BASE SALARY
NORTH WEST 2011
1st year trainee £25,000
2nd year trainee £27,000
LONDON 2011
1st year trainee £35,000
2nd year trainee £37,000

DEPARTMENTS & PRACTICES
Corporate & Commercial • Employment & Pensions •
Finance & Restructuring • Insurance • Litigation • Private
Client & Family • Real Estate

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CONS

• Not enough newly qualified positions in the
departments trainees want
• Discrepancies in workloads between
departments
• No scope to do a seat abroad, though you can
go to any of the other UK offices

LONDON OFFICE
Capital House
85 King William Street
London EC4N 7BL
Tel: +44 (0)207 645 9500
www.dwf.co.uk
MANCHESTER OFFICE
1 Scott Place
2 Hardman Street
Manchester M3 3AA
+44 (0)161 603 5000
+44 (0)161 603 5050

GRADUATE RECRUITMENT INFO
Kate Hasluck
Graduate Programme Manager
Tel: +44 (0)161 838 0088
[email protected]

DWF

QUOTES
LIFE ON THE JOB
Satisfaction with Work

What does your typical day at work involve?

“The quality of work has been of a high standard
from the outset, and has included a real
interaction with the clients in various forms such
as interviews, meetings, conferences, seminars
and telephone calls! The partners are so friendly
and there is certainly no barrier to speaking to
them. In every single seat I have been in, I’ve
worked directly with a partner. They’ve all actively
encouraged my progress which has been really
impressive. In terms of the nature of work, I’ve
assisted in defending a multi-million pound
paraplegic case, to a major re-financing of one of
our property clients. The work load is varied but
I’ve learnt so much along the way.”
Trainee, Liverpool

“Depending on the seat I am in at the time, a
typical day can involve anything from attending
Court to take notes of a hearing, to drafting
documents in the office, to attending client
meetings. There is obviously also an element
of admin type work but this generally doesn’t
account for too much of the day.”
Trainee, Manchester

“In most seats trainees are given responsibility
from day one, with varying degrees of client
contact, depending on the practice group.
Trainees often work directly with partners and as a
result are given good quality work.”
Trainee, Manchester

“In most seats trainees are given responsibility for
a number of smaller files, with regular supervision,
and then also get involved in some of the larger
files that the supervisor and other members of the
team have involvement with. In the majority of
the teams within which I have sat, I have had lots
of opportunities to interact and correspond with
clients. Due to the open plan nature of the offices
at DWF, coupled with the fact that a large number
of the supervisors are partners, I have had a great
deal of contact with the partners.”
Trainee, Manchester

“No day is ever the same at DWF. Whilst in my
current seat in employment, I have had the
opportunity to work with several members of
the team. Much of this work includes drafting
ET1 Claim Forms and ET3 Defences, drafting
witness statements, schedules of loss, negotiating
COT3 Settlements, attending client meetings
(sometimes alone!). DWF gets involved in plenty
of business development events and the trainees
are expected to form part of that – so an evening
may consist of client drinks or a trainee social pub
quiz!”
Trainee, Manchester

“You have an ongoing list of tasks to work
through such as preparing instructions to counsel,
instructing an expert, updating a client on the
latest position, drafting court documents, liaising
with the other side, negotiating costs, or attending
a hearing or conference with counsel.”
Trainee, Manchester

Culture

“Trainees often socialise out of work together,
including at weekends, and always support each
other in work, for example the previous trainee in
a seat will often help the current trainee in that
seat.”
Trainee, Manchester

79

“I would say that DWF is a very sociable firm.
Obviously this depends upon which department
you are in, but there are always plenty of team
nights out in the diary. In addition, the sports and
social committee is responsible for organising
plenty of events – for example, parties at
Christmas, Easter and Summer, as well as nights
out to the Comedy Store in Manchester and Friday
Fridge, in-house drinks for all DWF employees
every last Friday of the month. It is a little more
difficult to coordinate all of the trainees (due to
different locations), however, we do try to do this
as much as possible.”
Trainee, Manchester

“There are usually seats available in all of the
‘practice groups’ at DWF, which is a full service
law firm, and a list of available seats is normally
produced a month or so in advance of the next
rotation. Trainees are then required to submit a
preference form, with the option to list up to five
preferences. Most trainees usually get either their
first or second preference, obviously depending on
the needs of the business. Trainees can do seats at
other offices than their ‘home’ office but there is
no opportunity to do a seat abroad.”
Trainee, Manchester

“Trainees are very sociable, meeting for lunch, and
outside of work. There’s definitely a supportive
atmosphere as they tell each other what each seat
experience is like. Second year gets a bit more
competitive as people are choosing where they
want to qualify.”
Trainee, Manchester

“You are required to attend a number of breakfast
briefings to gain insight elsewhere in the firm,
other than where you are positioned. You are
offered regular e-learning on the IT systems and
there are loads of e-bulletins updating you on the
latest law and cases in your area.”
Trainee, Manchester

Seats

“The firm is unique as it offers four month
seats, which enables us to do six seats. Nearly
all departments offer seats with good quality
experience. Insurance tends to be a popular
choice amongst trainees and one that certainly
meets a trainee’s demands and needs. Everything
I asked for I got! I’ve been quite lucky – the
firm have really listened to what I wanted and
the type of work I was interested in, which has
been great and worked out perfectly when it has
come to where I would like to qualify. We also
had the opportunity to do seats in other offices
(nationally) including our new London office.”
Trainee, Liverpool
“We do 4 x 4 month seats with the aim of finishing
with an 8 month seat leading up to qualification.
You can do a seat in all departments, providing
that there is enough work to do there. You submit
preferences so that if your first choice isn’t
available then you should hopefully get another
seat from your preference form...”
Trainee, Preston

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Formal Training

“During the two week induction, the trainees
undertake the majority of the Professional Skills
Course. The rest of the PSC is then staggered
through the remainder of the two years, with
electives chosen by DWF in areas such as
commercial law and insurance law. These courses
tend to be taken seriously by trainees however
they also provide the opportunity for trainees
to get together and catch up! Various training
sessions (given by internal and external speakers)
take place before work and during lunch times,
and these give the opportunity to collect the
necessary CPD points.”
Trainee, Manchester
“DWF does a lot of internal training to update and
share legal knowledge both during breakfast and
lunch seminars, and during the working day. There
are also several non-legal courses which trainees
are encouraged to get involved in.”
Trainee, Manchester

“I would say that DWF is a very accessible and
approachable firm. On the whole, everyone is
friendly and happy to help. However, DWF usually
offer ‘supervisors’ to trainees who are in the role
of senior solicitor or associate. I have found that
this works best, as sometimes partners are simply
too busy to find time to properly supervise the
work load of a trainee.”
Trainee, Manchester
“The level of supervision at DWF is very good. All
of the supervisors are either partners or associates
and they are all genuinely interested in you and
helping you develop. All of my supervisors have
taken a keen interest in giving informal training on
certain things during the seat. DWF are very good
at letting you observe, for example, advocacy, and
then giving you the opportunity to put what you
have learnt into practice.”
Trainee, Manchester
“The ability to receive informal training and the
accessibility of solicitors and partners differs
considerably between seats. I have found that
some departments are just too busy to provide
informal training, but solicitors and partners are
generally always approachable if you have any
queries.”
Trainee, Manchester

Offices & Dress Code

“Our office space is open plan which allows
everyone to get to know each other quickly. I think
our offices have the ‘wow’ factor.”
Trainee, Leeds
“DWF have recently moved to a new office in
Manchester which is modern and well equipped.
The dress code is smart, although it isn’t
necessary to wear a suit everyday unless
meeting clients, etc.”
Trainee, Manchester

“The offices are all very new and modern, with
the exception of Preston which is based in a lovely
old building. The firm have recently moved to
new offices in Spinningfields in Manchester which
are very nice. All of the offices are as open plan
as possible which is ideal for trainees as it means
that you get to meet many more people than
you otherwise might. The firm has a dress down
day on the last Friday of every month in aid of its
nominated charities. On dress down day there is
also a ‘Friday fridge’ event at every office where
all staff are invited to enjoy a few free drinks with
their colleagues.”
Trainee, Manchester

DWF

Informal Training & Mentoring

Green Initiatives

“This is one of the firms’ values and it places a
lot of importance on it. Energy use is reduced as
much as possible, as is recycling and community
work.”
Trainee, Manchester
“One of DWF’s four values is the environment –
therefore ensuring we reduce our carbon footprint
is at the forefront of DWF’s strategy. Initiatives
include subsidising a ‘cycle to work’ programme
and recycling across all offices, now including
battery recycling.”
Trainee, Manchester
“We attend community days, assist in local
schools, plant trees, clear parks, and get involved
in the community. We do recycle but are not by
any means a paperless company.”
Trainee, Leeds

How prepared do you feel to practise law
upon qualification?
“I feel like I have learnt a great deal during my
training contract, and qualification does not really
hold any fears for me as I know that I will receive
the support that I need.”
Trainee, Manchester

81

“I feel as if I am ready to qualify and have been
well prepared by the firm.”
Trainee, Leeds

SALARY, HOURS & PERKS
Hours

“I usually work from 8.30am until 6.00pm with at
least 30 minutes for lunch. However, trainees are
not expected to work more than the usual 9.00am
to 5.30pm and are able to take up to an hour for
lunch if they wish. It all depends on workload in
your current seat.”
Trainee, Manchester
“DWF does well to maintain a good work/life
balance for all employees, from junior to a senior
level. Obviously work hours are department
dependent; however, I would say that my usual
hours are 8.30am until 6.30pm.”
Trainee, Manchester
“The number of hours worked per week differs
significantly between seats. In my previous seat I
was working approx. 9.5/10 hours a day, whereas
in my current seat I am working approx. 7.5 hours
a day.”
Trainee, Manchester

Salary

“The trainee salary is quite reasonable and
trainees see a decent increase in salary after
completion of the first year of the training
contract.”
Trainee, Manchester
“Trainees salary at DWF is comparable to those of
similar firms in the area.”
Trainee, Manchester

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Perks

“We are invited to all networking events, for
example dinners, balls, and Professional 100
events. This is actively encouraged, which is not
the case at other firms.”
Trainee, Leeds
“Friday Fridge, Trainee Ball, and Breakfast Briefings
(free breakfasts!).”
Trainee, Manchester
“DWF are keen to get the trainees involved in the
business development side of things at an early
stage so there is often an opportunity for a few
drinks or dinner on the firm. The firm also pays for
subscription to the MTSG for every trainee, and
pays for tickets to both the winter and summer
balls for any trainee that wishes to attend.”
Trainee, Manchester

PLUSES

“The people, the opportunities, the quality of the
work and being included from day one.”
Trainee, Leeds
“The hours are very good and the other trainees
are easy to get along with.”
Trainee, Manchester
“People. Atmosphere. Offices. Ambition. Calibre of
clients.”
Trainee, Manchester

MINUSES

“Sometimes the hours.”
Trainee, Manchester
“Not enough NQ positions in the departments
that trainees want.”
Trainee, Manchester
“IT systems.”
Trainee, Manchester

“Guy Wallis and Jim Davies (the D and W of DWF)
both make an effort to come to the different
offices and meet the people, which I think gives
a personal touch to being an employee here.
The trainees have an annual dinner with Jim and
Andrew Leaitherland to discuss our thoughts and
suggestions on the future of the firm.”
Trainee, Leeds

INTERVIEWS & APPLICATIONS
Interviews, Applications and Assessments

“Two rounds of interviews – firstly either the
vacation scheme round/first round interview. Then
there is the second round interview. There is also
a ‘Super Friday’, at which all of the candidates who
have made it to the final round meet and greet
the practice group partners.”
Trainee, Manchester
“DWF has a large and increasing number of
applicants for both vacation schemes and training
contracts every year. However, the firm only hires
a relatively small number of trainees each year
with the idea that all will be offered a job on
qualification, so getting a training contract with
the firm is quite tough.”
Trainee, Manchester
“I applied directly for a training contract. I had
two interviews and an assessment day. My
second interview was with a partner and HR. The
assessment day was friendlier than others I had
attended. There was a presentation, an aptitude
test, an interview and a group discussion.”
Trainee, Leeds

Tips & Advice

“DWF is a friendly, down to earth firm so try to be
yourself. Do not just rely upon legal experience to

prove you are capable of certain skills but use all
experience you have, however small. DWF likes
well rounded individuals as a work/life balance is
promoted here, so show that you are more than
just a ‘lawyer’.”
Trainee, Leeds

DWF

Fun Facts

“Being approachable, someone who can talk to
anyone, someone with a bit of pizzazz! Those who
are solely academic are probably not suited to
DWF.”
Trainee, Manchester
“DWF is looking for ambitious, enthusiastic and
talented individuals to hire. Applicants should
have good communication skills, be approachable
and friendly, and be relatively confident. DWF
does not, as far as I am aware, look to recruit from
any particular university, although having said that
a number of my intake attended the University
of Sheffield, but I imagine that was more of a
coincidence than anything else!”
Trainee, Manchester

What made you choose your firm?

“DWF is a friendly firm offering high quality work.
The offices were of a size where you could get to
know most people, and the focus was not just on
the work but also about feeling like part of the
team.”
Trainee, Leeds
“DWF has all of the advantages of a top law firm,
along with the approachability and friendliness of
a smaller firm.”
Trainee, Manchester
“I elected to join DWF because it is an ambitious
and forward thinking firm. It wants to grow and
expand, and to me that was very attractive. Also,
the firm has a real focus on its values, a key one
of which is its people. Trainees are thought of as
the ‘partners of tomorrow’ rather that additional
support staff!”
Trainee, Manchester

83

THE BUZZ ON GETTING HIRED
Trainees at DWF are required to undertake
six four-month seats at five of the firm’s city
centre locations in Leeds, Liverpool, London,
Manchester and Newcastle. Trainees can return
to their preferred department for their final or
even penultimate seat which allows up to twelve
months valuable pre-qualification experience – so
be prepared to work hard during your training
contract as DWF looks to retain its trainees
and has maintained a 100% offer rate in 2010
and 2011! Although the firm serves clients
internationally, DWF has no overseas offices and
therefore does not offer seats abroad. Trainees
do however have the chance to complete a
secondment with a key client and rotate between
the DWF offices.

“‘Those who are solely academic are
probably not suited to DWF’ as the firm
is interested in people ‘with a bit of
pizzazz’.”
Competition is fierce as the firm only takes on a
small number of trainee solicitors each year with
up to 40 first and second year trainees spread
across its offices. Hence trainees get plenty of
hands-on experience and ‘are given responsibility
from day one’. So what does DWF’s ideal trainee
look like?
All applicants need to demonstrate a strong
commitment to a career in law, enjoy working in
teams, and be up for a challenge! Their trainees
are driven to deliver consistent results for
clients. A solid record of academic achievement,
consisting of good A-Levels and a 2:1 degree is
normally expected. However, ‘those who are
solely academic are probably not suited to DWF’
as the firm is interested in people ‘with a bit of
pizzazz’. Candidates also need to be talented

84

organisers and possess commercial acumen,
on top of having ‘good communication skills,
being approachable, friendly and confident’.
Many of DWF’s trainees do not come from a law
background so personal strengths and interests
are more valued than your technical knowledge
– make sure to impress with your skills and
convince the firm why you want to work for them
specifically.

“Be relaxed and show off your
knowledge of the firm, and
certainly don’t be afraid to ask
questions yourself.”
The recruitment process is transparent and
straightforward. First there is the online
application form which focuses on your
educational background, work experience,
language skills and other core skills.
The next stage is an interview with a partner/
associate and a member of HR. If successful,
you will be invited to an assessment day which
is set in a friendly atmosphere, and includes a
presentation, a written exercise and a group
discussion. There is also a second interview,
which will be with a number of partners. Don’t
be intimidated by this as the firm really wants
to get to know you ‘so try to be yourself. Do not
just rely upon legal experience to prove you are
capable of certain skills but use all experience you
have, however small’. Be relaxed and show off
your knowledge of the firm, and certainly don’t
be afraid to ask questions yourself. The final stage
is Practice Group Partner Friday, where all the
remaining candidates ‘are given the opportunity
to meet and interact with the practice group
partners before the final selection is made’.

DWF

FIRM PROFILE
DWF is an expanding national firm with offices
in Birmingham, Leeds, Liverpool, London,
Manchester, Newcastle and Preston. The firm
operates internationally, utilising the strong
relationships it’s developed with firms around the
world, employing over 1,400 people, including 132
partners.
DWF provides a range of legal services to
businesses and private clients, and specialises in
banking and finance, business recovery, corporate,
insurance, litigation, people, private client and
real estate. In addition, the firm has developed
expertise in a number of specific areas; sector
focused teams include transport and logistics,
education, food and recruitment.
DWF works with household names and its client
list includes Allianz, Aviva, BUPA, Lloyds Banking
Group, RBS, and Liverpool John Moores University,
amongst others. DWF is a rapidly growing firm; net
profits were up 35% and turnover up 15% in the
last financial year.

The firm places a large emphasis on its values,
which centre on its people, clients, community
and environment. Its infrastructure is not just
client-facing, but is increasingly client-driven, and
each client has a dedicated client partner who is
responsible for ensuring high service levels. DWF
also offers a service for in-house lawyers to talk to
fellow professionals with InTouch. This group hosts
a number of social events that provide a platform
for networking and regular get-togethers for inhouse lawyers. Although the networking aspect is
important, these events are also designed to teach
and improve skills, and keep in-house lawyers well
informed.
Additionally, the firm is engaged in the local
community and gets involved by supporting young
people in education and helping vulnerable people
find work. Environmental sustainability is also high
on the agenda – the firm is currently a member of
The Legal Sector Alliance on Climate Change and
has ambitions to achieve carbon neutral status by
2013.

Go online for in-depth profiles and
the latest interview advice in
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WWW.INSIDEBUZZ.CO.UK
85

HERBERT SMITH
Regarded as the best litigation firm in the City, Herbies also sink their teeth into top corporate and
finance work. The firm has a unique approach to international markets – setting up buddy alliances with
firms rather than sending in its troops on the ground.

PROS

• Challenging, interesting, often
groundbreaking work
• Supportive environment – from other
trainees to partner mentors
• Good track record on diversity and a mix of
backgrounds at the firm
• Magic Circle pay without the hours
• Great opportunities for secondments to
clients or abroad
• Competitive but very friendly, social culture

CONS

• You have to be proactive to snare the really
good quality work
• There can be a fair amount of administration
work to do
• Little responsibility or direct contact with clients
early on, though this does depend on the seat
• Long hours and stressful periods

THE STATS

LOCATIONS

No. of lawyers firm-wide: 1,430
No. of lawyers in London: 895
Partners: 276
Trainee intake: 200
Trainees retained: 82% (2011)

No. of offices: 33
Abu Dhabi • Amsterdam* • Bangkok • Beijing • Belfast
• Berlin* • Brussels • Budapest* • Dammam* • Dubai
• Düsseldorf* • Frankfurt* • Hamburg* • Hong Kong •
Jakarta* • Jeddah* • London • Luxembourg* • Madrid
• Moscow • Munich* • New York* • Paris • Prague* •
Riyadh* • Stuttgart* • Shanghai • Singapore • Tokyo •
Warsaw*

BASE SALARY
LONDON 2011
1st year trainee £38,000
2nd year trainee £43,000
Newly qualified £61,000

DEPARTMENTS & PRACTICES
Capital Markets • Competition, Regulation & Trade •
Corporate • Dispute Resolution • Employment, Pensions
& Employee Incentives • Environment, Health & Safety •
Finance • Intellectual Property • Real Estate • Tax •
Trusts & Charities

*Associated offices
LONDON OFFICE
Exchange House
Primrose Street
London EC2A 2HS
Tel: +44 (0)20 7374 8000
http://www.herbertsmith.com

GRADUATE RECRUITMENT INFO
Graduate Recruitment
Tel: +44 (0)20 7374 8000
Email: [email protected]

86

LIFE ON THE JOB
Satisfaction with Work

What does your typical day at work involve?

“The deals I have been exposed to are of a high
calibre and with great variation. I have worked
deals involving: oil and gas, high speed, wind
farms, nuclear decommissioning, the climate
change negotiations (pro bono) and the new
health bill. There is direct contact with partners,
but little with clients. Responsibility also varies
depending on the size of the transaction.”
First year trainee

“Drafting correspondence and sometimes more
formal documents, managing aspects of cases,
research, attending client meetings and client
calls, some administrative tasks (billing,
bundling, etc).”
Second year trainee

“There is generally a better quality of work the
more senior I get. In my first seat I did a lot of
‘business development’ work (e.g. researching
potential clients and proofreading journal articles).
In my second seat I was more involved in client
matters, but got stuck with quite dull tasks like
bundling and proof-reading. In my third seat I’ve
been able to draft real legal documents and liaise
with clients, counsel and defendants directly.”
Second year trainee

“I have had extensive direct contact with partners
in my current department and have worked on
some incredibly exciting work. I have not yet had
a great deal of client exposure but I expect that to
change substantially when I move into real estate
for my next seat.”
First year trainee
“The quality of work is very high, both in litigation
and corporate – which is reflective of the calibre
of clients. The level of responsibility given to
trainees is also very good, lots of client interaction
and, occasionally, last minute short-term client
secondments. At the very least, trainees will
interact with the other party’s advisers on a daily
basis.”
Second year trainee

HERBERT SMITH

QUOTES

“It depends on the department you are in.
Litigation involves research, reviewing and
drafting witness statements, etc. The real
estate department has lots of client interaction,
reviewing leases, drafting rent review memos,
assisting in the creation of title reports and land
registry searches. In corporate you will draft IMAs,
parts of prospectuses and have lots of contact
with clients/other party advisers.”
Second year trainee

“I arrive circa 8am and leave on average around
8pm. There is often some legal research
on a particular point and also quite a bit of
document review for a couple of ongoing
matters. Sometimes I head down to court to
sit in on potentially relevant trials, and there is
the occasional education session. I usually have
breakfast and lunch at my desk and unfortunately
dinner a couple of times a week in the
same manner.”
First year trainee
“It can vary immensely but that’s part of the
appeal. It can involve legal research, drafting,
helping with advice, dealing with documents,
training events, talks and lectures, and helping
with internal administration of matters.”
First year trainee

87

Culture

“The trainee support structure is fantastic. There
are about 200 trainees at any one time, although
about 30 of these will be abroad or at clients. The
trainees provide an excellent network of people to
answer your silly questions, help you out if you’re
snowed under with work and listen to you when
things are bad. Socially as well, they’re fantastic.
There’s always someone who’s up for a drink after
work, and people are good about arranging (and
attending) post-work drinks.”
First year trainee
“It is a very supportive environment (trainees
are assigned to partner mentors, as well as
receiving support from those in the group
a trainee sits in, and HR). It is generally a
friendly working environment. Trainees tend to
support one another but there is a high level of
competition, so this can be somewhat limited.
Trainees do socialise together depending on work
commitments.”
Second year trainee
“It’s a collegiate environment; there is a large
population of trainees, and with a few exceptions
it is a mutually supportive body. I tend to socialise
with the other trainees in my department, but I
still catch up with trainees elsewhere in the firm
on a regular basis. The firm is loosely hierarchical;
partners are afforded a lot of respect, but
associates are generally on informal terms with
trainees. Everyone is courteous, and most
people smile!”
Second year trainee
“It varies from department to department, but
overall the culture at the firm is really good – and
socialising in your department is encouraged by
partners heading up the groups. It makes for a
really good working environment and one where
it’s easy to develop relationships with peers. The
trainee network is strong, and this is undoubtedly
helped by the fact that we all spend a year
together on the LPC before joining the firm as
trainees.”
Second year trainee

88

Seats

“There are four seats at my firm and you can sit in
any department. Two are compulsory (corporate
and litigation) but there is sufficient choice as the
groups in each division differ somewhat. Seats
are on offer abroad and for client secondments.
It’s a great training contract. I have also got my
first choice seats on the first two occasions and
most people seem pleased with the seats they are
allocated.”
First year trainee
“Trainees typically do four seats, each six months
long. We have a free choice of departments, and
groups within those departments, subject to
availability. I have had my first choice in each seat
to date. Sitting abroad is actively encouraged and
around 70% of our trainees do so at some stage.”
First year trainee
“Trainees complete four seats of six months each.
You can sit in corporate, litigation, real estate,
finance, EU/competition, employment, tax, etc.
You can also go on client secondment or go abroad
on international secondments to other offices of
the firm. I also went on a ‘mini-secondment’ for
three weeks to Stibbe in Amsterdam, an alliance
partner of the firm. You have choices and can
apply but may not get your first choice. It tends
to even out though and if they can’t give you your
first choice once they’ll try and do so next time.”
Second year trainee

Formal Training

“There are lots of training events, both on the law
itself and on the soft skills such as presentation,
networking, time management, etc. Herbert Smith
takes training really seriously and, as well as the
compulsory sessions there is a full range of other
seminars and lectures to which trainees are also
invited.”
First year trainee
“There are lots of training options, some
mandatory, and most optional. Focus is shifting
from live lectures to podcasts and ‘webinars’.”
Second year trainee

“Whilst at times it can be difficult attending all the
training programmes, there usually is sufficient
time. Some of the courses are held on a rolling
basis so that it will be possible to attend the same
lecture on another date (or watch in DVD format).
The majority of training sessions cover the blackletter subjects and courses for softer skills, whilst
offered, are more difficult to get on.”
First year trainee

Informal Training & Mentoring

“Training is always available or easily arranged,
and more senior members of the team are
happy to explain new areas. The only hindrance
in this regard is a trainee’s own confidence in
approaching them with questions.”
First year trainee
“Partners at the firm are very accessible when
it comes to asking advice and posing queries.
Certain associates are excellent in this role too.
My supervisor (who is a partner) is always happy
to talk about career progression.”
First year trainee
“All my supervisors have been very conscientious
in providing feedback. Other solicitors are also
keen to help you improve. The firm also runs a
partner mentor scheme. The effectiveness of this
varies depending on the partner (and the trainee’s
willingness to make use of this) but by and large it
is quite successful. I have learnt a lot since joining
Herbert Smith with regard to the presentation of
work and also the importance of making my work
client friendly.”
Trainee

“Every trainee is entitled to choose a ’mentor’
partner from somewhere else in the firm. You
also have your supervisor and a dedicated trainee
relationship partner in each group. Plus you
can always get guidance from HR who are really
friendly and will go out of their way to help you.”
Second year trainee

HERBERT SMITH

“A comprehensive training programme is
organised by a Learning and Development group,
which covers both legal and non-legal topics. Time
is usually made to attend the most important
programmes, but if this is not possible due to
urgent work commitments L&D are helpful when
trying to re-arrange. For non-compulsory training,
it is acceptable and encouraged to attend in lieu of
doing non-time critical work.”
Second year trainee

Green Initiatives

“There is a very strong environmental culture at
Herbert Smith. There is recycling within the office,
and many pro bono activities aimed at climate
change and other environmental issues.”
Trainee
“The firm always strives to recycle and now
recycles well over 65% of its waste. Computers
are shut down at night and lights turn off
automatically. The commitment is there, but it will
take a while to fully implement.”
First year trainee
“Automatic lighting and PC switch-off, and a paper
recycling box under every desk. All bottled water
is filled on-site in reusable bottles.”
Second year trainee
“The dedicated ‘green team’ is very good: there
are energy saving light bulbs and recycling
stations everywhere. There is a very wasteful
attitude amongst lawyers, though. If a printer is
not working, lawyers re-send that document to
another printer without bothering to cancel the
initial print-job.”
First year trainee

diversity

“Herbies has a very good track record on diversity;
we have trainees from all corners of the globe and
of all sexual preferences!”
Second year trainee
“There are constantly invites to and mentions of
various religious seasonal events which all firm
members are invited to, as well as paternity/
maternity events.”
First year trainee

89

“We rank highly in the Stonewall index. There are
specific policies in place to ensure we retain a
diverse group of people. Flexible working is also
available for mothers.”
Trainee
“Diversity is a driver of the atmosphere
and personalities at the firm – personality,
individuality, creativity are encouraged, and the
firm is constantly working to ensure the workforce
is diverse.”
First year trainee

How prepared do you feel to practise law
upon qualification?

“We have specific diversity training. I think that
the firm is becoming more flexible in terms of
accommodating part-time work for women. I
know there is a big LGBT scene.”
Second year trainee

“I am only half way through my training contract,
but I feel I am receiving excellent training and
exposure to life as a junior associate, I feel I could
start practicing law now.”
First year trainee

OFFICES & DRESS CODE

“Qualification will be a leap, but I feel well
prepared to take it.”
Second year trainee

“Brilliant location on the edge of the City – walking
distance to shopping and socialising of Shoreditch
and Spitalfields, walking distance to One New
Change and St Paul’s . Nice office spaces. The
dress code is not too strict, individuality is by no
means suppressed and there is a summer dress
down policy throughout the warmer months.
There is also a dress down Friday policy.”
First year trainee
“I really like the location of my firm which is in
Liverpool Street. It is convenient for travel and
there are great places to eat, drink, socialise
and shop nearby. The facilities are good and the
canteen serves a decent range of food. There
are two people to each office with the PAs
sitting outside in a central area. Dress code isn’t
as formal as I had expected with most females
eschewing suits unless they have client meetings.
Fridays are dress-down days although what you
can get away with varies from group to group.”
Second year trainee

90

“Dress code for gents is relaxed: Mon – Thurs is
suits but no tie necessary unless meeting a client,
and Fridays are ‘dress-down’, so you can wear
chinos and a polo shirt. Office looks a bit tired
from the outside, but internally it’s spacious and
in good condition. The floors are gradually being
refurbished one by one. Main problem is the lifts
are very slow!”
Second year trainee

“I have the usual nerves but I’m ready to start life
as an associate and I’m excited about it. Herbert
Smith has prepared me well.”
Second year trainee
“Pretty well – but given that most people would
have only spent six months in the group they are
qualifying into, it’s unrealistic to feel 100% ready
to be unleashed on clients.”
Second year trainee

SALARY, HOURS & PERKS
Hours

“Corporate: 50-100. Litigation: 50-70. Real Estate:
50-60. Finance: 50-70.”
Second year trainee

“I have not been in at weekends (apart from
a casual hour one Saturday) and have never
been here past midnight. Although to many of
my friends that is a perverse indicator of job
satisfaction, it means that I do get sufficient down
time to myself. I am only in the office when there
is work that needs to be done. I work 55 hours
a week on average, though it has been as much
as 70 and as low as 40 (only really the case if I
have been away on a course, for example). The
work is interesting though, and I am rarely doing
donkey work, so the long hours do not bother me.
I expected to work this much in litigation.”
First year trainee
“At present, I’m working somewhere between 40 –
50 hours per week. I have experienced particularly
busy times where this can be more like 80,
including weekends but this is rare. When it does
happen, you’re never the only one in the office.
It’s very much a team environment.”
Second year trainee

Salary

“The package is really good and the firm’s flex2fit
benefits package works really well.”
Second year trainee
“We get paid top-tier salaries which match the
‘Magic Circle’, but we don’t do ‘Magic Circle’
hours – good deal! My only criticism is that the
trainee bonus scheme is neither guaranteed nor
generous.”
Second year trainee

“It seems like a lot at the outset, but the tax
stings you a lot and you don’t end up with much
disposable income after rent, etc.”
First year trainee
“It’s on par with all other good, non-US law firms.
Obviously more would be great, but the current
levels are decent.”
Second year trainee

HERBERT SMITH

“There are a lot of horror stories about insanely
long hours. I have not experienced these! There
is no culture of staying late ‘to be seen’; when
I’ve finished my work I go home. I think there
are two groups of people who consistently stay
late, those who are busy with a real client matter
that’s nearing a deadline (such as a court hearing
or a contract completion), and those who are
inefficient workers during the day!”
Second year trainee

“I don’t think a trainee deserves more than this –
it is generous and makes the job worthwhile.”
First year trainee

Perks

“I have attended a dinner at a Michelin-starred
restaurant to celebrate an arbitration victory.
The firm has a ‘smart ideas’ scheme which pays
financial rewards to those who submit proposals
to improve firm processes, they’ve earned me
£1,000!”
Second year trainee
“Private healthcare for myself, my wife and son
is a good perk. They pay half my gym fees and
if I contribute 3% of my salary to pension, they
contribute another 5%. There is automatic life
insurance of four times your salary.”
Second year trainee
“The salary uplifts for those who go abroad on
secondment (and the rent-free flat) is a big perk.
We also have subsidised massage sessions every
now and again, as well as a subsidised bike
service day.”
First year trainee
“We have a great qualification leave policy – we
can take up to four months unpaid leave. As
Herbert Smith does not have a gym internally we
have a great gym membership scheme with Virgin
Active.”
Second year trainee

91

PLUSES

“Great colleagues, A-list clients and a top salary.”
Second year trainee
“Top quality work, ambition, good familyorientated and sociable people, understanding of
work-life balance and scope for managing your
own workload.”
Second year trainee
“Range of both billable work and pro bono work.”
First year trainee
“High profile work, good environment and people,
good career potential and the firm is willing to try
new things.”
First year trainee
“It’s a varied training contract with a real
opportunity to qualify into other departments,
apart from corporate. There is no trainee billable
hours target. There is no pressure on trainees to
feel they have to fill a specific quota. Trainees are
very friendly.”
Second year trainee

MINUSES

“The stigma of not being part of the ‘Magic Circle’;
it’s frustrating knowing you act for more FTSE 100
clients than three of the five Magic Circle firms,
but still seen as the ‘chasing pack’. We’re not
chasing anymore, we’re overtaking!”
Second year trainee
“The hours can be long and expectations
are high.”
First year trainee
“The long hours and the stressful periods, and
times when you need a partner but they’re not
around.”
Second year trainee
“I never see daylight.”
First year trainee

92

“The canteen often serves up an unheard of
species of fish at meal times. It can be confusing
and add trepidation to that canteen visit at
7.30pm.”
First year trainee

Fun Facts

“The Apprentice’s Margaret Mountford and Alan
Watts come from Herbert Smith.”
First year trainee
“To celebrate their 100th anniversary our alliance
partners Stibbe had a special Herbert Smith/
Stibbe/Gleiz Lutz (our other alliance partner)
monopoly board made. The space which would
be Mayfair on a normal Monopoly board was
London.”
Trainee

INTERVIEWS & APPLICATIONS
Interviews, Applications and Assessments
“There was a very complex application form to fill
in, followed by an interview with two partners.
There was a case study followed by a less formal
chat, which included questions about what I had
done before, but in particular questions which
I felt were highly pertinent to me personally
(rather than the generic ‘why do you want to be a
lawyer?’ type). I imagine they are designed for the
partners to be able to see how I think.”
Second year trainee
“I had one interview for vacation scheme and one
for the training contract. The interviewing style
was robust, challenging and abrasive. The first
question, with no preparation was ‘So, Blackstone
wants to buy British Airways, talk us through
the deal’.”
First year trainee

“The firm has a genuine reputation for not hiring
a specific type of person. This is reflected in the
partnership where people have a mixture of
styles and personalities. Clearly some skills will be
necessary, such as academic excellence, an ability
to think on your feet and a suitable personality
(i.e. friendly but strong). The firm has academic
requirements for entry.”
Trainee

“The interviews were quite intellectually
demanding but the partners interviewing me
were quite relaxed. I was asked about current
commercial issues that interested me, and then
I was pressed on some of the modules I was
studying at university at the time, and what about
them I enjoyed/disliked. I was questioned further
on the areas I found interesting – which is where it
became very intellectually demanding!”
First year trainee

“Herbert Smith really does recruit a diverse range
of people. It is taking on more and more Chinese,
Indian and other Asian students, as its focus shifts
towards these countries. It has a healthy mix of
law/non-law graduates. HS has a wide recruitment
pool but it is still very keen on Oxbridge
applicants. Its intake is fairly typical of other large
City law firms, though perhaps with more of an
emphasis on Asian graduates.”
First year trainee

Tips & Advice

What made you choose your firm?

“Be well-rounded and have something to talk
about other than law. People at the firm tend to
come from all sorts of backgrounds and aren’t
only academically-minded. Candidates need the
ability to talk to the interviewers confidently and
honestly, but also have an interest in law and
specifically in the firm, and know why they want
to come to this firm. The firm recruits from all
universities and there is a 2:1 minimum degree
requirement.”
Second year trainee
“Be interesting and enthusiastic; Herbies doesn’t
like academic bores. But don’t be a clown. Top
tip: behave like a barrister (charismatic but
professional).”
Second year trainee
“Positive and proactive people skills are essential,
an ability to apply law to the facts, also an ability
to approach an issue pragmatically...”
First year trainee

HERBERT SMITH

“Questions consisted of; what are your strengths
and weaknesses? When you went travelling what
did you find most difficult? Have you ever failed
at anything? What is your favourite law module?
Discuss a particular essay? Why would you choose
Herbert Smith over other law firms? Tell us about
your past legal work experience. What do you do
to relax?”
Second year trainee

“I was completely won over during my interview
as I felt that there weren’t any preconceptions
about what a future trainee should be like or what
they should have done – it really was on merit.
Broad-minded partners who were very fair, and I
have found that in general, this has been reflected
throughout my training contract.”
Second year trainee
“I really enjoyed the interview and Herbert Smith
has a great reputation for being fun.”
Second year trainee
“I felt at ease in the offices and thought it a diverse
and encouraging environment to be in, and one
that I definitely saw myself developing in.”
Second year trainee
“Reputation in litigation, the recruitment process
(open and accessible, and when I was given the
offer the partner who contacted me was very
warm and friendly. The firm arranged for a trainee
to take me out to lunch to talk about the firm once
I was made an offer).”
Second year trainee

93

THE BUZZ ON GETTING HIRED
If you want to join Herbert Smith then you best
come armed with an AAB/2:1 minimum combo.
In fact, the academic scrutiny extends to the
point where ‘even first-year [uni] results will be
looked at’. There’s a ‘healthy mix of law/nonlaw graduates’ and trainees all seem to agree
that there ‘isn’t a Herbert Smith type’. But while
the firm ‘does not seek to recruit from certain
universities’, it is ‘still very keen on Oxbridge
applicants.’
Strong academics aside, to give yourself the best
chance possible of making the cut, demonstrate
your involvement with extracurricular activities.
You will need to be ‘resilient’ and ‘willing to work
long hours when necessary’, and it certainly won’t
hurt your chances to have command of a foreign
language. Be sure to show your ‘enthusiasm for
the work’, ‘people skills’ and personality – ‘Herbies
doesn’t like academic bores’!

“More left-field questions have included
‘what do you do to relax?’ and ‘what was
the last book you read?’”
Recruitment is tough although not drawn out,
with the process concentrated into one intense
day. But before making it to the assessment day
and interview, applicants have to navigate the
firm’s application form and three online tests.
Your final and only day of assessment will
encompass a group task, as well as a case study
interview and competency based interview.
Each interview is conducted by a partner and
are more often than not described as ‘friendly’
and ‘enjoyable’. That’s not to say they’re not a
challenge as the interviewing style is said by one
trainee to be ‘robust, challenging and abrasive’.
Partners look to gauge a candidate’s commercial
awareness and their reasons for choosing law and

94

Herbert Smith in particular. While these standard
questions may be good ice-breakers, the firm
is keen to find out what makes you tick. More
left-field questions have included ‘what do you
do to relax?’ and ‘what was the last book you
read?’ One current trainee reveals that during
the hiring process interviewers ‘seemed more
interested in finding out how I thought, rather
than what I thought’. Hence the best advice for
future interviewees is to be yourself ‘and let your
personality come through’.

“The academic scrutiny extends to the
point where ‘even first-year [uni] results
will be looked at’.“
Successful applicants will ordinarily sit four
six-month seats. Litigation and corporate are
both mandatory, while trainees are free to make
requests for the remaining two seats on their
preference form. The likelihood of going on a
secondment abroad or to a client is said to be
‘very high’, although ‘the firm does not guarantee
all locations’. The same trainee continues,
‘approximately a quarter of the entire trainee
population goes on secondment every six months,
and each trainee has four chances to apply, you
do the maths!’ In theory, it is meant to be rare
for one trainee to take part in more than one
secondment, although in practice it ‘happens
fairly frequently’. For a trainee with itchy feet,
the foreign secondments available are in Tokyo,
Singapore, Hong Kong, Moscow, Dubai, Brussels
and Paris.

Herbert Smith may sit outside the elite of the
Magic Circle, but it is second to none when it
comes to litigation. The firm is affectionately
known as Herbies in the legal press, but in direct
contrast to this, it has garnered a reputation for
fierceness in its linchpin practice.
The firm’s history can be traced back to 1882,
when it was established in London by Norman
Herbert Smith. By the 1990s, the firm had become
best known for its disputes practice, with its
corporate practice also well regarded – in no small
part due to the wave of privatisation on which it
advised during the ‘80s and ‘90s.

“The firm is affectionately known
as Herbies in the legal press, but in
direct contrast to this, it has garnered
a reputation for fierceness in its
linchpin practice.”
The firm has a unique and unusual approach to
international markets; while it may not have as
many foreign offices as other international law
firms, Herbert Smith has built a global network
through its close relationships with overseas
firms – as well as establishing its own network of
offices throughout Asia, Europe and the Middle
East. In 2000, Herbert Smith shrewdly augmented
its solid continental presence by establishing
formal alliances with German firm, Gleiss Lutz, and
Benelux firm, Stibbe in 2002. In the same vein,
Herbert Smith has built close relations to Wall
Street firms rather than establishing its own US
offices, consequently gaining referrals from the
likes of Cravath, Swaine & Moore, Simpson Thacher
& Bartlett, and Paul Weiss Rifkind Wharton &
Garrison. These affiliations allow Herbert Smith
to operate in foreign markets, while avoiding the
substantial costs of setting up its own offices.

Herbert Smith is proud to be the City’s No.1 firm
for commercial litigation, though it’s quick to
emphasise it offers clients more than just services
in its mainstay practice. The firm has built up one
of the best corporate departments in Europe
and Asia, and gets high marks for its work in
transactions, projects, dispute resolution and real
estate. The banking division has grown in recent
years too, with the firm’s finance team developing
a strong reputation in debt finance, capital markets
and asset finance.

HERBERT SMITH

FIRM PROFILE

Herbert Smith believes clients need to consider the
litigation risks of every deal before they do it, and
therefore provides its litigation and M&A services
hand-in-hand. Numerous household names have
benefited from this model, including BP, Credit
Suisse, Coca-Cola, Eurotunnel, easyJet, Goldman
Sachs, RBS, Merrill Lynch and Standard Life, as well
as many governments, FTSE 100 and Fortune 100
companies.

“The firm has numerous community
sponsorship programmes, which
includes supporting the National Portrait
Gallery, and its charity of the year
for 2011 – WaterAid.”
Finally, Herbert Smith has one of the best
reputations for diversity in the City, and also
welcomes part-time partners. The firm has
numerous community sponsorship programmes,
which includes supporting the National Portrait
Gallery, and its charity of the year for 2011 –
WaterAid. The firm is also not performing badly
on the sustainability front, and has implemented
green initiatives such as recycling all paper and
various other materials, and filling all bottled water
on-site in reusable bottles in its London office.

95

Accenture, Apple, Bain & Company, Bank of England, BBC, Booz & Company,
BP, Citi, Civil Service, Coca-Cola, Credit Suisse, Deloitte, Deutsche Bank,
Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Ernst & Young, FSA, GlaxoSmithKline, Goldman
Sachs, Google, Grant Thornton, HSBC Holdings, IBM, J.P. Morgan, John Lewis
Partnership, KPMG, L’Oréal, McKinsey & Company, Morgan Stanley, Oxfam,
PricewaterhouseCoopers, Procter & Gamble, Sony, Teach First, The Boston
Consulting Group, UBS, Unilever, Virgin Group and more...

for the latest scoop
go to www.insidebuzz.co.uk
96

BOND PEARCE

e
h
t
r
o
f
g
Lookin
n
o
p
o
o
c
s
latest

Hill Dickinson is an award-winning, full-service, international law firm. Hill Dickinson has a network of
offices in the North of England, London, Singapore and Piraeus, and has had over 200 years in practice.

PROS

• Lots of responsibility and contact with high
profile clients for trainees
• Almost daily contact with partners
• Approachable colleagues and a social culture
• Great support network – especially between
trainees (both past and present)
• Very structured and focused training on offer

CONS

• Limited foreign secondment opportunities for
trainees in the North West offices
• Pretty long hours when the work demands, but
rare and seat-dependent
• No bonus until associate level
• Not all firm decisions are communicated ahead
of time

THE STATS

LOCATIONS

No. of lawyers firm-wide: 1,300
Partners: 190
Solicitors: 262
Trainee intake: 18
Trainees retained: 94% (2011)

No. of offices: 7
Liverpool • London • Manchester • Sheffield • Chester •
Piraeus • Singapore

BASE SALARY
LONDON 2011
1st year trainee £32,000
2nd year trainee £34,000
Newly qualified £58,000
NORTH WEST OFFICES 2011
1st year trainee £24,000
2nd year trainee £26,000
Newly qualified £36,000

HILL DICKINSON

HILL DICKINSON

LONDON OFFICE
No. 1 St Paul’s Square
Liverpool L3 9SJ
Tel: +44 (0)151 600 8000
www.hilldickinson.com

GRADUATE RECRUITMENT INFO
Emma McAvinchey
Graduate Recruitment Advisor
Tel: +44 (0)151 600 8916
[email protected]

DEPARTMENTS & PRACTICES
Business services • Health • Insurance •
Marine, Energy & Trade

97

QUOTES
LIFE ON THE JOB
Satisfaction with Work

“I have had a high level of responsibility, attending
and conducting client interviews by myself for
taking witness statements. I have been involved
in a public inquiry, which involved travelling to
Stafford and being a point of contact for counsel
and the clients. In each seat I have reported
directly to a partner, which involves discussions
about work most days. In my first seat, I shared
an office with my supervisor. I have only been
involved in one transactional seat (corporate) and
the nature of the transactions was mainly share
purchase agreements and joint ventures.”
Trainee, Chester
“I am provided with a good level of responsibility,
with appropriate supervision. I interact with
clients on a day-to-day basis and interact with all
members of the different teams I have been in. I
have assisted with very high value work and find
the work that I am involved with very rewarding.”
Trainee, London
“The level of responsibility and interaction with
clients varies from seat to seat. If the opportunity
is there, you will be given the chance to interact
regularly with clients. In one seat I was daily on
the phone and in touch by email to various clients.
You will work closely with the partners in the
team who will usually be your direct supervisors.
Work is also undertaken with other more junior
members of a team.”
Trainee, Liverpool
“The quality of work assigned throughout the
training contract is very much dependent on the
seat you are in and the level of trust that those in
your team have in you.”
Trainee, Manchester

98

What does your typical day at work involve?

“Each day can vary depending on the seat you
are in and the work you are exposed to at any
given time. Within every seat trainees get a
lot of exposure to clients via client meetings
and networking events. Trainees are involved
in drafting documents, interviewing witnesses,
attending trial and using their initiative to progress
a case. Trainees also have a good social scene
with regular events, both within Hill Dickinson
and outside the firm with other networking
organisations.”
Trainee, Liverpool
“Telephoning clients with updates or requesting
them to provide certain information, drafting
witness statements, responding to client queries
by e-mail, discussions with my supervisor or
another member of the team about progress with
deadlines.”
Trainee, Chester
“I manage quite a few of my own files so I
spend most of the morning dealing with issues
arising on these. I undertake a large volume of
non-chargeable jobs for partners and other fee
earners. I spend quite a lot of time sorting things
out via telephone for other fee earners.”
Trainee, Liverpool

Culture

“Trainees do support each other. In the seat that I
started in March the previous trainees had made a
book of useful information, etc. that is passed on
from trainee to trainee. Trainees interact between
departments. Trainees do socialise together, both
at firm events and off the cuff events, such as
drinks after work or doing things at the weekend.”
First year trainee, Liverpool

“The firm’s culture is relaxed allowing trainees
to ask questions and advice of more senior
individuals. Trainees have a mentor upon joining
the firm so they can ask questions and seek advice
from these fellow trainees. Trainees can also learn
from each other with regard to finding out about
other practice groups they may want to complete
a seat in. Trainees regularly socialise together both
as a group and with other individuals at the firm.
There are a range of networking events in the
region and events organised by current trainees
for those who are about to commence their
training contracts.”
Trainee, Liverpool

Seats

“Trainees at the firm sit in four departments, over
6 month periods. The firm’s main departments
are professional risks, insurance, property and
construction, company commercial, marine,
employment and pensions and healthcare. In
the first seat, a trainee is placed into their seat
without choice. For their second, third and fourth
seats, trainees are give 3 choices for where they
wish to be placed. Preference is given to second
year trainees. Trainees can work abroad in
Singapore and Greece in the marine department.”
Trainee, Manchester

“Trainees do four seats at this firm. The seats
available can vary every six months, depending
on whether the department can “afford” to pay
for a trainee – departments have to cover trainee
salaries. Usually the following are available: retail
property, corporate & investment property, family,
corporate, banking, insurance (mainstream),
insurance (fraud), professional risks, healthcare,
NHS litigation, commerce & technology, marine,
yachts, regulatory & crime, employment and
insolvency. Other seats which have been available
include: property (energy sector), private client
and commercial litigation. Some trainees have
also been seconded to clients for their entire seat.
There is an opportunity for one trainee per seat to
do a seat in our Singapore office.”
Trainee, Liverpool

HILL DICKINSON

“The firm is in a typical structure with partners,
associates, assistant solicitors and trainees. The
office is friendly and people are approachable
right through to partner level. The trainees
do support each other. We talk on the phone,
consulting those who have previously done a seat
that we are in. We have a central trainee intranet,
which provides useful precedents and information
provided by other trainees. We socialise together
on a regular basis, usually drinks on a Friday night
together with other more formal events from time
to time.”
Trainee, London

“Four seats – each six months. All departments are
available to trainees and all requests are noted,
albeit you cannot be guaranteed to be allocated
all your first choices throughout the two years.”
Trainee, Manchester

Formal Training

“The firm holds various training events involving
trainees and often clients as well. The firm has
its own Business School and so the events tend
to be very structured and well-organised. Due to
the benefits gained from attending such events,
supervisors allow you time to attend. The firm has
held presentation events, allowing individuals to
enhance their presentation skills. We have had
speakers in to give informative talks about their
careers and advise on networking skills.”
Trainee, Liverpool
“The firm’s training programme is extremely well
organised. PSC courses are conducted in-house. In
addition, there is regular departmental training as
well as training which focuses on every day skills
such as team building and personal effectiveness.”
Trainee, Liverpool

99

“We have many talks and conferences,
both internal and external, which trainees
are encouraged to attend. Initial training is
comprehensive, with easy access to refresher
courses if required on an individual basis. We have
mid and end of seat appraisals with good feedback
on our progress.”
Trainee, London

Green Initiatives

Informal Training & Mentoring

“Apparently the powers that be are quite into
reducing our carbon footprint. We recycle paper,
but other than that I’m not sure.”
Trainee, Liverpool

“It is fairly easy to achieve informal training – each
trainee sits with a partner so there is opportunity
to pick up on things and learn new skills. It
depends on the partners and how busy they are,
but most of them are accessible and friendly and
there is a proper open door policy. Also, in every
department I have been to, there was always
someone who was willing to help and advise if
things got tricky.”
Trainee, London
“The firm’s solicitors and partners operate an
open-door policy, allowing individuals to ask
questions and learn from those at the top of their
field. Trainees share a room with their supervisors,
who are often partners of the firm, allowing them
to learn how these individuals communicate with
their clients and obtaining an insight into their
working processes. When working and sharing a
room with supervisors, it allows trainees to ask
questions and be involved in the case/transaction
on a day-to-day basis. Supervisors will often pass
files to trainees, allowing them to run a file and
obtain advice as and when necessary.”
Trainee, Liverpool
“Solicitors are more accessible than partners on
the whole, however there are always exceptions
and some partners are more than happy to
assist and some make fantastic mentors. In some
departments, associates are mentors; this can be
better because it’s not as long since they were
trainees. However, some associates seem to find
it difficult to manage their own work load and
delegate work efficiently which can sometimes be
a problem.”
Trainee, Liverpool

100

“I think we were among the first law firms to go
carbon neutral.”
Trainee, London
“The firm is carbon zero. A new DMS system
has been introduced with the view to the firm
becoming paperless in the future.”
Trainee, Liverpool

diversity

“The firm has an equal share of men and
woman in the London office and also has LGBT
representation.”
Trainee, London
“There is currently a three-year diversity plan
being rolled out by the firm to increase
awareness, etc.”
Trainee, London

Offices & Dress Code

“Liverpool office is new and very good, London
office is older and does not have as many
amenities, etc. Dress code is formal, suit and shirt,
tie is not always essential unless meeting with
clients, etc.”
Trainee, London
“The firm has new offices in Liverpool, which are
in the business district and enhance the firm’s
presence in the region. The firm has a formal dress
code and operates dress down days.”
Trainee, Liverpool

How prepared do you feel to practise law
upon qualification?
“Through the variety of seats I have experienced
and through my time on secondment, I feel
prepared for qualification. Supervisors try to
prepare trainees by getting them involved in
all tasks which can be experienced within their
current seat.”
Trainee, Liverpool
“Very prepared.”
Trainee, London

SALARY, HOURS & PERKS
Hours

“45 – 50 hours per week. Less than in comparison
to many of my friends at other firms.”
Trainee, London
“As with any law firm, if a deadline is looming
trainees are expected to stay and help out where
they can. However, there is no long hour culture
at HD.”
Trainee, Manchester

HILL DICKINSON

“Dress code – reasonably casual. Most women
bring suit jackets and leave them in work should
they need them. Men always wear a shirt and
tie, but very few wear a jacket around the office.
Office is in a good location. Public areas look
impressive.”
Trainee, Liverpool

Salary

“It seems pretty good compared to other firms in
the North West.”
Trainee, Liverpool
“I think we are earning slightly less in comparison
to our competitors.”
Trainee, London

Perks

“All employees get their birthday off, which is a
nice perk. If your birthday falls on a weekend,
your supervisor is usually happy with you taking
a birthday day off on the Friday or Monday. The
firm also has links with local business, allowing
employees to have discounts and invitations to
events.”
Trainee, Liverpool

“This varies depending on the seat you are in and
how busy the team is at any given time. Generally,
the firm’s working hours for trainees are good
with trainees rarely working past 5.30pm/6pm.
However, trainees can experience longer working
hours when working on high-profile transactions
and cases, but these can be rare and seatdependent.”
Trainee, Liverpool

“Discounted tickets to football matches, odd free
tickets to football matches.”
Trainee, London

“I work from about 8.30 to 6pm. This surprised
me at first as I thought I would need to work much
longer hours, but there is quite a good attitude
in the firm about trainee hours and we aren’t
expected to stay late unless needed.”
Trainee, Liverpool

“Trainees are encouraged to get involved in cases
and transactions which are occurring within their
team at any given time. The open-door policy of
partners allows trainees to develop and learn from
those at the top of their field. The birthday day off
perk is also a bonus!”
Trainee, Liverpool

PLUSES

“Friendly people, the hours are not bad, the work
is interesting, opportunities to go abroad.”
Trainee, London

101

“Work/life balance, friendly approachable
attitude, the quality of work.”
Trainee, London

MINUSES

“Having to wait longer than most firms for the job
list to come out.”
Trainee, Liverpool
“Nothing that I can think of.”
Trainee, London

Fun Facts

“The firm is over 200 years old and acted in the
Titanic incident.”
Trainee, London

INTERVIEWS & APPLICATIONS
Interviews, Applications and Assessments
“The firm has an application form, which is used
both for their summer placement scheme and
training contracts. Individuals are asked a range
of questions and the firm requires the candidate
to be strong in every section. The application
form is used to select those individuals to go
on to the summer placement scheme in which
there is an assessment day at the end of the
week, or you may not be fortunate enough to get
on a placement scheme, but will still be invited
to an assessment day later in the summer. The
assessment day involves a 25-minute interview,
written assessment, individual and group
presentation. The day is very intense and nerveracking, but individuals should remember that the
firm is impressed by your application form, for you
to be asked to attend the day.”
Trainee, Liverpool

102

“There was just one assessment day with two
partners and the head of graduate recruitment
at the time. Each of the 3 interviewers directed
questions to me. There was no particular format.
Assessment day was as they always are, a long
day, but effort had been made to split it into
manageable chunks.”
Trainee, Liverpool
“One round – full day assessment. I interviewed
with a panel of partners who are on the trainee
committee. Interview was as follows: meet and
greet, individual presentations on an unknown
topic with 10 minutes preparation. Group
discussion. Lunch. Individual 30-minute interview
with a panel of partners. Written assessment
– drafting exercise and written essay. The
assessment day was hard work and challenging
with a variety of exercises as stated above.
Questions were asked about the legal market,
me personally, my attitude towards work,
the firm, etc.”
Trainee, London

Tips & Advice

“The firm requires good A-Levels and at least a
2:1 in your degree. It is getting more competitive
for individuals, with a wide range of people
from varying disciplines applying for training
contracts. The firm employs people from a range
of backgrounds and not just individuals who have
done the straight law route. Candidates need to
have lots of work experience and should have a
good understanding of the role of a lawyer and
the firm as a whole. Candidates should not just
have legal skills, but also possess other skills such
as communication and commercial experience.”
Trainee, Liverpool
“2:1 is required. A variety of characters are
employed.”
Trainee, London

“Hill Dickinson is a leading international law firm
and has been trading for over 200 years. I wanted
to work for the firm due to its strong presence in a
variety of legal areas and the ability for trainees to
work with individuals at the top of their legal field.
Trainees are exposed to a wide range of clients
including individuals, large corporations, highprofile cases and celebrity clients. Trainees are
also encouraged to become a part of the firm and
work on a variety of cases. I also found appealing
the firm’s desire to find appropriate and right
ventures allowing it to increase its presence in the
legal market, both nationally and internationally.”
Trainee, Liverpool

“Opportunities to work abroad and the
friendliness of the people when I met them in
person during my assessment day.”
Trainee, London
“A great top 50 law firm, with a good shipping
reputation.”
Trainee, London

HILL DICKINSON

What made you choose your firm?

Go online for in-depth profiles and
the latest interview advice in
•
•
•
•
•

Accounting
Banking
Consulting
Law
Other Industries

WWW.INSIDEBUZZ.CO.UK
103

THE BUZZ ON GETTING HIRED
As an award-winning law firm, competition for
training contracts at Hill Dickinson is strong and
applicants need to demonstrate a strong academic
record, commercial awareness and enthusiasm for
law in order to be successful. It is, however, not
essential to have studied law at uni as evidenced
by a current Hill Dickinson trainee who states
that ‘the firm employs people from a range of
backgrounds and not just individuals who have
done the straight law route’. Work experience and
‘a good understanding of the role of a lawyer and
the firm as a whole’ is definitely an advantage. Hill
Dickinson is specifically looking for trainees with
personality, so don’t be afraid to be yourself at the
interview stage.

“Interviews are said to resemble more
of a discussion than a high-pressure
Q&A session “
At Hill Dickinson trainees generally undertake four
six-month seats in any of the firm’s departments
including professional risks, insurance, health,
employment, corporate, commercial, litigation,
marine, regulatory, property, private client, family
and insolvency. There is also the opportunity to do
a seat in either the Greece or Singapore office, or
to go on a client secondment.
Throughout the two years, training is said to
be very varied and structured, especially ‘since
the introduction of the Hill Dickinson Business
School’. Current trainees told us they are given a
‘high level of responsibility’ early on so don’t be
surprised to find yourself interacting with clients

104

on a daily basis and attending meetings. Trainees
also mentioned that ‘the firm’s partners operate
an open-door policy to allow trainees to learn
and work closely with experienced lawyers at the
top of their field’. This means that though you will
have lots of individual responsibility, you won’t be
alone and there is always someone willing to help
and ‘explain something more clearly.’

“Throughout the two years, training is
said to be very varied and structured.”
The hiring process is pretty straightforward
and the firm has an application form which is
used both for the summer placement scheme
and training contracts. ‘Individuals are asked
a range of questions and the firm requires
the candidate to be strong in every section’,
according to one trainee. If successful, you will
be invited to an assessment day. This usually
involves a presentation for which you will be
given ten minutes to prepare, followed by a group
discussion, an interview with a panel of partners
and a final written assessment where you will have
to write an essay and complete a drafting exercise.
Current trainees have said the assessment day will
be ‘hard work and challenging’, but to remember
that if you are there, ‘the firm is impressed by
your application form.’ Also, interviews are said
to resemble more of a discussion than a highpressure Q&A session and the nail-biting wait
afterwards is said to be short – a definite plus!

International firm Hill Dickinson has its roots in
insurance and transport, with a growing profile in
markets such as retail and financial services.
The firm traces its roots back to 1810 and has
a long history in shipping. As a major Liverpool
shipping firm in the early 1900s, Hill Dickinson
gained a lot of work in the aftermath of the
Titanic disaster for its client, the White Star Line.
The firm now has offices in London, Manchester,
Chester, Sheffield, Greece and Singapore as
well as Liverpool. The overseas bases focus on
international marine work, and provide greater
access to the firm’s clients in the Korean and
Japanese markets.

Besides shipping, the firm is well known for its
excellent insurance practice and commercial
property. Furthermore, Hill Dickinson boasts one
of the largest health care and critical negligence
practices of its kind in the UK. Other notable
practice areas are corporate, commercial, private
client and property litigation, and the firm has
represented the likes of Wayne Rooney and
Steven Gerrard.

HILL DICKINSON

FIRM PROFILE

The summer of 2010 saw even more expansion as
Hill Dickinson acquired the Liverpool and Sheffield
offices of Halliwells in July, along with their 125
employees. And not only was 2010 the firm’s
bicentennial, but they also ended up winning the
‘National Law Firm of the Year’ award at the Legal
Business Awards.

Review your placement or
internship experience
go to www.insidebuzz.co.uk/review

105

Where will
your talent
take you?
Hogan Lovells is one of the world’s top 10 legal practices. Our global reach
and exceptional breadth of practice ensures a broad, enriching experience
for graduate trainees. With a spectrum of practice areas to explore,
a prestigious client list and a positive, open culture, our focus is to enable
trainees to become lawyers, and lawyers to become leaders.
To see how we help graduates transform ambition and potential into a
world-class career, visit our website at:

www.hoganlovells.com/graduates

Join us on Facebook

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“Hogan Lovells” or the “firm” refers to the international legal practice comprising Hogan Lovells International LLP, Hogan Lovells US LLP, Hogan Lovells Worldwide Group (a Swiss Verein), and their affiliated businesses,
each of which is a separate legal entity. Hogan Lovells International LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales with registered number OC323639. Registered office and principal place of business:
Atlantic House, Holborn Viaduct, London EC1A 2FG. Hogan Lovells US LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in the District of Columbia.
The word “partner” is used to refer to a member of Hogan Lovells International LLP or a partner of Hogan Lovells US LLP, or an employee or consultant with equivalent standing and qualifications, and to a partner, member,
employee or consultant in any of their affiliated businesses who has equivalent standing. Rankings and quotes from legal directories and other sources may refer to the former firms of Hogan & Hartson LLP and Lovells LLP.
Where case studies are included, results achieved do not guarantee similar outcomes for other clients. New York State Notice: Attorney Advertising.
© Hogan Lovells 2011. All rights reserved.

Deep seeded London roots, a well developed international network, solid growth and jovial staff,
make Hogan Lovells a serious alternative to the Magic Circle and a contender for the title of the City’s
‘friendliest’ firm.

PROS

• Variety of the work, clients and practice areas
• Friendly atmosphere and approachable
colleagues
• Good quality of work and high level of
responsibility for trainees
• Work/life balance is respected where possible
• Excellent training, both legal and soft skills
• Trainee salary is amongst the best in the City

CONS

• The uncertainty of the hours, and you are
expected to work weekends when busy
• Sometimes no transparency over decisions
• Solicitors and partners are very busy which can
make it hard to receive informal training
• Oxbridge bias in recruitment
• The bonus programme is a bit obscure

THE STATS

LOCATIONS

No. of lawyers firm-wide: 2,500+
No. of lawyers in London: 595
London partners: 161
London associates: 345
London trainee intake: 75
Approx. no. of applications per year: 1,500

No. of offices: 43
Abu Dhabi • Alicante • Amsterdam • Baltimore • Beijing •
Berlin • Brussels • Budapest* • Caracas • Colorado Springs
• Denver • Dubai • Düsseldorf • Frankfurt • Hamburg •
Hanoi • Ho Chi Minh City • Hong Kong • Houston • Jeddah
• London • Los Angeles • Madrid • Miami • Milan •
Moscow • Munich • New York • Northern Virginia • Paris
• Philadelphia • Prague • Riyadh • Rome • San Francisco •
Shanghai • Silicon Valley • Singapore • Tokyo • Ulaanbaatar
• Warsaw • Washington DC • Zagreb*
*Associate office

BASE SALARY
LONDON 2011
1st year trainee £38,000
2nd year trainee £43,000
Newly qualified £61,000

DEPARTMENTS & PRACTICES
Competition & EU Law • Consumer • Corporate • Dispute
Resolution • Employment & Employee Share Incentives •
Energy, Power & Utilities • Finance • Financial Institutions
• Financial Markets • Industrials • Intellectual Property
• Life Sciences • Pensions • Projects, Engineering &
Construction • Real Estate • Tax • Technology, Media &
Telecommunications

HOGAN LOVELLS

HOGAN LOVELLS

LONDON OFFICE
Atlantic House
Holborn Viaduct
London EC1A 2FG
Tel: +44 (0)20 7296 2000
www.hoganlovells.com

GRADUATE RECRUITMENT INFO
Email: [email protected]
Tel: +44 (0)20 7296 2000

107

QUOTES
LIFE ON THE JOB
Satisfaction with Work

“I have been pleasantly surprised at the amount
of responsibility it is possible to take on at Hogan
Lovells. Obviously, there will always be some
more menial tasks, but where possible the vast
majority of lawyers try to get trainees involved
in more complex and interesting work, and
where possible allow trainees to handle a small
area of the transaction themselves. Partners are
very approachable and often work directly with
trainees.”
First year trainee
“Of course, this depends on the department.
However, my experience is that lawyers make an
effort to provide trainees with interesting work
when possible. I have found that my colleagues
pay attention to my skills and give me things to
do which correspond with my level of knowledge.
I have been able to take on a reasonable level of
responsibility. I often work directly with partners,
who generally take the time to engage with
trainees and provide any support we may need. I
speak to clients over the phone quite frequently,
and also send out emails directly to clients.”
Second year trainee
“High quality work for high quality clients. We
used to seem to do day-to-day work for really
big clients, but then miss out on the really big
mandates when they’d turn to the Magic Circle.
However, since the merger we appear to be
getting the mandates for some really top-end
work, especially from our US-based clients.”
Junior solicitor, Corporate

108

“My work comprises a pleasing balance between
large scale, complex litigation where I work as
part of a team and slightly smaller matters where
I am expected to run them fairly independently. I
interact with clients on a daily basis and find the
environment in my team to be one where I am
encouraged to take as much responsibility as I feel
able to, but always with the support and guidance
from the more senior members of the group.”
Junior solicitor, Litigation

What does your typical day at work involve?

“The first task of the day is checking all emails and
correspondence and making sure you are up-todate on what you have to do that day. There could
be one or two training sessions on most days in
the first few weeks, but mostly you are left to get
on with work due or receiving emails for work that
is available if any trainee has the time. The day is
usually full and you may be working on one large
job or many different smaller pieces of work on
any given day.”
First year trainee
“Given the variety of the work which is
undertaken by the firm, it can be hard to
characterise a typical day. Any given day will,
however, usually involve a combination of
research and ongoing ’transactional work’, such
as drafting and correspondence with clients
and the other side. Throughout the day there
is considerable opportunity for feedback and
discussion of the work, so that although you may
be afforded considerable responsibility, you are
never left to fend for yourself entirely and there is
always ample support if needed.”
Second year trainee

Culture

“The working environment is relaxed, but
professional and most people I have encountered
are friendly. There are also a lot of support staff
from PAs to the library whose advice and help
is often invaluable to a trainee. There isn’t a
culture of working late just to put in ‘face-time’
and most supervisors will tell you to go home at a
reasonable hour if you don’t have any urgent work
to do.”
First year trainee
“I feel very much at home at Hogan Lovells and
I support the values and ethos that the firm
promotes. There is, of course, a hierarchy to
the firm, and to my department, but I find that
this gives a helpful structure to the way we put
together a team for a particular piece of work,
and I like the fact that I know where I fit in.
Senior lawyers are generally very approachable,
supportive and keen to pass on their knowledge
and expertise. My department is friendly, with
lots of different personalities and also a good mix
of male/female members. I enjoy socialising with
my fellow solicitors and the PAs as well and I have
made some very good friends across the firm.”
Junior solicitor, Litigation

“Trainees as a body are very sociable with each
other. Regular Friday night drinks, etc. The trainee
body as a whole is supportive and this is highly
encouraged. I often find that some of my fellow
trainees make my life considerably easier. The firm
prides itself on a friendly culture and this largely
seems to be the case, with more senior people
being generally approachable and sociable. I feel
that I am treated in a respectful manner and that
senior people make an effort to be welcoming and
positive. That said, it is a large corporate law firm
and not always as warm and cuddly as all that.”
First year trainee

HOGAN LOVELLS

“Day to day tasks for trainees can vary greatly. It is
the case that the less glamorous tasks involved in
transactions can be pushed down to trainees, but
equally, in order to be trusted by fee earners to
take on more meaningful tasks, each trainee must
prove that he/she is capable of doing such less
glamorous tasks to a high standard. Failing to put
together an appropriate court bundle for example
is unlikely to inspire an associate or partner to
allow you to draft pleadings. Nevertheless, to
the extent that trainees consistently perform
well, good quality work, such as drafting
witness statements or meeting with clients is
forthcoming.”
Second year trainee

Seats

“All trainees do four seats, at least one of which
much be a corporate or finance seat, and a
contentious seat. There have been significant
attempts to lower trainee expectations of choice
and ability to select the seats they want, although
on the whole I think most trainees got almost
all the seats they wanted. Obviously sometimes
some departments are less popular than others
and some trainees will have to sit somewhere
they haven’t requested, but this is a minority and
in reality, if you apply to a City firm like Hogan
Lovells you should expect (and want to, or else
why apply to such a firm) to have to sit in finance
and corporate seats.”
First year trainee
“Trainees have four seats. One of these seats
is required to be in dispute resolution, and one
seat is required to be in corporate/finance. You
can apply to sit in all departments, but there are
sometimes restrictions as to when you can sit
in specific departments (for example, tax do not
accept first seat trainees). There is an option to
apply for a secondment abroad but there are
limited spaces – currently there are only 8 seats
available in foreign offices. You can also apply for
a client secondment, of which there are between
20 – 30.”
First year trainee

109

“Lots of choice – HR has a meeting with each
trainee to gauge their preference for seats. This is
quite rare at large firms. Secondment seats can be
slightly uncertain. Current secondments abroad
on offer include: Singapore, Hong Kong, Paris,
Frankfurt, Brussels and Dubai.”
First year trainee

Partner/solicitor relations

“Partners at Hogan Lovells are approachable. The
partnership tries to ensure the firm is kept up-todate on decisions, particularly the individuals the
decision might affect. There are several working
groups within the firm that are involved in
different decisions.”
Newly qualified solicitor, Litigation
“From a work perspective, I have regular
dealing with the partners in my team and I think
that we work very closely together. Again, in
these situations I find the partners to be very
approachable. However, I do feel that there could
be better communication regarding firm-wide
decisions.”
Newly qualified solicitor, Employment
“Doors are always open, and they’re always
approachable on the whole. People are pretty
respectful of partners though, banter is pretty
minimal.”
Junior solicitor, Corporate

Formal Training

“There are a lot of training programmes organised
by the firm. Some are required by the SRA (such
as the Professional Skills Course) and others are
internal, although the amount of the latter can
depend on the department you are in. There
are also a lot of voluntary training courses, such
as IT training, that you can attend. The training
is usually well-organised and scheduled well in
advance so that you can schedule work in around
it. My supervisor has always told me to attend
training, no matter how busy we may be with
client work, so attendance is taken seriously.”
First year trainee

110

“There is plenty of training available and it is
encouraged, supported and taken seriously.
Having said that, I tend to find learning ‘on-thejob’ more useful than more structured training
sessions. Hogan Lovells puts on some brilliant ’soft
skills training’ for its associates and the group level
training and know-how sessions that take place
monthly are really useful for keeping up-to-date
and sharing knowledge.”
Junior solicitor, Litigation
“Training is organised either within the team
through group meetings, or individually by signing
up for external courses. We are always given the
time and funding to train externally as long as
these do not encroach on fee earning work.”
Newly qualified solicitor, Employment
“Training is taken very seriously, and you are
expected to attend, unless there is a genuine need
to be elsewhere. Sometimes this does mean that
it is difficult to balance your work with training.”
Second year trainee

Informal Training & Mentoring

“I’ve always found it easy to speak to solicitors/
partners for advice, if needed. Each trainee has
a contact partner in the firm (usually not in their
department) and mine has been very pro-active
in keeping in touch and willing to offer very useful
advice, which has been great.”
Second year trainee
“Varies greatly depending on your supervisor,
which is probably inevitable. There is a lot of
emphasis put on being able to approach more
senior people and constantly pushing yourself and
learning new things. Both of my supervisors, so
far, have been excellent mentors. They have been
accessible and always made time to explain things
to me and clarify areas I didn’t understand.”
First year trainee

“The firm is very busy so informal training is not
as strong as the formal sessions. It can sometimes
be difficult to pick up new skills when solicitors
and partners are frequently working on their own
work or on the telephone. Informal training is
more by osmosis. The solicitors and partners are
willing to help with specific problems. Feedback
could be stronger; there are half-seat and end of
seat appraisals, but in between there is very little
comment on progress.”
First year trainee

How prepared do you feel to practise law
upon qualification?
“Fairly, but still fairly anxious about the transition
from trainee to associate. I hope to go on client
secondment in my last seat which I hope will help
to prepare me for qualification.”
Second year trainee
“I am only a month into my second seat, so I can’t
really say. All the junior associates always say
that the leap from trainee to real lawyer is scary
regardless of how your training contract has gone,
so I will be bracing myself!”
First year trainee
“I have felt as though partners and associates have
made a genuine effort to involve me in more than
’trainee tasks’ and therefore feel well prepared for
qualification.”
Second year trainee

“I think the firm rewards and promotes fairly
and, though at one year PQE, I am still on a
fairly structured career progression. Certainly, I
think, partnership is obtainable for those who
really want it. More interesting is the question of
how many associates actually do want to make
partner!”
Junior solicitor, Litigation

HOGAN LOVELLS

“My supervisor has definitely taken the time to
explain things thoroughly and also given a fair
amount of responsibility to me as a first seater. I
have been impressed with the dedication when,
frankly, sometimes it feels like we’re getting
in the way.”
First year trainee

WHERE DO YOU SEE yourself over the
course of the next 5-10 years?
“I hope very much I’ll still be at Hogan Lovells in 10
years time.”
Junior solicitor, Litigation
“I see myself still at Hogan Lovells and having
become a senior associate within the next 4 – 7
years.”
Newly qualified solicitor, Litigation

Pro bono

“The firm places real emphasis on pro bono work
and encourages and supports all its lawyers to
take part. There is no minimum quota (which I
think is good), but I do think that the firm should
allow hours spent doing pro bono work to count
towards your bonus hours requirement, which
is currently not the case. I have taken part in
mentoring schemes, citizens’ advice bureau work,
and a variety of one-off smaller matters.”
Junior solicitor, Litigation
“Pro bono hours only count towards billable once
you have passed your target. There is also no
minimum quota for pro bono. I have undertaken
a variety of pro bono projects including managing
a case for race discrimination for a claimant
who was subjected to racial harassment by his
employer, a prominent city council.”
Newly qualified solicitor, Employment

CAREER PROSPECTS

“It appears to be reasonably easy, if you put in the
effort yourself.”
Newly qualified solicitor, Litigation

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112

Green Initiatives

“It’s almost impossible to go completely paperless
at a law firm but Hogan Lovells do encourage
recycling. Everyone turns off their lights when they
leave the office at the end of the evening and the
lights in corridors, etc. operate using a movement
sensor.”
First year trainee
“Recently got rid of paper cups, we now have to
use our own mugs! Paperless is far from being a
reality, but increasingly aspired to.”
Second year trainee
“The London office recently announced that it has
cut its carbon footprint considerably.”
Newly qualified solicitor, Litigation

diversity

“Numerous official groups and committees exist
within the firm to promote diversity in all respects.
The firm holds a diversity awareness month that
involves talks and presentations from outside
speakers on diversity issues.”
First year trainee
“Hogan Lovells is very committed to diversity
and there is a huge effort to promote diversity
in the workplace with seminars and the recent
‘Diversity Month’. Although this is admirable, how
far this actually filters through to the working
environment I’m not sure – I think the makeup of
the firm in respect to ethnic minorities and LGBT
is probably rather similar to most City law firms –
and rather underrepresented. Women, however,
are well represented – noticeably so at trainee
level – and I do think HL makes significant efforts
to accommodate flexible working.”
First year trainee

“In keeping with the feel of the firm, diverse
backgrounds, including mature career changers
and young parents are actively encouraged to
apply and are being hired. HR is also actively
seeking to widen access to less-privileged state
school kids here in the area (EC1) by doing workshadowing and training classes.”
Second year trainee

HOGAN LOVELLS

“Hogan Lovells commits a lot of time and effort
to pro bono work, with all fee earners being
encouraged to volunteer for pro bono matters. Pro
bono work is considered as part of the appraisal/
bonus review.”
Newly qualified solicitor, Litigation

OFFICES & DRESS CODE

“The building is fantastic, especially if you have
an outwards-facing office as there are generally
great views (if you’re high up). The client areas
on the top floors are amazing. The client rooms
have amazing cookies. The dress code is not
intimidatingly smart; think shirts with no ties for
men and dresses and cardigans for girls. We have
a dress-down Friday, too.”
First year trainee
“The office is really nice to work in, quite spacious
and have you seen the water feature?! It’s located
near some nice pubs in Smithfield and some good
restaurants nearby as well. We also have a pastry
chef in house somewhere who cooks up amazing
French pastries and fresh cookies on the client
floor (which makes going up to the 11th quite a
nice little excursion). Dress code is standard for
men: suits (without ties in finance, possibly with in
litigation). We also have dress down Fridays with
jeans being the norm and a couple of hoodies
sometimes make an appearance in the less formal
departments.”
First year trainee
“A nice and fairly spacious building complete with
a canteen that at least tries hard, and a subsidised
Starbucks, gym, yoga/aerobics studio and, best
of all, sleeping pods. The dress code is generally
quite smart, although post-merger there is now
casual Friday!”
First year trainee

113

“Location is very good: on Holborn Viaduct, so
very central and within short walks to Farringdon
and Chancery Lane tube stations. There are
many bars and pubs around. Facilities are great:
gym, canteen, cafe, in-house laundry service,
beautician, etc. Office space is okay, the rooms are
not massive, but adequate, and probably standard
size for City firms.”
First year trainee

SALARY, HOURS & PERKS
Hours

“Hours fluctuate greatly week by week.
Sometimes you will be able to leave the office at
5.30 and other times you will be coming in on the
weekend. There is a lack of certainty regarding
hours and it is not really possible to predict what
your week will be like.”
First year trainee
“During my training contract, I probably spent
an average of 40 – 45 hours a week in the office,
billing around 2/3 of that time. Since qualification,
I have been on client secondment, so have not
been involved in any billing, and my hours are
typical office hours. I think the average number
of hours is fine and still allows me time to see my
family and friends. Hogan Lovells is very flexible
with hours, having quite a high number of parttime employees, including solicitors. They have
also recently introduced flexible benefits.”
Newly qualified solicitor, Litigation
“I probably average around 50 hours a week,
although this fluctuates a lot. This is about what
I expect (though I definitely over-estimated my
ability to cope with the kind of hours this job
entails!).”
Second year trainee

114

“On average, I work 50 – 55 hours a week, but
that’s because I’ve been in finance seats and
they are notoriously tough on the hours. I am
not working any more than I expected, mostly
because I am quite realistic about the working life
in a City law firm. I think it’s a little naive to think
that being a solicitor isn’t tough on the old social
life. However, as I’m quite a last minute arranger
of social events, the peaks and troughs in the
working hours don’t bother me at all.”
First year trainee

Salary

“Pay is good, and in line with pretty much all the
other firms in the City (apart from the US firms,
but I think they pronounce ’work-life balance’ as
‘work-work balance’, so I count myself lucky not to
be at one of those). However, it’s a fact of life that
we could always do with a bit more lolly.”
First year trainee
“The salary as a trainee is amongst the best in
the City and that is not to mention the subsidised
Starbucks, staff canteen and free gym.”
Second year trainee
“The bonus package is a bit obscure and I don’t
think it’s very competitive.”
Junior solicitor, Litigation
“In real terms, I think we have a great salary! It’s
in line with most other top City firms, as far as I’m
aware. I don’t know how you could complain!”
First year trainee

Perks

“Corporate events with spaces are often offered
to anyone in the firm on a first-come, first-served
basis (e.g. international football games). Free gym
in the building is pretty cool (it runs classes) and
we have a subsidised canteen that does a huge
range of amazing food (think crispy pork crackling
and apple sauce at lunchtime).”
First year trainee

“We have in-house treatments available such as
massages at reasonable rates and discounts on
things like holidays and theatre tickets through a
lifestyle management company.”
First year trainee
“Free GP service near to work – invaluable!
Dentist’s discount – also near work. Starbucks in
the canteen.”
Junior solicitor, Litigation
“Quite a few free dinners and the occasional
champagne trolley...”
Second year trainee

PLUSES

“Impressive client list. Good level of mentoring
and support from supervisors (generally).
Facilities.”
Second year trainee
“The people are incredibly friendly. The work is of
a very high quality. The general ethos of the firm is
one that I greatly admire and agree with.”
First year trainee
“The friendly atmosphere, the location (not
overwhelmingly full of city-types), the people and
the cookies.”
First year trainee
“Friendly atmosphere. Relatively good hours with
no face time. Large amounts of responsibility and
client contact from day one.”
Newly qualified solicitor, Employment
“The commitment to good citizenship – work on
pro bono matters is taken into consideration on
seat assessments.”
First year trainee

“Not sure how many trainees will be retained at
the end of the training contract/there may not
be jobs in the seats we want. Clearly this is not
limited to my firm but recent retention figures
here have not been great.”
First year trainee
“Perception as being outside the Magic Circle.”
First year trainee
“Pay/bonus structure, transparency of such
processes.”
Newly qualified solicitor, Litigation
“Generally being a trainee and getting things
wrong!”
First year trainee

Fun Facts

“The firm has a pendulum statue in its central
atrium that is always rumoured to induce ’seasickness’ in the unfortunate inhabitants of the
offices which overlook the atrium.”
Second year trainee
“The BlackBerries don’t work as telephones. It is a
mandatory requirement to eat lots of cake.”
First year trainee
“We have a secret door to the fancy wine bar
downstairs. I also found the stairs when I arrived
– I think, half the people in the office don’t know
where they are.”
First year trainee
“A beautician comes to the firm on Thursday
so you can have a manicure on the premises!
Brilliant.”
Junior solicitor, Litigation

MINUSES

“You are expected to work long hours and
weekends if necessary.”
First year trainee

115

INTERVIEWS & APPLICATIONS
Interviews, Applications and Assessments
“It was just the one assessment day, after the
application form. I interviewed with two partners
and there was also a group exercise and a verbal
reasoning test. There were some tough questions
but I never felt that I was being grilled for the
sake of it – I came out feeling I’d enjoyed the day
irrespective of how I’d done.”
Second year trainee

“There was one assessment day which comprised
of a critical thinking test, a group exercise and an
hour interview with two partners. The assessment
day was actually very good, and one of the
reasons I chose this offer over other firms. They
approach the recruitment process as a two-way
street, and I very much felt that they wanted to
impress me, as well as the other way round. I was
asked a general mix of questions at interview,
between commercial current events and law, as
well as about myself and interests.”
Second year trainee
“After handing in the application form, you may
be brought in for an assessment day. You have
a critical thinking test, a group exercise and
an interview. That’s it. I was interviewed by a
partner in litigation. I was asked questions about
the Northern Rock crisis which was occurring at
the time, the sub-prime mortgages in the US,
my degree and my dissertation. It was all very
friendly and relaxed, the partner basically taking
the time to assess whether I was sharp and had an
understanding of the commercial world and also
to see whether or not I would fit in with people at
the firm.”
First year trainee
“I did a vacation scheme interview with a partner
and also a verbal reasoning test. I then did a
vac scheme followed by another very rigorous
interview with one partner which lasted well over
an hour.”
First year trainee

116

Tips & Advice

“At least a 2:1 is required and the firm looks
for intelligent candidates, who have a genuine
interest in City law and have an understanding of
the kind of work the firm undertakes.”
First year trainee
“Make sure you come across as friendly and in
no way attempt to play the ‘arrogant City lawyer’
role. It’s not what Hogan Lovells are looking for.”
First year trainee
“It goes without saying that candidates should
have the usual strong academic background.
However, candidates should also be aware
that most people applying will be from similar
universities and backgrounds, and that outside
interests are a key way to distinguish yourself
from the competition. Joining clubs and teams
at university is a great thing to talk about at
interview and will help you stand out from the
crowd. Candidates (and trainees) aren’t expected
to know everything from day one. What is
expected, however, is a willingness to learn
and an aptitude to ask the right questions at the
right times.”
Second year trainee
“I think they look to hire candidates who will not
only make good solicitors, but who will make
good corporate solicitors. The commercial edge
is important, based on the fact that the majority
of our clients are banks or corporates, and expect
their legal advice to be tailored to their business.
The firm will expect a very good academic
record... I don’t think non-academic achievements
should be underestimated though: I spent a
good deal of my interview discussing where I had
travelled and my experiences working abroad.”
First year trainee

What made you choose your firm?

“The people I met during the selection process
and the broad range of practice areas and
calibre of work (as I didn’t know what I wanted
to specialise in). I felt that the way I was treated
by the firm during the selection process was,
hopefully, indicative of the way I would be treated
as a trainee and I was right!”
Junior solicitor, Litigation

“Breadth of service. I signed up when I was still
studying at uni and had no idea what area of law
I wanted to practice. Hogan Lovells is surely the
broadest top 10 firm in terms of practice streams
and is very good for niche areas like IP.”
Junior solicitor, Corporate

HOGAN LOVELLS

“I don’t think Hogan Lovells has a ‘type’ – which
is one of its great strengths. Having said that,
it tends to take people who aren’t pompous or
arrogant (no matter how clever they may be)
and instead generally selects people who are
interesting, relaxed and friendly and who wear
their intelligence comfortably and who can get
along well with other people.”
Junior solicitor, Litigation

“I chose Hogan Lovells because it had an excellent
international reputation and a friendly and downto-earth team atmosphere.”
First year trainee
“The breadth of practice, the international
opportunities available, the amazing training
offered, the people when I came here, the
women’s football team, and the food.”
First year trainee

Review your placement or
internship experience
go to www.insidebuzz.co.uk/review

117

THE BUZZ ON GETTING HIRED
Hogan Lovells is one of the most applied to
law firms in the UK, receiving around 1,500
applications each year. This gives the firm the
luxury of being able to pick from the cream of
the academic crop. As ‘they look for academic
consistency over a long period’, candidates
need to demonstrate strong A-Levels and have
at least a 2:1 consistently throughout their
degree. Determination, ambition, an interest in
commercial issues, and a ‘true desire to practise
law specifically at Hogan Lovells,’ are definite
prerequisites. Yet, one of the firm’s main strengths
is that it does not have a ‘type’ and ‘looks to
recruit candidates from all backgrounds, both law
and non-law graduates’. According to one trainee,
Hogan Lovells ‘generally likes well-rounded
individuals who are professional, intelligent and
have good interpersonal skills’.

“Outside interests are a key way
to distinguish yourself from the
competition.”
Hogan Lovells looks to recruit people who
will perfectly match the firm’s culture, which
is described as ‘friendly, hard-working and
committed’. The firm boasts an impressive client
list and thus excellent communication skills are
required to ensure smooth client interaction.
One trainee advises that ‘candidates should also
be aware that most people applying will be from
similar universities and backgrounds, and that
outside interests are a key way to distinguish
yourself from the competition’. If you have been a
member of a club or team at your university, make
sure to mention it in your application to help stand
out from the crowd.
The recruitment process is transparent and known
to be tough, but fair. It involves submitting a
rather lengthy online application form, comprising

118

a dozen or so questions. This will be followed by
an assessment day, which will test your analytical
skills and critical thinking via a 45-minute Watson
Glaser test. There will also be a group exercise
which forms a pivotal part of the hiring process
since it is aimed at testing both your commercial
awareness and your team spirit. It is certainly
important to make an effort by getting involved
in the team work, whilst also being clear in
expressing your own opinion.

“Hogan Lovells looks to recruit people
who will perfectly match the firm’s
culture, which is described as ‘friendly,
hard-working and committed’.“
Next up is the final hurdle which consists of an
interview with one or two partners, and a member
of the HR team. The interview lasts around 45
minutes, focusing on your CV as well as legal
and business issues. As one trainee puts it: ‘the
interviewing partners are trying to decide whether
they would be happy to work closely with you’
and find out more about your personality, as well
as your knowledge of current affairs. Although
you will have to face demanding questions, the
interview is ‘not designed to be a hostile or
intimidating atmosphere’. Instead, the firm is keen
to not ‘make the process more formal or stressful
than it would otherwise need to be’. Candidates
are not expected to know everything, but show
‘a willingness to learn and an attitude to ask the
right questions at the right times’.
A final note: You will also be given the chance to
have a chat with current trainees over lunch to
find out what it is really like to work at the firm, so
make sure you think of a few questions you may
not have dared ask the partners!

A vac scheme at Hogan Lovells will give you the
opportunity to work in three of the firm’s practice
areas – and you will definitely not be asked to
make tea or coffee for your supervisor as you’ll be
too busy working! Students are expected to attend
meetings, conduct some legal research and do

some drafting. You may also be asked to interact
with clients and the workshops/training on offer
will have you expand your presentation, advocacy
and corporate knowledge and skills. Schemes run
exclusively in the summer (June) and you have to
apply by the end of January.

HOGAN LOVELLS

VACATION SCHEMES

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FIRM PROFILE
Take two judicial giants – one US, one UK – meld
them together and what do you get? Hogan
Lovells: a transatlantic behemoth with 2,500+
lawyers, 43 offices across the globe, and revenues
of $1.8 billion. Formed following the merger
of Hogan & Hartson and Lovells on 1st May
2010, Hogan Lovells advises many of the world’s
largest corporations, financial institutions and
governmental organisations. The firm regularly
acts on complex, multi-jurisdictional transactions,
as well as large commercial disputes.
Due to the nature of its conception, Hogan Lovells’
roots can be traced down two separate paths...
Frank J Hogan opened his practice in 1904, quickly
rising to prominence for his work in the Teapot
Dome scandal of the 1920s (during which US
government officials were convicted of accepting
bribes from big oil companies). As a result of his
successes in high profile political cases, the firm’s
founder garnered a reputation as America’s leading
trial lawyer. Frank was joined by Nelson T Hartson
in 1925, and they eventually went into partnership
together in 1938, forming Hogan & Hartson.
The firm excelled in numerous fields over the
years, expanding into North and Latin America,
Europe, the Middle East and Asia. In 1970, Hogan
& Hartson notably became the first major firm to
establish a separate practice devoted exclusively
to pro bono legal services. And by the time of the
firm’s merger with Lovells, Hogan & Hartson had
grown into the largest firm based in Washington,
with 26 offices worldwide.
Lovells’ history stretches back even further than
its fellow progenitor to 1899, when John Spencer
Lovell set up his own legal practice. He was later
joined by Reginald White, and then in 1924, by
Charles King. Together the three formed Lovell,
White & King and moved the office to Holborn
Circus. In 1966, Lovell, White & King merged with
Haslewoods, a firm with an illustrious history
and revered clients such as the Treasury Solicitor

120

and Lord Nelson. In 1988, the firm joined forces
with Durrant Piesse, a banking and financial
powerhouse, forming Lovell White Durrant. But
the firm was by no means finished there… not by
a long way! In 2000, it merged again, this time
with Germany’s Boesebeck Droste, and Dutch
firm, Ekelmans Den Hollander. After this period
of expansion, the firm took the decision to cut its
name to simply Lovells.

“A transatlantic behemoth with 2,500+
lawyers, 43 offices across the globe,
and revenues of $1.8 billion.”
The turn of the millennium brought further
alliances throughout Europe, helping Lovells to
develop and expand across the Continent. New
outposts opened in Hungary, Italy, Singapore,
Shanghai and Madrid. Before the Hogan & Hartson
merger, Lovells’ insatiable thirst for growth
stretched to the Middle East, and in 2007 the firm
opened a new office in Dubai. In 2009, Lovells
opened an office in Hanoi, Vietnam, and began to
focus on developing its real estate practice in the
Middle East. Then, on December 15th of that year,
the firm announced its agreement to join forces
with Hogan & Hartson.
The strengths of this newly formed firm are
extensive, and include banking and finance,
corporate, capital markets, dispute resolution,
insurance, real estate, IP, government regulatory
and project finance. Hogan Lovells’ litigation
department is one of the best around, and the firm
also boasts an eminently well respected real estate
practice. Hogan Lovells enjoys a strong reputation
with the banks and financial institutions in London,
and can name Barclays and JP Morgan among its
clients, as well SAB Miller, ITV, BBC and the Royal
Mail.

Work for HOGAN LOVELLS
(advertisement)

TRAINING CONTRACT

Our recruitment and training philosophy is very simple:
our continued success as a firm depends on our ability
to attract and retain the brightest and most able
people. We require every prospective trainee solicitor
to undertake the accelerated LPC at BPP London. The
course will prepare you for practice in the City.
Our two-year training contract is split into four sixmonth seats. As a trainee, you will move around four
different practice areas during this time, to gain as much
experience as possible - one of your seats will be in
either our corporate or finance group, and another in
one of our litigation teams. You will also have the option
of spending time in the second year of training on
secondment to one of our international offices or to the
in-house legal team of a major client.
As a trainee at Hogan Lovells, you will be offered as
much responsibility as you can handle relating to client
work as well as a comprehensive legal skills training
programme, regular reviews and appraisals.. After
qualification continuous training and development
remain a priority - we enable the brightest minds
to deepen their professional and business expertise
throughout their career, which enhances the quality of
advice we provide to clients, our reputation and your
ability to make the very best of your expertise
We are looking for graduates whose combination of
academic excellence and desire for specialist knowledge
will develop our business and take it forward. We expect
applicants to have achieved excellent academic results
from GCSE (or equivalent) onwards, with at least a good
2:1 (or equivalent). The right personal qualities are as
important as the right qualifications. You will be happy
working in a team and collaborating with others, yet full
of initiative and capable of independent action. You will
excel at both clear and lateral thinking. You will have a
strong sense of the big picture, and a very keen eye for
detail. Above all, you will have a single-minded ambition
to succeed in a top law firm.

WHEN TO APPLY

The deadline from law students is 31 July 2012 and 30
March 2012 for non-law final year students.


SALARY

Our current starting salary for trainee solicitors is
£38,000, rising to £43,000 in the second year of training.

VACANCIES

HOGAN LOVELLS

JOBS

We recruit up to 75 trainee solicitors each year across
two intakes (February and August). From October 1 2011,
we are recruiting for the August 2014 and February 2015
intakes.

HOW TO APPLY

http://graduates.hoganlovells.com/

VACATION PLACEMENTS

We offer up to 50 vacation placements for penultimate
year law students over two summer schemes. Each scheme
is carefully designed to offer students the opportunity to
gain exposure to life and work in a City law firm. During the
three-week programmes students gain a broad insight into
the work of the firm, as their time is split between three
of our business areas. Students get involved in real work
with real clients in much the same way as our trainees. This
includes drafting, attending meetings, doing legal research
and, where possible, attending court. To complement this
there is a comprehensive programme of talks, workshops
and social events.
We also hold a one-week vacation scheme and open days
for first year law students and events for final year non-law
students throughout the academic year. Information on
the dates and application deadlines for these events can be
found on our website at
www.hoganlovells.com/graduates.

DATES

Various - see our graduate recruitment website
for full details.

WHEN TO APPLY

All applications open on 1 October 2011. For details on the
application deadlines, please see our graduate recruitment
website.

SALARY

Summer vacation scheme students are paid £300 per week.

VACANCIES

We offer up to 50 places on our summer vacation
schemes.

HOW TO APPLY

http://graduates.hoganlovells.com/

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INCE & CO
Maritime couldn’t be more deeply ingrained within Ince & Co. The firm’s ten international offices cast a
wide net, serving global clients in shipping, international trade, energy, insurance, commercial disputes,
business and finance and aviation.

•
•
•
•
•

PROS

Varied and interesting work
Trainees often work directly with partners
Reasonable working hours
High level of camaraderie between the trainees
Excellent reputation in maritime law

THE STATS

LOCATIONS

No. of lawyers firm-wide: 245
No. of lawyers in London: 108
London Partners: 58
London Senior Associates: 20
London Trainee intake: Up to 15
London Trainees retained: 14 out of 15 trainees in 2011
Approx. no. of applications per year: 1,000

No. of offices: 10
Dubai • Hamburg • Hong Kong • Le Havre • London •
Monaco • Paris • Piraeus • Shanghai • Singapore

BASE SALARY
LONDON 2011
1st year trainee £36,000
2nd year trainee £39,000
Newly qualified £58,000
1 year PQE £64,960
2 years PQE £69,020
3 years PQE £76,125

DEPARTMENTS & PRACTICES
Aviation • Business & Finance • Commercial Disputes
• Energy & Offshore • Insurance & Reinsurance •
International Trade • Shipping

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CONS

• Little communication about partnership
decisions
• Sometimes conservative and old-school
attitudes
• Not always knowing where your work is
coming from

LONDON OFFICE
International House
1 St Katharine’s Way
London E1W 1AY
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7481 0010
www.incelaw.com

GRADUATE RECRUITMENT INFO
Email: [email protected]

INCE & CO

QUOTES
LIFE ON THE JOB
Satisfaction with Work

“There is a high quality of work. You often work
directly with a partner who will give guidance but
then you do the research and write the advice.
Day-to-day case handling is common-place from
the start. However, trainees are normally also
required to get involved in one of the bigger cases,
on a disclosure exercise or similar, which can take
weeks, and in which case you will do little else.
There is little interaction with clients, though
it depends on the partner and cases you get
involved with.”
Second year trainee
“Work is generally very good – trainees get a lot of
client contact and are usually always welcome to
attend meetings with Counsel/witnesses/clients,
etc. There is a lot of direct contact with partners,
often trainees work on a case with only a partner
and no other assistants. The work is high quality,
in large multi-jurisdictional international disputes.”
Second year trainee
“Very rewarding and increasing as I become more
experienced. There is a good level of interaction
with the clients. I am mostly involved in collision
work, which I find fascinating.”
Second year trainee
“The quality of work is great. Unlike what I hear
about other top firms, trainees at Ince & Co
are not treated like we are only good for doing
admin, where we having to wait several years
before getting the opportunity to do something
decent. From the very first week I was sitting in
on client meetings, drafting documents, working
directly with partners and generally getting given
responsibility.”
First year trainee

What does your typical day at work involve?
“It can involve a whole range of tasks – drafting
updates to clients, team meetings to discuss
strategy, considering and reviewing experts’
reports, liaising with foreign lawyers, research on
technical legal points.”
Second year trainee
“I have had the opportunity to work on some
smaller cases. I have drafted submissions and
skeleton arguments in arbitrations and regularly
have the chance to prepare discrete advices on
legal problems arising from, for example, charter
parties and shipbuilding contracts.”
Second year trainee
“There isn’t really a typical day. Sometimes I
think I know what I’m going to be doing, but
then we might receive urgent new instructions
which will take up several hours in terms of initial
consideration, asking for further information,
liaising with clients/foreign lawyers, etc.”
First year trainee
“It is impossible to generalise. The work I do
depends entirely on the cases I am involved in and
the stage that those cases are at. I might spend an
entire day putting bundles together and be in the
office until very late; I might spend the entire day
researching a point of law.”
First year trainee

Culture

“There is a high level of camaraderie between the
trainees – there are frequent emails going round
asking for help and making useful suggestions.
We do socialise together as well. One reason for
the collaborative nature of the trainees is that the
firm hires on merit and does not hire for specific
positions in specific departments, so there is no
immediate competition – the firm will find space
for you if it wants to keep you.”
Second year trainee

123

“The culture is friendly but hard-working. Trainees
are a good group and especially important in first
year, and often eat lunch together in the breakout room. Socialising is organised by the firm
– monthly firm-wide drinks, May Ball, Christmas
Party, quiz night, and a few other events. Trainees
sometimes organise drinks together on a Friday
and have bi-annual social events (e.g. crazy golf).”
Second year trainee
“Great firm for social aspects. Lots of sporting
activities and everyone gets involved. Ince drinks
on a Thursday evening once every month is a great
chance to mix with partners and support staff.”
First year trainee
“Most of the partners were trainees at the firm,
and the majority of the support staff have been at
the firm for over ten years, so there is a family feel
to the firm. There is a lot of knowledge sharing
in the firm, usually by popping into partners’/
assistants’ offices and discussing an issue. The firm
is very sociable.”
Junior solicitor

Seats

“We do four seats, sitting in different business
groups. There is a lot of flexibility as there are no
specific departments and as a trainee you can
work for anyone within the firm. Therefore, a lot
of choice is available, because you can pursue
the work that interests you. That said, when big,
document heavy cases come along the flexibility
also means that you can be asked to get involved,
regardless of the ‘seat’ that you’re in. You can
do a seat abroad – one trainee is currently in
Hamburg. There are fewer opportunities further
afield – such placements tend to be for NQ or 1 –
2 PQE solicitors for two to three years, though one
trainee is going to Shanghai this year.”
Second year trainee
“Ince doesn’t really do seats in the traditional way.
Rather you change partners every six months but
you take all your work with you. This is great as
you actually see your cases develop.”
First year trainee

124

“Trainees spend six months each in four different
‘strands’ of the firm’s practice. However, trainees
continue working on the same cases when they
change seats, so you don’t only do work in the
area of the strand in which you are sitting. You can
sit in any strand. You can express a preference,
which seems to be taken into account. When
I said I was interested in energy work, I spent
the next six months in the energy & offshore
strand. You can do a seat abroad; I’m currently on
secondment in Hamburg.”
Second year trainee

Partner/solicitor relations

“Different partners have different styles – some
are more closely involved in the running of
the case than others. Partners are generally
available and supportive, and also understanding
of solicitors’ situations e.g. too much work/
family considerations... Solicitors could be better
informed about certain strategic firm-wide
decisions, although progress is being made here.”
Mid-level solicitor
“The partners are generally very friendly, sociable,
and approachable. However there is very little
consultation on firm-wide decisions and the
solicitors tend to be among the last to be informed
of such decisions.”
Junior solicitor

Formal Training

“There are lots of training sessions organised and
you can put yourself forward for extra training if
required. There isn’t always time to attend, but
the firm is flexible and understands that billable
work sometimes must come first. The training
sessions relate to both pure law and also practical
skills. As the nature of the practice is niche and
most haven’t studied shipping at law school, a
large amount of effort is put in to bring knowledge
up to a good level.”
Second year trainee

“Tonnes of training lectures get organised which
is great. The flexibility of our training is a blessing
and a curse. As we are encouraged to get work
from whatever strand we want (as opposed to
just the strand we sit in) we can work for many
partners at any one time. The positive is that you
aren’t stuck for six months doing something you
are entirely disinterested in. The negative is that
as you are in charge of your workload, no one else
knows how busy you are, which actually makes
it harder for you to say no if a partner asks you
to do some work. What I mean is, you have no
supervisor able to vouch for you and say you are
at full capacity.”
First year trainee

Informal Training & Mentoring

“I think that partners and solicitors throughout
the firm are very approachable. This means that
I am not afraid to ask the ‘stupid’ questions. I am
given as much support as I need and I feel that
I am frequently encouraged. In terms of lessons
and skills I have learnt – I have developed a huge
amount during my training – my case handling
skills have developed and I feel confident drafting
and undertaking legal research.”
Second year trainee
“Solicitors and partners are normally happy to
explain things if asked, but partners can obviously
be very busy. Normally I get feedback on work, or
if not can easily compare the draft I did with the
one sent out to the client.”
Second year trainee

“We have a partner as a mentor and a second
year trainee as a buddy. There are many people
you can ask for support. The firm is fine on this.
Although I think it can largely depend on who you
get assigned to, but this is true of anywhere..!”
First year trainee

INCE & CO

“You learn a lot on the job and through legal
research on various cases, since shipping law is
quite ‘legal’ and involves knowledge of various
concepts. There are regular lunchtime lectures;
especially in first year. A trip to Brookes Bell (ship
consultants) in Liverpool in first year was good as I
got to see merchant ships in the flesh and drive a
simulator! NQs do a proper shipping law course.”
Second year trainee

“Partners are generally very good at giving you
tasks that will improve your legal abilities and
providing you with guidance on those tasks. There
is perhaps less scope for seeking guidance on
particular issues of your choosing.”
First year trainee

Offices & Dress Code

“The offices are very nice and kept in good
condition. I think the facilities are good too. The
views are phenomenal!”
Second year trainee
“Dress tends to be on the conservative side, and
there are no dress-down Fridays. Err on the side of
caution.”
Second year trainee
“Office space is great, I love it – amazing views
over London (you can see the Thames, Tower
Bridge, Tower of London, Mayor’s office, London
Eye, Shard, Gherkin and much more!). Not right
in the centre of London which is occasionally
irritating but not a big deal. Some people say the
rooms are a little small but it varies and I don’t
agree, I think they are more than adequate!”
First year trainee
“The office is absolutely lovely: spacious, great
views. Would be nice if it were a little nearer
shops, etc., but then we wouldn’t have the views.
The lunch facilities in the building are alright, but
a little more choice would be nice. I wear a suit
and shirt every day, and probably wear a tie about
half the time, depending on whether I feel like it.
Obviously I would always wear a tie for anything
involving external people. Dressing-down seems
to become more acceptable once you’re a little
more senior.”
First year trainee

125

CAREER PROGRESSION

“The firm has a relatively high ratio of partners to
assistant solicitors, and it is easier to make partner
than at my previous firm. At four or five years
PQE you are expected to pass ‘prospects’, after
which you are expected to participate in strategic
decisions, more client-focused or industry-focused
marketing and to work more independently on
cases. At five to seven you can be considered for
“senior associate” status. Partnership applications
can be made from seven years PQE.”
Mid-level solicitor
“There’s reasonable career progression. Hard
work, getting on well with people, and good client
relationships all pay off.”
Mid-level solicitor
“Difficult unless you have serious support in the
partnership. If you have been offered good work
to sink your teeth into and with which to prove
yourself from an early stage then you will probably
be fine, if not then you will pay the price at a later
stage.”
Mid-level solicitor

Where do you see yourself over the
course of the next 5–10 years?
“Hopefully still here as a senior associate.”
Mid-level solicitor
“Hopefully, partner!”
Mid-level solicitor
“Very happy to stay at my firm, although I would
like to work for a wider spread of partners and get
out of the office a bit more. My career provides
me with interesting work, and a great work-life
balance (four days per week), while earning
enough money to support my family comfortably
and build savings for the future. I am not currently
interested in partnership, as being on the
partnership track would involve sacrificing a lot
of the focus and time which are devoted to my
private life.”
Mid-level solicitor

126

Pro bono

“The firm supports challenges for charity (e.g.
the marathon team). It also sends trainees and
solicitors to read with school children at lunchtime. But I am not aware that it does any pro bono
work in the sense of working for free for certain
clients who do not have the means, or for good
causes.”
Mid-level solicitor
“The firm runs a reading scheme with which I was
involved whilst more junior. It was very rewarding
to work with the pupils. I am not aware of any
other pro bono schemes.”
Senior solicitor

Green Initiatives

“Lights are sensor controlled and paper is recycled
but, like most law firms, we do get through a lot
of paper.”
First year trainee
“Energy use – all of the lights in the office are on
sensors so when there is no movement because
there is no one in a particular area of the building
the lights go off. The air conditioning and heating
is also turned off at certain points of the day in
certain areas of the building. Recycling – every
room has a large recycling bin which is used
regularly and changed by General Office. We are
encouraged to recycle everything in the kitchen as
well. We do most of our correspondence via email
and we are reducing the amount of paper that
we use.”
Second year trainee
“We’re not too bad on recycling, but it would be
fair to say that the paperless office is some way
off yet...”
First year trainee

“Many of the firm’s partners appear to have no
difficulties taking significant periods of maternity
leave, gay people appear to have no difficulty at
all in being accepted and there are lawyers of
many nationalities working in the firm. There are,
perhaps inevitably, more men than women at the
most senior levels of the firm.”
First year trainee
“Last year the firm had the lowest ratio of female
to male partners out of the top 50 firms! Whilst it
is a male dominated firm at the top, there are a lot
of female solicitors and they are recruited equally
to men – retention is also equal. I don’t think the
maternity benefits are as good as they could be.”
Second year trainee
“If you’re good, you’ll get recruited and retained.
If you’re not, you won’t. I can’t imagine that any
other issues come into it. There is a very good
ethos re. maternity leave and understanding re.
child care. It’s a good firm to work for.”
Senior solicitor

How prepared do you feel to practise law
upon qualification?
“Very prepared – I feel that I am being encouraged
to think like a solicitor, not a trainee. Of course it
will be a challenge, but I’m looking forward to it
(fingers crossed!).”
Second year trainee
“Well prepared as the training here is good and
focused on the practical running of cases, rather
than being a bundle monkey.”
First year trainee
“I’m still well over a year from qualification, but
I do feel so much better prepared than I did
even a few months ago. I’d say I’m still a fair
way off in terms of just knowing the key areas
of law, without really needing to research much,
but do feel well-prepared in terms of thinking
commercially and communicating with all the
parties involved in a case.”
First year trainee

Hours

“My hours are quite long at the moment – on
average 12 hours a day (not all billable). I am
certainly not expected to work more, unless a
case becomes exceptionally busy. It is acceptable
for me to work fewer hours, though it really
depends on the amount of work required. I am
not dissatisfied with these hours as the work is
interesting, though I would like to be able to leave
the office at 5.30 once in a while!”
Second year trainee

INCE & CO

SALARY, HOURS & PERKS

diversity

“I’m in the office approx. 9.25am – 6.15pm on a
good day. Not uncommon to stay until about 7pm.
Staying after 8pm is unusual. You get a free taxi
home if you stay after 9pm. It’s rare to work at
weekends – I’ve done so a few times but not all
weekend.”
Second year trainee
“I probably work around 55 – 60 hours per week.
I work about the same hours as what I expected.
In my experience however, I would say that
my working hours at Ince & Co are very good
compared to other firms. We get some work/life
balance.”
Second year trainee
“It is a wonderful place to work if you have
external responsibilities. I billed 120 hours last
month. I spend 40 hours in the office a week.
Holiday can be bought and sold and tied over into
next year.”
Mid-level solicitor
“I spend around nine hours a day in the office on a
normal day; however it is not uncommon to spend
many more hours than this. The firm has a ‘don’t
be in the office when you’re not busy’ culture,
so when things are quiet you can get out at 5.30
without feeling awkward.”
Junior solicitor

127

Salary

“Salary has not gone up much in the past two
years. Bonus scheme kicks in when you’re above
1,500 hours billable per year.”
Mid-level solicitor
“Bonus is great if you do lots of hours, not so great
if you just make the threshold.”
Mid-level solicitor
“It’s great the firm wants to look after you, which
is nice! Pension scheme is favourable and the new
‘flexible’ benefits mean you can buy or sell holiday
depending on your plans that year!”
First year trainee
“It seems to be pitched at the same level as similar
firms – not a bad deal when you consider the
hours and the quality of the training.”
First year trainee

BONUS

“£7,500”
Mid-level solicitor
“£7,000”
Mid-level solicitor

Perks

“Cab home if you work past about 9.30pm is
pleasant; certainly preferable to the Tube. There
are usually plenty of marketing events going on
which you often get to attend, even as a trainee. A
lot of partners will organise case drinks/dinner for
the team working on a particular case, especially
if it’s a bigger case that has taken up a lot of
people’s time.”
First year trainee
“Bonus cheque for getting married!”
Second year trainee

128

“The chef who works here used to work at
Claridge’s – we regularly have in house meals with
clients or as part of training and they are amazing.
We have lots of great events such as a quiz night,
monthly firm drinks (‘Ince drinks’), May Ball,
Christmas party and marathon party. We also get a
free dinner/taxi home after a certain time. One of
our best perks is the Well Woman (or man!) check.
This is worth a lot of money and for me, my health
is invaluable.”
Second year trainee
“You have the option to buy or sell five days extra
holiday (so up to a maximum of 30), which in my
opinion is awesome.”
Second year trainee

PLUSES

“Work/life balance – we have a great balance at
Ince & Co and we are encouraged to work hard
and play hard.”
Second year trainee
“The people. Good work to pay ratio, and people
realise you have a life outside of work.”
Second year trainee
“Great people. Very talented lawyers. Clients from
all over the world. A real culture of learning.”
First year trainee
“The general culture and ethos. Quality of work
and reputation – our partners are known as being
amongst the best in the world in their fields. It’s
friendly and not a corporate treadmill.”
Senior solicitor
“One feels safe here and sheltered from the
outside world, people are friendly, work can be
very good, hours are very good, and the money is
comparable with the bigger firms out there.”
Mid-level solicitor

“Perhaps the document work – it is sometimes
a bit of a drag (i.e. a big document review!),
but this is part and parcel of working in a large
litigation firm.”
Second year trainee
“Never knowing where your work is coming from
or when you will be given it!”
Second year trainee
“Larger cases can mean more boring tasks for
the junior members of the team. The lack of
departments means that some lawyers are much
busier than others and the amount of work that
trainees have differs massively from time to time.”
First year trainee
“Bad work/life balance at times, lack of
involvement in policy decisions, old-school
attitudes.”
Mid-level solicitor

Fun Facts

“When the ex-managing partner at Ince was a
trainee, one of his duties was to go round and
stoke the fires in each partner’s room.”
First year trainee
“We have lawyers who speak, to varying degrees
of proficiency, Bulgarian, Catalan, Croatian, Malay,
Tamil, Uzbek and Welsh.”
First year trainee
“At work events there are plenty of free drinks! (It
just didn’t occur to me how cool this actually was
till I experienced it!)”
First year trainee
“The offices were the setting of a recent Spooks
episode.”
Second year trainee

INTERVIEWS & APPLICATIONS
Interviews, Applications and Assessments
“Training contract interviews can last about four
to five hours and consist of two interviews, the
final one with two partners who will go through
the in-tray exercise with you. The in-tray exercise
is tough!”
Second year trainee

INCE & CO

MINUSES

“I did a vac scheme at the firm. Therefore I had
one initial interview with HR and a partner. This
was very general and I was also required to do a
written test. A few weeks after my vac scheme
I had an (automatic) interview for a training
contract. This was with two partners who tested
me on an in-tray exercise. I was also required to
do a drafting test and a spelling/grammar test.
The interview is known for being quite tricky.”
Second year trainee
“I had an HR interview with a test, then an
interview with two partners. Interview is very
focused on an in-tray exercise. The partners want
to test how you think, and how you react to
different situations. They put you under pressure.”
Second year trainee
“Ince is a hard place to get hired at. There are a
large number of applications and the firm is very
selective. There is only one interview round but it
involves a number of elements, and is a long and
gruelling process.”
First year trainee

Tips & Advice

“Do your research! Really look into shipping – if
you say you’re interested you need to give good
reasons why (although not having a specific
interest in shipping won’t hold you back). You
need to be able to think on your feet, demonstrate
good English skills, you need a 2:1, etc.”
Second year trainee

129

“Ince is more holistic and will look at the
‘individual’ rather than necessarily just the grades.
You really need to have researched the firm.”
First year trainee
“An interest in shipping or insurance would help.
Knowing about the firm’s ethos, offices, big cases,
etc. definitely a bonus. The firm doesn’t appear
to have favourite unis, but can afford to be quite
picky.”
Mid-level solicitor
“Interesting background, maritime experience or
fluency in language of one of the foreign offices
is a definite plus; links with shipping/insurance
world.”
Mid-level solicitor
“The firm does not look to any specific university,
although almost everyone will have a good 2:1 or
first. Some trainees will have had other careers,
and/or done postgraduate study. A background in
shipping is not essential, but can help.”
Second year trainee

What made you choose your firm?

“I chose Ince & Co because of its outstanding
reputation, unrivalled training contract, work/life
balance and interesting niche practice areas.
I have been proven entirely right in choosing Ince.”
Second year trainee
“I liked the atmosphere of the firm when I went
for interview. The firm is international and the
work is accordingly varied. The size of the firm
also appealed. Trainees are not just numbers here,
everyone knows everyone else.”
Second year trainee
“I wanted to do litigation, and I admired the
fact that most of the partners has trained with
the firm.”
Junior solicitor
“It is the best at what we do. Its reputation is
unrivalled. It is an extremely pleasant place to
work.”
Mid-level solicitor
“They are the top dog in the shipping law world.”
First year trainee

Go online for in-depth profiles and
the latest interview advice in
•
•
•
•
•

Accounting
Banking
Consulting
Law
Other Industries

WWW.INSIDEBUZZ.CO.UK
130

If you want to join Ince & Co, brace yourself;
landing a position at the firm is far from easy
and a top degree from a renowned institution
is ‘a must’. Current solicitors say that ‘knowing
about the firm’s ethos, offices and big cases
is definitely a bonus’ and that ‘an interest in
shipping or insurance would help.’ Candidates
need to demonstrate confidence, ambition and
commercial awareness, and ‘fluency in a language
of one of the foreign offices is a definite plus’. Topdrawer communication skills are also helpful. As
one solicitor puts it, ‘Ince looks for independent
thinkers who are also able to work well in a team.’
Ince & Co takes pride in its training programme
which is a bit different compared to most other
law firms. There are no specific departments
so trainees do four six-month seats sitting with
different partners but take work from any of the
firm’s strands – shipping, energy and offshore,
insurance, business and finance and aviation.
Trainees can take their work with them and
continue to work on the same cases once they
move seats. This means that it is much more
flexible and you are free to ‘pursue the work
that interests you’, working for a range of people
throughout the two years.

Vacation Schemes

INCE & CO

THE BUZZ ON GETTING HIRED
There are two vacation schemes up for grabs at
Ince & Co, both of which run for two weeks during
the Easter and summer period. With only fifteen
places to fill in total, you’re right to think that it’s
going to be tough to snap one up. However, if
you’re one of the chosen ones, you can expect to
sit with a partner and work on live cases, which
could even involve attending client meetings,
hearings and going to court.
While you’ll get a chance to delve into some real
legal work, you will also be able to tour the Royal
Courts of Justice and go to in-house lectures. You
usually need to apply by the end of the year for
the vac schemes, so keep an eye open for the
deadline.

The recruitment process is pretty straightforward.
After submitting an online application, candidates
can expect a brief interview with HR and will need
to complete an in-tray exercise and two written
tests. This will be followed by the main interview
with two partners. The interview can be quite
lengthy and is comprised of questions designed
to see how you react and think. There will also
be a discussion of the earlier in-tray exercise.
Interviews are generally described by solicitors
as being fair, informal and a ‘fairly low stress
experience’. However, be prepared to think on
your feet, show initiative, deliver your answers
decisively, and then justify them.

131

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132

Ince & Co ranks in the upper echelons of maritime
law in the UK. Shipping and trade represent its
mainstay practices, but the firm casts a wide net
and also serves clients in energy and offshore,
insurance, business and finance, commercial
disputes and aviation. Ince & Co provides advice
to a menagerie of businesses, ranging from
international corporations to smaller companies,
sole traders and individuals.
Maritime couldn’t be more deeply ingrained
within Ince & Co, as even before founding the firm
in 1870, Francis Ince was working as a shipping
lawyer. The firm expanded from its Victorian roots
by employing either family members or those who
could provide significant capital. But in 1940 the
firm broke with tradition and began hiring new
young partners to help expand the business. In
keeping with the progressive ethos of the ‘60s, the
firm opened its doors to foreign lawyers for the
first time. In 1979 the firm cut the ribbon on its
first international office in Hong Kong. Singapore
followed some time later, in 1991, and the firm has
since opened offices in Dubai, Hamburg, Le Havre,
Paris, Piraeus, Shanghai and Monaco.
Ince & Co’s structure is a little different from its
peers’; instead of splitting lawyers into practice
areas, the firm is divided by sectors. In practice,
this means any lawyer can be called upon to serve
in any area. Consequently, the firm develops
generalists rather than individuals pigeonholed
into particular specialisms.
Ince & Co’s shipping practice is considered by many
as the best in the industry. It handles every aspect
of maritime law, including collisions, salvage,
charter party, carriage of goods, ship finance, workout, general average, personal injury, pollution
and even piracy. The firm’s second cornerstone
practice is insurance and reinsurance, which has
built a reputation as one of the strongest in the
world. The client base encompasses all manner
of insurance buyers, as well as many of the

most discriminating insurance and reinsurance
companies and Lloyd’s syndicates.

INCE & CO

FIRM PROFILE
Aside from these two heavyweight staples, Ince
& Co has a further five practice areas that aren’t
to be scoffed at: aviation, business and finance,
commercial disputes, energy and offshore, and
international trade. In the aviation legal sector, Ince
& Co holds considerable clout, with a reputation
garnered through years of demonstrating its indepth understanding of the industry, knowledge of
aviation technology, the current commercial issues
and first-hand experience.

“The firm develops generalists rather
than individuals pigeonholed into
particular specialisms.”
The dispute resolution practice is one of the largest
in London. It handles a wide range of domestic and
international disputes, involving matters such as
business sale and purchase, design, engineering
and construction, D&O liability, financial
instruments, fraud, insolvency, bankruptcy,
JV and agency agreements, manufacturing and
supply contracts, partnerships and shareholders’
agreements, product liability, property, technology
and telecoms.
In energy, Ince & Co’s lawyers have been providing
contract drafting and negotiating, asset and project
finance, insurance, and dispute resolution for many
years. The firm has expertise in various areas,
including construction and operation of pipelines,
offshore structures, rigs, FPSOs and other vessels,
drilling and offshore services, transportation, and
refining oil and gas. In looking for evidence of Ince
& Co’s prestige, you need look no further than
its client list; major names such as Ace Aviation,
Gard Services, Nordisk, Transocean and Vitol rank
amongst its roster of clients.

133

As a trainee at Jones Day, you
get greater responsibility and
independence. To find out more
about a major global law firm
with a different approach to
developing its trainees, visit
www.jonesdaylondon.com/recruit.

134

Jones Day is a true US heavyweight, with its sizeable glove taking jabs at most major areas of law. With
2,500 lawyers and 35 offices across five continents, Jones Day is one of the largest law firms in the world
and amongst the highest-grossing in the US. The firm’s London lawyers, of whom 98% are UK qualified,
boast a globally recognised M&A practice.

PROS

• Has a unique (non-rotational) training
programme where trainees choose and seek
out their own work
• Early responsibility and lots of independence
and choice over your work
• You can work for any department at any time
• Informal and friendly atmosphere with great
trainee solidarity
• Everyone has their own office in London,
including trainees

THE STATS
No. of lawyers firm-wide: 2,500
No. of lawyers in London: 164
London Partners: 50
London Associates: 100
London of Counsel: 14
London Trainee intake: 15
London Trainees retained: 80%

BASE SALARY
LONDON 2011
1st year trainee £39,000
6-12 months £41,000
12-18 months £45,000
18-24 months £50,000
Newly qualified £70,000

DEPARTMENTS & PRACTICES
Antitrust & Competition Law • Banking & Finance •
Business Restructuring & Reorganisation • Capital Markets
• Corporate Criminal Investigations • Employee Benefits
& Executive Compensation • Environmental Health &
Safety • Government Regulation • Intellectual Property •
International Litigation & Arbitration • Investment Funds
• Issues & Appeals • Labour & Employment • Mergers

JONES DAY

JONES DAY

CONS

• Expect to be thrown in the deep end
• Lack of communication on firm-wide decisions,
although the firm is currently addressing this
• Promotion can be slow
• Will primarily suit those who are pro-active
and prepared to seek out their own work from
different departments and manage their own
workload

& Acquisitions • Private Equity • Product Liability & Tort
Litigation • Real Estate • Securities & Shareholder Litigation
• Tax • Trial Practices

LOCATIONS
No. of offices: 35
Atlanta • Beijing • Boston • Brussels • Chicago • Cleveland
• Columbus • Dallas • Dubai • Frankfurt • Hong Kong
• Houston • Irvine • London • Los Angeles • Madrid •
Mexico City • Milan • Moscow • Munich • New Delhi •
New York • Paris • Pittsburgh • San Diego • San Francisco
• São Paulo • Saudi Arabia • Shanghai • Silicon Valley •
Singapore • Sydney • Taipei • Tokyo • Washington, DC
LONDON OFFICE
21 Tudor Street
London EC4 Y0DJ
Tel: +44 (0)20 7039 5959
www.jonesday.com/recruit

GRADUATE RECRUITMENT INFO
Diana Spoudeas
Manager – Trainee Recruitment and Development
Tel: +44 (0)20 7039 5959
Email: [email protected]

135

QUOTES
LIFE ON THE JOB
Satisfaction with Work

“The quality of work is impressive, and
responsibility is possible from the off. Partner
contact is constant and the way the firm works is
truly non-hierarchical. The deals and transactions
are always well explained when a trainee
undertakes a task, no matter how trivial that task
may be. There is also the opportunity for plenty of
client contact.”
First year trainee
“It is possible to take on as much responsibility
as you wish. The opportunity is certainly there to
take on work at a level you might be surprised to
experience at other firms. The non-hierarchical
structure is at the heart of the training scheme in
that we work consistently with partners directly,
and grow in confidence by doing so.”
First year trainee
“We get great client interaction from an early
stage and with that comes a great deal of
responsibility. You are not treated as a “bottom of
the pile” trainee, and genuinely get to feel part of
a team you can contribute to.”
Second year trainee
“I get a lot of high quality work, which is both
interesting and challenging. From relatively early
on in my training contract I was entrusted with
meeting with clients and answering their queries
directly. Jones Day is great in that it allows you the
room to develop and learn, whilst providing the
necessary support and supervision.”
Newly qualified solicitor
“I have been at the firm for many years and am
given enormous responsibility and freedom to
pursue my own career path, within the supportive
system of a firm. I am lead contact for several
clients and have a diverse range of interesting
work.”
Senior solicitor

136

What does your typical day at work involve?

“Visiting the fee earners in their offices registering
an interest in working for them/their department.
Taking notes on tasks given, completing the work,
gaining feedback and making amendments.”
First year trainee
“Conference calls, drafting/reviewing documents,
now (18 months in) “supervising” more junior
trainees for basic tasks, liaising with clients,
associates, partners, attending meetings.”
Second year trainee
“Getting up-to-date with client and general law
developments of the day – finish overnight work
from the US, address new projects, internal
meetings, providing training in-house, drafting
client newsletters, writing articles.”
Senior solicitor
“Varied. Some days I will be focusing solely on a
large litigation case, either conducting research or
doing case analysis. Others I will be focusing on
a large number of smaller cases, drafting letters,
applications, witness statements and emailing or
otherwise communicating with clients.”
Newly qualified solicitor
“Every day varies especially as we have a nonrotational system, you can be doing property one
day, litigation the next.”
Second year trainee

Culture

“Trainees help each other out with finding work
if they know someone to be busy, indicating
which partners and associates have helped them
produce good work and who are consequently
good to work for. Trainees socialise as a whole or
in smaller groups on an ad hoc basis.”
First year trainee

“It is great to be part of a medium-sized firm as it
enables you to know people across the different
departments. Trainee intake is relatively small
(between 8 – 12 typically) which means you get to
know each other and make solid friendships.”
Second year trainee
“Jones Day has partners which head up the
different departments much like any law firm. I
work very closely with my supervising partner in
all the work that I do and the other associates are
all very supportive. As well as being good work
colleagues, a number of the members of the firm
are also my friends, and we regularly meet up in
the pub for a pint on Friday evenings.”
Newly qualified solicitor
“Because of the seat structure there is great
trainee solidarity and one can always go to a
fellow trainee to ask any number of questions or
float ideas.”
First year trainee

Partner/Solicitor Relations

“I work very closely with my supervising partner
who respects my opinion and values the input I
am able to give. The partners as a whole at the
firm keep us involved with updates as to new work
and marketing events.”
Newly qualified solicitor

“The patchy communication of firm-wide
decisions and the lack of involvement of people
in those decisions are probably the worst things
about the firm.”
Senior solicitor

JONES DAY

“The culture is extremely informal (in a good
way). There is genuinely no social hierarchy, which
means partners to secretaries are treated equally
and all have banter with one another. There is, of
course, a professional hierarchy. Trainees support
each other, especially because the non-rotational
system gives trainees the ability to concentrate on
their preferred areas throughout their contracts.
So a trainee with a corporate focus will know who
to call if they have a litigation related question,
and vice versa.”
Second year trainee

“No information about firm-wide decisions.”
Senior solicitor
[NB. Since April this year, the firm has taken
proactive steps to involve all Associates in
Business Development (BD) and Marketing.
Regular meetings and presentations from our BD
Partner and BD team to Associates have taken
place and Associates are involved in individual
BD initiatives. In addition, all Associates were
allocated a significant budget for a client event
which they led and at which over 80 of their
nominated clients have since attended. Further,
steps have been and continue to be taken to
ensure we communicate transactions and deals
both internally and to the press and to mention
Associates in press releases. We are also now
actively communicating to our Associates details
of new lawyer arrivals, general growth plans and
new business won.]

Seats

“There is no formal rotational seat system. This
means that we are able to try every department
and hence make an informed decision as to where
we should qualify. The choice is huge and you can
shape your training contract to a certain extent.”
First year trainee
“We do not have a seat system, which I think
works really well as it allows us to be more flexible
in our approach to the departments and gain a
real understanding of a department over a long
period of time, rather than it being a forced 4 or 6
month seat.”
Second year trainee

137

“We do not operate a seat system. The nonrotational system allows us to gain an insight and
experience in all departments, or as many as we
choose (so long as we gain experience in at least
three areas). Recently, it has become possible to
go to Dubai on secondment for 6 months.”
First year trainee

“Every piece of work you receive is a form
of training as long as you receive feedback.
Associates and partners are incredibly accessible
and you benefit from having any number of
mentors at one time. Drafting, research skills and
due diligence have been a focus area recently in
my training contract.”
First year trainee

Formal Training

“Most people are willing to help with whatever
issue you have. It’s easy to approach all associates
and partners and they are willing to give advice.”
First year trainee

“PSC course is completed throughout the training
contract; this aims to introduce the topics as
they have become more meaningful rather than
in isolation at the start of the job. A one-on-one
training session for the legal databases is given.”
First year trainee
“Very well organised, taken very seriously,
attendance is mandatory. Skills taught are both
legal and non-legal.”
First year trainee
“Training programmes are organised and taken
seriously. Generally, there is time to attend the
events, although of course work can occasionally
get in the way. The seminars are generally good,
although of course different topics are more
relevant to different trainees.”
Second year trainee
“Enough time to attend legal training and what
there is, is very good, but there is little budget to
attend outside seminars/events.”
Senior solicitor

Informal Training & Mentoring

“I find the informal training by far the more
important element. Literally all of the firm’s
lawyers are very accessible, and partners will take
the time to discuss transactions with trainees and
provide advice regarding career development
and other issues. I have also learnt a lot from
observing partners or senior associates negotiate
documents and deal with clients and other
lawyers, both in terms of legal skills and “soft”
skills.”
Second year trainee

138

“My supervising partner sets aside a lot of time to
teach me new areas of law. I have also learnt a lot
about client management from being so closely
involved in this aspect of the job.”
Newly qualified solicitor

Career Prospects

“I became a partner at 6 years PQE (and
subsequently ceased to be one when I went parttime), but it is now a longer process.”
Senior solicitor
“Not at all easy to move. Promotion is very slow
and in order to be promoted you have to know the
US partners very well.”
Senior solicitor

Where do you see yourself over the
course of the next 5-10 years?
“Hopefully making partner.”
Newly qualified solicitor
“I see myself continuing as I am.”
Senior solicitor
“In-house opportunities.”
Senior solicitor

“It counts as billable hours and there is a
dedicated pro bono partner.”
Newly qualified solicitor
“Pro bono is encouraged but not compulsory or in
any quota.”
Senior solicitor

“The office is very good and new, with each
associate (and trainee) getting their own office.
The dress code is fairly relaxed with the last Friday
of every month being a charity-donation based
dress down day.”
Newly qualified solicitor

Green Initiatives

“Glass bottles, recycling bins, cycling schemes,
sensor lights.”
First year trainee
“Printers and air-conditioning are turned off
overnight, paper is recycled.”
Second year trainee

Diversity

“The maternity leave policy is not very generous,
but flexible arrangements for working with a
family are very good. In terms of ethnic minorities,
I think we do pretty well.”
Senior solicitor

Offices & Dress CODE

“It is great to have your own office with no
distractions. It makes you a more independent
worker and forces you to increase your confidence
as interaction with the rest of the office is not
automatic.”
First year trainee
“The key difference regarding the office is that
every trainee has his own office (mine happens
to be particularly spacious). Otherwise, facilities
are fairly standard, I suppose. Dress code is
comparatively informal, most dress down on
Fridays, and quite a few partners can be spotted
in jeans even during the week. Clearly, business
attire is obligatory for client meetings, etc., but the
atmosphere internally is fairly relaxed.”
Second year trainee

JONES DAY

Pro Bono

SALARY, HOURS & PERKS
HOURS

“I probably work over 60 hours per week, but
then I’ve voluntarily focused on M&A and other
corporate areas that bring these hours with them.
I did expect to work hard and long hours, and I’m
not overly troubled by it.”
Second year trainee
“Currently less than expected, but I assume
this will increase in the near future. Currently
averaging approximately 48 hours per week.”
First year trainee
“I generally get to work around 8 – 9am and leave
at 7 – 8pm. The hours are not bad, although some
weeks can be harder than others.”
Newly qualified solicitor
“Very flexible with part-time work. There is the
possibility to purchase additional holiday. I work
7 hours a day, but this increases for specific
projects.”
Senior solicitor

Salary

“The firm does not contribute to trainees’
pensions. Subsidised gym membership is at a local
(but quite rubbish) gym.”
First year trainee

139

“Trainee compensation is quite good, and the sixmonthly jumps from £39 – 41 – 45 – 50 thousand
certainly make a positive difference.”
Second year trainee
“For a newly qualified it is very good.”
Newly qualified solicitor
“I feel I am well paid for what I do.”
Senior solicitor

Perks

“Really good in-house catering! Dinners and taxis
expensed post 9pm.”
First year trainee
“Subsidised gym membership.”
First year trainee
“Childcare vouchers are very useful.”
Newly qualified solicitor

“No pension contributions. Bad gym offers
compared to other law firms.”
First year trainee
“Work can be unpredictable.”
Newly qualified solicitor
“Lack of communication.”
Senior solicitor

Fun Facts

“There is an old water tower structure which is a
historically protected piece of architecture from
the old building, which used to sit on 21 Tudor
Street on the fifth floor.”
Newly qualified solicitor
“One of the security guards is also Davina’s body
guard on Big Brother.”
First year trainee

Pluses

“The training system and colleagues.”
First year trainee
“Own office, and can work for any department at
any time.”
First year trainee
“Great work, good pay and reasonable hours.”
Newly qualified solicitor
“The people and the range of interesting work.”
Senior solicitor
“The team I am working in is excellent.”
Senior solicitor

Minuses

“Sometimes feeling a little out of your depth with
the work you are entrusted with.”
First year trainee

140

INTERVIEWS & APPLICATIONS
Interviews & Assessments

“I did a vacation scheme so I had one interview
for my training contract. I was interviewed by two
partners. It was a fairly informal Q&A session,
and I did not feel under pressure. I was asked
questions about my personality, skills, character
and work ethic.”
First year trainee
“One interview for the vacation scheme with a
partner. A mid-scheme interview with a partner
and a final interview with two partners. The
vacation scheme is like a mini training contract; go
out and find work from any department.”
First year trainee

“I am on the recruitment panel, and for trainees
this is two interviews with two people in each,
for lateral hires the arrangements vary. We have
traditional interviews, we do not have assessment
days, etc.”
Senior solicitor

Tips & Advice

“Being personable is the most important attribute.
Having drive and ambition is also valued. Attention
to detail is key and academia is a must. At least a
2:1 at degree level is the norm, though many have
first class degrees.”
First year trainee

What made you choose your firm?

“The unique training system and the people I met
at the firm really sold it to me. It was important
for me to feel like I would be working with likeminded and amiable people where intimidation is
not welcome.”
First year trainee

JONES DAY

“Two interviews (one before vac scheme, one at
the end of vac scheme). First interview with one
partner, second interview with two partners. No
particular format, no assessment day. Questions
ranged from details of degrees and extracurricular
activities to questioning my resolve to become a
lawyer (I did not do a law degree).”
Second year trainee

“Friendly nature, don’t feel like a statistic, good
pay, good range of work, the ability to work for
different departments simultaneously.”
First year trainee
“A combination of the good pay, friendly
and informal atmosphere, and the levels of
responsibility given to trainees.”
Second year trainee
“The great time I had on the vacation scheme.”
Newly qualified solicitor
“Salary, non-rotational training contract, and one
office per person.”
First year trainee

“Candidates should be enthusiastic and outgoing,
as the training system requires trainees to take
initiative and approach lawyers for work. 2:1
minimum is required, I believe.”
Second year trainee
“Be prepared and carefully compile your CV. Know
it backwards.”
Newly qualified solicitor
“The most important advice is to be interested in
the firm and convincing about why you want to be
a City lawyer, and make sure you show something
of your personality.”
Senior solicitor
“Personable individuals who are organised,
confident and able to take charge (important
for the non-seat training contract). Academic
requirements – 2:1 and must pass the LPC.”
First year trainee

141

THE BUZZ ON GETTING HIRED
Top US firms normally take their pick of the
academic elite; however, Jones Day sees past
the CV – its primary focus is on finding capable
trainees with character and personality, who can
also hold their own when faced with clients. Due
to the nature of the training contract at Jones
Day, trainees need ‘to take initiative and approach
lawyers for work’; therefore ‘being personable is
the most important attribute’ according to current
trainees. That said, a solid academic record is still
important – ‘a 2:1 at degree level is the norm,
though many have first class degrees’.
Jones Day’s training programme sets it apart
from the Magic Circle and its US rivals. The
firm’s unique, non-rotational seat system allows
trainees to gain experience simultaneously in
many different practice areas. Trainees are not
assigned to one specific partner or department,
but instead must seek out assignments on their
own. This means that trainees get to choose to
‘take work from as many, or as few, departments
as [they] wish’, providing they gain some
experience in a minimum of three areas. The
flexibility of this approach enables trainees ‘to try
every department and hence make an informed
decision as to where [they] should qualify’. For
those interested, there is the possibility to go on
secondment to the firm’s Dubai office.
The firm’s annual intake is made up of 15 trainees
– a selling point to many as it allows for plenty
of responsibility and the chance to shine. As one
trainee states, ‘it is great to be part of a mediumsized firm as it enables you to know people across
the different departments... which means you get
to know each other and make solid friendships’.
To apply, you will need complete the firm’s
online application form and attach your covering
letter. If you’re successful you will be invited to
interview. There are two rounds, both with two
partners, and you need to impress in the first

142

interview to make it to the second. While there’s
no assessment day or tests, the interviews tend
to be quite lengthy. The partners do not rely on
a set of predetermined questions; instead they
try to establish a relaxed, in-depth conversation
about a topic of mutual interest. ‘The most
important advice is to be interested in the firm
and convincing about why you want to be a City
lawyer’.

Vacation Schemes

Jones Day certainly makes sure that work
placement students feel comfortable at the firm
– you’ll be given your own email address and
will either have your own office or will share one
with another student on the scheme. As with
the training contract, you get to choose which
departments you receive work from and can try
as many as you like. Throughout the scheme, two
mentors will ensure you get the support you need.
Completing a work placement scheme will
significantly boost your chances of getting that
coveted training contract; 90% of current Jones
Day trainees did so. You’ll have an interview at
the end of the scheme for one. Non-law students
can apply to spring and winter placements, both
of which offer 15 places. With 30 posts to fill,
summer schemes are designed for law students in
their penultimate or final year.
Jones Day recruits on a rolling basis so places on
its schemes and for training contracts may fill
before application deadlines close and before
individual applications are concluded. So don’t
wait until the final deadlines to apply: the early
bird really does catch the worm!

JONES DAYCHANCE
CLIFFORD

@insidebuzz
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143

PROFILE
Jones Day is a true US heavyweight, with its
sizeable glove taking jabs at most major areas
of law. Armed with 2,500 lawyers and 35 offices
across five continents, Jones Day is one of the
largest law firms in the world and amongst the
highest-grossing in the US.
Founded in 1893, by Judge Edwin Blandin and
William Lowe Rice, Jones Day made its name by
representing Midwestern manufacturers and
transportation companies from its Cleveland base.
It was one of the first firms to adopt a corporate
management structure, and the 100+ years since
have brought steady growth, a slew of domestic
and international offices, and acclaim. The firm’s
involvement in numerous high-profile political
scraps helped cement its reputation, and in one
example of its eminence, the firm represented
US automaker Chrysler in its massive bankruptcy
case.
In the UK, Jones Day burst onto the London legal
scene in 1986, courtesy of a merger with Surrey &
Morse. In 2003, the firm dramatically expanded its
London presence through a merger with mid-tier
City firm Gouldens. The firm’s London lawyers,
of whom 98% are UK qualified, boast a globally
recognised M&A practice. The firm also specialises
in capital markets, private equity, banking and
finance, business restructuring, investment funds,
litigation, intellectual property, tax and real estate.
In real estate, where the old Gouldens was always
a leader, the firm still acts for what was once that
firm’s largest client, Pillar Properties (now part of
British Land). The firm’s private equity practice
has won work from a number of major players,
including Morgan Stanley, WL Ross & Co – one
of the most profitable restructuring focussed PE
houses in the US – and Riverside, the most active
private equity house in the US.

144

Jones Day’s European network includes more
than 400 lawyers working in Brussels, Frankfurt,
Madrid, Milan, Moscow, Munich and Paris. The
firm opened an office in Dubai in March 2009,
serving clients on energy, finance, arbitration
and M&A matters. Most recently, Jones Day
established associate offices in Riyadh, Jeddah
and Alkhobar in 2011 in association with Alsulaim
Alawaji & Partners Law Firm, a Saudi practice
established in 1990. Additionally, the firm opened
a brand new Boston office in January 2011.

“Jones Day is a true US heavyweight,
with its sizeable glove taking jabs at
most major areas of law.“
With China’s economy growing at a record pace,
many global law firms are vying for a multiple
presence in China – and Jones Day is no exception.
The firm possesses one of the largest Asian
practices of any full-service international firm,
with more than 200 lawyers and offices in Beijing,
Hong Kong, Shanghai, Singapore, Sydney, Taipei
and Tokyo.
Jones Day has a bigger commitment to pro bono
than most of its English counterparts. All Jones
Day lawyers worldwide are encouraged to get
involved and live up to the exemplary work of the
US practice, and time spent on pro bono matters
counts towards billable hours. In London, the firm
acts for the Royal Academy of the Arts and has
provided support to the Waterloo Legal Advice
Centre for decades. Jones Day solicitors also work
with the community by providing advice to small
local charities and individuals who can’t afford
legal representation.

Work for JONES DAY
(advertisement)

TRAINING CONTRACT

WORK PLACEMENT

We look for candidates with either a law or non-law
degree, who have strong intellectual and analytical
ability and good communication skills and who can
demonstrate resourcefulness, drive, dedication and
the ability to be a team player. Candidates should have
obtained or be predicted at least a 2.1 degree in any
discipline. The firm operates a unique, non-rotational
system of training which is designed to provide freedom,
flexibility and responsibility from the start. Our trainees
work across different practice areas concurrently and are
encouraged to assume their own workload. This allows
for early responsibility, faster development of potential
and the opportunity to compare and contrast different
disciplines alongside one another.

Our work placement scheme will show you what it’s like
to be a trainee with us and will give you valuable insight
into our unique, non-rotational Training System. You
either will have your own office or share with another
person on the scheme. You will have your own email
address and phone number. You can take work from
any department at any time and from any lawyer, which
means that you gain the flexibility to see a wide range
of practices and to meet lots of people within the Firm.
We want you to get involved in real work. We don’t
just give people on the work placement scheme a series
of workshops and seminars (although you will have
the opportunity to participate in a negotiation skills
workshop and a presentation skills workshop during
the scheme). In terms of the work you will carry out,
you can expect to be involved with research, drafting,
preparing documents, client meetings, and visits to
court. You also will have plenty of opportunity to get to
know people in the Firm on a social level as we organise
lunches, dinner, drinks, and sporting events. If you have
a place on our December placement scheme, you will
have the chance to participate in our regular, Jones Day
Christmas event.

WHEN TO APPLY
The final deadline for applications for training contracts
commencing in September 2014 is 31 July 2012.
However, to ensure an early interview date, we would
encourage you to apply as soon as possible, as we
recruit on a rolling basis.

SALARY

DATES

Our current starting salary for trainee solicitors
is £39,000. Salaries rise at six monthly intervals
throughout the training contract. 6-12 months: £41,000;
12-18 months: £45,000; 18-24 months: £50,000; NQ:
£70,000 (London 2011-2012)

We run placements for non-law students and graduates
and post graduates of any discipline in Winter and
Spring and for law students over the summer. Please
refer to the website for further information.

VACANCIES

WHEN TO APPLY

We recruit approximately 15 trainees every year.

For our Winter scheme please apply by 31st October
2011. For our Spring scheme please apply by 31st
December 2011. For our Summer scheme please apply
by 31st January 2012.

APPLY
Apply online via our website
Name: Diana Spoudeas: Manager – Trainee Recruitment
and Development
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 0207 039 5959
Website: www.jonesdaylonson.com

JONES DAY

JOBS

SALARY
You will be paid £400 per week.

VACANCIES

We offer up to 60 places over the year.

145

In our own
words
Rewarding
Empowering
Inspiring

Challenging
Just some of the words to describe the
experience of working at Kirkland & Ellis.
As a trainee solicitor in our London office, you’ll
get hands-on experience of working on high profile
deals with some of the world’s leading companies,
and be given the support to enable you to become
the best lawyer you can be.
To learn more about training opportunities in our
London office, go to kirkland.com/ukgraduate

Graduate careers in law

146

Chicago-based Kirkland & Ellis employs more than 1,500 lawyers and is amongst the world’s top-grossing
law firms. Kirkland has cemented its status and global position through its four key practice areas:
corporate and tax, intellectual property, litigation, and restructuring.

PROS

• Strong team ethic among the trainees
• Partners and associates are very approachable
and happy to help trainees
• Good exposure to a variety of work, and
early responsibility that is both challenging
and rewarding
• Very decent salary
• Structured, regular training in all departments
• Amazing views from the office in the Gherkin

CONS

• The hours, the hours... especially during
busy periods
• There doesn’t tend to be a great amount of
socialising, due to the nature of the work
making it hard for everyone to attend

THE STATS

LOCATIONS

No. of lawyers firm-wide: 1,500
No. of lawyers in London: 120
Partners: 45
Associates: 67
Trainee intake: 10
Trainees retained: 100% from the first intake of 6 in 2009
No. of applications per year: Approximately 800

No. of offices: 10
Chicago • Hong Kong • London • Los Angeles • Munich
• New York • Palo Alto • San Francisco • Shanghai •
Washington DC

BASE SALARY
LONDON 2011
1st year trainee £40,000
2nd year trainee £43,000
Newly qualified £90,000

DEPARTMENTS & PRACTICES

KIRKLAND & ELLIS INTERNATIONAL

KIRKLAND & ELLIS INTERNATIONAL

LONDON OFFICE
30 St Mary Axe
London EC3A 8AF
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7469 2000
www.kirkland.com

GRADUATE RECRUITMENT INFO
Kate Osborne
Graduate Recruitment Specialist
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7469 2000
Email: [email protected]

Antitrust & Competition • Capital Markets • Corporate •
Debt Finance • International Litigation/Arbitration • IP •
Private Funds • Restructuring • Tax

147

QUOTES
LIFE ON THE JOB
Satisfaction with Work

“This varies from department to department.
I have had little client contact, although I have
occasionally been taken to meetings and effort has
been made in this respect. I have been exposed
to a broad range of transactions, mainly focussing
on private equity as this is the firm’s specialism.
The level of responsibility you are given is very
rewarding and you are really challenged to be
your best.”
Trainee
“The majority of trainees sit with partners so
there is a lot of contact between partners and
trainees. Due to the size of the firm you are given
early responsibility and exposure to good work.
Client interaction is seat dependant.”
Trainee
“Everyone is approachable, even partners –
although most of the work comes from the senior
associates. There is some client contact, but this
could be improved. You do get exposed to lots of
different transactions.”
Trainee
“You get as much responsibility as you can handle
– I enjoy the variety and difficulty of the work.
I like a challenge so getting really involved in
projects is the ideal way to learn.”
Trainee
“Quality of work can be extremely high. You
frequently find yourself working on tasks usually
carried out by junior associates at other firms.”
Trainee

What does your typical day at work involve?

“Review of documents, drafting documents,
liaising with opposing counsel and the client, etc.”
Trainee

148

“I will be involved in conference calls, research,
and discussions with my supervisor. I will often be
asked to undertake drafting tasks as well.”
Trainee
“Work usually involves a mix of research, sending
e-mails, drafting, and some admin type tasks (but
this is a minor, rather than major component of
the day).”
Trainee

Culture

“Trainees attempt to socialise together as much
as possible, work permitting. The firm is often
quite generous at subsidising trainee social events.
There is a strong team ethic among the trainees
– if you’re swamped with work there’s always
someone who’s prepared to help out.”
Trainee
“I have found that the trainees tend to support
each other and people are often willing to help
out another trainee if they have capacity. Due to
the small number of trainees there doesn’t tend
to be a great amount of socialising. The firm has
a good budget for trainee events but we find that
it is rare that everyone can attend. The firm tends
to have social events once a month – these can
be anything from quiz nights to pumpkin carving
competitions.”
Trainee
“The firm has a very open door culture and is a
friendly place to work, despite the fact that people
work very hard here. There tends to be a good
relationship among the trainees, although the
social life is lacking as there are very few of us and
we find it difficult to find the time to meet up.”
Trainee

“Trainees support each other and the firm allows
a budget for a trainee night out on occasion. There
is an open door policy in the office, and trainees
manage their own time without having to worry
about the coat over the chair mentality.”
Trainee

Seats

“Four seats in any of the following: corporate,
banking, funds, arbitration, restructuring,
competition, and tax. The firm does its best to
accommodate the first choices of each trainee.
You can do a seat abroad. So far trainees have
done seats in New York and Hong Kong but
there is an option of Munich, as well as other US
offices.”
Trainee
“Trainees do four seats. You can sit in arbitration,
corporate, funds, restructuring or banking.
Every trainee must do a seat in corporate. IP,
competition and tax are by request, and to date
no trainees have sat in these departments. Given
that there are six trainees in each year, choice is
varied. 2010 abroad seats were in New York and
Hong Kong. The 2011 seats abroad have not been
announced to date. Trainees go abroad in their
third seat.”
Trainee

“Typically, there are four rotations. The firm
focuses on private equity so the departments we
have are: 1) Corporate; 2) Banking; 3) Funds; 4)
Restructuring; 5) Litigation/Arbitration; 6) Tax and/
or 7) Intellectual Property.”
Trainee
“There are four seat rotations at K&E. Seats in
the firm’s corporate department, as well as a seat
in either litigation/arbitration or restructuring
are compulsory. Optional seats include: banking
and private funds, as well as seats in tax and IP
upon request (depending on business need).
As the number of trainees is very small, there is
a great degree of choice involved. Personally, I
got all of my chosen seats, even in the order in
which I wanted to do them in. My fellow trainees’
experiences were largely the same. Third seat
trainees can do a seat abroad in either Hong Kong
or New York (depending on business needs). In my
year, two of the six trainees went abroad.”
Trainee

KIRKLAND & ELLIS INTERNATIONAL

“The structure is: equity partners, salaried
partners, associates, and then trainees. Trainees
do support each other and this varies across
departments. Trainees socialise when possible
and the management are keen to encourage
socialising. There was a trainee Christmas party,
and other events which include associates/
trainees are in the pipeline. The firm is working
hard to improve social outings – but given the
nature of the work, people are busy and this
makes it difficult for everyone to attend. The level
of social activities varies within each department.”
Trainee

Formal Training

“When you first join the firm as a trainee you
attend around three training sessions a week, and
people make the effort to ensure you can attend.
The training sessions are helpful in giving you an
introduction to each practice area and introducing
you to the teams. It is also helpful to have
materials on which to refresh your thinking.”
Trainee
“Training takes place at lunch a few times during
the week in the first six months in the office.
The sessions are for all the first year trainees,
and allow for close contact with partners
and associates. Rather than a lecture/class
atmosphere, the feel is more like a seminar where
you can really interact with and question the
person giving the training.”
Trainee

149

“The training programme, whilst new, is extensive
and very well planned. Understanding of what the
various departments do and basic legal concepts
are taught, as well as the skills necessary to be an
effective trainee.”
Trainee
“When we started there were four lunchtime
training sessions a week which were compulsory.
Now there tends to be a more sporadic training
programme. The firm encourages trainees to be
more involved in the training they receive and we
are able to request training sessions on anything
we feel the need for.”
Trainee

Informal Training & Mentoring

“All of my supervisors have been easy to approach
when I’ve had questions and I feel free to ask
questions whenever I need to. The firm generally
makes an effort to give the trainees varying work,
and especially so if you ask.”
Trainee
“Very easy to receive. The firm operates an
‘open-door’ policy and it is possible (and even
encouraged) for trainees to approach associates/
partners and ask for mentoring on specific areas.”
Trainee
“There is no hierarchy at the firm so you can
approach anyone and everyone. All the lawyers
are knowledgeable and happy to share that
knowledge.”
Trainee
“Associates are great at explaining things and
really do take the time to help out. Partners are
approachable and will explain things too.”
Trainee

150

Offices & Dress Code

“The office is a fantastic place to work and is
modern with amazing views. The dress code is
pretty relaxed – smart casual. You will be required
to wear a suit for meetings but that’s generally it.
We also now have casual Fridays where jeans are
permitted.”
Trainee
“The office is pretty cool and the facilities are
great. Support departments really make the effort
to make life easy. The dress code is smart – but
no ties unless you’re meeting a client. Friday is a
dress down day every week.”
Trainee
“The office is really nice, being based in the
Gherkin. The offices are all extremely spacious and
clean. The dress code is pretty relaxed and there
is no requirement to wear a suit unless you are
attending a client meeting.”
Trainee
“The firm is in the Gherkin and has beautiful
expansive views of the City. There are not many
facilities in the building (such as dry cleaning) but
there is good access to all amenities close to the
building. The dress is smart.”
Trainee

Green Initiatives

“Recycling has been greatly improved and efforts
are made to ensure lights are on motion sensors.
However, the firm could improve in this area.”
Trainee
“We have recycling and confidential bins for paper
and recycling bins in the kitchen for food and the
like.”
Trainee

“There are events on women’s leadership. I myself
am from an ethnic minority background and feel
very much at home with everyone.”
Trainee
“The firm’s diversity policy seems to be working in
that there are a great number of female lawyers...”
Trainee
“The firm is eager to ensure diversity amongst the
employees and ensures that every individual is
given the support they need.”
Trainee

How prepared do you feel to practise law
upon qualification?
“Quite prepared due to the exposure we get very
early on in our training.”
Trainee
“Very – in order to be an effective lawyer,
one needs to have been heavily involved in
transactions and projects, and our firm ensures
this is true of all trainees.”
Trainee
“Not fully prepared yet but getting there!”
Trainee

SALARY, HOURS & PERKS
Hours

“Hours are long during busy periods – but that
usually happens due to closing of a deal – at other
times, hours are fairly flexible.”
Trainee

“I work an average of 45 – 50 hours a week and
this is no more than expected.”
Trainee
“Usually the hours are 10 – 12 hours a day and
this can increase within departments, especially
when it’s busy. But everyone works hard, so you’re
rarely left by yourself finishing work.”
Trainee
“I work approximately 60 hours a week, though
this is the same across all City law firms so I do not
feel like it is particularly unfair.”
Trainee

KIRKLAND & ELLIS INTERNATIONAL

diversity

Salary

“We are extremely well remunerated.”
Trainee
“The salary is standard for a trainee in the City.”
Trainee
“Best in the field for trainees.”
Trainee
“I’m pretty happy with the pay and think it is fair.”
Trainee

Perks

“Access to the bar at the top of the Gherkin is a
good perk! The firm ensures you get a car home if
you work past 9pm, which is a great benefit.”
Trainee
“Breakfast (continental, cereals, bagels, pastries
depending on the day of the week).”
Trainee
“Access to the bar at the top of the Gherkin is cool
– it’s a great place to take friends and family. The
office is closed on Christmas Eve, whereas most
other firms are open – this helps to stretch the
holiday allowance a little further!”
Trainee

151

“The firm pays for dinner and taxis when
working late.”
Trainee
“Interest free loan for an underground
season ticket.”
Trainee

PLUSES

“I enjoy the atmosphere and flexibility here.
People generally recognise that you work very
hard and encourage you to get out when you can.
It is also possible to work from home on occasion
if need be.”
Trainee
“The kind of projects I get involved in and the type
of work I get. I also enjoy the interaction I get with
all parties to a transaction.”
Trainee
“The responsibility, the quality of work, the great
views from the windows...”
Trainee

MINUSES
“Hours.”
Trainee

“The hours – whilst they are the same across all
City firms, it can be a bit tiring doing the numbers
of hours I do.”
Trainee

Fun Facts

“Our office is in the Gherkin.”
Trainee

152

INTERVIEWS & APPLICATIONS
Interviews, Applications and Assessments
“When I applied there was only one round of
interviews, which consisted of four consecutive
interviews with different people, each 30 minutes
long. The people I spoke to were very engaging
and I enjoyed my interviews.”
Trainee

“The process is relaxed and everybody is friendly.
There are four interviews, usually one with HR and
then three with a mix of partners and associates.
The interview was formal, but it was an honest,
relaxed, and very fair process.”
Trainee
“I had to go through four rounds to be selected
which included a phone interview, informal
meeting, two week vacation scheme and a two
hour interview. This was because the formal
procedure hadn’t been put in place by this point.
The interview was with four different individuals
from the firm: two partners, one mid-level
associate and HR. It was more like an informal
chat than an interview. Everyone was extremely
friendly and genuinely interested in you rather
than trying to hurry you out of the door. My
interview was only meant to last two hours but
ended up being three. The standard questions
such as ‘why law’, ‘why this firm’, ‘why a US firm’
were asked as well as questions about my CV.”
Trainee
“I did not do a vacation scheme – I applied directly
to the firm and had a number of interviews with
HR, associates and partners. I was asked questions
about my background and what I could bring to
the firm.”
Trainee

“Be yourself, be enthusiastic, and be prepared to
work long hours. You must be ready to take the
initiative – this is a relatively small firm with no
place to hide!”
Trainee
“The firm tends to recruit from Russell Group
universities. I would advise potential candidates to
use their initiative and research the firm and the
areas in which we specialise before applying.”
Trainee
“As cliché as it is to say, there is no ‘type’ at this
firm. There is a range of different backgrounds
represented. The firm is looking for people
who appreciate the commercial nature of its
business and who can grasp the key factors in a
transaction.”
Trainee
“They look for confident and charismatic
individuals who are independent workers.
Candidates need to be approachable and smart
and have an interest in corporate law. The firm
targets Oxbridge and other top 20 universities.
The trainee intake is diverse and there is a mix of
law/non-law graduates.”
Trainee

“Make sure you do your research – there is
nothing worse than an applicant who does not
know much about the firm and/or who has
blanket applied. Candidates have to be highly
motivated and bright.”
Trainee

What made you choose your firm?

“After a very rewarding vacation scheme,
I knew this was the firm for me due to the
friendly atmosphere and motivation of the
attorneys here.”
Trainee
“Its flat, open structure and collegiate
atmosphere.”
Trainee

KIRKLAND & ELLIS INTERNATIONAL

Tips & Advice

“My firm offers great quality of work and allows
for the trainee to learn a great deal, which was
and is my top priority as a trainee.”
Trainee
“The people and the general atmosphere
of the firm.”
Trainee

Go online for
more quotes on
Kirkland & Ellis
and other law firms

WWW.INSIDEBUZZ.CO.UK
153

THE BUZZ ON GETTING HIRED
Kirkland & Ellis is highly regarded as one of the
most successful American law firms in the City and
in turn looks to recruit ‘confident and charismatic
individuals who are independent workers’ and
who are ‘ready to take the initiative’. The London
office is duly situated in one of the most iconic
buildings in the City – the Gherkin. The firm only
takes on a select number of trainees each year
with up to ten training contracts available.

“Interviews are said to be ‘formal, but
honest, relaxed and very fair’.”
Trainees are generally very satisfied with their
training which involves ‘great exposure’ to highquality work and ‘as much responsibility as you
can handle’. As one trainee tells us, you may
frequently find yourself ‘working on tasks usually
carried out by junior associates at other firms’.
There is close and continuous contact between
partners and trainees, and the ‘very open-door
culture’ makes Kirkland & Ellis ‘a friendly place to
work’.

154

The structure of the training contract resembles
that of most other law firms in the City, consisting
of four six-month seats typically in corporate (a
compulsory seat), banking, restructuring, funds,
IP, tax or international litigation/arbitration. ‘As
the number of trainees is very small, there is a
great degree of choice involved’ and trainees are
particularly drawn to the fact that secondments
can be completed in the firm’s international
offices – trainees have been to New York and
Hong Kong.
Due to the small intake, Kirkland & Ellis can be
very selective in picking its candidates so the
recruitment process is suitably competitive and
extensive. The firm looks for confident, intelligent
people that will fit in quickly and easily, and have
an interest in the work the firm does. When
you apply you’ll go through several rounds of
interviews with a mix of partners and associates.
Interviews are said to be ‘formal, but honest,
relaxed and very fair’. The firm has a tendency
‘to recruit from Russell group universities’ and
current trainees recommend that potential
applicants ‘use their initiative and research
the firm and the areas in which we specialise’
thoroughly before applying.

• 1,000s of reviews from current
employees on: satisfaction with
work, company culture, career
progression, training, hours, pay,
perks, diversity, the interview
and more...
• Company specific application
and interview advice
• Jobs and Internships
• Industry news and articles

KIRKLAND & ELLIS INTERNATIONAL

WWW.INSIDEBUZZ.CO.UK
100’s of in-depth company
profiles and salary info on:
Accenture, Apple, Bain & Company, Bank of
England, BBC, Booz & Company, BP, Citi, Civil
Service, Coca-Cola, Credit Suisse, Deloitte,
Deutsche Bank, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Ernst &
Young, FSA, GlaxoSmithKline, Goldman Sachs,
Google, Grant Thornton, HSBC Holdings,
IBM, J.P. Morgan, John Lewis Partnership,
KPMG, L’Oréal, McKinsey & Company, Oxfam,
PricewaterhouseCoopers, Procter & Gamble,
Sony, Teach First, The Boston Consulting
Group, Unilever, Virgin Group and more...

for the latest scoop
go to www.insidebuzz.co.uk
155

FIRM PROFILE
Chicago-based Kirkland & Ellis employs more
than 1,500 lawyers, ranked seventh for average
profit per partner in the US in 2010, was ranked
in the top 10 of the Legal Business Global 100 in
2011, and is amongst the world’s top-grossing law
firms. Kirkland has cemented its status and global
position through its four core areas of expertise:
corporate and tax, intellectual property, litigation,
and restructuring. In the City, the firm’s office in
the Gherkin is home to approximately 120 lawyers.

“Kirkland is known for its doggedly
aggressive approach, and while
settlement is always an option, this
is a firm that is ready, eager and
confident to go to trial.”
Kirkland & Ellis was founded in 1909 by Stuart
Shepard and Robert McCormick. As the grandson
of the founder of the Chicago Tribune, McCormick
eventually left the firm to become the newspaper’s
publisher. However, as a result of his outspoken
editorial policy, he soon required a defamation
defence team – in steps the eponymous
Weymouth Kirkland, who had joined the firm in
1915. Together with a young associate, Howard
Ellis, the duo played parts in many prominent
trials, setting the firm on course to become one of
the most powerful litigation practices in the US.
In the ‘90s, Kirkland’s largest private equity clients,
the likes of Bain Capital and Madison Dearborn,
were starting to invest their vast chests in assets on
the continent – setting up their own London offices
and European funds. So in 1994, Kirkland & Ellis
followed them to the City to assist in structuring
their investments. Even before the firm added

156

UK law capability to its London practice in 2001,
Kirkland would advise these American institutions
on their deals, calling on local lawyers to help
out where necessary. Additional offices followed,
with the firm opening its second European office
in 2004 in Munich, and expanding to Asia with
a Hong Kong office just two years later, before
cracking the bubbly again in Shanghai in 2009.
Half of Kirkland’s lawyers are litigators, so it
probably shouldn’t come as any great surprise
that their work accounts for half of the firm’s
revenue. Kirkland is known for its doggedly
aggressive approach, and while settlement is
always an option, this is a firm that is ready, eager
and confident to go to trial. The firm boasts an
impressive private equity practice, with some 300
lawyers practising in the US alone. And while the
firm’s M&A practice may get overshadowed by the
renowned PE team, it doesn’t invalidate the fact
that it does top-notch work. Some of Kirkland’s
high-profile clients include Bain Capital, Motorola
and General Motors.
In 1982, the firm established the Kirkland & Ellis
Foundation, for the purpose of providing financial
support to not-for-profit, charitable and lawrelated organisations – serving a wide range of
communities, initiatives and people. Although
focussing predominantly on groups that help
improve legal services, the foundation actively
seeks to partner with organisations committed
to enhancing quality of life – through improved
health care, educational opportunities, cultural
awareness, emergency relief and humanitarian
efforts, youth programs, public policy and
community outreaches.

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TRAINING CONTRACT

VACATION PLACEMENTS

The majority of our applications for training contracts
come from penultimate-year law students and finalyear non-law students. However, graduates and
post-graduates are also eligible to apply. Academically,
you will have an excellent all-round record. Trainees
generally come to us with an expected or achieved 2.1 in
any discipline. So beyond your qualifications, you really
need the right personal qualities to succeed with us.
First and foremost, you must have a clear ambition to be
an outstanding lawyer in one of our practice areas. You’ll
need the drive, determination and work ethic to thrive
in a true meritocracy. A confident, inquisitive team
player, you will also come to us with plenty of initiative
and ideally some prior understanding of the work we
undertake in our London office.

A vacation scheme is the perfect introduction to life in
our London office. For two weeks over the summer, you
will experience a mixture of hands-on work and practice
overview sessions designed to give you a clear idea
of what we do and how we do it. You’ll be allocated a
supervisor and mentor who will support and guide you
throughout the fortnight. Plus you’ll have the chance to
meet partners and associates in a more informal setting
at various social events. By the end of the scheme, we
hope you’ll have learned enough about us to make up
your mind about whether we’re the right firm for you.
From our perspective, if you make a good impression at
this stage, it could be the start of something much more
long term.


WHEN TO APPLY

By 31st January 2012 for vacation scheme applications.

For a 2014 training contract, the deadline is
31st July 2012.



SALARY
Our current starting salary for trainee solicitors is
£40,000, rising to £43,000 in the second year of training.

KIRKLAND & ELLIS INTERNATIONAL

JOBS

Work for KIRKLAND & ELLIS
INTERNATIONAL

WHEN TO APPLY
SALARY
The remuneration is currently £350 per week.



HOW TO APPLY
Online at www.kirkland.com/ukgraduate

VACANCIES
We offer up to 10 places for graduates from
any discipline.



157

LATHAM & WATKINS
A global leader in finance and litigation, Latham & Watkins is one of the largest and most popular firms
in London amongst lawyers. The firm practices in all major jurisdictions worldwide and employs more
than 2,000 solicitors across its 31 offices.

PROS

• High quality of work and you’re given lots of
responsibility very early on
• The partnership always keeps you informed of
what’s going on, and all levels are involved in
decisions through committees
• Very good salary
• Frequent and well-organised formal training
• Pro bono work counts towards billable hours
• Sociable, supportive environment with very
little hierarchy

THE STATS
No. of lawyers firm-wide: 2,000
No. of lawyers in London: 220+
Partners: 52
Associates: 205
Trainee intake: 28
London Trainees retained: All 14 that qualified in 2011
were offered full time roles
Approx. no. of applications per year: 1,000

BASE SALARY
LONDON 2011
1st year trainee £42,000
2nd year trainee £45,000
Newly qualified £96,970

DEPARTMENTS
Corporate • Environment, Land & Resources • Finance •
Litigation • Tax

PRACTICES
Africa Practice • Antitrust and Competition • Banking •
Benefits and Compensation • Capital Markets • China

158

•
•
•
•
•

CONS

Expect long and demanding hours at times
Only 20 days of holiday per year
You’re always on-call
No canteen or gym in the offices
1900 billable target can be stressful

Practice • Cleantech • Climate Change • Communications
• Corporate Governance • Derivatives • Emerging
Companies • Employment Law • Energy • Environmental
Litigation • Environmental Regulatory • Environmental
Transactional Support • Export Controls and Economic
Sanctions • Financial Regulatory • Gaming, Hotels &
Hospitality • Government Contracts • Government
Relations • Health Care and Life Sciences • India Practice
• Insurance Coverage Litigation • Intellectual Property
Litigation • International Dispute Resolution • International
Tax • Investment Funds • Islamic Finance • Israel Practice •
Land Use • Latin American Practice • Life Sciences • Media
and Entertainment • Mergers & Acquisitions • Outsourcing
• Private Equity • Private Equity Finance • Pro Bono •
Product Liability, Mass Torts and Consumer Class Actions •
Project Finance • Public and Tax-Exempt Finance • Public
Company Representation • Public International Law • Real
Estate • REITS • Restructuring, Insolvency and Workouts
• Scandinavian Practice • Securities Litigation and
Professional Liability • Structured Finance & Securitisation
• Supreme Court and Appellate • Tax Controversy •
Tax-Exempt Organizations • Technology Transactions
• Transactional Tax • White Collar and Government
Investigations

No. of offices: 31
Abu Dhabi • Barcelona • Beijing • Boston • Brussels •
Chicago • Doha • Dubai • Frankfurt • Hamburg • Hong
Kong • Houston • London • Los Angeles • Madrid •
Milan • Moscow • Munich • New Jersey • New York •
Orange County • Paris • Riyadh • Rome • San Diego • San
Francisco • Shanghai • Silicon Valley • Singapore • Tokyo •
Washington, D.C.

LONDON OFFICE
99 Bishopsgate
London EC2M 3XF
Tel: +44 (0)20 7710 1000
www.lw.com

GRADUATE RECRUITMENT INFO
Graduate Recruitment
Tel: +44 (0)20 7710 1000
Email: [email protected]

LATHAM & WATKINS

LOCATIONS

QUOTES
LIFE ON THE JOB
Satisfaction with Work

“I’ve had a lot of contact with clients, visiting
various client offices and hosting meetings and
social events when they visit us here. Working
with partners is also rewarding and they are
always keen to keep you involved as a trainee for
the learning process, as well as to help them out.
The deals I’ve been working on have ranged from
$450 million to $5 billion, but I’ve had a lot of
responsibility on all of them. There are obviously
times when someone has to do some proofing
(which is usually a trainee as we don’t really have
paralegals) but it is all part of the learning curve.”
First year trainee
“Contact with partners is very frequent and
expected. Interaction with clients is very
department specific (this is more likely in finance
and corporate than, say, tax). All transactions
have been of a very high value and complexity,
including work on the largest LBO of 2010. There
is also a great exposure to pro bono work, and
you are encouraged to engage in and assist with
business development opportunities.”
Second year trainee

“Very satisfied – I wanted to gain the benefits of a
small trainee intake with large-scale international
cases and transactions. My responsibilities
mirror those of a trainee at a niche firm with an
incredible degree of client contact, even in my first
seat where I was actively encouraged to develop
good relations with clients. For my first seat I sat
with and worked directly with a partner, allowing
me to gain direct insight into the role of a partner
on large international deals. The transactions
involve multibillion dollar companies with complex
commercial issues that span multiple jurisdictions.
There is rarely a day in which I am working in the
GMT time zone.”
First year trainee
“I think junior lawyers get great work at Latham.
You certainly get as much responsibility as you feel
able to take on. Due to the smaller team size, even
on the larger deals you will be expected to take
the lead on certain chunks (if not the majority)
of the deal, and there is a lot of client interaction
even at a junior level.”
Newly qualified solicitor, Corporate

159

What does your typical day at work involve?

“After a catch up with my supervisor in the
morning to talk about overnight developments
and/or the football, my days are rarely the same
but can involve; reviewing documents, contacting
lawyers on the other side regarding arrangements
for meetings, completion, etc., attending meetings
at our offices or another law firm, drafting and
proofing agreements, talking to a partner who’s
on business in Dubai/Paris/wherever and doing a
quick bit of research or drafting for them, creating
bibles and managing documents. Obviously all
of that is broken up by several tea breaks, banter
with my supervisor and lunch with some of the
other trainees.”
First year trainee
“Getting in at 8.30am and getting through e-mails
that arrived overnight. Working through the
enquiries or amendments to documents and
negotiating with other solicitors until lunchtime
when things go suddenly dead. Work picks up
again at about 2.00pm, goes into overdrive at
around 5.00pm and gradually dies down past
7.30pm.”
Newly qualified solicitor
“I work on ongoing client work, maybe do some
research or pro bono, lunch with the trainees
and more client work in the afternoon which may
involve drafting documents, diligence, calls, etc.”
Second year trainee

Culture

“The size of the trainee intake dictates that you
do become a close knit group that socialises with
one another. Like with most work places, you can
choose to get involved on a social front as much
or as little as you choose. There is also, particularly
with employment, corporate and finance, a lot of
department social activities...”
Second year trainee

160

“It is a friendly and very supportive office
where partners and associates work very well
together. The ‘360 degree review process’, where
supervisors and supervisees get to review each
others’ performances, with consequences for
promotion and pay, is very helpful. The partners
are generous and host monthly drinks at
department/office level.”
Newly qualified solicitor
“Latham is very friendly with a very supportive
atmosphere. There is quite a flat structure and it is
easy to approach just about anyone. The trainees
get along very well and we arrange a large amount
of social activities.”
Second year trainee
“The working environment is very informal, and
you are more or less left to your own devices
when working on a task (although there are
usually clear instructions, and work is checked
by your supervisor before it goes to the client).
Social events organised at a firm level are rare,
but trainees are good at meeting up every week/
fortnight for a drink, and work permitting, a night
out. Trainees in the same department tend to help
one another when there are important and tight
deadlines to meet.”
First year trainee

Seats

“There are four six month seats, including the
option of an overseas seat (in Europe, the Middle
East or Asia). Finance and corporate departments
are mandatory. Contentious seat is also required,
but restructuring, competition and employment
all count. The firm does not have as many niche
departments as some larger UK firms so the
choice is narrower. That said, the firm tends to be
quite flexible about seat choices.”
Second year trainee
“Four seats, can sit in most departments. You’re
more or less free to choose but there is a lot of
competition for smaller departments...”
First year trainee

Partner/Solicitor Relations

“All firm-wide decisions are made by committees
which are made up of partners and associates,
so everyone is involved with big decisions from
the beginning. Generally everyone is very well
informed about what is going on and everyone is
able to contribute.”
Newly qualified solicitor
“Partners and solicitors, including junior solicitors,
work very closely together. All levels are involved
in decision making such as reviews, hiring, work
allocation, business development, etc.”
Newly qualified solicitor, Corporate
“The partnership keeps us informed of firm-wide
decisions – it is very transparent. Solicitors are
encouraged to contribute to the decisions and
to even initiate business/networking events or
procedures.”
Newly qualified solicitor

Formal Training

“There’s one month of training at the beginning of
the TC but on the whole, training tends to be more
‘on the job’ than formal. The finance department
organises induction training at the beginning of
each new seat. Certain departments organise
internal training but little of it is specifically geared
towards trainees.”
Second year trainee

“Every lunch time there’s something going on that
you can attend and different departments giving
presentations or external training on various
topics. It’s quite flexible and you can attend as
few or as many as you like. They always ask for
feedback and so will take any ideas you have into
account (e.g. I couldn’t attend a session one day
that I thought would be useful, so they organised
to have the same session again a couple of months
later so we wouldn’t miss out). It’s useful as a
trainee to see what’s going on in other areas of
law as you know it won’t be long before you have
to transfer your brain to another department.”
First year trainee

LATHAM & WATKINS

“Trainees sit in four six month seats during their
training contract. I have sat with the banking
team, the restructuring team, the tax department
and by fourth seat will be in the corporate
department. I was lucky enough to choose all
these departments. If you choose to request a
seat abroad, you have a high chance of being
able to.”
Second year trainee

“Training sessions mostly consist of lunchtime or
morning seminars given by partners/associates.
Attendance levels are fairly high. External trainers
are sometimes brought in for non-legal topics like
accounts, or for soft skills.”
Newly qualified solicitor, Corporate
“There is more on the job training than formal
training, which I think is much more beneficial.
There are formal sessions for each department,
firm-wide and for trainees.”
Second year trainee

Informal Training & Mentoring

“All solicitors are very accessible and always willing
to discuss work – there is a real emphasis on
developing the skills of the junior lawyers.”
First year trainee
“Very accessible – you just need to go into
someone’s office and discuss issues with them.
Associates are very good mentors in providing
candid insight into partner/firm expectations and
giving practical advice. Partners are very good
at dispensing insight into the bigger picture of
transactions and giving broader career advice.”
First year trainee

161

“Associates and partners in my team are excellent
at taking the time to explain if you ask them to.
I have learned a lot from watching and working
alongside them.”
First year trainee

“Office space and location are ideal. Dress code, as
with most American firms, is relaxed as compared
with UK law firms.”
Second year trainee

“The partners are very accessible for questions
and guidance. Most departments run weekly
informal training in their teams to cover recent
developments, key issues, etc., which everyone
in the team contributes to. There is a formal
mentoring programme, with a budget for
lunch every month with your mentor (normally
someone a few years above), and while it’s
generally not followed every month, it is popular
and helpful. There is also a global committee
of associates, who are available to answer
performance, promotion, relocation, pay, etc.
concerns.”
Newly qualified solicitor, Corporate

Career Progression

Offices & Dress CODE

“Dress code is very relaxed like the atmosphere
of the office generally. The office could do with a
revamp but is spacious (nearly all attorneys have
their own office). Facilities are good, location
excellent.”
Second year trainee
“Offices are in the City, excellent conference room
facilities, and good offices (each attorney has their
own) with full kitchen facilities, drinks machines,
and a fresh fruit bowl on each floor. Various
gyms are close, cafe inside the building. Dress
code is quite casual, no ties, etc. except for client
meetings. Dress down on Fridays.”
Newly qualified solicitor, Corporate
“Nice offices, particularly the floors that have
been renovated more recently. Great location
– close to Bank, Moorgate and Liverpool Street.
There is no canteen, and the coffee shop on the
ground floor can be convenient but is overpriced.
The dress code is very relaxed – jeans on Fridays
but smart casual every other day of the week. I
can count on one hand the number of times I have
worn a suit.”
Second year trainee

162

“It is very structured, you progress each year
post qualification. Everyone is reviewed twice
yearly. You are eligible for partnership after you
are 8 years qualified. Most senior associates are
promoted to partner or counsel.”
Newly qualified solicitor
“It is not easy to become a partner. There are
annual reviews, which reveal how you have been
performing as an associate and as a supervisor,
that count towards your eventual “call” to be a
counsel, partner or to leave the firm.”
Newly qualified solicitor

Where do you see yourself over the course
of the next 5-10 years? What doors has a
career in law opened for you?
“Hopefully I will still be working here in the
next 5-10 years. This career has presented me
with interesting and challenging work, and the
opportunity to work for great clients in a number
of overseas locations.”
Newly qualified solicitor
“Possibility of moving in-house, with global
corporates, or to a more specialist firm.”
Newly qualified solicitor

Pro Bono

“The firm is extremely committed to pro bono
work – everyone is encouraged to do it and
it does count towards billable hours. There is
no minimum quota. I have worked for various
organisations such as local arts projects, women’s
therapy centres, and human rights projects.”
Newly qualified solicitor

“Recruitment has special events focussed on racial
diversity, and there is an LGBT social committee
and Women in Business committee which runs
training and social events.”
Newly qualified solicitor, Corporate

Green Initiatives

How prepared do you feel to practise law
upon qualification?

“Lights are automatically switched off when not in
use for a period of time. There are three recycling
bins for various materials in the kitchen, and
paper recycling bins for every attorney in
the office.”
First year trainee
“The lights are movement sensitive after 6pm,
there are a number of different recycling bins
provided in each kitchen area, and we are
encouraged to go paperless and recycle the paper
we do use.”
Newly qualified solicitor
“We have recycling bins. Lights automatically go
off at night: cue ridiculous arm-waving to trigger
the sensors so the lights come back on.”
Newly qualified solicitor, Corporate

“Very as I feel I have been treated like a first-year
associate since my first seat.”
First year trainee
“As prepared as a trainee can be.”
Second year trainee
“Relatively prepared, and I know there will be
support when I need it.”
Second year trainee
“It’s a long way off, so hopefully a lot more
prepared than I am now!”
First year trainee

SALARY, HOURS & PERKS

Diversity

“Maternity leave seems to be good as there are
quite a few people away at the moment, and who
will be returning at various points throughout
the year. There aren’t many female partners but I
think that’s standard across the City, and hopefully
with trainees being female-heavy all over the legal
world, the amount of female partners will increase
in the next few years.”
First year trainee
“We have a very good tradition of diversity
and equality. Training is provided to all new
recruits on diversity issues, and we have a strong
representation of ethnic minorities, women and
LGBT employees at the firm.”
Newly qualified solicitor

LATHAM & WATKINS

“Pro bono is encouraged a lot, and pro bono hours
are treated as normal billable hours. In the UK, it’s
mainly work on corporate issues and data privacy
and e-commerce aspects.”
Newly qualified solicitor, Corporate

Hours

“On average 40 – 45 hours a week and can be
significantly more during closings/filings, but when
these are over trainees are at liberty to leave at a
very decent time.”
First year trainee
“Between 30 – 60, and sometimes including
weekends, depending very much on the
department and workflow. Hours are one of the
toughest things about the job, but I am working
roughly the amount that I had expected.”
Second year trainee
“Long hours but that’s expected and I enjoy it.”
Second year trainee

163

“It’s very up and down. On a quiet week – about
45. On a very busy week – about 70.”
First year trainee
“Associates have a target of 1900 billable hours
per year (pro bono work counts towards your
target hours). People work hard but I guess no one
comes here expecting otherwise. Can be quite
flexible – if things are quiet, no one will expect you
to put in face time for the sake of it, but of course
flexibility works both ways and you’ll need to be
flexible with your evenings, weekends, holidays...”
Newly qualified solicitor, Corporate

Salary

“Base salary is very good. Bonuses are also good,
although I don’t think they’re as high as Magic
Circle firms. Bonuses are hours based (primarily),
and are only paid if you hit 1900 billable hours in
the year.”
Newly qualified solicitor, Corporate
“It’s one of the highest in the City, but it will never
feel like enough when you’re in the office on a
Sunday!”
First year trainee
“Remuneration is good, but would be nice if
trainees got a bonus.”
First year trainee
“The bonus is very hours-related. Other
contributing factors to the bonus payment are
quality of work, and quality of supervision (this is
where the reviews from your supervisees count).
It is very transparent.”
Newly qualified solicitor
“Latham pay is top-end – can’t complain.”
Newly qualified solicitor, Corporate

164

Perks

“A box at the O2, complimentary fresh fruits
in the kitchen every day, complimentary firmwide breakfast at the end of each month, and
complimentary pizza lunch for attorneys at the
start of each month.”
First year trainee
“Free tickets to almost any event at the O2.
Associates take a paternal role and take their
trainees to lunch at least a few times per week,
and taxis and meals after work are paid for.”
First year trainee
“Access to the O2 box for client events. Trainees
are encouraged, where possible, to attend client
events (for example, closing dinners and drinks
and nights at the O2).”
Second year trainee
“Generous expenses policy (for travel, relocation,
etc.), and excellent business development team
and events (box at O2, Wimbledon, polo, National
Portrait Gallery events, etc.).”
Newly qualified solicitor, Corporate

Pluses

“My colleagues, the laid-back culture, the
independence, working really hard when there is a
need to and taking it slow when there is not, being
treated as an adult and a real team player.”
First year trainee
“The people you work with are generally
extremely friendly and inclusive.”
First year trainee
“Client contact is of a genuinely good standard.
There are international opportunities to work
abroad, both during UK seats that require it,
and for entire seats in Europe, the Middle East
and Asia. Ability to choose each seat. There is an
excellent balance of guidance and autonomy from
supervising associates and partners.”
First year trainee

“Not everyone in the OC office sings the theme
tune to The OC at any given moment. Sad really.”
First year trainee

“Quality of work, small and friendly teams.”
Newly qualified solicitor

Minuses

“Hours, only 20 days of holiday, can be stressful
with the hours and the responsibility.”
Second year trainee
“The lifts, lack of amenities, the cafe on the
ground floor and sharing the building with
Deutsche Bank and other firms.”
First year trainee
“Always being on-call.”
First year trainee
“Not much holiday, the compulsory blackberry,
the sandwiches at training sessions.”
First year trainee
“Hours can be demanding at times.”
First year trainee

Fun Fact

“‘Academies’ for first, third and fifth years are held
usually in the US and are attended by attorneys
from all offices. Great fun!”
Second year trainee
“All decisions are made by committees which
are made up of associates and partners i.e. your
bonus is decided by a committee of your peers.”
Newly qualified solicitor
“All trainees and associates get two computer
screens. Makes a huge difference and couldn’t go
back to one screen!”
First year trainee
“Latham attorneys were consulted by Oliver Stone
when he filmed Wall Street 2.”
First year trainee

INTERVIEWS & APPLICATIONS

LATHAM & WATKINS

“The people, the social life, the responsibility, and
the pay.”
First year trainee

Interviews & Assessments

“There are a total of three rounds of interviews
mainly with partners, but involving some
associates. The interview was more like an
informal conversation in which the interviewer
appeared to generally want to know about who
I was, and whether I had the soft tolerance and
easy-to-work-with attitude that would allow me to
contribute effectively to the firm.”
First year trainee
“Two interviews each with two interviewers, one
on my CV, and one on commercial awareness. The
best way to get into the firm is through a vacation
scheme and the application and interview process
is similar. You will also have interviews at the end
of the vacation scheme.”
Second year trainee
“Having done a vacation scheme the interviewing
wasn’t rigorous and there was no assessment
day, but it was definitely selective. They will see
through rehearsed answers.”
Second year trainee
“I submitted a CV and covering letter, was
interviewed for a vacation scheme and at the end
of the vacation scheme I was interviewed for a
training contract. I interviewed with a number of
partners, associates and members of the HR team.
The interviews for both the vacation scheme and
the training contract were very informal and I was
made to feel very relaxed and welcome.”
Newly qualified solicitor

165

“Very straightforward application process –
application form, no assessment days. One round
of training contract interviews – three 30 minute
interviews with two people (both associates and
partners) back to back. No purposefully difficult
questions intended to trip you up.”
Second year trainee

Tips & Advice

“People with personality! (And the obvious
grades, work experience, etc.). There are people
here from a wide range of backgrounds and
different unis so definitely apply even if you didn’t
go to a top ten (or whatever scale they use now)
uni. If you have any blips on your CV, as long as
you can explain them then there’s no reason not
to apply.”
First year trainee
“Independent, driven and bright candidates
should apply, and candidates should not be cocky
or smug about their achievements, however
brilliant they may be. No particular universities,
a high 2:1 should be a minimum unless there are
mitigating circumstances.”
First year trainee
“Latham looks for a strong academic background,
but also a well-rounded person. Generally
candidates should be personable and easy to get
along with. An interest in corporate law, and a
genuine interest in the firm, not just because it
pays particularly well.”
Newly qualified solicitor
“The firm looks for a good ‘fit’ and whether they
genuinely want to work for the firm. New hires are
also expected to hit the ground running, so they
pay attention to past experience in the relevant
area and technical ability.”
Newly qualified solicitor, Corporate

166

What made you choose your firm?

“Relaxed atmosphere, high profile work, lovely
people and the pay.”
Second year trainee
“Small trainee intake, ability to take on as much
responsibility as I can manage, international
reputation and offices, and the pay.”
First year trainee
“Great reputation, fantastic work and friendly
atmosphere. The relatively small departments,
teams and intakes, which means better quality
work, less time spent on ‘trainee tasks’ and feeling
like you are actually a valuable part of the team.”
Second year trainee
“A relaxed interview process, friendly partners and
associates, and a very fun vacation scheme.”
Newly qualified solicitor
“It’s a firm going places.”
Newly qualified solicitor

The London office launched its UK trainee
programme in 2006, and has since ramped up its
recruiting – from at least 10 trainees in 2008, to
more than 15 in 2010, and 28 in 2011. Due to this
small intake, competitiveness amongst trainees is
rare and ‘exposure to some of the world’s largest
deals’ is high. During the training contract trainees
do four six-month seats, with the compulsory
ones including corporate, finance and litigation. If
you fancy going abroad, there are also plenty of
opportunities to do seats in Hong Kong, Singapore,
Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Riyadh, Brussels or Moscow.
While a stellar academic record is a must,
Latham & Watkins’ trainees come from a broad
spectrum of universities and are carefully vetted
with an emphasis on personal qualities and
potential, rather than just strong CVs. Embracing
responsibility and displaying initiative are not the
only recipes for success as a trainee – the firm
specifically wants people who are ‘intelligent,
hardworking and independent, but most of all,
down-to-earth with good interpersonal skills’. The
firm looks for a good fit so a genuine interest in
Latham & Watkins and in corporate law is a must.

“If you fancy going abroad, there are
also plenty of opportunities to do seats
in Hong Kong, Singapore, Abu Dhabi,
Dubai, Riyadh, Brussels or Moscow.”
It’s also a definite bonus to undertake a vacation
scheme as Latham & Watkins aims to recruit most
of its trainees through its Easter and summer
schemes. However, there are a couple of places
available outside of these schemes, which can
be earned through the application form and
interview process.
The hiring process is straightforward: submit
an application form and, if successful, you’ll

be invited to three rounds of interviews. Each
interview is with a partner and an associate
and will mainly focus on your application form
and your commercial awareness. Trainees
describe interviews as ‘very informal, relaxed
and welcome’, a welcome contrast to the
confrontational style some firms are known for.
During the half-day assessment, candidates meet
six associates/partners over three 30-minute
interviews. There is also a presentation on the
firm with details of what candidates can expect
during their training contract, followed by a lunch
with the trainees.

LATHAM & WATKINS

THE BUZZ ON GETTING HIRED

Vacation Schemes
‘The best way to get into the firm is through
a vacation scheme’ claim several trainees and
unsurprisingly the vac scheme hiring process is
similar and as competitive as it is for a training
contract. The firm’s London office offers twoweek summer and Easter placements to 30 law
and non-law students. You will usually get to sit
in two departments of your choice and could get
involved with transactional work, pro bono issues
or client meetings. Expect regular presentations
by various associates to give you an idea of the
firm and what life as trainee is like. At the end of
the scheme, everyone is offered an interview for a
training contract.

Lateral Hires
Lateral associate candidates are ordinarily
screened by two partners and are then brought
in to meet a further 10 to 12 lawyers. The second
interview generally lasts 2.5 hours, and is made
up of a cross-section of partners and associates
from each of the departments within the office.
All interviewers write reviews on the candidate,
which are given detailed consideration before a
final decision is made.

167

FIRM PROFILE
Since its inception in Los Angeles some eighty
years ago, Latham & Watkins has spread its wings
and become one of the largest international law
firms around, with London and New York its main
business centres. Latham practices in all major
jurisdictions: the US, EU, Middle East and Asia, and
regularly represents companies doing business in
Latin America, Africa and the emerging markets.
A global leader in corporate, environmental
law, finance, litigation and tax services, Latham
employs more than 2,000 lawyers across 31 offices
worldwide. To its credit, Latham & Watkins became
the first US-heritage firm to generate revenues over
$2 billion (in late 2007).
Latham & Watkins was established in glitzy LA in
1934, by Dana Latham and Paul Watkins. The firm
didn’t make it to the City until 1990, opening in
London with a relatively low profile at first, and
focussing on project finance. Lateral hires in London
took the office to over 130 lawyers, bolstering
its ranks in banking and finance, competition,
corporate, employment, litigation, outsourcing, and
tax law. Meanwhile, Latham busily planted seeds all
across Europe, and offices sprouted up in Brussels,
Frankfurt, Hamburg, Milan, Moscow, Munich,
Paris and Rome. And after opening two offices in
Spain (Barcelona and Madrid) in 2007, Latham
is now one of only a handful of US firms to have
a strong presence there. More recently, the firm
has focussed expansion on the Middle East, after
recognising the region as a growing market. New
offices have opened in Abu Dhabi, Doha, Dubai and
Riyadh.
Latham is the only global law firm with no
headquarters. And while it was founded in LA, the
offices in NY are now larger. The firm’s chairman
is based in San Francisco and the executive
committee members are spread around the world,
including two in London. This means that no office
reports to another, and that London has as much
autonomy and power as any of the US sites.
Latham & Watkins’ practice was built on the back
of investment banks in the US and it used those

168

links in establishing a strong office in London. The
firm’s five key practices are corporate, finance,
litigation, tax and environment, and land and
resources. Within these departments, Latham’s
main operational areas are banking and finance,
capital markets, restructuring and insolvency,
M&A, international arbitration, structured finance,
litigation, real estate and tax. The importance of
the London office means that lawyers based there
are often involved in some of the firm’s major
international deals. Latham’s UK clients include
large investment banks and financial institutions,
UK and international corporates, private equity
houses and governments. London lawyers work
closely with teams from other offices, especially in
Europe, and the City office is full service.
The sense of unity and partnership at Latham &
Watkins means that every new partner wishing
to defect from another firm has to go on a world
tour, being interviewed by as many as 100 Latham
lawyers before joining. Furthermore, lawyers who
sit on firm’s associates committee have a say over
who is promoted to partner from within. Partners
are paid on work they generate – not just for
themselves, but for their colleagues as well – rather
than on hours billed or seniority. This gives them an
incentive to share their work with other partners
and solicitors. This approach is popular with the
firm’s lawyers and means that staff satisfaction in
the London office is high.
Latham & Watkins actively encourages pro bono
within its ranks. In 2010 alone, Latham provided
almost 200,000 hours of pro bono legal services,
valued at $91 million to local communities around
the globe. Some of the local causes the firm is
involved with include assisting Human Rights Watch
facilitating funding agreements for Hand in Hand
(a charity that battle poverty), and lending support
to Straight Talking – a UK charity with the twin
aims of reducing the rate of teenage pregnancy
and fostering education. Latham also fights for the
disadvantaged by representing pro bono clients in a
number of trials and hearings.

LATHAM
TROWERS
BOND
PEARCE
&&WATKINS
HAMLINS

e
h
t
r
o
f
g
Lookin
n
o
p
o
o
c
s
latest

Accenture, Apple, Bain & Company, Bank of England, BBC, Booz & Company,
BP, Citi, Civil Service, Coca-Cola, Credit Suisse, Deloitte, Deutsche Bank,
Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Ernst & Young, FSA, GlaxoSmithKline, Goldman
Sachs, Google, Grant Thornton, HSBC Holdings, IBM, J.P. Morgan, John Lewis
Partnership, KPMG, L’Oréal, McKinsey & Company, Morgan Stanley, Oxfam,
PricewaterhouseCoopers, Procter & Gamble, Sony, Teach First, The Boston
Consulting Group, UBS, Unilever, Virgin Group and more...

for the latest scoop
go to www.insidebuzz.co.uk
169

Know it all
Choosing to train as a lawyer and how to
be chosen by Mayer Brown.
We know how important the first steps in your career are, which is why we want
you to know as much as you can about the realities of life as a trainee solicitor.
If law is for you, we want you to know what we look for in a trainee.
Know more by contacting our London Graduate Recruitment team:
E [email protected] T +44 20 3130 8524
Mayer Brown values diversity and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.

Americas

170

Asia

Europe

www.mayerbrown.com

Mayer Brown is a global legal services organisation comprising legal practices that are separate entities (the Mayer Brown Practices). The Mayer Brown Practices are: Mayer Brown LLP, a limited liability partnership established in the
United States; Mayer Brown International LLP, a limited liability partnership (regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and registered in England and Wales number OC 303359); Mayer Brown JSM, a Hong Kong partnership, and
its associated entities in Asia; and Tauil & Chequer Advogados, a Brazilian law partnership with which Mayer Brown is associated. “Mayer Brown” and the Mayer Brown logo are the trademarks of the individual Mayer Brown Practices in
their respective jurisdictions.

Mayer Brown is one of the largest law firms in the world. While the firm’s expertise encompasses a
broad range of areas, Mayer Brown is particularly renowned for standout practices in corporate, finance
and litigation, and advises many leading FTSE and Fortune 500 companies.

PROS

• Interesting, rewarding work with lots of
exposure to high profile deals and clients
• Sociable, friendly team atmosphere – especially
at the trainee level
• Recruits from a wide range of universities
• Solid training at a department and
firm-wide level
• Work hard, play hard atmosphere

CONS

• Be prepared to put in the hours and work late
• Solicitors do not get to participate in firm
decisions, and there’s sometimes a lack of
transparency over decisions
• Not enough foreign secondments for everyone
to get a chance to go

THE STATS

LOCATIONS

No. of lawyers firm-wide: 1,600
No. of lawyers in London: 250+
London partners: 100
London associates: 160
London trainee intake: 20-25
London trainee retained: 60% (2011)
Approx. no. of applications per year: 2,000

No. of offices: 21
Bangkok • Beijing • Berlin • Brussels • Charlotte • Chicago
• Cologne • Frankfurt • Guangzhou • Hanoi • Ho Chi
Minh City • Hong Kong • Houston • London • Los Angeles
• New York • Palo Alto • Paris • Shanghai • Singapore •
Washington, DC

BASE SALARY
LONDON 2011
1st year trainee £37,500
2nd year trainee £42,300
Newly qualified £61,000

DEPARTMENTS & PRACTICES
Corporate • Competition • Construction • Banking &
Finance • Financial Services Regulatory & Enforcement •
Intellectual Property & Information Technology • Insurance
&Reinsurance • Litigation & Dispute Resolution • Pensions
& Employment • Real Estate • Restructuring Bankruptcy &
Insolvency • Tax

MAYER BROWN

MAYER BROWN

LONDON OFFICE
201 Bishopsgate
London EC2M 3AF
Tel: +44 (0)20 3130 3000
www.mayerbrown.com

GRADUATE RECRUITMENT INFO
Jacqui Bernuzzi
Graduate Recruitment, London
Tel: +44 (0)20 3130 8524
[email protected]

171

QUOTES
LIFE ON THE JOB
Satisfaction with Work

“I have been extremely lucky in the sense that
I have sat with supervisors who have been
extremely keen to get me involved with the work
of the department and I have had a high level
of responsibility. Although initially daunting, I
have learned many valuable skills and feel much
more confident about the work I produce. I have
had direct contact with clients and partners and
there is an open-door policy at the firm which is
generally adhered to.”
First year trainee
“You get a sense that you are learning from some
of the best in the business – it’s amazing how
much you learn from observation and not just
from the tasks set. I have been given all kinds of
demanding work such as drafting agreements
and attending hearings. Getting to meet and
interacting with clients is particularly exciting as
you get to see how the work undertaken behind
the scenes (including the more mundane tasks
such as bundling or document management)
still has a positive effect on the outcome. Seeing
a client’s satisfaction with the firm’s work and
knowing you played a part in that, especially
when working as team with other lawyers and
departments, is very rewarding.”
Second year trainee
“The work at this firm almost always involves an
international aspect. You would think that this
would mean trainees do not get to perform some
of the more responsible tasks on a deal or case.
At this firm, the responsibility you are given can
seem daunting and show an over-estimation of
your skills. But, with the excellent support and
guidance from supervisors and other lawyers,
you soon start to feel like a true corporate lawyer
yourself. Client contact is brilliant and direct
contact with partners is routine.”
First year trainee

172

“The quality of work depends on the
department you are in, what seat trainee you
are and how capable and enthusiastic you prove
yourself to be.”
Second year trainee

What does your typical day at work involve?

“I’ve been helping to prepare for trial. I worked on
the same matter as a trainee, so I was confident I
knew what I was doing, although my responsibility
stepped up a gear as I now had to delegate tasks
to trainees. So a typical day recently would involve
me preparing the trial bundles, and overseeing the
preparation also done by the trainees. I would also
arrange for the bundles to be filed at court and
draft various letters to court and to the other side.
I would also have daily discussions with Counsel
and the other Mayer Brown team members,
reviewing documents which have been drafted by
Counsel and giving my feedback/comments.”
Newly qualified solicitor, Litigation
“I currently sit in the corporate department, and
work mostly with public company transactions. A
lot of the work I do is document-based, and can
involve reviewing, proofreading and/or drafting.
I also have research tasks fairly regularly. Often
the day will be broken up by at least one client
call, which I will be involved with alongside the
partner and/or associate. Around closing time on
a transaction the pace really ramps up and there is
a lot of administrative work to be done, ensuring
that all the required documents are in the right
place, have been signed by the right people, and
nothing has been missed.”
First year trainee

“It generally involves flitting from task to task
without time for a break. As you get through your
work you are always watched over in a positive
way by your supervisor. You interact constantly
with your department, the secretaries and the
firm as a whole depending on the nature of the
transaction/case you are dealing with.”
First year trainee

Culture

“The firm has a real ‘work hard, play hard culture’.
Trainees are as involved in societies and events
as any other member of the firm. Naturally, we
all support each other and if anyone is getting
swamped then the rest of us in that department
will pitch in to try and clear the workload. We do
try and organise going out together, but naturally
the job does not always allow us all to get out of
the office in time to enjoy these events!”
First year trainee
“The firm’s culture differs from department
to department. However, overall it is not very
conservative. There are a number of formal firm
events (e.g. Christmas party, quiz, summer fete,
football tournament, etc.) and departmental
events (drinks, etc). However, solicitors regularly
socialise together after work as everyone is very
friendly. In particular, we tend to socialise with our
peer group across the firm as many of us attended
the same law school (Kaplan) before starting our
training contracts.”
Newly qualified solicitor, Corporate

“The firm has a very down-to-earth feel.
Everyone is very friendly and there’s a distinct
lack of arrogance amongst partners (lots of whom
trained at the firm and are very good friends
themselves and still very young at heart). Trainees
definitely support each other and enjoy socialising
together.”
First year trainee

MAYER BROWN

“No day at Mayer Brown as a trainee is ever the
same. I have been asked to assist with a number
of different tasks during my time here, but
typically my work on a day to day basis will include
drafting and amending legal documents, research,
attending meetings, file management and proofreading.”
First year trainee

Seats

“Mayer Brown has a four-seat system: one
seat must be contentious (commercial
dispute resolution, construction, insurance or
employment); one seat must be transactional
(finance, corporate or real estate); one seat
must be a client or international secondment;
and then each trainee has a free choice for their
other seat. Trainees at Mayer Brown can sit in any
department, depending on the amount of places
available in each department and the demand for
the seat which changes with each seat rotation.
HR makes sure to take into account whether
trainees received their first or second choice in
the previous seat allocations when allocating
seats – this usually means nearly all trainees end
up with their first or second choice every time.
International secondments are currently: New
York (finance), São Paulo (finance) or Hong Kong
(finance and corporate).”
Second year trainee
“We do four seats of six months each. There
are several core departments and niche seats a
trainee can apply to sit in: corporate, finance,
commercial dispute resolution, real estate,
insurance, construction, competition, IP, and tax.
Plus, we have to complete one secondment as
part of the training contract and you can choose
between international or client secondments.
Choice depends on which seat you want. The core
seats are the easiest to get into as they use the
most trainees. There is competition for some of
the niche seats and international secondments
and although most trainees will probably get
their first choice at some point throughout
their training contract, they may not be able to
complete their first choice at the desired time.”
Second year trainee

173

Partner/solicitor relations

“Firm-wide decisions are communicated, but
sometimes not as quickly as they should be.
Solicitors’ contributions depend on the types of
decisions being made. If a new procedure is being
introduced which affects solicitors, they usually
get an opportunity to put forward suggestions.”
Newly qualified solicitor, Litigation
“Decisions haven’t been very transparent in
recent years. I think the firm was aware of how
strongly people felt about this and the lack of
communication at times. I think the firm is now
making a concerted effort to be more transparent
and communicate with us more.”
Newly qualified solicitor, Litigation
“On a firm level, the partners do not tend to
communicate too well with the rest of the firm.
There have been various initiatives to solve this,
but they have not been too successful. On a
departmental level, the partners in Corporate
make a good effort to communicate with the
department through departmental update
meetings every two weeks. There is a liaison
group between partners and associates in the
department, which allows associates to raise any
issues they may have. This has proved quite useful
in escalating common concerns.”
Newly qualified solicitor, Corporate

Formal Training

“The majority of the trainee training programme
is organised in-house and consists of the
compulsory PSC training and also departmental
training. On the PSC training I have attended
courses amongst others on professional conduct,
finance and business skills, advocacy, managing
client expectations, presentation skills and an
introduction to the City. You will see that all of
these courses are transferrable to life after being
a trainee and it is clear to me that the firm takes
the training of its trainees very seriously, always
ensuring that the training we receive is relevant to
our entire professional career.”
Second year trainee

174

“The PSC sessions are held throughout the two
years, which is helpful as there is no feeling of
information overload. Departmental training is
also offered throughout each seat for trainees
currently sitting in that department.”
First year trainee
“At associate level, there is a mixture of
competency training appropriate to your level of
PQE and technical training on your specialism.
Both are good. They are organised by the training
team, which is quite good at scheduling them so
that they don’t clash. There are also a number
of interest group meetings, which are designed
to share know-how amongst fee-earners. There
has recently been a major drive to improve
attendance at training sessions.”
Newly qualified solicitor, Corporate
“The firm has a very good training programme.
In addition to attending PSC training, I have also
attended numerous introductory training sessions
at the beginning of each new seat. Training is
generally very organised by the training team and
they are always keen to hear our feedback on
the sessions. My only criticism is that sometimes
it is difficult to attend the sessions due to work
commitments and I have often had to work
through my lunch during day-long training
sessions so that I am able to meet deadlines.”
First year trainee

Informal Training & Mentoring

“Informal training is more limited. Partners and
associates are generally accessible, but mentoring
is limited and a more efficient and effective
mentoring system could be set up both with
junior associates and senior associates/partners.
Through building bonds, I have learnt skills more
related to the structure and politics of the firm
and how to make yourself stand out.”
First year trainee

“Each associate is given two mentors. You meet
with them regularly and they make sure that
you are getting a variety of work and are not
struggling in any way. My mentors have been
really excellent.”
Junior solicitor, Banking
“Informal training is there if you want to look
for it. There are a range of resources available
to everyone (PSLs, Information Centre, online
resources). Partners can make good mentors if
they have time but they are often very busy.”
Newly qualified solicitor, Litigation

CAREER PROSPECTS

“Moving ‘up the ranks’ varies by department – in
some departments it seems more lockstep, in my
department (banking/finance) it is very opaque
and this is difficult for a junior person as it is not
clear that you will be able to progress.”
Newly qualified solicitor, Banking
“You can take on as much responsibility as you
want. If you do so, you are rewarded in terms
of reputation, pay and good reviews, together
with gaining good experience. However, seniority
(as with all firms) does still come in to it – e.g.
associates are promoted to senior associate at
around four years PQE, and partners are rarely
made up before 8 or 9 years PQE.”
Newly qualified solicitor, Corporate

Where do you see yourself over the
course of the next 5–10 years?

“I hope to be a senior associate in the litigation
practice.”
Newly qualified solicitor, Litigation

“Within 5 – 10 years I will have hopefully
established a name for myself in the department,
the firm, and in the market place generally. There
are quite a few partners in litigation who trained
with the firm so there is definitely a feeling that,
with the litigation partners at least, trainees will
go on to become the partners of the firm in the
future.”
Newly qualified solicitor, Litigation

MAYER BROWN

“Solicitors and partners are all approachable,
friendly and helpful throughout the firm. There
is a good “open-door” policy and someone will
always be able to assist with a query, so there
is no need to feel lost or in the dark about
anything!”
Second year trainee

“Hopefully still here (as partner).”
Junior solicitor, Banking

Pro bono

“Many people contribute to pro bono and there
are a lot of charity events to raise money for our
charity of the year.”
Newly qualified solicitor, Litigation
“There is definitely a strong devotion to pro
bono work at Mayer Brown. We have a partner
who focuses solely on pro bono work, and she
sends emails to the firm with details of various
schemes that you can get involved with. I have
done sessions at the RCJ Advice Bureau and the
Mediation Advice Clinic, for example.”
Newly qualified solicitor, Litigation

Green Initiatives

“All of the lights are on timers, so they will go off
if there is no one moving in the office. All of the
paper is recycled and you are encouraged not to
print unless you really have to. There is a cycle to
work scheme and we are encouraged to use public
transport where possible.”
First year trainee
“Battery recycling. New recycle bins in the canteen
to separate the rubbish. Giving out free jute bags
to bring down at lunch to avoid paper bags (no
longer available) and receiving loyalty points for
doing so.”
Second year trainee

175

“The firm’s new office is incredibly energy
efficient, for example all lights are controlled by
movement sensors; the lifts are controlled by
a computer which calculates how many people
require a lift and to which floor and then allocates
a lift according to size or floors requested; and
the office has a grass roof to soak up rainfall and
excessive run-off. The firm has a green initiatives
committee which has implemented many changes
to encourage energy efficiency and recycling. All
paper is recycled as well as cans, glass, cardboard,
plastic, batteries and clothing.”
Second year trainee

diversity

“Lots of good female role models at the firm. You
feel people get where they are on merit. It’s an
international firm, so the lawyers there reflect
that.”
First year trainee
“There is truly a diverse mix of cultures and sexes
at the firm. There are a lot of female partners and
the firm generally has a real multi-cultural feel
about it. I recently had a child and was told to take
paternity leave whenever I needed it, regardless
of the deals that were happening. They were very
accommodating!”
First year trainee
“I am on the diversity board and the firm takes
this very seriously. We are currently organising the
firm’s first LGBT event.”
Junior solicitor, Banking
“The firm prides itself on this. It actively supports
diversity programmes, including a women’s
network, access to education and helping
minorities pursue careers in law.”
First year trainee

176

Offices & Dress Code

“The office is just by Spitalfields market near
Exchange Square. The office is only a couple of
years old so it’s very modern and quite impressive.
The dress code is business casual Monday –
Thursday with a firm-wide dress down every
Friday.”
First year trainee
“The office is fantastic and new and well located
(near Spitalfields market). It has a very impressive
client floor. We have a huge auditorium, a staff
restaurant and an in-house Starbucks. The dress
code is smart/casual and we have a dress-down
summer (usually 6 – 8 weeks of jeans) and this is a
real highlight.”
Junior solicitor, Banking
“The office is very big – more space, floor to
ceiling glass windows, on-site canteen, large
auditorium for seminars/client events. The
meeting rooms at the top of the building have
some amazing views over the City. Facilities are
very good – excellent support staff (reprographics,
IT, Information Centre, etc.). There are also shower
rooms as a lot of people cycle to work.”
Newly qualified solicitor, Litigation
“The office is great. Brilliant location, good
facilities, comfortable offices and stunning views
– especially from the eleventh floor. Dress code is
smart, but not necessarily suits every day. Dress
code is left to the individual’s discretion. Every
Friday is dress down and we also have dress down
summer for two months of the year when/if the
weather gets warm.”
Second year trainee

How prepared do you feel to practise law
upon qualification?
“Very confident. I believe I have gained the skills I
need to be an NQ and where in doubt I know that
there is always someone I can call upon – either
partners, senior associates or the training team.”
Second year trainee

“I feel more confident every day. Especially
if I qualify here as I know there is a brilliant
camaraderie and support network to guide you
through those early stages.”
First year trainee
“I feel very prepared – as my training contract
has progressed I have been given work with more
responsibility and now feel like I am treated like a
junior associate by my supervisor.”
Second year trainee

SALARY, HOURS & PERKS
Hours

“It is a big City firm so there are bound to be some
long hours. Having said that, the firm does what
it can to make this easier for you – for example,
working from home where possible, cabs to pick
you up in the morning, days in lieu for working
long hours. They promote a healthy work/life
balance as far as possible. The general policy
being: work hard when necessary, but go and live
a life when able to (face time has no value).”
Second year trainee
“I have worked very long hours whilst I have been
at the firm. When I am on a deal I can work 60
– 70 hours per week, but when it is quiet I have
been able to leave at around 6pm. I have found
that I am working more hours than expected,
but have been pleased to discover there is no
such thing as face time at the firm. Generally, it is
accepted that if you have finished your work then
you can go home.”
First year trainee

“The hours haven’t been great in all honesty. I
have billed on average 160 hours per month since
January 1st, but again, I have had some excellent
work experience. Things are starting to calm down
now and I am getting out early most days, but
when it is busy, hours can be pretty bad.”
Junior solicitor, Banking

MAYER BROWN

“Technical skills might be lacking, as well as
the ability of managing workload individually
– as a trainee one is always slightly protected,
in terms of responsibility and workload (and
expectations).”
Second year trainee

“Peaks and troughs. Don’t mind doing the
long hours as I’m often so busy I don’t notice.
Occasional weekends/all nighters but when doing
them as part of a team you feel supported. This
was expected and is part and parcel of being a
lawyer.”
First year trainee

Salary

“Mayer Brown’s compensation is comparable to
all other major City firms (including the Magic
Circle) and includes a pay rise after the first year of
the training contract.”
Second year trainee
“There is a bonus scheme, which is in the process
of being re-implemented after the recession.
You are only eligible for a bonus if you meet your
target hours (1650) and achieve a certain grade on
your appraisal.”
Newly qualified solicitor, Litigation
“The remuneration isn’t great considering the
hours we put in, but there is an understanding
that in the finance department, you go up to
“mid-Atlantic” pay scales a year or two post
qualification and this is £83k+. We do have higher
billable targets when we go to mid-Atlantic (1800
hours).”
Junior solicitor, Banking
“We are not paid in line with the top American
firms in London, but it is pretty much standard for
the English firms.”
Second year trainee

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BONUS

“£1,000”
Newly qualified solicitor, Banking
“£1,100”
Junior solicitor, Banking
“Discretionary and based on hours.”
Newly qualified solicitor, Corporate

Perks

“The international secondments! Which includes
free transport there and back, accommodation
while there, an adjustment in the cost of living
allowance, and a free return flight home during
the secondment to visit family and friends.”
Second year trainee
“There are plenty of corporate discounts, and
there is a discount website that has access to
many of the day-to-day shopping that’s done; it’s
quite surprising what you can save money on.”
First year trainee
“Private medical care, in-house private GP, some
gym discounts, interest free season loan. If you
work late you can expense your dinner.”
Newly qualified solicitor, Litigation
“Some departments operate a drinks trolley, hot
lunches laid on for trainees when certain events
occur, and drinks generally occur regularly.”
First year trainee
“Always lots of free drinks and events going
on at the firm. Very enjoyable away-day with
the department. Being close to Brick Lane and
Shoreditch. The lovely view from the top floor of
the building.”
First year trainee

PLUSES

“The level of responsibility you get in comparison
with other trainees at Magic Circle firms.”
Second year trainee

178

“The people. The high quality work. The level of
responsibility and involvement you are allowed.
Getting good feedback and feeling like you’re
achieving at a high level.”
First year trainee
“Obtaining fantastic experience whilst working on
high profile deals, the support from other trainees
and approachable fee earners.”
First year trainee
“Good work, high levels of responsibility and
friendly. The firm is also just the right size so that
you get good work, but are also known across the
firm.”
Newly qualified solicitor, Corporate
“The people, there is a great atmosphere here,
it’s not overly-competitive, but the work is great,
everybody pulls together to work towards a
common goal.”
First year trainee

MINUSES

“Perhaps not enough secondments for everyone
to get a go at foreign ones.”
Second year trainee
“Still feels a little hierarchical and, as with all
training contracts, the hours can be the longest on
the most thankless tasks.”
First year trainee
“Sometimes communication between HR and
trainees is not top notch and there are delays in
getting messages across.”
Second year trainee
“Lack of transparency regarding pay rises.”
Newly qualified solicitor, Litigation
“The hours in transactional seats.”
First year trainee

“Mayer Brown was founded in 1881 in Chicago
because Levy Mayer, a 21 year old librarian,
represented his brother in court over the sale of a
lame horse. His adversary was so impressed with
Levy’s advocacy skills that he suggested they set
up a law firm.”
Second year trainee
“There is a lawyer in the construction team who
hands out spider plants to all who want one.”
First year trainee

INTERVIEWS & APPLICATIONS
Interviews, Applications and Assessments
“I was interviewed by two partners – one from
employment, the other from corporate. The
interview explored my motivation for applying
to Mayer Brown and asked me about my skills
and interests. There were also questions on my
knowledge of the legal services industry and how
current affairs (such as the state of the economy,
etc.) could impact it. The assessment centre was
good fun, though very thorough. We had a group
exercise and written exercise which was broken
up by a chance to meet the current trainees and a
tour of the office building.”
Second year trainee
“There were three rounds. I was interviewed by
a managing partner and a senior associate. The
interview was a casual chat with the interviewers
keen on learning more about me and every now
and then checking my technical knowledge and
commercial awareness. The assessment day is
highly competitive with a big business case study
– the case study is time-bound and not only tests
your time keeping, but also your commercial
awareness, your common sense and your ability
to follow a brief and take instructions.”
Second year trainee

“Written application, followed by an online
psychometric test, then an assessment centre.
This consisted of a fact-finding exercise, a written
exercise, a group exercise, lunch with trainees and
an interview with two partners. The interview was
a mix of competency and commercial questions.”
Second year trainee

MAYER BROWN

Fun Facts

“The partners who interviewed me were
interested to know about me, and my interests
– they did not ask any difficult hypothetical
questions like so many firms seem to, and it was
more about me and why I had made the choices
of degree/career, etc.”
Second year trainee

Tips & Advice

“Really think about your answers, think about
what makes a good trainee and how you can
demonstrate those skills. You need a 2:1 but it
doesn’t matter from where and there are people
from all different backgrounds here. Once you
get to the firm, you realise they need different
types of people, so don’t be afraid to be yourself
and show a bit of personality. Intelligence and
enthusiasm will get you far.”
First year trainee
“The two main things I would advise are: 1) make
sure that your application has no spelling or
grammatical errors; and 2) be yourself, if you try
to be something you are not or claim to know it all
already – you’ll be found out! My intake is from a
large number of universities so I would say it does
not matter too much, but there is an expectation
that your academic standard is of a very high
quality so you will need good A-Levels and also a
minimum of a 2:1 degree.”
First year trainee

179

“The firm looks for all rounded candidates. All
age groups are welcome and it is not at all just an
Oxbridge firm. Trainees have come from all walks
of life and they have to be able to bring more
than just academia to the table. It is helpful to
have some life experience. Overall, the firm looks
for trainees that are able to have a few things
to say about themselves. Interesting, down to
earth, easy to get along with, a sense of humour
and yet being able to stay professional, calm and
dedicated are some of the things the firm
looks for.”
Second year trainee
“They must have good academics and show a real
interest in Mayer Brown specifically. I frequently
attend assessment centres and open days at the
office and am sometimes shocked by how little
candidates know about the firm once they get to
the office on the day. It is very competitive and
so candidates need to show something that will
make them stand out from the crowd. The firm
doesn’t hire from particular universities. The
trainees here come from a range of universities
and walks of life.”
Newly qualified solicitor, Litigation

What made you choose your firm?

“The international scope of the work and the laid
back nature of the firm.”
First year trainee
“The friendly partners during my vacation scheme,
the international expansion and the feeling that it
was a firm making progress.”
Newly qualified solicitor, Corporate
“I am interested in my firm’s leading departments.
I wanted a global, not European, firm and I loved
the idea of having to do a secondment as part of
the training contract.”
Second year trainee

180

“All of the above – it is a down to earth firm,
people work hard but at the same time have
a life outside. A broad perspective on life,
encouragement to get involved in activities
outside of the firm – such as football, charities,
races, sky-dives, hikes, pro bono. Plus the number
of trainees is capped to about 20 – 25 per year
which guarantees personal attention and not just
being a number but an individual with an identity.”
Second year trainee
“High quality work, excellent reputation,
international presence and possibilities, and a
diverse bunch of people who were all extremely
friendly and grounded.”
Second year trainee
“I enjoyed the vacation scheme – it showed me
what day-to-day life at Mayer Brown would be
like, and I was given real pieces of work to do. I
could see myself settling in there and was made
to feel like one of the team, despite only being on
the vacation scheme at that stage.”
Newly qualified solicitor, Litigation

As one of law’s biggest players, securing a training
contract is no walk in the park and you’ll have to
put a lot of effort into your application if you want
to make it to the interview stage. The firm looks
to recruit the best of the best so it goes without
saying that excellent academic credentials are
a bare minimum. The firm is after people with
good problem solving and analytical skills who
can confidently communicate both in word and
in writing, and you’ll need to convince the firm
you’re able to make sound judgements as you
will be given a ‘high level of responsibility’
as a trainee.
The firm encourages a diverse intake: current
trainees studied at 28 different universities, and
over 50% of them pursued a non-law degree. One
trainee asserts that there is a ‘truly diverse mix of
cultures and sexes at the firm. There are a lot of
female partners and the firm generally has a real
multi-cultural feel about it’. While this may be a
major selling point to applicants, employees are
also drawn to the fact that Mayer Brown offers
a culture that is ‘quite relaxed, but ambitious’.
Trainees are ‘very supportive of each other’
with little competition present during the
training contract.
The firm’s training contract consists of four
seats, with one mandatory secondment. ‘There
is a variety of departments that you can sit in
such as corporate, finance, insurance, tax and
real estate’. International secondments can be
undertaken in Hong Kong and New York, but
expect to compete with strong candidates for
these popular placements. Trainees say they ‘get
exposure to big and interesting deals’ and the
firm ‘has many top-notch clients’. The training is
said to be ‘comprehensive, well-organised and
taken very seriously by the firm’. It is spread over
the two-year period and ‘departmental training
is also offered throughout each seat for trainees
currently sitting in that department’. Also you can
expect to share a room with a partner or senior

associate who will offer informal training and
advice on a regular basis.
The hiring process starts with the online
application form, followed by an online
psychometric test and an assessment centre.
Held over one day, ‘this consists of a fact-finding
exercise, a written exercise, a group exercise,
lunch with trainees and an interview with two
partners. The interview is a mix of competency
and commercial questions’. There will also be a
big business case study, which is designed to test
‘your time-keeping, but also your commercial
awareness, your common sense and your ability
to follow a brief and take instructions’. The
assessments are well-organised, and despite
increasing candidates’ stress-levels, they are
described as ‘quite enjoyable’. Current trainees
advise applicants to ‘prepare well for the interview
and speak up in the group exercise’. Also ensure
beforehand that you are ‘commercially aware and
know the firm’.

MAYER BROWN

THE BUZZ ON GETTING HIRED

Vacation Schemes

Students who undertake a work experience
programme with Mayer Brown will get the chance
to be assessed for a training contract during their
placement. These are based in the London office
and take place in the Spring and in the Summer.
During the scheme you’ll get the chance to share
an office with a partner or an associate who will
be responsible for your work load. Social activities
also form an important part of the scheme,
including a day out in one of the firm’s European
offices!
Places for these schemes tend to fill before the
actual deadline is passed so make sure you apply
early. If you can impress during the vac scheme,
you will be asked to attend a 35 to 40-minute
interview for a training contract with a member of
the graduate recruitment team.

181

FIRM PROFILE
With more than 1,600 lawyers spread across major
cities in the Americas, Europe and Asia, Mayer
Brown is one of the leading law firms in the world.
The firm advises many of the leading FTSE 100 and
Fortune 500 companies, and although its expertise
encompasses a broad range of areas, Mayer Brown
is renowned for stand-out practices in corporate,
finance, real estate projects and litigation.
The three entities that make up Mayer Brown
today all began to practice law in the 19th century
– each inaugural arm emerging from a separate
continent. Johnson, Stokes & Master began life in
Hong Kong in 1863; Levy Mayer founded the US
progenitor in 1881; Rowe & Maw was established
in London in 1895, operating under that name until
joining with its US counterpart in a considerable
transatlantic merger in 2002.
When US firm Mayer Brown & Platt and London’s
Rowe & Maw audaciously attempted to expand
their practices by joining forces, many industry
commentators were somewhat sceptical. At first
it was seen as an odd pairing: Mayer Brown &
Platt was a high-rolling, prominently domestic firm
known for structured finance in Chicago; Rowe &
Maw was a corporate boutique with a selection of
first-rate clients. Come 2011 and not only has the
nine-year relationship yielded dividends for the
UK arm but the London office’s cherished culture
has endured.
In addition to this historic merger, Mayer Brown
has a large international presence and strong
relations with regional firms. Mayer Brown has an
established alliance with Madrid-based Ramón &
Cajal and has more than 200 lawyers in Hong Kong
and mainland China. The firm has a strong German
operation and a successful Paris office – both the
result of mergers. Mayer Brown also operates in
association with leading Brazilian law firm Tauil
& Chequer with offices in São Paulo and Rio de
Janeiro, aimed at benefiting from the surge in IPOs,

182

infrastructure investment, real estate transactions
and cross-border M&A in this rapidly
developing country.
During the 2008 financial crisis, Mayer Brown
somewhat repelled the economic climate, posting
revenues of $1.3 billion. The firm’s litigation,
employment and restructuring practices led the
way through the rough waters, with a steady
stream of mid-market deals and the occasional
high-profile one stoking the fires. Corporate clients
include Reuters, Cable & Wireless and Monsanto.
The firm’s lawyers are also kept busy by an
abundance of M&A work, while the finance team
is particularly noted for its project finance work.
Another string to the Mayer Brown bow is the
dispute resolution team, with services provided
to clients as diverse as Bank of America and The
Football League. The firm’s real estate practice
benefitted considerably from the merger,
frequently advising American investors on their
expansion into the European market and acting for
media organisations and technology groups.
Mayer Brown has a distinguished and pro-active
pro bono and community programme, pledging
to devote 3% of total billable time per year to
altruistic activities. Transatlantic co-operation is
used to help fulfil its commitment, with a fulltime director of pro bono efforts and a full-time
assistant director (both in the United States),
augmented by a pro bono partner in London.
The firm has a varied pro bono practice that, in
addition to assisting the communities it operates
in, helps provide its young lawyers with important
training opportunities and exposure to public
interest law. The London office has even assisted
in starting up a university for disadvantaged young
women in Bangladesh.

Work for MAYER BROWN
(advertisement)

TRAINING CONTRACT
We are looking for candidates who not only have
a consistently strong academic record including a
minimum of a 2.1 degree (predicted or obtained) in any
discipline, but also who have a wide range of interests
and achievements outside their academic career.
Additionally, we would like to see innovative candidates
who can demonstrate a drive for results, good verbal
and written communication skills, an ability to analyse,
good judgement, thoroughness, client focus and excellent
interpersonal skills.

WHEN TO APPLY
Apply From 1 November 2011 to 31 July 2012 for Training
Contracts beginning in September 2014/March 2015.
Law undergraduates should apply after receiving their
penultimate year results.

SALARY
Our current starting salary for trainee solicitors is £37,500
for the 1st year, £42,300 for the 2nd years and £61,000
for Newly Qualifieds.

VACANCIES
We recruit approximately 20-25 trainees every year.

VACATION PLACEMENTS
We offer three Work Experience Programmes each year.
The programme will give you the opportunity to gain
valuable experience of life as a trainee solicitor at Mayer
Brown, whilst being paid a competitive salary (£275 per
week). During your time at the firm, you will share an
office with a partner or associate, assisting them on real
deals and matters giving you first-hand experience of life
in an International law firm. You will sit in two different
departments and you will be asked in advance which
areas interest you most. In addition to gaining practical
work experience, you will also be invited to attend
presentations on our different practice areas to give you
more insight into the breadth of the firm. There will also
be plenty of social activities organised, including a day
at our office in one of our European offices. During the
course of the Work Experience Programme, you should be

able to meet, work and socialise with many of the people
who work at Mayer Brown, including trainees, associates
and partners. About one-third of our trainees completed
a Work Experience Programme at Mayer Brown and play
an active role in the organisation of each programme,
with a trainee ‘buddy’ being allocated to each participant
to support you throughout your time with Mayer Brown.

MAYER BROWN

JOBS

The Work Experience Programmes are primarily for
law undergraduates in their penultimate or final year
at university, non-law undergraduates in their final
year and graduates from all disciplines. We are now
accepting applications for places on our Work Experience
Programmes. See Making an Application for more details.

DATES
Spring Work Experience Programme: Monday 26 March
to Thursday 5 April 2012. Summer Work Experience
Programme One: Monday 25 June to Friday 13 July 2012.
Summer Work Experience Programme Two: Monday 13
to Friday 31 August 2012.

WHEN TO APPLY
We are accepting applications for places on our Work
Experience Programmes from 1 November 2011. The
closing date is 31 January 2012. If your application is
successful, you will be invited to a 35-40 minute interview
with a member of the Graduate Recruitment Team.
Please note that we will interview for places on the Work
Experience Programmes throughout January and the
beginning of February and places will be offered during
those months. Therefore it may be the case that the
Work Experience Programmes will become full before the
deadline of 31 January 2012.

SALARY
You will be paid £275 per week.

HOW TO APPLY
www.mayerbrown.com/careers/gradrec
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 0203 130 3000
Website: www.mayerbrown.com

183

MILLS & REEVE
A big regional player, Mills & Reeve is a top 50 UK law firm and employs around 800 people. With six UK
sites, the firm services a range of clients, from central government and local authorities to universities
and NHS bodies.

PROS

• Good amount of responsibility and client
contact from the start
• Relaxed, collaborative and social culture
• Emphasis on maintaining a work/life balance
• High level of partner interaction
• Excellent training and mentoring

THE STATS

LOCATIONS

No. of employees: Approx. 800
No. of lawyers firm-wide: 350+
No. of Partners: 97
Trainee intake: 15
Trainees retained: 45%
Approx. no. of applications per year: 800

No. of offices: 6
Birmingham • Cambridge • Leeds • London • Manchester
• Norwich

BASE SALARY
2011
1st year trainee £23,000
2nd year trainee £24,000
Newly qualified £37,000 – £56,000 depending on location

DEPARTMENTS & PRACTICES
Agriculture and estates • Banking and finance •
Commercial • Construction and engineering • Corporate
finance • Dispute resolution and litigation • Employment,
pensions and benefits • Family and matrimonial • Health
and safety • Insurance and reinsurance • Intellectual
property • Minerals and waste • PFI and projects •
Planning and environment • Private tax, probate and trusts
• Professional negligence • Public law • Real estate •
Regulatory • Restructuring and insolvency • Tax

184

CONS

• Large differences in responsibility given
between departments
• The likelihood of being retained
• No opportunity to work abroad
• Pay is not the highest

CONTACT OFFICE
Francis House
112 Hills Road
Cambridge CB2 1PH
Tel: 01223 222336
www.mills-reeve.com

GRADUATE RECRUITMENT INFO
Fiona Medlock
www.mills-reeve.com/gradoppsapply/

LIFE ON THE JOB
Satisfaction with Work

“I think on the whole Mills & Reeve give
their trainees a good level of responsibility,
however, there are large discrepancies between
departments in this regard. The teams generally
try to get trainees involved with everything that
is going on at the time, particularly where there
is something that might not come up regularly,
e.g. a completion meeting. Clearly there are
some departments that have a lot more contact
with clients than others, but where there is client
contact I have found that I am expected to get
involved. Direct contact with partners happens on
a day-to-day basis, particularly where a partner
is your supervisor. The culture of the firm and
the layout of the office very much encourages
approachability.”
Trainee, Birmingham
“I love working at Mills & Reeve. I am frequently
given work of genuine importance and am often
involved with important transactions or cases. You
are given a good level of responsibility from day
one, but there is always someone on hand to help
if you are unsure of something, and it is reassuring
to know that someone will check any substantive
piece of work you do before it goes to a client.
I have had the opportunity to attend numerous
client meetings and have attended court several
times with my supervisor and the client. The
amount of contact you have with the partners
depends on with seat you are in and how busy
they are, but they always make an effort to make
you feel welcome and will often give you tasks.”
Trainee, Norwich

“We are exposed to real responsibilities from the
first day. You are expected to contribute to the
team from day one. For instance, during my first
seat in healthcare, I was responsible for taking
notes from a key witness and drafting the eventual
witness statement. The partner interaction is
excellent, and due to our open plan office you are
often placed directly next to them, which gives
you a great balance between motivation and
striking up a good working relationship.”
Trainee, Birmingham

MILLS & REEVE

QUOTES

What does your typical day at work involve?
“A typical day depends entirely on which
department you are in, but can include anything
from meeting with clients, attending court/
tribunal, drafting witness statements, carrying
out research, drafting correspondence to clients
or other parties, drafting company documents,
reviewing company books and assisting in the
winding up/dissolution of companies.”
Trainee, Birmingham

“I get in to the office at 8am (most get in at
9ish). I then check my emails, update yesterday’s
timesheet, read the headlines and catch up on
admin in preparation for the day. It then very
much depends on how busy the team is as to how
much work will be available, but you are an asset
to the team and made to feel as such.”
Trainee, Cambridge
“A typical day involves drafting letters and making
calls to clients and other third parties, researching
a development in the law/industry that may affect
us or our clients, and of course engaging in general
office banter (which isn’t in short supply!).”
Trainee, Cambridge

185

Culture

“The working environment at Mills & Reeve
is very collaborative and teams often pool
knowledge and skills together when working
on something. The office is open plan which
encourages people to bounce ideas off each other
and the more junior fee earners to get feedback
from associates and partners. It is an extremely
supportive environment in which to train. Trainees
generally have little contact during the working
day, although there is often a cross-over period
just before or after a seat change when we will all
help our successors in the seat out with anything.
Trainees do socialise together, although there is
a quite a mixed age range so people often have
different priorities to consider.”
Trainee, Birmingham
“The working environment is very friendly and
open. There is no embedded sense of hierarchy
and I feel able to approach anyone, including
partners, for guidance or assistance. The trainees
in my year group get on very well and are
supportive of each other. We socialise together
regularly and often meet for lunch.”
Trainee, Cambridge
“The firm prides itself on promoting a good work/
life balance, and in the time I’ve been here that
certainly rings true. Though you may occasionally
have to put in extra hours if a big deal is going
through, you are actively encouraged to have
a life outside of work and to keep reasonable
hours. The firm also makes a real effort to put on
social activities and events on a regular basis. The
trainees are generally quite good at supporting
each other, and competitiveness is not generally
an issue. My year enjoys socialising together on a
regular basis, and everyone (not just trainees) is
very approachable.”
Trainee, Cambridge

186

Seats

“We do six seats of four months each which
allows you to get around a more varied array of
departments. These range from healthcare, public
law, real estate and construction, corporate and
commercial disputes to private client work such
as family or wills, trusts and probate. There is a
fair degree of choice, although second years will
of course get preference so invariably there is a
degree of compromise required early on.”
Trainee, Birmingham
“Typically, trainees will do six seats at the firm,
although the last seat is often a repeat of one you
did earlier. All of the teams have the potential to
take trainees although it depends on their work
as to how many they will take. Second years get
priority in seat changes but first years can provide
a wish list. The longer your list the more chance of
getting something you want. You have no choice
over your first seat. The firm doesn’t offer seats
abroad although they do encourage you to do a
seat in another office if you’re interested.”
Trainee, Cambridge
“We have four month rotations here, so you get to
experience six seats during your training contract.
The last seat can sometimes be in the department
that you will be qualifying but it’s great that you
still get to sit in more teams that normal. You can
sit in most departments in most offices. Before
each seat move you can submit a wish list of the
departments that you wish to sit in, and in which
offices.”
Trainee, Norwich

Formal Training

“We frequently have legal updates conducted by
our support lawyers; they keep us up-to-date on
the law and case law. As a trainee you are invited
to all training in your office for any departments,
even if you haven’t sat there. The PSC electives
are also arranged for us. We recently attended
four courses at a residential two day package
in Cambridge. On this occasion we learnt about
networking amongst other things.”
Trainee, Norwich

“Training is excellent, and from the outset we are
taught how serious it can be. Before we enter
the office we participate in a week crash course
in business and financial skills, culminating in an
exam (before we have even met our supervisor!).
For me this illustrates the importance the firm
considers the training to be, but also having it at
the very beginning of our contract means that
the actual work we do for our teams does not get
interrupted by such a serious course, like other
firms do.”
Trainee, Birmingham

Informal Training & Mentoring

“This is one of the best things about the firm. You
receive informal training every day, from being
quizzed by a partner on a particular area of law
or recent case, to having a cup of tea with an
NQ who tells you how best to approach certain
aspects of the work. Everyone in the firm is
friendly and approachable and you would never
be nervous to speak to a partner about something
which may seem ‘trivial’ while he/she is in the
middle of doing something. Trainee development
is taken extremely seriously as we are seen as the
future of the firm, so if we have questions we are
encouraged to ask them.”
Trainee, Birmingham

“Solicitors and partners are extremely accessible
and willing to help. As well as our supervisors,
each trainee has a training principal who is always
available to discuss any issues which we might
have. I would say that the mentoring is second to
none.”
Trainee, Cambridge

MILLS & REEVE

“In addition to the compulsory PSC courses which
we attend, the firm arranged countless training
sessions in the office. When I first started, the first
couple of months were largely taken up by such
sessions, and these were excellent in helping me
to settle in and feel confident in my understanding
of the firm and my role. The formal training
courses are well chosen and professionally
organised. We often go away to a conference
centre for several days for these and the training
has always been of a very high quality. All the
trainees are serious about their jobs here so the
sessions are viewed as important and everyone
takes the opportunity to learn all they can.”
Trainee, Norwich

“I think that when you are asking another fee
earner for help, you need to make sure that you
have carried out sufficient research on your own.
Only when I still don’t understand something or
haven’t been able to find anything on it, would I
approach a solicitor or partner. I think there are
lots of good mentors in the firm, although clearly
partners have less time and so are not as easy to
approach. I think I have learnt a lot by working
closely with other solicitors and observing the
ways in which they work. It is particularly helpful
to see how they interact and communicate with
clients.”
Trainee, Birmingham

Offices & Dress Code

“The office in Norwich is very nice to work in. It is
spacious, clean and nicely decorated with tasteful
colour schemes and artwork. The facilities are
excellent, as is the location which is within easy
walking distance of the train station and the city
centre as well as being next to the court buildings.
The dress code is casual business dress, which can
be interpreted in a variety of ways. Generally as
long as you look smart and office-suitable then
you are fine to choose what you wish to wear,
obviously you are expected to dress formally
for meetings or court appearances. During the
summer the office operates a dress down to
accommodate for the warmer weather, and during
the heavy snow last winter we were encouraged
to dress for the cold weather.”
Trainee, Norwich

187

“The office is open plan so makes everyone feel
really part of a team. It is very central and at the
heart of everything legal outside of the capital.
The dress code is relaxed if you are that way
inclined as long as you keep a tie in your draw for
those unexpected client visits.”
Trainee, Birmingham
“The Cambridge office is acknowledged to be less
trendy and a little over-full compared to the other
offices. Upstairs is now open plan. You either
love it or hate it. Dress code is business smart but
people dress it down with jumpers or cardigans
when they are at their desks. There isn’t any
‘power dressing’ that goes on in the Cambridge
office!”
Trainee, Cambridge

Green Initiatives

“We are constantly reminded to switch off lights
when not needed, turn off monitors at the end
of the day, recycle, use environmentally friendly
products, etc.”
Trainee, Norwich
“The firm recycles and uses environmentally
friendly packaging where possible. We try to be as
paperless as possible.”
Trainee, Cambridge
“There are efforts to go paperless, but this will
take time. The recycling initiatives are good, but
there is room for developing such initiatives.”
Trainee, Cambridge

diversity

“The firm is committed to being inclusive.
However, the sad fact remains that most staff are
white and middle class.”
Trainee, Cambridge

“There is not much cultural diversity within the
Norwich office; however, this does not appear to
be due to any selective behaviour on the part of
the firm. The other offices are very diverse and
M&R operates a totally open recruitment process
in this respect. There is clearly an opportunity to
progress your career with M&R and people can be
seen to work their way up through the firm. Most
of the lawyers here have been with the firm for a
considerable amount of their career. The firm is
very flexible and accommodating with regard to
childcare and maternity leave and gives generous
allowances.”
Trainee, Norwich
“Across the firm there are a number of female
partners and associates. There are equal numbers
of female and male trainees. I am the only ethnic
minority in the Norwich office, but that is more
of a reflection of Norwich than the firm! I have
known many of my friends go on maternity leave
and return to work on a part-time basis, and it
seems that the firm is willing to be flexible and
accommodate such needs. Staff retention is
something that impresses me as I know of many
members of staff who have been here well over 20
years.”
Trainee, Norwich

How prepared do you feel to practise law
upon qualification?
“I am ready to go, in large part due to the
outstanding training and exposure to good work
that I have received throughout my training
contract.”
Trainee, Norwich
“The training provided is extremely extensive
and exposure to real clients and real work means
I would feel exceptionally capable of practicing
upon qualification.”
Trainee, Birmingham
“As prepared as I ever will be!”
Trainee, Cambridge

188

SALARY, HOURS & PERKS
Hours

“As expected the work/life balance is brilliant.
Compared to friends at other firms who never see
daylight hours, we are encouraged to leave the
office before six. This obviously comes with the
caveat of if there is work to be completed then
you are expected to meet deadlines. I have been
keen to meet deadlines and been in the office past
9pm, but when the hours are more often than not
kind to you, you’re more than happy to put the
extra mile in when required.”
Trainee, Birmingham
“I usually work from 8:30 – 5:00, Monday to
Friday. I have never had to come in at weekends
and although I do often stay later than 5pm, it
has never been later than 7:30pm. Further, it is
your choice to stay late and I do not believe that
anyone would ever tell you that you had to. Unless
you have something pressing which needs to be
done then you are expected to leave at 5pm. As
I had researched the firm before applying and
had carried out a vac scheme here I knew of the
emphasis that M&R places on a work/life balance
so I was not surprised by the social hours. I am
very happy with the balance of hours I work.”
Trainee, Norwich
“I work on average somewhere between 40 – 45
hours a week, depending on how busy the team
is. This is about what I expected, and I don’t feel
that I have to work extra hours just to be seen to
be doing so.”
Trainee, Cambridge

“I typically work around 40 hours a week which
is what I expected. I have sat in teams where it
has been a little quieter and it is strictly 9 – 5 but I
have also sat in teams where I have come in early,
stayed late, and even worked on a Saturday. It
just depends on the demands placed on the team
and the type of work being carried out at any
particular time.”
Trainee, Norwich

MILLS & REEVE

“Very prepared. I’m also assured by the fact that I
know there will still be adequate supervision upon
qualification.”
Trainee, Norwich

Salary

“I think that our salary is quite low for the amount
of work and level of responsibility that is often
expected from us. However, placed in context of
the overall market, it is competitive with other
local firms.”
Trainee, Birmingham
“Although it probably equates to the salary
available in most regional law firms, it doesn’t
compare favourably with trainee salaries in City
firms, particularly considering that the cost of
living in Cambridge isn’t significantly less than in
the City.”
Trainee, Cambridge
“It’s a very fair salary for the work to
training ratio.”
Trainee, Norwich

Perks

“There are various discounts available using the
‘perks’ system which M&R subscribes to. We are
often offered free or discounted tickets to the
theatre or football. Furthermore, I believe that the
firm gives you a day off if you are moving house.”
Trainee, Norwich
“Free day of annual leave at Christmas.”
Trainee, Birmingham
“If a trainee undertakes a seat in a different office,
the firm will cover the rent in the new office.”
Trainee, Norwich

189

PLUSES

“Work/life balance, high standard of training,
massive retention rates, diversity of practice areas,
first class partner supervision and importance
placed on trainee roles.”
Trainee, Birmingham
“Excellent work/life balance, supportive senior
staff, good ethos, open door policy.”
Trainee, Norwich
“The sensible hours, various locations, the variety
in work, great supervision and an open door
policy.”
Trainee, Norwich
“The environment is very friendly and conducive
to self development.”
Trainee, Birmingham

MINUSES

“The small teams in some departments. The
discrepancies between departments in working
practices, supervision and style.”
Trainee, Birmingham
“The remuneration is not perhaps as high as it
could be.”
Trainee, Birmingham
“No opportunity to work abroad.”
Trainee, Norwich
“Lifts breaking down all the time – if you work on
the 4th floor its hell!!!”
Trainee, Birmingham

Fun Facts

“The firm does a ’charity challenge’ each year,
which usually involves hiking, cycling and general
physical exertion!”
Trainee, Cambridge

190

INTERVIEWS & APPLICATIONS
Interviews, Applications and Assessments

“I applied for the vacation scheme and got my
contract off the back of that. The application
process for the vac scheme is the same as applying
for a contract. You must fill out an extensive online
form and then you may be invited for an interview.
The interview is actually a half day assessment
which includes a presentation, a group discussion
of a legal/commercial issue, aptitude tests and
a formal interview. We then had what was
effectively a two week interview by way of the vac
scheme; following this I was offered a contract.
The process was very hard work and the firm is
very selective. This ensures that those chosen are
the right sort of people to fit in at the firm and I
am glad for this. I believe that it is appropriately
difficult to get a contract with M&R.”
Trainee, Norwich
“The actual application form is long and detailed.
The assessment day lasted all day and consisted
of spelling, maths and reasoning tests, a mock
client meeting/business situation (under the
watchful eye of partners and associates), and
an interview with a partner and associate. It
was all designed to see how well we worked
with the other candidates and how we handled
ourselves in pressured situations. The interview
questions were fairly standard and asked to draw
on personal experiences, e.g. tell me about a
time when you planned and completed a project
successfully, etc.”
Trainee, Norwich
“After submitting the application you attend an
assessment day. You are interviewed by a partner,
participate in a group (of about six people)
exercise and presentation and take three tests
on logic, maths and language. We also got given
tours by the current trainees and got to ask them
questions.”
Trainee, Norwich

“They look to a range of candidates. I, for instance,
was a more mature and ‘worldly’ character,
whereas some of the others in our intake were
straight from university and fresh to get stuck
into a career. We require a 2:1, and while UCAS
points are not held in such high regard, the more
the better. Candidates should show excellent
communication skills, as here we don’t believe in
the type of lawyers who just sit in a windowless
room looking at case law, we encourage everyone
to meet clients and build relationships.”
Trainee, Birmingham
“The firm tends to look for people who are not
only all of the usual things, i.e. intelligent, hard
working, dedicated, ambitious, but who also
have some legal experience, whether through
employment or voluntary projects, and who
have shown an interest in getting involved with
‘extracurricular’ activities at university/law school.
There is certainly no fixed background which
candidates must have and in fact a number of
trainees have already had other careers before
starting their training with Mills & Reeve. The firm
does not recruit from any particular universities
or colleges and does not require its trainees to
attend any particular institution to take the LPC.
Candidates are required to have at least a 2:1
degree when applying.”
Trainee, Birmingham
“The firm likes a candidate to be confident, able to
deal with responsibility early on but also willing to
get involved in things other than the work.”
Trainee, Birmingham
“You need to think outside the box and have
general awareness and knowledge of common
topics. You need people skills as well as
your intellectual ability. The people who are
interviewing you are approachable and have been
through the same process as you, more often than
not at M&R. There is a 2:1 requirement and all
application forms are read thoroughly. It is a very
fair and indiscriminate process.”
Trainee, Norwich

What made you choose your firm?

“The firm’s ambition to thrive in the legal sector,
whilst maintaining a ‘personal’ feel towards
employees and clients.”
Trainee, Cambridge
“Mills & Reeve is the perfect balance between
a City and a regional firm. They have the slick
professional quality and approach that you would
expect from a major London firm, and therefore
get the important high profile clients that go with
the level of service we offer. You are able to be
part of a firm like this, but will not be expected to
work the ridiculous hours or give up your social
life for the job. The firm is incredibly friendly and
welcoming and everyone made me feel at home
as soon as I entered the building.”
Trainee, Norwich

MILLS & REEVE

Tips & Advice

“It has a great reputation for offering City work
outside of London.”
Trainee, Cambridge
“Good atmosphere, good work/life balance, six
seats means you get more variety of work. Well
organised training program, and most importantly:
excellent reputation for training.”
Trainee, Norwich
“This firm has a number of big clients and attracts
high quality work. It is a large national firm which
allows the opportunity to travel around a little bit.
The firm has a lot of staff and offices, but there
is still a very familial feel (people you have never
worked with know who you are and call you by
name). Trainees are given the opportunity to really
get involved in the matters and to a large extent
can determine what they want to get out of each
seat. Work/life balance is important to me and it is
something the firm also feels strongly about.”
Trainee, Norwich

191

THE BUZZ ON GETTING HIRED
If you want the top quality work of a City practice
but the work/life balance of a regional, then
look no further. Mills & Reeve is a big regional
firm, providing a quality of work that is ‘at least
equivalent to that available in larger City firms’ to
its family of ‘friendly and helpful’ staff, according
to current trainees.
Trainees are given the opportunity to ‘really
get involved’ during their training contract, and
for those interested in taking a seat in another
office around the UK, the firm provides an
accommodation allowance. After being placed in
their first seat by the firm, trainees then submit
a ‘wish list’ outlining their preferences for their
following five seats. You ‘can sit in almost all of the
firm’s departments across its six offices’, though
second years are afforded priority in terms of
allocation. Each seat lasts four months, and the
final placement is generally in the department the
trainee wishes to qualify in to.

“Assessments include spelling, maths
and reasoning tests, and a mock client/
business case study.”
Mills & Reeve looks to add to their staff with
‘intelligent, hard working, dedicated, ambitious’
candidates, preferably with ‘some legal
experience’. You’ll need a 2:1 minimum to make
the grade, and the firm cherry picks its trainees
from a mix of institutions; it ‘does not recruit
from any particular universities or colleges’.

192

Mills & Reeve trainees describe the recruitment
process as ‘very fair and indiscriminate’ and the
interviewers as ‘approachable’, ‘having been
through the same process’ themselves.

“Trainees are given the opportunity to
‘really get involved’ during their training
contract, and for those interested
in taking a seat in another office
around the UK, the firm provides an
accommodation allowance.”
The process begins with the ubiquitous online
application – Mills & Reeve’s form is both ‘long
and detailed’. Clear this hurdle and you’ll face
an assessment day. Be prepared to participate in
group exercises with around six other candidates.
These activities will test your commercial
awareness, and are designed to help break the
ice and provide insight into ‘each candidate’s
character and team skills’. Other assessments
include spelling, maths and reasoning tests, and
a mock client/business case study. Finally, you’ll
have an interview with a partner and associate.
This session is ‘fairly relaxed’, but expect ‘plenty
of questions’ on anything from the state of the
economy to your reasons for coveting a training
contract at the firm.

A former ‘Regional Firm of the Year’ winner, Mills
& Reeve may be proud of its regional roots but
that doesn’t mean it ignores the City. In fact, the
firm’s London office is expanding and Mills &
Reeve hopes to double its turnover within the
next 5 years. During its ongoing transformation
from a regional to national firm, Mills & Reeve has
become a top 50 player focussing on healthcare,
the public sector and increasingly the private
sector.

“Known for being sociable and friendly,
Mills & Reeve places an emphasis on a
positive work/life balance.”
The firm has a long East Anglian history, first
opening its doors in Norwich in 1880. Mills &
Reeve launched its second office in Cambridge in
1987 – attracting a fair bulk of the region’s hi-tech
and life sciences business – before cutting the red
tape in Birmingham, in 1998, and the City, in 2000.
In February 2008, the firm added to these with the
addition of offices in Manchester and Leeds.
In 2008, Mills & Reeve launched its ‘Strategic
Plan to 2012’. This delineated its focus on six core
practice areas: higher education, health, private
client, significant business, local authorities and
insurance. A large number of Mills & Reeve’s
clients are in the public sector, so it’s perhaps
not the best choice for those who want to do
just corporate work – although it has become
more corporate over the last few years. The firm
boasts a wide range of public clients, from central
government and local authorities to universities
and NHS bodies.

The firm’s private client practice benefited from
the absorption of Addleshaw Goddard’s former
Leeds and Manchester-based family teams, while
other areas of work include banking and finance,
corporate and commercial, technology and real
estate. Furthermore, Mills & Reeve has been
made an official referral partner by Magic Circle
giants Freshfields. In practice, this means the City
juggernaut will pass on to Mills & Reeve the work
that cannot be handled by its own lawyers.

MILLS & REEVE

FIRM PROFILE

Mills & Reeve has a solid reputation as an
employer and has been named one of the 25 ‘Best
Companies to Work For’ nationally, and in both
the West Midlands and East of England. A bonus
system established two years ago means that
everyone on Mills & Reeve’s full-time staff benefits
when the firm performs well financially. Known for
being sociable and friendly, Mills & Reeve places
an emphasis on a positive work/life balance. It
is perhaps not surprising then that it actively
encourages its staff to take advantage of its flexible
working arrangements.
Mills & Reeve is involved in numerous CSR projects
in and around the communities it operates. Over
the years, the firm has raised money for a wide
variety of causes, including Age Concern, Teenage
Cancer Trust, Macmillan Cancer Support, the Big
Bus Project, and the Pink Rose Campaign. In pro
bono terms, the firm belongs to LawWorks and
ProHelp, and assists individuals by volunteering
at local legal advice centres. The firm is also
actively involved with a number of Community
Foundations. Some of the schemes and
programmes it has been involved with includes
mentoring black and ethnic minority students in
schools and universities, decorating a charity shop
for the Big C and donating suits to homeless job
seekers. Furthermore, if an employee wants time
off to support a project, the firm doesn’t make
them take time off as holiday – it gives it to them.

193

NABARRO
With only four offices – London, Sheffield, Singapore and Brussels – Nabarro isn’t exactly an international
heavyweight; but with a young, energetic and enthusiastic management team, this real estate expert
could well run its larger rivals far closer in the future.

PROS

• Plenty of client contact from an early stage
• The firm tries to get trainees involved as much
as possible
• Senior solicitors and partners make time to
mentor and assist trainees
• Wide variety of quality work and plenty of
responsibility from the off
• Excellent, well organised formal training
in each seat

CONS

• The firm doesn’t always get the recognition it
deserves
• The qualification process could be clearer
• Few overseas opportunities… unless you have a
thing for Brussels
• Quite stressful at times and you do have to
work long hours

THE STATS

DEPARTMENTS & PRACTICES

No. of lawyers firm-wide: 450+
Partners: 125
Associates: 269
London trainee intake: 25
Sheffield trainee intake: 5
Trainees retained: 90% (London)
Approx. no. of applications per year: 2,000

Banking & Finance • Construction & Engineering
• Corporate • Dispute Resolution • Employment •
Environment • EU, Competition & Trade • Health &
Safety • Indirect Investment • Intellectual Property • IT
& Communications • Pensions • Projects • Real Estate •
Regulatory • Restructuring & Insolvency • Tax

BASE SALARY
LONDON 2011
1st year trainee £37,000
2nd year trainee £40,000
Newly qualified £59,000
SHEFFIELD 2010
1st year trainee £25,000
2nd year trainee £28,000
Newly qualified £38,000

LOCATIONS
No. of offices: 4
Brussels • London • Sheffield • Singapore
LONDON OFFICE
Lacon House
84 Theobald’s Road
London WC1X 8RW
Tel: +44 (0)20 7524 6000
www.nabarro.com

GRADUATE RECRUITMENT INFO
Tel: +44 (0)20 7524 6000
Email: [email protected]

194

NABARRO

QUOTES
LIFE ON THE JOB
Satisfaction with Work

“I have been very pleased with the work I have
been given. In my property litigation seat I had
regular contact with clients, conferences with
counsel, and interviews with witnesses to draft
witness statements, etc. Most of my seat was
spent working towards submitting the preliminary
defence to a judicial review (very interesting).
In property I had regular contact with clients
and ran my own files (so I was given plenty of
responsibility). In all seats I have had regular direct
contact with partners.”
First year trainee, London
“Good level of responsibility tailored to your
level. Varied workloads, many departments work
on big ticket deals with Magic Circle firms on the
other side; there are also smaller matters such as
property management tasks which are good for
trainees to hone their skills.”
First year trainee, London
“It can vary massively between departments, but
generally, and particularly in real estate, there is
plenty of client contact. Trainees are given their
own files to run where a matter is simple or low
value. Trainees also play key roles, assisting on the
bigger deals.”
Second year trainee, London

What does your typical day at work involve?
“There is no typical day really! Depending on
which seat you’re in, the work may involve the
day-to-day management of your own small files,
amending and reviewing documents for partners
and associates, talking to clients, attending
meetings and speaking to the other side on
matters.”
First year trainee, London

“Reviewing documents and commenting, drafting,
chasing other parties, juggling, admin, and
generally trying to avoid being buried in paper.”
Second year trainee, London
“There is never a typical day! You are at the whim
of partners, other fee-earners and clients. Each
department also differs. The work is so dynamic
and changes from day to day. It would be boring if
there was a typical day and I would not have gone
into law if that were the case.”
Second year trainee, London
“Many hours, a lot of drafting of forms,
documents, notices and letters, research,
preparing information packs, filing, searching for
information, printing and compiling. It covers
a full spectrum.”
First year trainee, London

Culture

“We have a great trainee support network, and I
have found that trainees are always willing to help
each other. We often socialise together at the end
of the week, but it’s understood that everyone has
their own life outside work too.”
First year trainee, London
“It’s mostly a very friendly working environment.
People aspire to be able to leave at a reasonable
time, even if this isn’t the case. Trainees are very
good at supporting/socialising – via round robin
email mostly! Drinks most Friday’s and some
weekdays depending on work.”
Second year trainee, London

195

“Nabarro’s culture has to be one of the best
things about the firm. Everyone is friendly
and approachable. There are lots of different
personalities who all work and socialise well
together. The culture is what made my decision
to come here so easy. There is generally a really
even work-life balance. You’re not expected to
stay just because somebody else is still around.
Some people leave at 5:30, others stay late. It all
depends on the work load which varies daily. Even
when you are staying late, you are not alone and
the atmosphere (in anticipation of closing a deal
or otherwise) always makes the night fly past and
they’re actually quite fun.”
Second year trainee, London
“It is very clichéd, but Nabarro is a very friendly
firm. Trainees eat lunch together every day and
regularly organise evening activities. There is
also a very good support culture. Trainees assist
one another rather than try to stab each other in
the back.”
Second year trainee, London

Seats

“Number of seats: six. Departments: real
estate, corporate, dispute resolution, projects,
employment, banking, insolvency, real estate
funds, competition, property litigation, IP, IT,
planning, pensions, construction. In addition,
there are secondments to Essex County Council,
Mercedes Benz, RAB Capital, MACE, SERCO and
Oxford University. Seats abroad: there is an
opportunity to spend time in Nabarro’s Brussels
office. Nabarro recently opened up an office in
Singapore and so trainees may also be able to
complete a seat there in the future.”
Second year trainee, London
“Six seat rotations with a lot of choice. You are
supposed to do one property, one litigation and
one corporate seat. There is a lot of flexibility with
the seats, and if you don’t get one of your choices
first time round, you will the next time – learn
some good negotiation skills!”
First year trainee, London

196

“The firm has a six seat route to qualification.
The seats on offer are typical of a mid-sized
city firm (corporate, property galore, litigation,
employment, IP...). Most trainees seem to get the
seat they want (eventually) and there is an option
to spend four months in Brussels.”
Second year trainee, London

Formal Training

“The training programmes are brilliant here, they
are very well organised and the trainers are very
good. Each programme tends to be well attended.
I have attended both legal and non-legal training
to improve both skills and knowledge. Legal
training includes legal drafting, property training,
recent law, etc. Non-legal training includes
workshops on networking skills, IT skills and
business development.”
First year trainee, Sheffield
“We have training in every seat. This varies in
volume, but I’ve always found it to be really
helpful and the documents handed out are
invaluable as you progress through your seat and
start working on different matters.”
First year trainee, London
“Training is taken very seriously. Trainees are given
extensive training during their first week in each
new department to get them up to speed/remind
them of what they did on the LPC. Time is always
made to attend this training and it is often given
by partners so it is a good opportunity to meet
them.”
Second year trainee, Sheffield

Informal Training & Mentoring

“Informal training mostly comes from your
supervisors – I have been fortunate to have had
excellent supervisors thus far in the training
contract. I have a partner mentor who has always
been available for lunch or a chat when I have
asked.”
First year trainee, London

“Each trainee has a supervisor and you will
invariably sit with them. This is a really good
system and trainees can ask their supervisors
any questions they have – even the really simple
ones! Trainees will develop friendships with their
supervisors and, on qualification work will be
directed to them because of this. Each trainee
is also assigned a partner mentor. This is one of
the partners who you can meet and discuss your
career path with in confidence. It’s really nice to
be able to speak to someone at the top of the
firm at such an early stage. Trainees are also seen
as future partners and have specialist training on
marketing and business development.”
Second year trainee, London
“Although it’s impossible to make generalisations,
most of the senior solicitors and partners are very
approachable and accessible, and will make time
to mentor and assist trainees. There is a formal
partner mentoring scheme, but the quality of the
mentor does vary a lot.”
Second year trainee, London

Green Initiatives

“Recycling bins and secure print (basically if you
have a large document, you have to send it to
secure print, which means you have to walk to
the printer and select it to print, rather than just
printing off hundreds of sheets and never going to
pick them up).”
First year trainee, London
“The firm has clearly spent a lot on IT
systems, which means that hardcopy files of
correspondence and documents do not need to
be kept.”
Second year trainee, London

“There are massive efforts to reduce the firm’s
carbon footprint. The firm is trying to cut down
on its use of paper through electronic filing and
doing away with duplicate paper files. Even paper
hand towels in the toilets have been replaced
with energy efficient hand dryers. The younger
generation is generally more switched on to these
new initiatives and so trainees can really take
them on and set the framework for others.”
Second year trainee, London

NABARRO

“Each trainee is assigned a partner mentor upon
joining the firm – it’s good to meet with them
every few months to discuss career/seat options.
In each seat, a trainee will have a daily supervisor
(usually a 3-5 year PQE associate) and a partner
supervisor. It’s an excellent way of learning –
sometimes purely by a process of legal osmosis.”
Second year trainee, London

diversity

“Retention rates are high. Our managing partner is
female, and LGBT and diversity are promoted.”
First year trainee, London
“We have an LGBT group which people can join
anonymously for support. I think our firm is very
committed to diversity.”
First year trainee, Sheffield
“Relatively high number of female partners.
Specific LGBT group.”
Second year trainee, London

OFFICES & DRESS CODE

“Dress code – too formal. Would love to adopt the
no ties, unless there is a client, rule. Office – nice
offices, love the fact we are not open plan. Toilets
are not so good.”
First year trainee, London
“The office is really nice, open plan in places, but
you sit in a room with another fee-earner (usually
your supervisor). There is a really nice restaurant
and informal area where you can hold internal
meetings or have a coffee. There is an open-door
policy too. Holborn is a nice area and easy to get
to on the tubes. There is no end of facilities at
your disposal to help make your job easier and
make the use of your time more efficient for the
client. The firm has a formal dress code – suits
and ties which is good. There is also a dress down
policy for Fridays and we have a number of ‘jeans
days’ which are used to raise money for charity.”
Second year trainee, London

197

“Office is nice, central location. Facilities, such
as reprographics, document production and IT
support are excellent. Canteen is expensive and
poor quality. Dress code is formal with ‘dress
down Friday’ – no real difference for the girls,
and boys wear chinos and polo shirts. Shame
that there isn’t a more relaxed code for Fridays in
summer that would allow wearing smart sandals
(for the girls).”
Second year trainee, London

How prepared do you feel to practise law
upon qualification?
“I’m sure I’ll be well prepared. If you’re interested
and ask questions, you are always offered support,
whether in relation to that question, or on other
tasks.”
First year trainee, London
“I feel very well prepared. It is quite scary. I still
learn something new almost every day, but I think
that will continue for many years to come.”
Second year trainee, Sheffield
“Getting there. You become more confident as the
seats progress (and the level of work increases in
volume and quality).”
First year trainee, London
“Very prepared – Nabarro has an excellent training
programme.”
Second year trainee, London

SALARY, HOURS & PERKS
Hours

“I work hard, I am a corporate lawyer, it would
be fun to go home at 5pm each day, but then I
wouldn’t be doing the same amount of work and
learning as quickly.”
First year trainee, London

198

“The hours I am doing at the moment vary. When
I am busy, I am very busy and can be in the office
for more than 12 hours a day. However, if I get
my work done I can leave at 5pm as there is no
obligation to stay just to be seen.”
Second year trainee, Sheffield
“If you want to work in a City law firm, expect
to work long hours at least some of the time.
On average, I come in at 9 and leave around 7.
Sometimes earlier, sometimes later. There is
flexibility in the work-life pattern, however. There
is never a problem with doctor’s appointments,
taking a longer lunch break to go to the gym or
coming in early and leaving a bit later. As long as
you’re completing the work and not seen to be
shying away from any, you can dictate your own
working pattern to an extent.”
Second year trainee, London
“Eleven to twelve hours a day. Have done all
nighters and all the next day on a big project. The
department recognises work rather than requires
a visual presence.”
First year trainee, London

Salary

“The pay is very competitive when compared with
other regional firms.”
Second year trainee, Sheffield
“I think our salaries match up with other firms
of our size and location, I don’t have a problem
with it.”
Second year trainee, London
“Compensation is fine, not as much as some
industries that we work with.”
First year trainee, London

Perks

“The season ticket loan is a nice little saver. I drink
my body weight in free coffee.”
Second year trainee, London

“We get the usual private healthcare, pension,
season ticket (travel) loan, an extra day’s holiday
for community events, etc. There are also prizes
for trainees who contribute to the firm through
work on a transaction or a marketing initiative.
Other than that, perks are limited, although there
are often tickets to events/matches at Wembley
and other music/sporting events. The firm tries
to secure donations to our charity of the year for
these which is a good gesture. Trainees have bid
high enough in the past. Two FA Cup final tickets
going for £300.”
Second year trainee, London

PLUSES

“The quality of clients means I get involved in
headline-making deals.”
Second year trainee, London
“I work with sociable and friendly people. Work
is of a high level with some big name clients.
Trainees are generally given respect and are
treated as valuable members of the team.”
Second year trainee, London
“The people are genuinely approachable and care
about you as a person.”
Second year trainee, London
“Positive atmosphere. Good work. Nice people.
Excellent support teams make life as a trainee a
lot easier.”
Second year trainee, London

MINUSES

“It is, at times, quite stressful and you do have
to work long hours (but that is what we
get paid for).”
Second year trainee, Sheffield

“The qualification process could be clearer –
trainees never know which departments have
which seat available on qualification. If we knew in
advance, it may help people who are in two minds
over a couple of options.”
Second year trainee, London

NABARRO

“We receive discounts at certain restaurants,
bars and gyms. We have access to free theatre
tickets and events if using them for business
development purposes. We receive free private
health care and an interest-free loan for travel
expenses.”
First year trainee, Sheffield

“There are generally no frills, no perks – but I can
live without these.”
First year trainee, London
“Some trainee tasks can be very simple and
unrewarding without challenging you or engaging
your legal skills.”
Second year trainee, London

Fun Facts

“It is better to be a September intake trainee than
a January intake trainee – due to reasons of seat
choice and qualification.”
Second year trainee, London
“The firm has a football and cricket team – during
my time as a trainee I have learned that both
of these teams are average, at best. However,
we have a great laugh and have a beer or two
afterwards.”
Second year trainee, Sheffield
“The Senior Partner knows most people by first name.”
Second year trainee, London

INTERVIEWS & APPLICATIONS
Interviews, Applications and Assessments
“Over 90% of graduates are hired from vac
schemes. Practical questions include: ‘how do you
deal with risk?’ ‘What are the best strategies for
firms?’ ‘How do firms grow successfully?’ ‘How
do firms find and retain clients?’ ‘How do you
manage competing requirements?’ ‘What do you
do if a deadline is unreasonable?’”
First year trainee, London

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200

“The interview was fine for me, it focussed on
my application form and there were no horror
questions. The partners just want to get to
know you and your personality. Just try to relax
and be yourself; it’s so easy to spot someone
who is trying too hard! Some people are asked
theoretical or topical questions about a particular
set of facts or recent news item. Just think literally
and laterally and offer a reasoned opinion. My
best advice would be to apply for the summer
scheme. It was the best three weeks of my career
and the firm routinely wins awards for it. We take
almost all our trainees from the summer scheme
and so if you get on it, you’re almost there.”
Second year trainee, London

Tips & Advice

“I would advise a candidate to be certain that a
City firm was where they wanted to work and why.
I would also recommend cultivating an interest in
business (read the economist and talk to people
about business). As for a type, it seems that the
firm is looking for nice people who will look out
for and support their fellow trainees.”
Second year trainee, London
“Nabarro tends to hire people who are sociable
and will fit in well as part of a team. Trainees
are expected to be hard working and take the
initiative and you should show at interview
that you are resourceful and do not need to be
spoon fed.”
Second year trainee, London

“The firm hires a range of people from a range of
universities and backgrounds. The only fact that
they all share is they tend to be great fun to be
with. The sort of people you would want to share
a flat with or go backpacking with.”
First year trainee, London

NABARRO

“There are vacation schemes and assessment
days. I found the firm really approachable on the
day and really enjoyed meeting partners, trainees
and associates at the lunch to get a feel for the
firm. The questions ranged from ones about
my life outside studying and previous work to
commercial-based questions. My interviewers
seemed interested in my life as a whole, not just
my knowledge of law.”
First year trainee, London

“The firm likes people who have different outside
interests and have done independent things.”
First year trainee, London

What made you choose your firm?

“I liked the vacation scheme. Positive feedback to
work completed and I was given points for growth.
Support – people told me to contact them if I
needed advice whether I came to the firm or not.”
First year trainee, London
“The people at Nabarro are genuinely friendly and
approachable. Nabarro gets the big ticket work
without the harsh realities of the Magic Circle.”
Second year trainee, London
“The culture and approachability of all the staff
shown during my summer scheme. The summer
scheme is a must. Even if you do not get an offer,
you will learn so much. It is a really rewarding
experience and one you can take forward in your
career.”
Second year trainee, London
“The size of the trainee intake meant that I would
conceivably be able to befriend my entire cohort.”
Second year trainee, London
“Good reputation in real estate, and more
approachable atmosphere compared to similar
sized City firms.”
Second year trainee, London

201

THE BUZZ ON GETTING HIRED
If you’re keen to apply for a training contract at
this City firm, you’re best advised to undertake
a vacation scheme with the firm first. Why? Not
only will it give you some legal work experience,
but it’ll also greatly increase your chances of
success. ‘Over 90% of graduates are hired from
vac schemes’ according to a current Nabarro
trainee and although the application process for
these schemes won’t be much easier than for a
training contract, you should stand a good chance
of landing a full-time position if you make the cut.

“Nabarro trainees said there were ‘no
horror questions’ and to ‘just try to relax
and be yourself’.”
Nabarro has two intakes in January and
September and hires 30 trainees a year. The firm
is highly selective and only accepts those with
a solid academic background, but grades are
not all Nabarro is interested in. Current trainees
told us that the firm ‘tends to hire people who
are sociable and will fit in well as part of a team.
Trainees are expected to be hard working and
take the initiative, and you should show that you
are resourceful and do not need to be spoon-fed’.
A few extracurricular interests should therefore
come in handy.
A training contract at Nabarro will consist of six
four-month seats, with the last seat being in the
department you’ll qualify into. Trainees will have
to complete a seat in the corporate, litigation and
real estate teams, whereas other departments on
offer include tax, IP, planning, construction and
projects. Trainees are also given the opportunity
to go on secondment to Brussels (but these
are very competitive!), and with a brand-new
Singapore office having opened up recently,
trainees might get a chance to travel there in the

202

future. However, if you want to stay closer to
home, UK secondments have in the past included
Essex County Council, Mercedes Benz, RAB
Capital, MACE, SERCO and Oxford University.
If all of this doesn’t sound too intimidating to
you and you’re still eager to apply for a training
contract at this ‘very friendly firm’, remember that
Nabarro likes candidates who have taken part in
its vacation scheme. After submitting your online
application, you can expect an assessment day
and up to two interviews. ‘The assessment day
is challenging’ and comprises a written exercise,
group exercise and a 30-minute interview with
a partner and senior solicitor. Interviewers will
test your commercial awareness and technical
knowledge with a range of questions.

“Trainees are expected to be hard
working and take the initiative, and you
should show that you are resourceful
and do not need to be spoon-fed.“
Although the hiring process is said to be ‘fairly
intensive’, it is also informal and relaxed. Nabarro
trainees said there were ‘no horror questions’
and to ‘just try to relax and be yourself’. The
good news is once you have gone through the
application process, you won’t be kept waiting
long as the firm usually responds to candidates
within a week, a much kinder timetable than
many other law firms!

If you know anything about Nabarro, it probably
has to do with real estate. But that is slowly
changing and the firm now covers many corporate
issues to go along with its main focus. With only
four offices – London, Sheffield, Brussels and
Singapore – Nabarro isn’t exactly an international
heavyweight, but with a young, energetic and
enthusiastic management team, the firm could
soon give its larger rivals a run for their money.
Nabarro’s origins can be traced back to two
separate firms that united after World War II. By
1958, the principals Leslie Nathanson and brothers
Felix and Alan Nabarro, merged their firms to
form Nabarro Nathanson – an eight partner,
60 employee practice, dealing with property,
litigation, company commercial and family law
work.
Numerous mergers and moves later, the firm
settled in Holborn, central London, in 1999. In
February of 2007, Nabarro joined the slew of
other firms eager to ditch its old-fashioned image
and insisted on ‘first name terms’ – dropping the
‘Nathanson’ in the process. A year later the firm
converted to a limited liability partnership and
since then has climbed up the rankings of major UK
M&A league tables, also debuting internationally.
Although Nabarro’s office network is relatively
small for a big firm, it uses a number of informal
alliances with other European practices for access
to foreign clients. Nabarro has established ties with
French firm August & Debouzy, GSK Stockmann
& Kollegen of Germany and Italy’s Nunziante
Magrone.

but it is probably the projects team for which it is
most renowned. The firm’s real estate client list
reads like a who’s who of the industry: Jones Lang
LaSalle, Land Securities, Quintain Estates and Great
Portland Estates. In fact, Nabarro’s commercial real
estate group includes six of the top 10 real estate
companies in the UK.

NABARRO

FIRM PROFILE

“The firm’s other standout clients
include Apple, Bank of Ireland, JP
Morgan Chase, GE Capital Corp,
the BBC Pension Trust, HSBC and
Oxford University.”
In addition to its cornerstone practice, Nabarro is
also making strides in the corporate arena, advising
on M&A, management buyouts and securities
flotations. It has advised repeat clients such as
Spark Ventures and Balderton Capital on the
venture capital side, and in 2011 its litigation team
successfully defended Ryanair in a civil aviation
authority ruling. Finally, Nabarro is increasingly
getting a foothold in private equity by advising
management teams in management buyouts. The
firm’s other standout clients include Apple, Bank of
Ireland, JP Morgan Chase, GE Capital Corp, the BBC
Pension Trust, HSBC and Oxford University.

Nabarro is best known for its property work and
regularly handles complex, multi-million pound
real estate transactions. Within this discipline
the firm covers property finance and property
litigation, planning and environment, PFI and PPP;

203

NORTON ROSE
In addition to its reputation for top corporate and finance work, Norton Rose is known for its collegial
and friendly culture. With offices across Europe, Australia, Africa, Canada, the Middle East and Asia, the
majority of its employees are based overseas, allowing the firm to operate in a large number of markets
and jurisdictions.

PROS

• Very friendly, encouraging and supportive firm
• Excellent international opportunities – trainees
are able to do up to three seats abroad
• Good feedback and mentoring system
• Merit-based promotion and good partnership
prospects
• Great trainee support network and a ‘real buzz’
• Offers six-seat training contracts, so you gain
insight into several more departments

THE STATS

LOCATIONS

No. of lawyers firm-wide: 2,600
No. of lawyers in London: 400+
London Partners: 137
London Solicitors: 312
London trainee intake: 50–60
London trainees retained: 90% (2010)
No of applications per year: 1,800 – 2,000

No. of offices: 39
Abu Dhabi • Amsterdam • Athens • Bahrain •
Bangkok • Beijing • Brisbane • Brussels • Calgary
• Canberra • Cape Town • Dar es Salaam* • Dubai •
Durban • Frankfurt • Hamburg • Ho Chi Minh City*
• Hong Kong • Johannesburg • Jakarta* • London •
Melbourne • Milan • Montréal • Moscow • Munich •
Ottawa • Paris • Perth • Piraeus • Prague • Québec
• Rome • Shanghai • Singapore • Sydney • Tokyo •
Toronto • Warsaw
*Associate offices

BASE SALARY
LONDON 2011
1st year trainee: £37,000
2nd year trainee: £41,500
Newly qualified: £60,000

DEPARTMENTS & PRACTICES
Aviation • Banking • Business Ethics & AntiCorruption • Communications, Media & Technology
• Competition, Regulatory & EU • Corporate Finance
• Corporate Legal Services • Dispute Resolution
• Employment • Energy • Environment Safety
& Planning • Financial Institutions • Financial
Services • Food, Pharmaceuticals & Biotechnology
• Infrastructure/PFI • Insurance • Mining & Metals
• Rail • Real Estate • Regulatory & Public Law •
Shipping • Tax

204

CONS

• Partner mentors can be difficult to get hold of
to discuss problems
• Responsibility and quality of work varies
between departments
• Hours can be long, again depending on the
department
• Large number of female associates, but not
reflected in the partnership

LONDON OFFICE
3 More London Riverside
London SE1 2AQ
Tel: +44 (0)20 7283 6000
www.nortonrose.com

GRADUATE RECRUITMENT INFO
Natasha Brady
Graduate Recruitment Manager
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 020 7444 2113

LIFE ON THE JOB
Satisfaction with Work

“Great variety of work, over the past year I have
done Commercial Court cases, a Chancery Court
case, an Administrative Court case, a Court of
Appeal case, a LMAA Arbitration, ICC Arbitrations
and mediations, etc. You are given lots of
responsibility straight away but the partners are
always there to help if needed. Lots of client
contact, particularly in relation to the lead-up to
trial.”
Junior solicitor, Litigation
“Great responsibility, great client interaction and
good quality work, but sometimes the hours can
be very long.”
Junior solicitor, Banking
“I thoroughly enjoy the type of work I do; it is
incredibly varied ranging from ECM work (for
example company listings or fundraising) to
international M&A. I have always had great
contact with clients and throughout my career
been given work that would challenge me and
develop my legal and commercial skills.”
Mid-level solicitor, Corporate
“The quality of the work and interaction with
clients varies in each team. My current supervisor
encourages trainees to get involved in the
transaction e.g. calls and meetings with clients
to get a whole picture of what is going on, while
in some other seats you might be responsible for
managing the working bibles and filing, which
also helps to get a clear idea of the transaction.
The trainees usually sit with a partner or a senior
associate and they are happy to answer any of
your questions.”
First year trainee

“I am really enjoying my training contract. The
practice is a very friendly and sociable one with a
genuine concern for work/life balance.”
First year trainee

NORTON ROSE

QUOTES

“Depending on your department, your interaction
with clients isn’t massive but you do get dayto-day interaction with lawyers acting for the
other side. Given that you are usually working in
numerous jurisdictions, it can be really interesting.
Most of your work will come from associates who
are always ready to answer your questions.”
First year trainee

What does your typical day at work involve?
“My days involve some drafting, supervision of
trainees, dealing with queries and marketing.”
Mid-level solicitor, Banking

“Negotiating and drafting loan agreements and
security documents, meeting with banks and their
customers to discuss documentary requirements,
and dealing with incidental enquiries relating to
loan agreements and other documents.”
Junior solicitor, Banking
“So far I have spent a lot of time on research tasks
and drafting notes of advice on various matters,
which my supervisor then checks over before
sending them out to the client. I have done a
little drafting and various admin tasks. I have also
had the opportunity of being in direct contact via
email with a client. Fortunately, the department
has been reasonably quiet compared to normal
which has given me a chance to settle in, and has
meant I haven’t been leaving later than 7 or 8pm. I
also always have a full hour for lunch.”
First year trainee

205

“Start with checking and replying to emails, carry
on with any tasks I have been assigned to, or go
and ask around the department whether I can
help anyone with anything, lunch, then same as
above.”
First year trainee
“It depends on the seat, but a typical day could
consist of proofing, researching, reviewing
documents, calling clients/other lawyers and the
odd bit of drafting.”
Second year trainee
“At the moment a typical day involves preparing
and circulating execution versions of documents,
liaising with foreign council, updating CP lists,
reviewing signed documents and discussions with
associates regarding the transaction.”
First year trainee
“I do a fair amount of email monitoring – keeping
track of who has what document and who I
need to chase to get documents back from. A
bit of drafting is normally on the cards as well
as research for partners and the collating of
documents. Time for lunch and a well earned
chocolate break in the afternoon.”
First year trainee

Culture

“Very much an open door policy – I feel
comfortable talking to anyone, and everyone takes
the time to talk to you or answer your questions.
I have always felt very much part of a team and
my colleagues (both peers and supervisors) have
always been supportive and great to work with.
We often socialise as part of or across teams.”
Mid-level solicitor, Corporate
“Good collegiate atmosphere. The associates
are all of a similar age and so tend to go out a
lot together. There are also great opportunities
for sport if you are that way inclined. You are
expected to work very hard, though.”
Junior solicitor, Banking

206

“The culture is what I particularly like about the
firm. Inevitably there is a small sense of hierarchy,
but people at whatever level are never made
to feel that they can’t approach someone. A
partner’s door is always open. I have worked
within some brilliant teams who work well
together. There is plenty of socialising. We often
have team nights out, and as I trained with the
firm I also socialise frequently with those in my
intake.”
Newly qualified solicitor, Litigation
“The firm’s culture is one of the principal reasons
I chose it. The vast majority of people are friendly
and approachable. While workloads can be
heavy, and late nights at times a norm, there is no
expectation that you stay late simply for the sake
of it. My supervisor will work hard during the day
and if he has the opportunity of doing so he will
get home as soon as possible after 6pm. The firm
also actively encourages participation in sports
and pro bono. In my experience, other trainees,
especially the more experienced ones, are very
supportive and occasionally we do socialise
whether at lunch or in the evenings.”
First year trainee
“The trainees of the same intake have two
representatives who will organise trainee social
events e.g. ice skating, parties, etc. There are also
a lot of emails around inviting you to team drinks,
trainee drinks or colleagues’ birthdays.”
First year trainee
“Good support network – we cover each other
when we have the capacity to do so. Trainees are
very sociable and often go out for ad hoc drinks
together after work.”
First year trainee
“It’s a very friendly firm. There is a real buzz here.
The trainees have really bonded well, and regular
pub trips are guaranteed.”
First year trainee

Partner/solicitor relations

“All trainees do six seats: three core ones in
corporate, banking and dispute resolution and
three non-core ones. These are out of a choice of
property, tax, incentives, employment, pensions,
competition, client secondments and international
seats. It is possible to do another core seat or
to return to a seat you wish to qualify into. An
international seat is expected and some trainees
do two or even three!”
First year trainee

“Good interaction between associates and
partners in the property team. Associates
have very little impact on firm-wide decisions
(understandably as this is a top ten UK law firm).”
Junior solicitor, Property

“There are a total of six seats but banking,
corporate finance and dispute resolution are the
core seats. HR is accommodating but it is very
hard to place everyone in their preferred teams
within the core seats, and in their preferred
non-core seats. It is possible to do up to three
seats abroad and most of the trainees do at least
two of their seats abroad. The firm has a policy
of encouraging the trainees to do international
seats.”
First year trainee

“All trainees do six seats which suits me down to
the ground as this offers much more variety and
also maximises your chances of getting a really
popular one. In the London office, all departments
take trainees. There is a very wide choice – one
could say too wide as there are too many that I
want to do. International seats are very strongly
encouraged.”
First year trainee
“There are six seats and trainees can sit in any
of the departments; only a corporate finance
and banking seat are obligatory. Currently, the
practice is going to great lengths to encourage us
to go abroad and I intend to do two or three seats
abroad, hopefully in Paris, the Middle East and
Tokyo.”
First year trainee

“There are video casts from the CEO on a
regular basis to keep the growing number of
solicitors aware of the movement and direction
of the practice. Within my practice area we get
information from the global head weekly, and
have wider group meetings every two months to
keep up to date with the practice’s development. I
think we are informed of firm-wide decisions, but
we are not usually invited to contribute to these
decisions (e.g. the recent mergers).”
Junior solicitor, Litigation

NORTON ROSE

Seats

“The partnership is reasonably good at
communicating, but there are a few significant
changes that have come as a surprise and on
a team level, decisions don’t get filtered down
particularly well.”
Junior solicitor, Banking
“I would say partner/solicitor relations are
excellent at the firm. We are kept informed of
decisions made at partnership level and invited to
ask questions when any announcement is made.”
Newly qualified solicitor, Litigation

Formal Training

“Training is generally of a very high quality. The
firm takes a very serious approach to training and
there are various sessions (legal and non legal)
which we can attend. As well as department
specific training, there are regular seminars on
basic legal skills such as contract basics. We also
have the option to attend seminars on matters like
balancing childcare with your work commitments,
which reflects the firm’s appreciation that people
have a life outside of work.”
Newly qualified solicitor, Litigation

207

“You are informed of training opportunities on an
almost daily basis. Training is really encouraged
throughout the training contract.”
First year trainee
“We had a two-week induction course, refreshing
the most important areas of the LPC. After
allocation to our seats, we then had another two
days department-specific training. The IT training
has also been good and I felt well prepared to
start. The training is now on-going, with lots of
optional lunchtime or morning talks. Some are
also in webinar form.”
First year trainee
“Training for each department is organised
differently, in banking it is done over two whole
days and means that you are out of the office, but
get to attend all the sessions. In corporate finance,
training is either before work in the morning or
at lunchtime, which means that we don’t get any
kind of break and sometimes miss sessions due to
work loads. Much of the training is a repetition of
the things we learnt on the LPC course.”
First year trainee
“The induction before you start can be a bit
dry but the department specific training (legal)
is really useful and gives you the basics you’ll
need for each seat. There is plenty of training
throughout the working week that you are
encouraged to attend, whether it be a refresher
session or dealing with new areas. Associates will
often attend and departments are very willing to
give you the time, but plan in advance.”
First year trainee

Informal Training & Mentoring

“The formal mentoring system exists but is pretty
low impact, however, if you choose your individual
mentor carefully (i.e. someone who takes it
seriously), they will provide brilliant informal
support and advice.”
Junior solicitor, Litigation

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“Some partners are good mentors whereas
others are not. I am lucky in that my pastoral
team partner is a great mentor and takes his role
as teacher seriously. As such I’m always learning
more about the property market/law.”
Junior solicitor, Property
“Informal training happens on a daily basis
through the supervision of work and feedback
from partners on your work. Partners I have
worked with have always been accessible and
there for their associates.”
Mid-level solicitor, Corporate
“I wish that mentors would approach us rather
than the other way around – I always feel like I am
bothering!”
Second year trainee
“Each trainee is assigned a mentor and we have
regular meetings with that person. My mentor is
friendly, keen to help me achieve my goals and
also keen to see me develop my non-legal skills.”
First year trainee

Offices & Dress Code

“The office is light, spacious and modern. We try
to be as environmentally friendly as possible with
all our waste being recycled. We have a Starbucks
franchise, a deli and a large cafeteria. The dress
code is smart casual, often people will wear jeans
on a Friday although there is no ’dress down’
policy for a Friday.”
Junior solicitor, Litigation
“Offices are amazing and very well equipped.
The official dress code is business wear, but in
reality, unless you have client meetings, it is pretty
relaxed (i.e. no tie/jacket for guys; no suits for
girls), which is great.”
Junior solicitor, Litigation

“Top marks for location and facilities – a building
to be proud of in a fantastic location overlooking
the Thames, HMS Belfast, Tower of London,
Tower Bridge, The Shard and South London. There
are great restaurants nearby and near London
Bridge/Borough, and the canteen is excellent
with delicious, fresh food at a reasonable price
(a big plate of food for no more than £4). Very
comfortable, modern, bright offices, excellent
bathrooms, and lifts that say good morning to
you!”
First year trainee

CAREER PROSPECTS

“If you are good, it’s easy. There is a new system
that rewards associates on merit rather than
simply level of PQE. To get to the top you have to
work hard, participate in marketing and business
development (as well as work itself) and always do
a good job for people and be willing to help out.”
Mid-level solicitor, Corporate
“Promotion is not based upon PQE but rather
on merit. If a candidate has the knowledge and
demonstrates the capability to be promoted,
subject to business reasons, they will be
promoted. Yearly appraisals are conducted by two
partners within the team.”
Junior solicitor, Litigation
“Moving up the ranks is largely based on merit.
You have to have done certain training and be
able to fulfil particular criteria under the appraisal
process.”
Newly qualified solicitor, Litigation

Where do you see yourself over the
course of the next 5–10 years?
“Since I’m just starting out in my career as an
associate I want to stay at Norton Rose for a few
years. I enjoy my job and I like the firm a lot so I
would hope to stay and progress here.”
Newly qualified solicitor, Litigation

NORTON ROSE

“The office is quite simply awesome! There is a
great view of London that always perks you up.
Good office space inside and it’s well laid out.
Most people don’t wear ties, but suits are the
norm.”
First year trainee

“I envisage always staying in law so I imagine I
could work pretty much anywhere else in the
country.”
Junior solicitor, Property
“I see myself as a partner.”
Mid-level solicitor, Corporate

Pro bono

“All associates in litigation have to conduct a
certain number of hours at the Citizens Advice
Bureau. Pro bono work is looked on favourably
by the partners and forms part of the information
which is looked at upon qualification.”
Junior solicitor, Litigation
“The practice has a variety of pro bono
programmes and claims to value it highly (e.g.
it appears in appraisal form, etc.). However, it is
possible to be promoted with no or minimal pro
bono activities to speak of, and pro bono does not
count towards billable hours.”
Junior solicitor, Litigation
“There is a lot of emphasis on pro bono and it is
encouraged that people get involved, although
as far as I’m aware there is no minimum quota. It
is something that can be discussed at appraisals
and is asked about on your appraisal form so it’s
good to have it on there. We have various pro
bono projects such as Tower Hamlets and Tooting
law centres. We also assist at the Citizens Advice
Bureau. I have also been involved in one-on-one
reading with a local primary school and there are
similar schemes for sports.”
Newly qualified solicitor, Litigation

209

“Pro bono does not count towards billable hours.
I run an after school football club at a nearby
primary school.”
Junior solicitor, Property

Green Initiatives

All waste is recycled at Norton Rose, including
food waste. It is the policy to print double sided on
recycled paper unless it is being used externally.”
Junior solicitor, Litigation
“I still see way too much paper being used and
no real guidance from management on day-today recycling in the office/kitchen (other than
automatically printing double sided). Way more
can be done to educate the ignorant.”
Junior solicitor, Property
“We have an environmental committee and one
of our key practice areas is climate change and
renewable energy. There is a strong emphasis on
recycling within the firm, and as it’s a new building
I imagine it is very energy efficient. We no longer
use paper cups.”
Newly qualified solicitor, Litigation
“There are lots of recycling initiatives, and the
office goes into power saving mode after 6pm!”
First year trainee

diversity

“There has been a greater focus recently to bring
on women, particularly into partnership by trying
to identify reasons why women are not becoming
partners, and offering specific training to help
develop the skills needed to do so.”
Mid-level solicitor, Corporate
“Diversity is very important to the firm – we
have a diversity committee, excellent provision
for maternity/paternity leave, and a fair number
of female partners (compared to other City law
firms).”
Second year trainee

210

“There is a strong commitment to diversity
although I think numbers of female partners
have dropped recently. There has recently been
a LGBT network started up within the firm.
Women can work flexi-hours if they have childcare
commitments. The firm seems particularly good at
going into local comprehensive schools and trying
to spot talent from a young age.”
Newly qualified solicitor, Litigation
“So far I’ve met so many different people from
different backgrounds so I don’t think there is an
issue when it comes to diversity. I think, however,
child care and flexible hours are still problematic
for female associates with children.”
Second year trainee
“The firm is 60% women, there are many different
cultures and races, and the firm is gay-friendly.
There is also paternity/maternity leave, the
retention rate is over 90% and there are flexihours available.”
First year trainee

How prepared do you feel to practise law
upon qualification?
“I was born ready.”
Second year trainee
“Pretty prepared – I’m only on my first seat
though!”
First year trainee
“I feel very prepared.”
First year trainee
“I am apprehensive.”
Second year traine
“Not prepared enough, I don’t think my training
has been good enough or consistent enough to
prepare me well for qualification. I feel like I still
have a lot to learn.”
Second year trainee

Hours

“The hours you work obviously depends on how
busy you are, and whether a number of deadlines
fall within the same time frame. You can work 15
hour days when you are extremely busy, but when
you are not, you can do your seven billable hours
a day and leave by 6.30pm. The London office
has a flexible working policy; however I have no
experience of this myself. You are able to work
from home if you have deliveries, etc.”
Junior solicitor, Litigation
“I bill 133 hours a month on average and spend
20 – 30 or so hours a week non-billable (including
pro bono, assisting with recruiting, etc.) on top
of that, but it can be much higher. There appears
to be plenty of flexibility regarding part-time
working, especially for parents, but holiday is
very intransigent – no carrying over holiday and
it’s very difficult to take holiday near the end of
the financial year, and I don’t know of any policy
where you can purchase additional holiday.”
Junior solicitor, Litigation
“I bill approximately 150 hours a month and spend
approximately 50 hours a week in the office. The
firm is relatively flexible with a number of fee
earners working part time, although holidays
must be taken during the calendar year they
accrue and cannot be purchased or carried over.
Having said that, after four years fee earners are
entitled to another four weeks unpaid leave (as on
qualification).”
Mid-level solicitor, Corporate
“I work anything from 45 – 65 (70 once) a week.
All in all, I’d say they’re very good and there isn’t
a culture of ‘beasting’. Trainees do like to brag
about their hours or pretend to be martyrs, but I
wouldn’t pay it too much attention!”
First year trainee

“Hours are varied but it depends only on whether
there is work to do. If you have finished all you
need to do for the day, it seems fine to leave at
6pm!”
First year trainee
“My first seat is intensive but reasonable. The days
are very intensive, but my supervisor and I haven’t
left the office after 7.30pm this month.”
First year trainee

NORTON ROSE

SALARY, HOURS & PERKS

Salary

“£63,500”
Junior solicitor
“£70,000”
Junior solicitor
“£105,000”
Mid-level solicitor
“The bonus structure is not very good, and does
not motivate people to work beyond their target
hours.”
Junior solicitor
“Very competitive salary. One of the market
leaders.”
First year trainee
“Get paid a lot for just having walked out of
university!”
Second year trainee
“It’s about standard for City law firms, though
these rates haven’t seen an increase in a while.”
First year trainee
“For what you do and the fact that you’re
essentially still training, I think the pay is very good
(doesn’t mean I wouldn’t take more though!).”
First year trainee

211

BONUS

“Depends on billable hours.”
Junior solicitor
“£2,000”
Junior solicitor
“£5,000”
Junior solicitor
“£15,000”
Mid-level solicitor

Perks

“Firm pays for all sporting team expenses.”
Junior solicitor, Property
“Car service after 9pm, discounted gym
membership, free life insurance, competitive
pension scheme, discounted private health care
and discounted tickets to the opera/sporting
events.”
First year trainee
“I’ve been lucky enough to be invited to several
team and client dinners. We are patrons of
the Royal Opera House, which is a great perk,
although we don’t seem to have boxes at any
of the major sports stadiums or concert arenas,
which is a shame.”
Newly qualified solicitor, Litigation
“There is a gym subsidy at 37 Degrees (£50/month
instead of £100) and private GP service, as well as
on site massages.”
First year trainee
“Discounted BMW purchases are available
through salary sacrifice, and subsidised massages
and music lessons.”
First year trainee
“The living allowance when on an overseas seat is
a nice perk.”
Second year trainee

212

PLUSES

“The office culture, people are friendly and
encouraging, no policy of having to be seen to be
working late and good support from all levels of
staff and fellow trainees.”
First year trainee
“Location of the office and views over the Thames
and Tower Bridge, and the toffee crisps available
in the meeting rooms.”
Second year trainee
“The international focus; there are opportunities
to work at almost all of our international
offices during my training contract. Also the
healthy attitude to work, no all-hours policy and
friendly and interesting people with a lot of life
experience.”
First year trainee
“The building and its location, the food, and the
number of foreign offices.”
First year trainee
“Six seat training contract – get to see different
areas of the firm.”
First year trainee

MINUSES

“Partners doing anything a client desires even
though it may include an unrealistic timeframe.”
Junior solicitor, Property
“The new appraisal system makes it much less
clear as to how/when promotion through the
ranks happens for associates.”
Junior solicitor, Litigation
“Hours can be long. Pay could be better.”
Junior solicitor, Banking
“The occasional late night, some minor secretarial
work.”
First year trainee
“For me the focus on banking is a minus.”
First year trainee

“We have a music room and anyone can sign up
to music lessons (for a small fee!). We also have a
choir.”
Newly qualified solicitor, Litigation
“One of the earliest partners, Philip Rose, was one
of the main benefactors and pivotal in setting up
the Royal Brompton Hospital – one of the reasons
being he wanted to look after his assistants who
got tuberculosis. He was also a close friend of
Disraeli.”
Junior solicitor, Property
“The beautiful Piano room – the Choir is great!”
First year trainee

INTERVIEWS & APPLICATIONS
Interviews, Applications and Assessments
“I interviewed for a training contract and had
an assessment day which involved teamwork
exercises, a pitching exercise and a verbal
reasoning test. I then had an interview with HR
followed by an interview with two partners. The
questions were based on my application form, my
law degree, previous work experience (legal and
non legal) and commercial awareness.”
Junior solicitor, Litigation
“After my training contract I was kept on, but my
interview for the training contract was with two
quite senior partners. It lasted for about an hour
and was more like a chat about my degree and
why I wanted to be a lawyer. That didn’t mean it
wasn’t tough – there were plenty of questions to
answer which made me think – but I think it’s a
very good reflection on the firm that they don’t
just want to put the fear of God into people. I like
the fact that Norton Rose isn’t like Freshfields or
Clifford Chance and that’s why I wanted to come
here.”
Newly qualified solicitor, Litigation

“I was interviewed by two partners during a
Christmas vacation scheme. They asked various
questions about my background and CV, as well as
some problem-based scenarios.”
First year trainee
“I got hired via the vacation scheme route:
a written application for the vac scheme, an
interview for the vac scheme, two week vac
scheme with written project and feedback, and
an interview at the end of the vac scheme for a
training contract. My vac scheme interview was
with an associate, quite informal talking mainly
about what I had written in my application. The
training contract interview was one hour with two
partners who were global heads of departments
with more demanding commercial questions.”
First year trainee

NORTON ROSE

Fun Facts

“I had one round with a negotiation and an
interview with two partners. Questions ranged
from current issues to firm strategy.”
First year trainee
“I had one round (interview and assessment
on the same day). The interview was with two
partners and was a serious chat about legal skills,
grades and abilities followed by an informal chat
about me. The assessment was on the same day
as the interview and involved a discussion exercise
in a group of other interviewees.”
Second year trainee

Tips & Advice

“It goes without saying that Norton Rose wants
people with a strong intellect, but they definitely
look for candidates who have something more
about them. We’re a truly international firm so
people with language skills are definitely well
placed. Interesting extracurricular activities are
good as well.”
Newly qualified solicitor, Litigation

213

“The firm looks to hire outgoing and friendly
people. I think you need a minimum 2:1 from a
good university unless you’re an exceptional case.
Generally, I think soft skills are very important –
trainees tend to be outgoing and adventurous
(keen for people to go abroad during their training
contract).”
Second year trainee
“Take the Airport Lounge Test: can people put up
with you for more than an hour?”
First year trainee
“They definitely seem to apportion a lot of
importance to personality. Most people recruited
seem to be down to earth, modest individuals
who are easy to get along with and friendly.
Advice would be to be as natural and un-conceited
as possible when in the interview or on vacation
scheme.”
First year trainee
“You need to be an all-rounder; very international,
e.g. speak at least two languages, keen on
doing international seats, have attention to
detail, organisational skills, team spirit, time
management skills, legal and technical skills, and
at least a 2:1.”
First year trainee
“They are looking for friendly people who
don’t take themselves too seriously with good
conversational skills and a sense of humour. I think
the unofficial line is a top 10 university with a
minimum of a 2:1 and you have to pass the LPC.”
Second year trainee

What made you choose your firm?

“The people are a brilliantly diverse bunch
(geographically, culturally) and generally speaking
are supportive, excellent lawyers and great fun to
work with. There are also loads of opportunities
for overseas and client secondment.”
Junior solicitor, Litigation

214

“At the time I was looking to join a Silver Circle
firm that did quality work but did not make its
trainees do the horror hours a Magic Circle firm
would. Now, I would choose my firm because it is
ambitious, global, gets quality work, looks after its
people (e.g. utilised the flex scheme and made no
redundancies when all our competitors were) and
most importantly the people here are great.”
Junior solicitor, Property
“The opportunity to go abroad and the firm is
a market leader in certain practice areas. There
is a good work/life balance and a good level of
responsibility.”
Second year trainee
“I appreciated the emphasis placed on the
practice’s international character, the many
different overseas offices trainees can choose
between, and the generally friendly atmosphere
between all colleagues.”
First year trainee
“The vast majority of people working at Norton
Rose are very friendly and welcoming. There
are a good choice of seats and international
opportunities. It has a good reputation and is a
firm on the up.”
First year trainee
“Its reputation, the relaxed and unstuffy
atmosphere, excellent office and facilities,
internationalism (opportunities to travel), and six
seat system.”
First year trainee

If you want to work for Norton Rose, expect
fierce competition – the firm interviews about
250 candidates for approximately 60 training
contracts each year. While the firm doesn’t target
any particular universities and is certainly looking
beyond the Oxbridge elite, you still need to have a
solid academic background. However, during the
hiring process the focus is well and truly on the
individual, rather than just their CV and academic
credentials. Grades are important of course, but
to Norton Rose they’re not everything. Some
applicants make it through with less than a 2:1 –
Norton’s primary concern being that they employ
smart, capable and personable individuals. That
said, one trainee advises ‘you need a minimum
2:1 from a good university unless you’re an
exceptional case’.
The trainee intake is quite mixed with people
coming from a variety of backgrounds. ‘The
practice is looking for interesting people’ so
the more diverse your interests are, the better!
Norton Rose is also ‘different from most firms,
offering six-seat training contracts, which
means more opportunities to get an insight into
different departments and international offices’.
Compulsory seats include corporate, banking,
and dispute resolution, but you can also choose
niche departments such as employment and
tax. Furthermore, if you want to do a seat or
two abroad, Norton Rose is the firm to choose.
Trainees are positively encouraged to do at least
one international seat, and some even fit in three.
Trainees can also qualify into one of the firm’s
many international offices, and with 39 spread
across 23 countries, there are plenty of options!

reason ‘when pushed with difficult questions’.
These are certainly all competencies that will
come in handy should you make it to the interview
stage.

NORTON ROSE

THE BUZZ ON GETTING HIRED

First of all though, you need to apply online and
if successful, you will be invited to a half day
assessment at the firm. This involves a group
discussion assessment and an interview with two
partners, which while demanding, is relatively
informal. ‘Overall, the interview is more like a
chat about yourself and the firm. Most of the
questions focus on your previous experience and
your interest in law.’ There won’t be any lengthy
assessment centres or tough verbal reasoning
tests found in some other firms’ application
processes. So make sure you master that allimportant interview. ‘Always prepare well by
reading the firm’s website and news about the
firm’s recent transactions. Candidates need to
be practical and commercially-minded, as well as
academic and willing to try new things’.

Vacation SCHEME

An alternative route to a training contract at
Norton Rose is via the vacation scheme, for which
you will have to hand in a written application and
succeed in an interview. At the end of this two
week scheme you will face another interview with
partners for a training contract. If you make a
good impression both during the two weeks, and
in your interview, you have a good chance of being
offered that much coveted training contract!

Flexibility is important in candidates, as are
excellent interpersonal and problem-solving skills.
Since Norton Rose really is an international firm,
‘people with language skills are definitely well
placed. Interesting extracurricular activities are
good as well’. On top of that, the firm is looking
for people who are ‘dynamic, confident, clever,
analytical’, as well as capable of demonstrating

215

FIRM PROFILE
Norton Rose holds a demanding position in UK law,
just behind the fore-runners of the Magic Circle.
The firm is well known for its strength in corporate
finance, energy and infrastructure, transport, and
technology. 2007 saw Norton Rose reorganise
itself from a partnership to an LLP (Limited Liability
Partnership) structure, and move to state of the
art, environmentally friendly offices on London’s
South bank – designed by renowned architectural
firm, Foster & Partner. However, the firm can trace
its origins much further back – over 200 years to
1794.

“A market leader in renewable energy,
climate change and carbon trading
issues”
Founders Sir Phillip Rose and Henry Turton Norton
brought the firm to prominence through two
influential inventions of the Victorian age: railways
and investment funds. Subsequent progress
and reputation was based then, as it is now, on

216

finance – especially the infrastructure of finance.
However, 150 years of stable progress was halted
abruptly and violently in 1992, when its offices
were severely damaged in an IRA bombing. Forced
to operate from temporary facilities, the firm’s
costs were driven up, just as the legal market
became increasingly competitive. But buoyed
by its formidable banking practice, Norton Rose
managed to stabilise and even flourish by refocussing its strategy on international expansion.
Reflecting this international strategic growth, more
than half of Norton Rose’s staff now operates
overseas. Additional to its European footholds, the
firm has offices in Asia, Africa, North America, and
the Middle East – the latter of which it has been
operating in for nearly 30 years. The firm has a
niche in Islamic finance, constructing compliances
that forbid the earning of interest. The most
recent additions to this globe-trotting list were
the mergers with Australian law firm, Deacons, in
January 2010, as well as the inclusion of Canadian
firm Ogilvy Renault and South African firm Deneys
Reitz to the Norton Rose Group in June of 2011.

Over the past decade, the advent of US law firms in
London brought about a salvo of defections, with a
number of lawyers tempted by the unrivalled pay
of North American competitors. But despite these
employee setbacks, many partners and clients
have happily remained with Norton Rose, citing the
supportive and friendly culture as key motivation.
In an effort to cement this reputation, Norton
Rose aimed to improve collegiality with the
creation of three staff forums that periodically

meet with management. Additionally, to contend
with the earning potential of its competitors, the
firm introduced a grading system for associates,
with top tier performers earning a significant
pay rise. To qualify for a position in the top
grade – and a potential promotion to senior
associate – a lawyer must demonstrate efficiency,
good citizenship skills, knowledge and technical
skills, and proficiency in teamwork and business
development.

NORTON ROSE

Besides its reputation for finance, Norton Rose is
also known for its expertise in energy, transport,
and technology. A market leader in renewable
energy, climate change and carbon trading issues,
it advises both corporations and governments on
emission reduction projects and on low carbon
development. While dispute resolution and
property teams also remain essential, corporate
and finance practices are still the firm’s staples,
creating a combined 78% of its total revenue. It is
this strength which has led to Norton Rose advising
more clients on the AIM stock exchange than any
other firm.

Complementing the supportive and communal
ethos, Norton Rose is committed to social
responsibility. Pro bono volunteers in London
provide legal assistance at evening drop-in
clinics at the Tower Hamlets Law Centre in
Whitechapel, the Wandsworth and Merton Law
Centre in Tooting, and at the Citizens Advice
Bureau. They also help people who are denied
basic employment rights, facing homelessness,
or experiencing discrimination in the work place.
Outside the UK, Norton Rose works with various
charities, focussing its fundraising efforts on
children, illness and medicine.

Go online for in-depth profiles
and the latest interview advice in
• Accounting
• Banking
• Consulting
• Law
• Other Industries

WWW.INSIDEBUZZ.CO.UK
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218

A firm with an unstuffy culture, Olswang is best known for its expertise in the technology, media and real
estate sectors, and is a major corporate and finance player in the mid-tier market.

PROS

• Wide variety of high profile work with
interesting clients
• Where possible trainees are encouraged to
contact clients directly
• Unstuffy, friendly and informal culture
• Fee earners are encouraged to spend 5% of
their chargeable time on pro bono work
• Supervisors are very good at teaching
• Individuality is prized and hard work rewarded

CONS

• Heated competition for the most popular seats
and limited opportunities to do a seat abroad
• Becoming increasingly corporate
• Hours are still tough at times

THE STATS

LOCATIONS

No. of lawyers firm-wide: 328
No. of lawyers in London: 230
Partners: 102
Trainee intake: 48

No. of offices: 6
Berlin • Brussels • London • Madrid • Paris • Reading

BASE SALARY
LONDON 2011
1st year trainee: £35,000
2nd year trainee: £39,000
Newly qualified: £59,000

DEPARTMENTS & PRACTICES
Practice Areas
Corporate • Data Protection • Employment • EU &
Competition • Finance • Intellectual Property • Litigation
& Arbitration • Media Transactions • Outsourcing • Real
Estate • Restructuring • Tax • Technology Transactions

OLSWANG

OLSWANG

LONDON OFFICE
90 High Holborn
London WC1V 6XX
Tel: +44 (0)20 7067 3000
www.olswang.com

GRADUATE RECRUITMENT INFO
Sarmini Ghosh
Senior Graduate Recruitment Officer
Tel: +44 (0)20 7067 3000
Email: [email protected]
How to apply: www.olswang.com/traineesolicitor

Sectors
Broadcasting • Climate Change & Cleantech Film •
Gambling • Internet & E-Commerce • Leisure • Life
Sciences • Marketing Services • Music • Publishing • Real
Estate • Sport • Telecommunications

219

QUOTES
LIFE ON THE JOB
Satisfaction with Work

“I think this varies hugely depending upon
department. I currently feel happy with the
amount of exposure I get with clients and the
variety of work I’m offered. The transactions
I’m working on are interesting media-related
jobs so I’m enjoying them and the clients are
friendly. I feel like the learning curve is steep –
but I expected this and I feel challenged, but also
stimulated.”
First year trainee
“I am presently in the media litigation team,
which was my first-choice seat. I have been
amazed at the quality of the work I’ve been
given, most of which is competing for front-page
national headlines, and only rarely do I feel like a
trainee at all. Other departments obviously vary
considerably, so there have been instances where
I’ve just been given mountains of documents to
review. However, overall I don’t think I would get
anything like the quality of the work I have had at
any other firm of this size or calibre.”
First year trainee
“Client contact depends on the seat, but where
possible it is good; my first seat was real estate
and I had a great deal of client contact. Contact
with partners is also high – I have shared an office
with partners for my first two seats and they are
generally happy to talk to trainees, and most keep
their office doors open. I think that we get a good
quality of work and, at any rate, in the seats I
have been in so far, I have done very little ‘donkey
work’.”
First year trainee

220

“Satisfied in my current department, I get a
good amount of responsibility, a bewildering
amount sometimes but it’s a fantastic learning
curve. There is interaction with clients, a lot of
interaction with the other law firm representing
a party in a deal, and I have been exposed to a
broad range of matters and deals.”
First year trainee

What does your typical day at work involve?

“This is obviously pretty varied depending on
the department, but trainees will often be given
research tasks to do, sometimes simple drafting
work. On larger matters there is usually a lot of
document management work which will be a
trainee’s responsibility, for example data rooms
on corporate transactions or bundling in litigation.
Sometimes trainees will attend client meetings
or go to court and will usually be asked to take a
note.”
Second year trainee
“No two days are the same. I have been involved
in rushing to court to obtain last minute privacy
injunctions, conference calls with celeb clients,
checking national media to see whether clients
have been defamed/injunctions breached,
research on all matters of commercial litigation
and law, drafting lots of different documents,
including legal letters to opponents and 3rd
parties and to the courts. Perhaps the best day
was instructing private investigators to set up a
‘sting’ operation to serve documents on someone
blackmailing a client. I have also been involved in
international disputes both in the courts and ADR.
It’s pretty non-stop at times, but very exciting.”
First year trainee

“The culture of the firm is generally relaxed with
a high praise for good work ethic; people can
generally do what they like so long as the work
gets done. Trainees support each other and
socialise, but perhaps mostly on a small group
basis. However, the firm is always putting on
schemes to encourage wider interaction.”
First year trainee

Culture

SEATS

“You are encouraged to work for as many people
in each department as possible and trainees will
often ‘floor-walk’ to find work first before sending
out capacity emails as face-to-face contact is often
a lot more effective and preferred. You are also
given a mentor at the beginning of your training
contract, who will be a partner from your first
department. While some trainees find having
a partner mentor provides an invaluable and
confidential sounding board throughout their two
years, others rely on it less.”
Second year trainee

“Trainees sit four seats of six months each.
Trainees are allowed to state preferences,
however, we are only permitted to do one
litigation seat which can be very frustrating.
Seats abroad are limited, however with more
foreign offices opening it is hoped that the foreign
opportunities available will increase.”
First year trainee

“Culture around the office is very unstuffy, friendly
and informal. There is a collegiate atmosphere
and everyone is very approachable. There is no
concept of ‘face-time’, which I have experienced
on vac schemes at other firms, where trainees
and even associates feel they need to stay late
regardless of what work they have. Trainees
support each other well, particularly within
departments if there is a big task and/or lack of
capacity, and the social scene is good.”
First year trainee

“The firm has a good culture with an open-door
policy and a variety of social activities to choose
from. Trainees have also established a trainee
liaison committee, which is subdivided to include
both a trainee-specific sport and social committee
so various trainee-specific events are organised
and encouraged.”
First year trainee

OLSWANG

“At the moment I am in a tax seat. I do a good
deal of research on details of tax legislation, case
law, and revenue practice. I am assisting on one
large property deal. I have been able to draft
initial versions of a few documents, e.g. services
agreements, articles on tax updates, notes of
advice to clients.”
First year trainee

“Trainees do four seats of six months each, sitting
in four different departments. Technically, all
departments are available to sit in, but some have
far more availability than others. Trainees are
encouraged to identify their ’hot seat’ and HR will
try to ensure that they get that seat – otherwise
you request seats, but there’s no guarantee you’ll
get them. I got my first choice of seat for my first
seat. You can do a seat abroad in Europe, but it’s
a pretty rare opportunity as yet. It looks as though
the chance to do this will increase over the next
few years as the firm expands across Europe.”
First year trainee

“Trainees will do four seats during their training
contracts. Although HR make an effort to ensure
each trainee will get their first preference, at least
once during the training contract competition
tends to be fierce for the more popular choices
such as IP and MCT – this sometimes means
sitting in areas that may not appeal. There is the
possibility to go abroad to a European office, such
as Brussels or Paris. There are also opportunities
for secondments with some decent clients.”
Second year trainee

221

FORMAL TRAINING

“There’s a very good support system here: I have
a trainee buddy, a partner mentor, my supervisor,
and my supervising partner, as well as my work
allocation partner, and my own friends/fellow
trainees. My supervisor provides an excellent level
of training; she’s friendly and approachable and I
can always ask her questions so I feel she gives me
informal training on a regular basis.”
First year trainee

“The training is peppered throughout your two
years. You’re expected to attend everything unless
you have a real reason for not going, and this is
respected by supervisors. Most helpful is having
information to take away – I use my training
books/files quite regularly.”
First year trainee

“Each trainee is assigned a mentoring partner
on joining the firm with whom you have six
weekly catch-ups to ensure everything is okay.
Each trainee is also assigned a trainee buddy
who is normally a third seat trainee with whom
fortnightly catch-ups are encouraged. The support
network on offer to trainees is therefore fairly
comprehensive.”
First year trainee

“Each department organises its own trainee
training which generally consists of presentations
given by associates to the trainees. These are
taken very seriously and trainees are expected to
attend. PSC training is arranged throughout the
two years and can sometimes fall at times when
you are very busy with client work.”
Second year trainee

“The firm’s formal training is generally pretty
good. Sometimes it’s excellent and this usually
depends on the speaker’s knowledge of the
subject area. Junior associates are often tasked
with trainee training and at times it can feel like a
bit of a waste of time if it’s a quick run through of
things you’ve already covered at law school. That
said, there are also opportunities to attend the
formal training that the firm puts on a department
by department basis to all levels of fee earners,
and this is often excellent.”
Second year trainee

Informal Training & Mentoring

“In my experience, the solicitors and partners have
been very accessible and have made excellent
mentors. They take the time to keep in touch
throughout your two years as a trainee and teach
you everything they can.”
Second year trainee
“Personally I’ve received excellent feedback from
tasks, and everyone is very approachable. Often it
is a matter of being pro-active and asking for tips
rather than expecting people to coach you.”
First year trainee

222

Green Initiatives

“Being green is very heavily promoted here –
there’s currently an ad in the corridors to enter a
grow-bag competition to grow the best plants, we
have just installed bees, and everything has to be
recycled.”
First year trainee
“This is very important to our firm. From the
Olswang beehives to our Boris Bikes, this is taken
very seriously.”
First year trainee
“They have an incredibly low carbon footprint,
none of us have bins under our desks, and you
have to recycle everything possible!”
First year trainee

“There is a diversity committee and I think there is
an LGBT society. As with most City firms, there is a
higher proportion of women compared to men at
the trainee level, but this pattern is flipped at the
partner level. The firm is still predominantly white
at the fee-earner level in general, although there
is a smattering of other ethnicities throughout the
ranks.”
Second year trainee
“Many women fee earners; not so many women
partners, but probably a good ratio in relation to
many firms.”
First year trainee
“Their maternity leave packages appear to be
exemplary and they recently took part in an
initiative to encourage more black students to
apply. The firm’s higher tiers have a very strong
number of women, which makes women at all
levels feel that there is no glass ceiling.”
First year trainee

Offices & Dress

“Dress code here is fantastic – not only are you
encouraged to be individual, people will notice
and approve if you put effort into your dress.
Obviously you should always try and remain
smart, but within that remit there is a lot of
flexibility which I love. The offices are very nice,
although my department is semi-subterranean,
which is not so great.”
First year trainee
“The dress code is pretty relaxed – girls wear
attractive dresses, etc. – there’s a definite lean
towards media edgy! Men always stick with shirts
and suit trousers though. Suits are encouraged for
client meetings but not compulsory. Dress down
Friday is a relaxed affair and most people wear
jeans. The location of the office is great; we have
a good canteen but most people like to try to
escape as much as possible for fresh air.”
First year trainee

“Holborn’s a good location, the building itself is
quite impressive... The reception and canteen area
has recently been refurbished and the canteen
food has improved. There are shower facilities
with complimentary towels, which is handy for
those who run/cycle into the office. Dress code
is smart but, unless you are going to a client
meeting, suits are not really compulsory. The men
don’t have to wear ties unless they are meeting a
client and females can get away with being a little
less formal but within reason!”
Second year trainee

OLSWANG

Diversity

“Location is good, by Holborn tube so 10 minutes
in either direction from the City, West End and
Covent Garden. The dress code is ‘work casual’,
i.e. suits without ties, and there is a dress down
Friday where people are encouraged to wear jeans
and trainers (for a small donation to charity).”
First year trainee

How prepared do you feel to practise law
upon qualification?
“Not terribly – but thankfully I’m still 20 months
away!”
First year trainee
“I don’t know if I’ll ever feel truly prepared, but
I’ve been given as good a training programme as I
could have asked for.”
First year trainee
“Pretty well prepared, although six months in a
department is never going to be long enough to
prepare you fully to work in that practice area.”
Second year trainee

223

SALARY, HOURS & PERKS
Hours

“The hours are long – but it is what I expected!
A good day is 9.30am – 7.30pm. I’m not a fan of
early mornings so I appreciate the gentle start. I’ve
done some all nighters, but that’s typical of the
department. I reckon I average 45 hours a week.
Maybe more.”
First year trainee
“I’m in finance therefore the hours can be up
and down. When I was working long hours I got
very frustrated and miserable, however, now I’m
working normal hours I am really enjoying it. The
average is hard to therefore guess at, as it will be
constantly changing.”
First year trainee
“The hours you work at the firm very much
depend on which department you sit in. The
work level is also quite unpredictable, some
weeks working completely flat out and others sat
twiddling your thumbs.”
First year trainee
“I normally arrive at 9.30 and leave around 7. This
can vary drastically, but on average the hours are
about what I expected. This massively depends on
the department, and some people have periods
where they don’t get much sleep – but on the
whole this is an exception and is recognised by the
partners through time in lieu and other goodies.”
First year trainee

Salary

224

Perks

“Usual stuff including gym membership, free
dinner after a certain time, taxis home, etc. There
is also the chance to use the firm’s box at the O2
every now and then – and sometimes there are
goodies that come in from clients, e.g. a special
Olswang screening of the King’s Speech before
release, tickets to premieres and to X Factor, etc.”
First year trainee
“End of month themed drinks, an active sport/
social scene, the number of green/CSR initiatives
is very impressive, and although I was away at the
time, I believe that Libby Savill brought both her
Oscar and the Directors’ of The Kings Speech into
a Q&A session.”
First year trainee
“I have been taken to quite a few Business
Development events with clients as part of our
restructuring and insolvency team, which is
lovely as it has made me feel like I’m considered
a valuable part of the firm. I am also going to a
post completion drinks event tomorrow with the
banking sector.”
First year trainee

Pluses

“The friendly atmosphere and exciting
environment.”
First year trainee
“The people are fun and approachable and the
clients are, on the whole, pretty interesting, as is a
lot of the work.”
Second year trainee

“Seems to be the standard market rate for a midsize City firm.”
Second year trainee

“The opportunity to work on great projects for
cutting-edge media clients.”
First year trainee

“I think it’s about average for a City firm of this
size, and for a firm which does not require a
ridiculous amount of hours.”
First year trainee

“Some of the people here are exceptionally good
at what they do.”
Second year trainee

“Hours are still tough at times, pay could be
better.”
First year trainee
“My legal interests are broadly commercial, but if
you’re desperate to be a media lawyer you might
be better off at a more niche firm.”
First year trainee
“It is becoming increasingly corporate by the day.”
First year trainee

Fun Facts

“We have a trainee dodge ball team!”
First year trainee
“When designing the current offices, employees
were given the chance to vote for which company
they wanted the firm to rent the ground floor
retail space to – it went to Starbucks.”
First year trainee
“We have a partner with an Oscar.”
First year trainee
“We just got our first honey bees on our first floor
roof!”
First year trainee

INTERVIEWS & APPLICATIONS
Interviews & Assessments

“I had an interview for my vacation scheme then
a day of interviews at the end of the vacation
scheme. All were challenging but not too
intimidating, the questions at interview were fairly
standard but as soon as I mentioned something
interesting the partners picked up on it and the
interview became more individual.”
First year trainee

“Two rounds of interviews (one with HR and one
with two partners). There were also two written
assessments – one proofreading exercise and
a general analysis exercise – as well as verbal
reasoning. Questions asked in interview: why
Olswang? Why law? What skills are needed as a
lawyer? Weaknesses and strengths? Anything in
the news recently? Any recent legal news caught
your eye?”
Second year trainee

OLSWANG

Minuses

“It was very relaxed: they seemed to want to find
out about my personality and questions revolved
around general knowledge and what I do in my
free time – in fact my worry back then was that
I hadn’t been formal enough or shown my razor
sharp legal skills! I think that in hindsight this
reflects the firm as a whole – they know you’ve
got the brains to do your job based on what’s on
paper about you; what they’re really interested in
by the interview stage is cultural fit, and what you
can bring to the firm.”
First year trainee
“I was hired after a vacation scheme, for which
there were various tests and two interviews, with
HR and the partners. There was another interview
with two partners for my training contract. I
also had to write application letters for both
applications. The interview covered my personal
background and interests, problem-solving skills
and business awareness.”
First year trainee

Tips & Advice

“It would be useful to make sure that your
commercial awareness is tip top as they will test
to see if you understand how a basic business
model works, and it should be appreciated that
good business sense makes you a far superior
solicitor. Attention to detail is always highly prized,
and being a friendly person with whom your
interviewer feels they could chat with socially will
always put you in good stead.”
First year trainee

225

“Definitely try to have a broad CV beyond law. I
didn’t study law at university and lots of people
here didn’t. I also worked in a different sector
before applying to do law. It’s not compulsory,
but it’s worth noting – I applied here on the basis
that the firm is innovative, different and exciting
and that they’d be looking for something a little
different, and I hoped that bringing my skills from
a different sector would be of benefit/interest.
In terms of skills, I think communication is key:
relax, be friendly, but show your commercial side.
Commerciality and ability to provide more to the
client than just a legal service is crucial in the
current climate.”
First year trainee
“The firm wants candidates who do not see the
firm as solely about media, or who appear to only
have an interest in that side of our work, because
very few trainees will be able to work in that area
and it doesn’t recruit many NQs so to want to do
only that shows a lack of understanding about
training processes and the firm’s all-service status.
Universities it recruits from are fairly mixed but do
generally tend to be Oxbridge, UCL, King’s, York,
Durham, etc.”
First year trainee
“Bright and (generally) down-to-earth people
with strong personalities and often with unusual
interests outside of work.”
First year trainee

What made you choose your firm?

“I wanted to have a chance to do media work,
but did not want to go to a niche media firm
as I wanted to experience a broader training
contract. However, the firm has changed since I
interviewed and you are by no means guaranteed
a commercial or IP seat as the competition is
fierce and the spaces are limited.”
Second year trainee
“I wanted a mid-sized firm with a variety of
departments so I could have the experience after
four very different seats to know exactly where I
wanted to qualify. Mainly, Olswang really stands
out for how friendly and sociable all of its staff
and fee earners are. They prize individuality and
reward you for hard work and it’s generally a really
nice atmosphere to be in.”
First year trainee
“I liked the media edge, but specifically the fact
that it seems young, dynamic, commercially
driven and exciting.”
First year trainee
“Because of its reputation for friendliness and
not requiring ridiculous hours just on principle,
its expertise in IP, its clients, my law tutor telling
me that all the students she knows who have
gone there had enjoyed their training, and a
good feeling about the place when I went in for
interview.”
First year trainee

Check online to hear what
employees have to say about:
• Life on the Job
• Hours, pay and perks
• Applications and interviews
• And more...

WWW.INSIDEBUZZ.CO.UK
226

Since its humble beginnings in 1981, Olswang
has expanded rapidly in the legal industry and
now enjoys an international reputation for
its corporate, real estate and media-focussed
services. The firm offers training contracts in its
Thames Valley office in Reading, as well as in
London. A word of advice: if you apply for the
Reading office, be prepared to qualify there as
it’s unusual to transfer to the City once you have
embarked on the training contract.

There are still the necessary academic credentials
to fulfil, as the firm requires applicants to have
achieved a strong 2:1 or above. Furthermore,
Olswang looks to recruit those who ‘have a
broad CV beyond law’ so if you have any varied
work experience under your belt, make sure
you mention it in your application. ‘People with
strong personalities and often with unusual
interests outside of work’ are the ones the firm is
particularly interested in, so make sure this stands
out in your application.

“Olswang looks to recruit those who
‘have a broad CV beyond law’ so if you
have any varied work experience under
your belt, make sure you mention it in
your application.”

The recruitment process starts with an online
application form and shortlisted candidates will be
invited to two rounds of interviews. There won’t
be an assessment day, but applicants still need
to prepare sufficiently to master the interviews
with a partner/senior associate and a member of
the HR team. In addition to the usual questions
on why you want to work in law, and for Olswang
specifically, there will also be a good amount of
competency-based questions, as well as a business
plan test and a case study or comprehension
exercise. In the past, these exercises have involved
‘reading a document regarding a new share issue
to shareholders, and then answering questions on
the document’.

During the training contract, trainees complete
four six-month seats in various departments,
one of which will be in corporate and another in
litigation. Olswang also encourages trainees to go
on a client secondment. ‘There are usually five or
six in-house client secondments at any one time’
and secondments available in Brussels and Paris;
foreign languages are a real plus that will certainly
come in handy if applying for these.
Securing a training contract at Olswang is
competitive, hence why it’s so important that
you demonstrate you’re a good fit with the firm.
‘It seems that the firm generally seeks to hire
confident and friendly trainees’ who will easily
blend in with Olswang’s ‘very informal’ culture,
trainees tell us. In general, the firm does not
hire a certain type, but instead looks for people
who are ‘intelligent and have strong commercial
awareness’ and ‘candidates come from all over
the country and all universities, with all sorts of
degrees’ according to a current trainee.

OLSWANG

THE BUZZ ON GETTING HIRED

“Many of the Olswang trainees get
hired after completing a vacation
scheme at the firm.”
Additionally, many of the Olswang trainees get
hired after completing a vacation scheme at the
firm. Interviews for the vac scheme are quite
similar to those for the training contract and tend
to cover your ‘personal background and interests,
problem-solving skills and business awareness’.
Apply early as places go fast.

227

FIRM PROFILE
Established only 30 years ago, Olswang LLP has
swiftly blossomed from a boutique media firm
into a robust business law firm; best known for
its expertise in the real estate, technology, media
and finance sectors as well as its meritocratic and
unstuffy culture. The firm has won the praise of its
acclaimed clients, and acts for firms including the
Guardian, ITV, Lloyds, Microsoft, MTV, Nationwide
and Warner Music International.
Olswang is certainly used to dealing with stars, but
now the tables have turned and the firm is hiring
them. Much to the chagrin of other leading City
firms, Olswang has employed an aggressive lateral
hire strategy over recent years to augment its core
practice areas of litigation, corporate, real estate,
finance, IP and commercial.

“The firm’s HELP programme is
comprised of partnerships with a diverse
number of organisations and charities –
aimed at helping anyone from students
to the homeless.”
Olswang was founded in 1981 by Simon Olswang
and Mark Devereux. Although initially setting out
on a media and corporate bent – focussing on
TV, film and advertising – the mid-1980s brought
the addition of two new practice areas: litigation
and real estate. The firm grew rapidly through
the 1990s, and expanded into a full service firm
operating in numerous sectors: broadcasting,
climate change & cleantech, film, gambling,
internet & E-Commerce, leisure, life sciences,
marketing services, music, publishing, real
estate, sport and telecommunications. The firm’s
significant presence in the corporate realm is now
responsible for over 20% of its total turnover.

228

In an attempt to ditch the firm’s historically
boutique image, Olswang set up a salvo of
international links. Offices in Brussels, Berlin,
Madrid and Paris, with a Singapore office due
to open next year, give the firm an international
flavour, alongside a long-established preferred firm
network of leading independent law firms across
the globe.
Fee-earners at the firm have also expanded
Olswang’s online presence with a foray into the
blogosphere. Fashionista-at-law details legal and
business goings on in, you guessed it, the fashion
industry. Posts are by no means under the radar
and Fashionista has been invited to several London
Fashion Week shows. Elsewhere, +Technology is
“developing a network of like minded business
people who are concerned with the ongoing
impact of technology to their business”. The
network’s blog widely revolves around tech news
and happenings.
Olswang also looks to shine outside its glitzy
international offices by getting its fee earners
involved in lasting and valuable pro bono and
volunteering work. The firm’s HELP programme is
comprised of partnerships with a diverse number
of organisations and charities – aimed at helping
anyone from students to the homeless. To achieve
this, Olswang encourages fee earners to spend
up to 5% of their chargeable time and non-fee
earners to spend up to 3.5 hours per month
working on such initiatives. The firm’s altruistic
projects include providing free legal advice to
the Elephant Parade (which contributes to the
conservation of the Asian Elephant), pro bono
advice to Breakthrough Breast Cancer, and working
with students in local schools through the Lawyers
in Schools programme.

OLSWANG

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229

Osborne Clarke
Known for its work in technology, media and telecoms, Osborne Clarke is also viewed as one of the best
banking advisers outside of the City. Although considered more of a mid-market practice in London, that
hasn’t prevented the firm from securing top clients such as RBS, Marks & Spencer and Nintendo.

PROS

• Good exposure to high quality work for trainees
• Intensive and helpful induction training
• Friendly and open office environment where
everyone know each other
• Very non-hierarchical – just as likely to get work
from a partner as anyone else

THE STATS

CONS

• Minimal face-to-face client contact in some
departments
• The social scene can be a little quiet
• No opportunities to do a seat abroad, but there
are client secondments available
• Longer hours than most Bristol firms

Key industry sectors
Automotive • Digital Business • Energy & Natural
Resources • Financial Services • Life Sciences • Real Estate
& Infrastructure • Recruitment • Retail

No. of lawyers firm-wide: 450
No. of lawyers in the UK: 370
London partners: 33
London solicitors: 118
Trainee intake: 20
Trainees retained: 89% (2010)

LOCATIONS

BASE SALARY

No. of offices: 6
Bristol • Cologne • London • Munich • Silicon Valley •
Thames Valley

BRISTOL 2011
1st year trainee: £32,000 (2013/14 intake)
2nd year trainee: £33,750 (2013/14 intake)
Newly qualified: £40,000 (at present)
London and Reading 2011
1st year trainee: £36,500 (2013/14 intake)
2nd year trainee: £38,500 (2013/14 intake)
Newly qualified: £58,000 (at present)

DEPARTMENTS & PRACTICES
Areas of legal practice
Banking & Finance • Commercial • Corporate •
Employment & Benefits • Litigation • Pensions • Private
Client • Projects • Real Estate • Regulation • Restructuring
Turnaround & Insolvency • Tax

London Office
One London Wall
London EC2Y 5EB
Tel: +44 (0)20 7105 7000
www.osborneclarke.com

GRADUATE RECRUITMENT INFO
Zoe Reid
Trainee Recruitment Officer
Tel: +44 (0)117 917 3484
Email: [email protected]
Application Deadlines:
Training Contracts: 31st July 2012
Vacation schemes: 31st January 2012
How to apply: www.osborneclarke.com/trainees.aspx

230

LIFE ON THE JOB
Satisfaction with Work

“In general I have been fairly satisfied with
working life at Osborne Clarke. The life of a trainee
solicitor is not particularly glamorous; however it
can be very rewarding at times. Client contact is
dependent on which team you are in, but on the
whole you receive quite a lot of exposure, be it at
meetings, drinks parties or corporate events like
the cricket.”
Trainee, London

“The quality of work is generally very good. The
level of responsibility you get varies enormously
from task to task – some are almost admin tasks
delegated from other junior people, and others
include communicating directly with clients and
other solicitors. I would say there has been less
client contact than I thought there would be.”
Trainee, Reading

What does your typical day at work involve?

“Trainees get really good exposure to high
quality work from the outset. The amount of
client contact varies a lot from seat to seat, but
whichever team you are in, they are always
keen to get you involved. The firm is really nonhierarchical and in most seats you are just as likely
to get work from the partners as anyone else in
the team.”
Trainee, Bristol

“I really enjoy working at Osborne Clarke. I have
only done one seat so far so only have experience
of one team but this team is extremely fun,
friendly, sociable and supportive. There isn’t a
single member of a very large department that I
would feel anxious to approach for help. A very
bubbly, lively bunch who are very good at what
they do, and are keen to help trainees. Starting
as a trainee in your first seat can be daunting, so
such a welcoming and supportive environment
really helped to ease me in. The open plan office
really fosters a fun and open environment as
everyone has a chat and a joke and no one feels
that the partners are unapproachable – they are
just one of the team.”
Trainee, Bristol

Osborne Clarke

QUOTES

“Completing and filing forms, research (both legal
and ‘find out what you can about X’), routine
correspondence, some drafting from precedents,
especially completion-stage documents like
summaries and schedules. Paper management!”
Trainee, London

“This varies hugely from seat to seat but typically
you will have a good mix of ‘typical trainee
tasks’, for example company searches, and more
demanding work, e.g. drafting more complex
documents or managing your own small matters.
There is also a good opportunity to have exposure
to the work of more senior fee earners, e.g.
attending client meetings, negotiations, etc.”
Trainee, Bristol
“I arrive at work at about 9am and catch up with
colleagues, check overnight emails and write a
task list for the day. Following this there might
be a team meeting to discuss any new work. As a
trainee, your workload is set by those around you.
This can be good and bad. What it means is that
no two days are the same. Normally I’m out of the
office before 6pm and sometimes we’ll go for a
drink or have a work event in the evening.”
Trainee, London

231

“I’m currently on secondment so I’m dealing
with emails, requests and problems from all
parts of the business that range from drafting
competitions terms and conditions, contract
negotiation, responses to the ASA, to filing
regulatory returns. Hours are quite good – only
had to do one all-nighter – but then again I
haven’t done a corporate seat in the office.”
Trainee, London

Culture

“We have an open plan office and quite an open
working environment. I have generally found
colleagues at all levels to be approachable. Due
to the size of the Reading office, everybody
knows each other. Since I have been here the
trainees and junior solicitors have always been
very supportive and friendly, although after work
socialising is quite occasional, due to people
not being available at the same time, work
commitments, and the fact that many people in
the Reading office don’t live in Reading.”
Trainee, Reading
“We work in an open plan office which means
everyone is approachable and adds to the friendly
nature of the office. Trainees support each other
as much as possible, and often ring or email
each other to go over work if necessary, before
asking higher level fee earners. The trainees do
socialise together, there are a few sports clubs
after work, and also nights out. It’s great when we
have training sessions and we get together with
trainees from our other offices too.”
Trainee, Bristol
“There are three UK offices that work closely
together – this means we have training sessions
at lunch time connected via video link. There
isn’t much contact with the international offices,
although there might be higher up the firm.
Trainees organise social events and when you
join the firm, someone is appointed to be your
‘buddy’ – so you need not feel embarrassed asking
someone all of those stupid questions. Trainees
are given a social budget which is normally all put
towards a big Christmas party.”
Trainee, London

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Seats

“Trainees now do four six month seats based
in one office. There is a good range of seats on
offer although traditionally trainees have been
expected to do one compulsory corporate,
property and litigation seat. However, HR can be
flexible on this and there are a good few specialist
seats to choose within these categories. There are
usually a few secondment opportunities although
most of these seem to only be offered to London
trainees. The biggest seat choice is in Bristol.
There are no seats offered at any of the offices
abroad.”
Trainee, Bristol
“You do four seats with compulsory property,
corporate and litigation. Although, I did neither
property or corporate seats as I went on two
secondments instead. The HR team work really
hard to try and make everyone happy – obviously
they don’t get it right every time, but most of
the time they do. Commercial seats in London
have been a bit thin on the ground recently. No
option to do a seat abroad but more secondment
opportunities are coming through in London.”
Trainee, London

Formal Training

“The induction programme in the first few weeks
is well structured and interesting. Ongoing training
includes all trainees going on courses together,
as well as training that you do alongside qualified
lawyers from the team you are in. The firm always
makes time for you to attend training courses
and will support you if you want to do additional
training, or learning such as M.A courses or
languages.”
Trainee, London
“There are weekly training sessions in each
department. These are usually run over
lunchtimes. You catch up on new areas of law, or
learn new skills, e.g. how to use the Land Registry
website, or an update from a barrister on contract
law. There are also PSC courses taught in-house,
and away days for each business sector in the firm
once a year.”
Trainee, Bristol

Informal Training & Mentoring

“I have found that supervisors have little
involvement with your day-to-day work, and it
has not always been easy to get the formal review
meetings that form part of the firm’s trainee
appraisal process. However I think I have learned
a lot here almost without realising it, through just
getting involved in the work – most of which is
chargeable. The people that you work with are
also a great source of information and learning.
When I ask questions of the people I work
with, they take the time to explain and discuss
things, which sometimes leads to debates about
contentious legal questions, and I think I learn a
lot from these interactions. Otherwise, I think it
is the lessons you learn by making mistakes that
stick with you the most!”
Trainee, Reading
“As the firm is open and relaxed there is always
someone around prepared to help out and offer
advice and support. Trainee supervisors generally
tend to be associates or solicitors so they have
more time to provide support. The relationship is
usually very informal with catch-ups over a cup of
coffee. You are encouraged to make it a two-way
relationship and for example, ask if you’d like to be
exposed to more work of a particular type.”
Trainee, Bristol

“People are always on hand to help out and
nobody seems unapproachable. Don’t be afraid to
ask as everyone was in your shoes once!”
Trainee, London
“There is a lot of variation between the styles
of solicitors in the team. Some will spend time
ensuring you understand learning points, and
are approachable to explain issues, whilst others
simply tell you what the ‘correct’ approach is
without explanation. Partners are willing to
answer questions but as you might expect, don’t
have time for details. Skills are obviously seatdependent, but managing different personal styles
and expectations is something you have to pick up
very quickly to survive!”
Trainee, London

Osborne Clarke

“I think the firm provides good training. There
is a general trainee induction at the start of
the training contract (held in the Bristol office),
department-based inductions when trainees move
into those seats (also in the Bristol office), and
regular training sessions in all offices tailored to
the different departments and aimed at various
levels of qualification. The level of training varies
between seats, with property having the most
regular training and commercial the least. I think
I’ve picked up a decent amount of legal and
practical skills from these sessions. The sessions
are often designed to be interactive and teambased, which I find really aids learning.”
Trainee, Reading

Offices & Dress

“The Reading office is probably the least
impressive of the three UK offices, although it’s
well positioned next to the train station and a
short walk from the main shopping areas and
restaurants/bars. There are lots of places to get
food at lunchtime, a small seating area in the
office, and lots of seating in the main atrium of
Apex Plaza. The air conditioning hasn’t worked
properly for ages, and there are less on-site
facilities than the Bristol office, but other than
that, the facilities are good.”
Trainee, Reading
“Standard open-plan office – no private offices
for anyone of any level. Facilities are also pretty
standard for a smaller London office – kitchen
facilities with drinks (tea, coffee and squash)
provided but no canteen as the size doesn’t justify
it. Dress code is ‘business casual’, which sounds
quite dressed down but in practice the men wear
suits, just without a tie, and the women typically a
dress, skirt/blouse or trouser suit.”
Trainee, London

233

“The offices vary completely. The best thing about
Bristol is everyone based here is under one roof
so you recognise a lot of faces in the lift and can
have a catch-up with people in the cafe. Plus the
atrium is the perfect venue for quizzes and drinks
evenings. The dress code is business casual across
all the offices (although London tends to be a bit
smarter than Bristol and Thames Valley).”
Trainee, Bristol
“Nice new office close to three tube stations –
very convenient to get to and plenty of bars/
restaurants close to the office.”
Trainee, London

Green Initiatives

“My department is virtually paperless. We recycle
most paper. Lights have motion sensors so lights
above each desk go off once you have left the
office. They can be a bit stingy on the heating as
it gets cold when you’re in the office late, but I
suppose that’s good for the environment!”
Trainee, Bristol
“They tried to give us business cards on recycled
paper, and we have recycled pens and pencils.”
Trainee, London
“Recycling takes place in each area. Use of MDF’s
so documents can be scanned and accessed
on screen instead of being printed. They also
designed the whole building to be ecologically
efficient.”
Trainee, Bristol

Diversity

“Recruitment is across the spectrum. Flexible
working is accepted even at partner level and
there are quite a lot of senior women (I haven’t
met so many ethnic minorities at senior level). No
child care.”
Trainee, London

234

“I think the firm are good on this. There do seem
to be more female trainees than male, and the
Reading office has more female members of staff.
The HR department are very good at handling
maternity leave and the firm generally has a good
attitude towards this, but I think that balancing
the demands of a client-driven, competitive
job with childcare commitments will always be
difficult, no matter how supportive an employer
is! The trainee retention rate has been good since
I’ve been here.”
Trainee, Reading

How prepared do you feel to practise law
upon qualification?
“I’ve learned that you have to be very skilled in
a large number of areas to be a good solicitor,
and yes I’m a bit scared of the responsibility I’ll
suddenly have when I’m qualified! Seeing people
who are really good at their jobs can make you
wonder if you’ll ever be that good..!”
Trainee, Reading
“I’ve only been a trainee for six months but I feel
as well prepared as you could expect at this stage.
If I qualified into the department I did my first
seat in I wouldn’t feel too daunted to qualify here
now.”
Trainee, Bristol
“My training contract so far has far exceeded my
expectations of providing me with exposure to
the work that I’ll be doing upon qualification, and
preparing me for practice.”
Trainee, Bristol

Hours

“I work between 40 and 50 hours a week. It does
fluctuate depending on the department you are in
and the work they have on. It is more hours than I
expected, but we have been extremely busy.”
Trainee, Bristol
“When I was in property and commercial, I only
occasionally had to work late in the office or
work from home in the evenings/at weekends.
In corporate, the hours have been much longer
and workloads unpredictable, so there has been
a lot more working late in the office or working
from home in the evenings/at weekends. I would
say I worked less than expected in property and
commercial, and slightly more than I expected in
corporate.”
Trainee, Reading
“I am in a department which does tend to work
longer hours than others, and this is my first seat
so I can’t comment on other areas of the firm.
I tend to work from 8.45am – 6.30/7ish most
days but if I’m not too busy I can leave by about
5.45pm. I have had a few 8pm finishes, a few
9pm finishes, one 10pm and one 11pm in my six
months here. No all nighters!”
Trainee, Bristol
“Hours completely vary by department, but
regardless of where you are, you tend to find that
the hours are less than trainees at other firms
with the same quality of work. The attitude to
working late and the work/life balance is also very
good here, and you generally feel like your effort is
appreciated when you do have to stay late.”
Trainee, Bristol

Pay

“The highest trainee pay in Bristol! Even though
this is a few thousand less than London, the cost
of living is lower and more than makes up for it.”
Trainee, Bristol

“I understand that it is among the best outside of
the City and in the Thames Valley area, which is
where I want to work. I’m very pleased with the
salary here.”
Trainee, Reading
“At first you feel well paid – then you work long
hours and feel under-paid. In general, I think
trainees are well remunerated for the job that
they do and the value that they offer.”
Trainee, London

Osborne Clarke

SALARY, HOURS & PERKS

Perks

“Free day off to go Christmas shopping (effectively
an extra day’s annual leave in December), beer
and pizza evening in the office a couple of times
a year, good summer parties with fancy dress and
a posh venue and hotel, good away days with lots
of food and drink and a nice hotel (with a bit of
training thrown in!), regular dress down days for
charity, and most importantly the CAKE TROLLEY
which comes around at about 3pm every Friday.”
Trainee, Bristol
“Free health care and travel insurance. We get a
social budget per head for the year. We tend to
have a cross office summer party which is brilliant
fun and normally involves us taking over a hotel
and running a theme night for the event.”
Trainee, Bristol
“I’ve taken advantage of the season ticket loan
and private health care cover, both of which have
saved me money.”
Trainee, Reading

Pluses

“The people, the offices, the quality of work,
the pay, the cake trolley, the bacon and sausage
sandwiches at morning training sessions, and the
home baked cookies in meetings and training
(amazing!).”
Trainee, Bristol

235

“Knowing that you’re working somewhere with a
good reputation, the salary, the people you work
with, and the work you get to do.”
Trainee, Reading
“The people, and the acceptance that employees
have lives outside work.”
Trainee, London
“The friendly culture, but still with great
clients and work. Good exposure to work and
responsibility in a supportive environment.”
Trainee, Bristol

Minuses

“At times having to do really long hours, but that is
the same in any job like this.”
Trainee, Bristol
“Early morning commutes to Bristol from London
on occasion.”
Trainee, London
“Hours tend to be longer than at most Bristol
firms.”
Trainee, Bristol
“Sometimes lack of supervision...”
Trainee, London

Fun Facts

“The Bristol office has a statue of its most famous
client (Brunel) outside. The little-known fact is
that the statue is hugely popular with tourists and
you often see people having their photo taken
beside it.”
Trainee, Bristol
“That most lawyers don’t take themselves as
seriously as I thought they did, and you can have
a laugh.”
Trainee, Reading
“The orange cat has only just got an identity in the
re-brand – it is now a panther.”
Trainee, London

236

INTERVIEWS & APPLICATIONS
Interviews & Assessments

“There was one assessment day for training
contracts when I applied (I didn’t apply for a
vacation scheme). I interviewed with an associate
and a partner, which consisted of me giving a
pre-prepared presentation on a given topic about
the legal market, followed by the usual type of
questions. There were no ridiculous questions
like, ‘If you were a biscuit, what type would you
be?’, and I thought the content of the interview
and the way the interviewers handled it was very
reasonable.”
Trainee, Reading
“There’s one assessment day for a training
contract (I didn’t apply for vacation schemes).
Interview was with two partners (one was the
trainee partner). Relaxed atmosphere structured
around core obvious questions. The assessment
included verbal reasoning and a negotiation
exercise (fun but tough) – can’t recall the other
exercises.”
Trainee, London
“I had one assessment day which involved
an interview, a verbal reasoning test and a
negotiation exercise. The interview was actually
quite friendly (albeit challenging).”
Trainee, Bristol

Tips & Advice

“The firm likes to hire people who are outgoing
and bubbly. Business acumen is important, as are
academics. They like to recruit people who have
something else to bring to the table, such as a
previous career, interesting hobbies or languages.
People here tend to be very well rounded and
there are few ‘geeks’ or ‘egos’!”
Trainee, Bristol

“OC is a very broad-minded recruiter. Trainees are
from all backgrounds, including career-changers,
and there is definitely no ‘classic’ candidate.
There is much less Oxbridge-ness than at some
City firms.”
Trainee, London
“The trainees here vary enormously and couldn’t
say there is an OC type – we all have different
previous experience and idiosyncrasies. Being
confident, personable, showing initiative and
common sense, and doing what preparation you
can to make sure you do well at the assessment
centre tasks will probably help. Osborne Clarke
doesn’t recruit from certain universities, and
trainees come from a wide range of universities,
but there is probably slightly more representation
from the universities and law schools in the same
geographical regions as the three offices.”
Trainee, Reading

What made you choose your firm?

“Very high quality work in a challenging
environment, very open and friendly culture with
the sort of people I wanted to work with, broad
spread of specialisms, excellent pay.”
Trainee, Bristol
“The culture at OC really stands out from the
crowd that offer similar quality of work and
clients.”
Trainee, Bristol

Osborne Clarke

“Be confident and show some maturity – don’t
be afraid to give an answer that might seem a bit
different. Also, don’t be put off if you come from a
different background.”
Trainee, London

“Reputation, salary, location, and the impression
of the firm I gained from attending the assessment
centre.”
Trainee, Reading
“The friendly atmosphere, the range of seat
choices and the location. The work – City work,
without City hours.”
Trainee, Bristol

Check online to hear what
employees have to say about:
• Life on the Job
• Hours, pay and perks
• Applications and interviews
• And more...

WWW.INSIDEBUZZ.CO.UK
237

THE BUZZ ON GETTING HIRED
With marquee clients and strength in a broad
range of sectors, it’s no wonder that Osborne
Clarke receives such a huge number of applications
year on year. Despite the strong competition,
you’ll be pleased to hear that the firm maintains
an open mind when taking on new recruits. One
current trainee told us: ‘Osborne Clarke is a very
broad-minded recruiter. Trainees hail from all
backgrounds, including career-changers, and
there is definitely no classic candidate.’ The firm
is particularly interested in CVs with plenty of
extracurricular activities, and looks for progressive
thinkers who are collaborative and talented.
Like many other firms, Osborne Clarke looks for
candidates with strong grades as well as analytical,
communication and organisational skills. Ideally,
candidates should have As or Bs at A-Level, in
addition to a minimum 2:1 in any discipline. If

you’re looking for an international experience
though, you best look elsewhere; because while
Osborne Clarke has an international presence,
trainees aren’t able to do seats abroad. However,
trainees did say that ‘there are several excellent
secondment opportunities’ in the UK, with Bristol
offering ‘the biggest seat choice’.
After submitting the online application, hopefuls
will face an interview with two partners or
associates. The interview was described as ‘friendly,
relaxed and structured around core questions.’ One
current trainee advises applicants to ‘be confident
and show some maturity – don’t be afraid to
give an answer that might seem a bit different’.
Furthermore, make sure you ‘show initiative and
prepare as much as you can’, demonstrating your
knowledge of the firm.

FIRM PROFILE
Osborne Clarke has grown from a regional firm,
based in Bristol, to a firm with a truly international
reach. It can trace its roots back 250 years to 1748,
although it wasn’t until 1987 that the firm branched
out to the City, focussing on corporate transactions.
In the 1990s the firm made yet another shift when it
decided to focus on technology, media and telecoms,
and it stuck to these despite the dot com bubble
burst of the early Noughties. However, there is
more to Osborne Clarke than tech work; and even
though the tech bubble deflated, the firm has fast
become a leader in mid-market transactions, which
has resulted in significant growth and an increase in
profits.
The employment team is strong, as is dispute
resolution. There is a good roster of clients on the
banking and finance side and the firm is viewed as
one of the best banking advisors outside of London.
The firm is also one of the leaders in the marketing
and advertising sector. Besides all that, the firm
has a big international presence, though not in the

238

traditional sense of opening offices in other parts
of the world. The firm founded the Osborne Clarke
Alliance in 1987, which links the UK firm with others
across Europe – including those in The Netherlands,
Italy, Spain and France. Osborne Clarke now advises
clients from offices in the City, across the country
and throughout Europe, and is famous for being one
of the few UK firms with a Silicon Valley office.
Osborne Clarke operates its own charitable fund
to help support the community, through which
members of the firm can volunteer and donate
to good causes; these have included the Royal
Marsden and Great Ormond Street hospitals. The
current themes are ‘education and employability,
environment and regeneration, and sports and arts.’
Commitment to pro bono is alive and kicking, and
the firm’s solicitors are encouraged to spend up
to 25 hours a year working on pro bono matters.
In addition, Osborne Clarke’s employees act as
governors in more than 100 schools, suggesting
there really can be more to life than just law at this
firm.

TROWERS
BOND
PEARCE
& HAMLINS

e
h
t
r
o
f
g
Lookin
n
o
p
o
o
c
s
latest

Accenture, Apple, Bain & Company, Bank of England, BBC, Booz & Company,
BP, Citi, Civil Service, Coca-Cola, Credit Suisse, Deloitte, Deutsche Bank,
Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Ernst & Young, FSA, GlaxoSmithKline, Goldman
Sachs, Google, Grant Thornton, HSBC Holdings, IBM, J.P. Morgan, John Lewis
Partnership, KPMG, L’Oréal, McKinsey & Company, Morgan Stanley, Oxfam,
PricewaterhouseCoopers, Procter & Gamble, Sony, Teach First, The Boston
Consulting Group, UBS, Unilever, Virgin Group and more...

for the latest scoop
go to www.insidebuzz.co.uk
239

SHOOSMITHS
Shoosmiths’ wide national network and unique practice mix set it apart from its rivals. Noted for its
property work, the firm’s best known clients rank amongst the biggest names in retail, automotive and
finance, and include major players such as McDonald’s, Volkswagen and Zurich.

PROS

• Good amount of responsibility and client
interaction – you can be the primary client
contact by your third or fourth seat
• Open, approachable offices where everyone is
treated fairly
• Good work/life balance
• Excellent supervision for trainees

THE STATS

LOCATIONS

Chief Executive: Claire Rowe
Chairman: Andrew Tubbs
No. of legal advisers firm-wide: 550
No. of partners: 100
Trainee intake: 22
Trainees retained: 85% (2011)
No. of applications per year: 1,600

No. of offices: 9
Basingstoke • Birmingham • London • Manchester •
Milton Keynes • Northampton • Nottingham • Reading •
Solent

BASE SALARY
2011
1st year trainee £24,000
2nd year trainee £25,000
Newly qualified £35,000

DEPARTMENTS & PRACTICES
Conveyancing • Employment Law Advice • Legal Disputes
• Medical Negligence • Motoring Law • Personal Injury •
Wills, Family & Wealth

240

CONS

• Can be little client contact in some seats
• Limited socialising due to locations
• No international seats

Please note Training Contracts are not offered in the
Basingstoke or London office.
www.shoosmiths.co.uk

GRADUATE RECRUITMENT INFO
Samantha Hope, Graduate Recruitment Officer
www.shoosmiths.co.uk/graduates

SHOOSMITHS

QUOTES
LIFE ON THE JOB
Satisfaction with Work

“There are plenty of opportunities to take on
responsibility and get really ‘stuck in’ to the work
at the firm. The trainees are really considered as
part of the team and you are given a good amount
of responsibility and interaction with clients,
although this does depend on the department and
nature of the transaction.”
Trainee, Nottingham
“My training contract at Shoosmiths has been
extremely rewarding, with more responsibility
and work being provided to you as your training
progresses. Being in an open office allows you to
sit next to or near partners and this is good for
developing your skills, as well as making them a
lot more approachable. You are given access to
clients at an early stage and by your third and
fourth seat you will be the primary contact with
clients on matters you are assisting with. The
work you are given can range from the mundane
to researching and drafting documents that form
part of transactions/agreements and can be both
varied and challenging.”
Trainee, Southampton

What does your typical day at work involve?
“There is no typical day! The work is very varied,
from emails and writing letters to clients, to
drafting documents and making phone calls.”
Trainee, Nottingham

“Differs slightly for each subject, but the general
approach is: Carry on with work that you are
running the file on, ensuring you complete
everything in time for any deadlines. Throughout
the day you will be given small and larger bits of
work from other members on the team, it’s up
to you to find out what needs doing and when
for, in order to manage your work load. Trainees
also attend training days both as trainees and as
members of departments and these are usually
once a month depending on the department.
Come 6pm, it is up to the trainee to ensure there
is no outstanding work that needs doing that
evening and the rest of the team doesn’t need
further assistance, before heading out of the
office. If transactions are ongoing or it is busy then
you are expected to remain in the office until you
are no longer required, although this is usually
earlier than other members of the team leave the
office.”
Trainee, Southampton

Culture

“The culture is the best thing about the firm. The
offices are all open plan so there is a very friendly
feel to working at Shoosmiths. Everyone is treated
the same, whether you are a partner, solicitor, PA
or trainee. The trainees have a good social life and
support network, usually involving spontaneous
drinks out after work, especially on a Friday!”
Trainee, Nottingham

241

“The office is open plan which ensures that
everyone is approachable. You will often be
assisting partners and it is good to know that, if
necessary, they are happy to explain situations
or areas you don’t understand. Shoosmiths has
been successful in obtaining similar individuals
that are both commercially and technically very
good at their area of law and these individuals are
a good source of development. As there are only
between 5-7 trainees in most offices across both
years, the trainees form close bonds and look to
help each other out when possible. Trainees will
relay their experiences in a given department to
the next trainee moving into that department.
Socially, each office is responsible for organising
their own events. The trainees often go for drinks
or larger planned events that others from the
office are also invited to, and are also responsible
for organising networking events in the local area
on behalf of Shoosmiths.”
Trainee, Southampton

Seats

“Trainees complete four seats over their two-year
training contract with the choice dependent on
the office the trainee is in. The standard five of
property, commercial, litigation, employment
and corporate are available in most of the offices,
with more differing niche subjects available in
each office, e.g. marine litigation, lender services,
regulation and IP. Choice comes down to business
needs, however you are usually granted your first
choice once you are in your second year.”
Trainee, Southampton
“Typically, we do four seats of six months, but
there are always client secondments on offer for
trainees too. Your choice of seat is limited in your
first seat, but after that you always get a say. With
fewer trainees in each office, you tend to get your
first choice of seat each time.”
Trainee, Northampton

242

Formal Training

“Aside from the SRA mandatory PSC programme,
Shoosmiths has regular training days for each
department. Many training days are also open
to clients and in-house lawyers and trainees are
expected to attend these events to both develop
the necessary skills of the department they are
seated in and to build up potential contacts.
The training days are a good way to develop
technical legal knowledge and skills that are
further developed by working alongside partners
and associates within each department. Soft
skills training courses are also put on (e.g. how to
network, manage your time, etc.) and it is up to
the individual as to whether these are attended,
however, trainees usually attend these courses
unless workloads permit otherwise.”
Trainee, Southampton
“There is departmental training in each team on
a regular basis, often across offices; this often
involves updates on specific areas of law. In
terms of training for trainees, the PSC course is
organised centrally so all the trainees attend the
courses together. There is also training when you
join a new department on the basics of that area
of law which gives you an insight into what you
will be doing as a trainee. Trainees are strongly
encouraged to attend training sessions.”
Trainee, Nottingham

Informal Training & Mentoring

“Most qualified solicitors, including partners, are
very approachable and will happily provide you
with answers to queries and questions you may
have. Aside from learning the technical aspects,
developing commercial skills that will help both you
and your client in negotiations are valuable lessons.
Appreciating those arguments that aren’t important
enough to argue over and those that are required
to protect your client are skills picked up from any
qualified solicitor in the firm. Each trainee is assigned
a specific mentor who is usually at least four years
qualified and will supervise you. These individuals
have been selected for their ability to assist with
trainees’ development and will undertake both the
mid-seat and end-of-seat reviews with the trainee.”
Trainee, Southampton

“The offices are open plan and provide for a better
working environment. The facilities are to be
expected, however, they are not comparable to a
London firm. Dress code is relaxed, ties are only
required when meeting clients or attending court,
and Fridays are dress down days that allow for a
more relaxed environment.”
Trainee, Southampton

SHOOSMITHS

“The solicitors and partners are usually
accessible and are good at supervising trainees.
It’s a constant learning curve and most people
are willing to take some time to chat about a
particular matter or transaction to bring
you up to speed.”
Trainee, Nottingham

Green Initiatives

“Shoosmiths has a new corporate responsibility
director who is very keen to encourage the firm’s
environmental policy e.g. recycling, etc.”
Trainee, Nottingham
“All employees are constantly reminded to turn
off both your computer and your screens at the
end of every day. Movement-sensor lights have
been installed in the toilets of all of the offices
and recycling of the copious amounts of paper is
promoted with easily accessible recyclable bins
and secure storage recyclable bins. However,
paper usage is still vast and, as yet, there appears
to be no initiative to reduce this.”
Trainee, Southampton

How prepared do you feel to practise law
upon qualification?
“As prepared as possible, in my fourth seat I have
been able to run my own files and supervision was
as minimal as that provided to an NQ.”
Trainee, Southampton
“At the moment I’m only in my second seat so it is
difficult to say, but I think the firm will prepare me
well for qualification.”
Trainee, Nottingham

SALARY, HOURS & PERKS

diversity

“Recruitment is non-discriminatory and based on
merit. The recruitment of women in particular
appears to be promoted as every year of trainees
has a larger number of females. There are no
surveys undertaken as to LGBT or ethnicity as far
as I’m aware, but would not imagine either to be a
barrier to recruitment. Maternity leave appears to
be well handled and part-time work is available on
return if requested.”
Trainee, Southampton

Offices & Dress Code

“The Nottingham office is right by the train
station, just a short walk from town and has the
best views over Nottingham, which can be a little
distracting when you’re trying to work on a sunny
day! The dress code is smart, but no-one wears
suits unless there is a client meeting. Also, it is
dress down day every Friday so jeans and a t-shirt
are perfectly acceptable.”
Trainee, Nottingham

Hours

“On average trainees work approximately 50 hour
weeks, rising when transactions are on-going
and assistance is needed. Unlike the City, long
hours are only expected when deadlines require
them and it is considered late to be working past
8pm. However, this is countered by the lower
remuneration and therefore lower hours to the
City should be expected.”
Trainee, Southampton
“In my current department I probably work just
over 40 hours a week. This is what I expected on
my training contract, although hours vary between
departments and depending on how busy the
department is.”
Trainee, Nottingham

243

“The culture varies between departments, but on
average 8:45am to 6:45pm.”
Trainee, Reading

Salary

“The overall salary has decreased in recent years,
but this is not just limited to this firm, and I think
that compared to other firms of the same size it
is not dissimilar. I know that I’m lucky to have a
training contract in the current market so I can’t
really complain too much about the salary.”
Trainee, Nottingham
“In comparison to other firms of Shoosmiths’ size,
trainees’ salaries are considerably lower. Although
less hours ensures that comparisons with City
firms is impossible, salaries should have risen
faster.”
Trainee, Southampton

Perks

“£50 birthday vouchers and you get your
birthday off! There’s also a yearly bonus and each
department puts on an away day or drinks every
so often.”
Trainee, Nottingham
“Perks include having a day off for your birthday
and fruit provided for the office.”
Trainee, Southampton

PLUSES

“The approachability of everyone and the
supervision provided to trainees in most cases.
The responsibility granted to allow you client
contact and your own files to run.”
Trainee, Southampton
“The culture, work/life balance and the quality
and variety of work.”
Trainee, Nottingham

244

MINUSES

“Remuneration, working on a business park that
limits socialising, and the stigma of not working in
the City.”
Trainee, Southampton
“Sometimes there is not as much client contact as
I would have liked.”
Trainee, Nottingham

INTERVIEWS & APPLICATIONS
Interviews, Applications and Assessments
“I attended a vacation scheme and then a national
assessment day, which consisted of a group
discussion, role play activity, interview and written
exercise. My interview was with the Nottingham
training principal and a member of the HR team.
The interview was quite relaxed. I was asked a lot
of competency-based questions in comparison
to other interviews, in addition to the usual
questions about why I wanted to work in law, and
why I had chosen the firm.”
Trainee, Nottingham

“There were three stages: Telephone interview,
group assessment day and formal interview. I did a
vac scheme which helped.”
Trainee, Reading
“Vacation schemes provide for potentially
easier access to a training contract. Aside from
vacation schemes, assessment days are held
where students are expected to spend the day
undertaking standard tasks, including group
tasks and interviews with HR/partners. My
interview was with a partner during my vacation
scheme and involved a small presentation and
questions with the partner. Questions included
the challenges facing law firms, why law, current
affairs that interested me, etc.”
Trainee, Southampton

“Candidates should be confident and ready to
apply their skills to tasks when asked, as well
as well-rounded as an individual (e.g. outside
interests). Cockiness and stuffiness are best
avoided, however, it is best to be your natural
self as it’s hard to keep up a facade for the full
two years. Students from universities close to
a particular office (e.g. Southampton Uni and
the Southampton office) are more likely to gain
attention for their applications. Soft skills include
the ability to use your initiative and impress
everyone, not just the partners.”
Trainee, Southampton
“The firm doesn’t really look for a type of
candidate, but they should be keen to learn,
reliable and hardworking, but also up for having a
good time. The firm doesn’t recruit from specific
universities, but does ask for a 2:1. Shoosmiths
is also keen on recruiting people with local
connections, for example if you have been to
university in the area.”
Trainee, Nottingham

What made you choose your firm?

“I attended four vacation schemes and was
fortunate enough to get training contract offers
for all of them. I chose Shoosmiths because of its
culture, and because I had felt as if I had fitted in
well during my vacation scheme. The staff were
very approachable and really made the effort to
get you involved. I was also given ‘real’ work to
do and a memo on a piece of research I did was
sent out to a client, so I felt like I had achieved
something during my vacation scheme.”
Trainee, Nottingham

SHOOSMITHS

Tips & Advice

“The work/life balance, and the potential for
developing my legal skills under the direct
supervision of partners who are market leaders
and easily accessible.”
Trainee, Southampton

Go online for
more quotes on
Shoosmiths and
other law firms

WWW.INSIDEBUZZ.CO.UK
245

THE BUZZ ON GETTING HIRED
Shoosmiths may not be a large international
law firm, but it certainly is a big national player.
With nine offices scattered across the country,
Shoosmiths has over 100 partners on board
and can boast an overall personnel of more
than 1,400. If you fancy becoming part of the
Shoosmiths family, you can expect a relatively
small intake of up to 22 trainees – which of course
means it won’t be easy to land a training contract
unless you fulfil some of the basics.
Like most law firms, Shoosmiths is after candidates
with good communications skills on both a
written and verbal level. ‘The firm doesn’t really
look for a type of candidate’ says one trainee,
but applicants should ‘be keen to learn, reliable
and hardworking’. A 2:1 is a definite must and
although Shoosmiths doesn’t recruit from specific
universities, the firm is eager to hire ‘people
with local connections’ – so if you’ve gone to a
uni in the area, make it work to your advantage.
Also remember to show off your organisational
qualities as Shoosmiths wants candidates who
can work independently and under minimal
supervision.

“The firm is eager to hire ‘people with
local connections’ – so if you’ve gone
to a uni in the area, make it work to
your advantage.”
Trainees do four six-month seats in various
departments. There’s a standard of five
departments available ‘in most of the offices’,
including property, commercial, litigation,
employment and corporate. However, you can
also pick some niche areas such as ‘marine
litigation, lender services, regulation and IP’.
International opportunities don’t currently
exist, but we’re told ‘there are always client
secondments on offer for trainees’.

246

Although there are no compulsory seats, trainees
will have to sit in three separate areas, which
include contentious and non-contentious work.
If this sounds good to you, then begin by
completing the firm’s online application form.
If you make the cut you can look forward to
a telephone interview before being invited to
the national assessment day – which usually
consists of a group discussion, role play activities,
a written exercise, and a further interview with
up to two people. One successful applicant
described the interview as ‘quite relaxed’ with ‘a
lot of competency-based questions, in addition
to the usual questions about why law, and why
Shoosmiths in particular’. So ensure you come
armed with a host of answers to the typical
competency questions. You’ll probably be pleased
to hear there won’t be any psychometric tests
to take, which means you can concentrate on all
the other areas of the assessment. For the group
exercise in particular, it’s important to be seen –
so don’t be shy and speak up. If you’re successful
with your application, you might also be invited
back for an informal ‘meet the team’ event, which
should put you at ease before you embark on your
training contract.

Vacation Schemes
If you’re after a career with Shoosmiths, keep
in mind that ‘vacation schemes provide for
potentially easier access to a training contract’.
The firm offers two-week vacation schemes, which
run during the summer from June to August. It’s
definitely a good way to get your foot in the door
so don’t miss the opportunity. Law students in
their penultimate year and non-law students in
their final year can apply for the summer scheme.
You are likely to spend your time in one or two
of Shoosmiths’ departments working next to
partners, lawyers and current trainees who are
said to ‘really make the effort to get you involved’
during your time there.

Shoosmiths is the original national UK law firm.
And though it had a nationwide network and
successful lines in debt recovery and personal
injury by the beginning of the 21st century,
Shoosmiths’ real steps into the big league
came with the opening of a new site in the
primary business centre of Birmingham, in 2003.
Outposts followed in Nottingham in 2007 and
Manchester and London in 2008, adding to its
offices in Milton Keynes, Basingstoke, Reading,
Solent and Northampton HQ.

“The firm’s client roster includes a
broad range of household names,
such as McDonalds, Next, Volkswagen,
Nissan, HBOS, ING Direct, Zurich and the
Open University.”
Shoosmiths has since grown steadily, building
on a fairly unique practice mix that sets it apart
from its rivals. The increase in personnel provides
a solid indication of Shoosmiths’ growth since
the turn of the millennium, with the number of
partners almost doubling to over 100 and the
staff swelling to more than 1,400.
In 2002, Shoosmiths started bagging contracts
with blue-chip companies. Despite being
relatively unglamorous work, these deals
demonstrated to the industry Shoosmiths’
proficiency in dealing with complex legal matters.
Building on this reputation, Shoosmiths has since
become known for property work, dealing with
PI for clients of insurance companies and, most
recently, its corporate deals – where it boasts
successful mid-market M&A and AIM practices.

There are a number of factors that set
Shoosmiths apart from other leading law
firms. As well as opening its partnership ranks
to non-lawyers, Shoosmiths has an unusual
practice mix. Today, Shoosmiths’ operations
are broken into five ostensibly standard legal
areas: commercial property, residential property,
corporate/commercial, employment, and dispute
resolution. However, few firms have such sizeable
commercial teams, property expertise and
practices in debt recovery, marine law, personal
injury, private client and mortgages. As such,
the majority of Shoosmiths’ clients use the firm
for specific areas rather than as a one-stop legal
shop. The firm’s client roster includes a broad
range of household names, such as McDonalds,
Next, Volkswagen, Nissan, HBOS, ING Direct,
Zurich and the Open University.

SHOOSMITHS

FIRM PROFILE

“Ethnic minority and gender diversity are
considered across partners, trainees and
paralegals.”
Shoosmiths devotes considerable resources
to making sure there is diversity within its
workforce, and was subsequently ranked in the
top 10 of the Diversity League Table compiled by
the Black Solicitors’ Network. Ethnic minority and
gender diversity are considered across partners,
trainees and paralegals. The recruitment of
women especially has improved, as one trainee
notes that ‘every year of trainees has a larger
number of females’.

247

248

Born of a NY/Chicago merger, Sidley Austin LLP has garnered a reputation in the City for its structured
finance and securitisation practice. The firm’s major work also includes M&A, capital markets, corporate
reorganisation and bankruptcy, regulatory, insurance, funds and dispute resolution. With 110 lawyers, it
has one of the largest London offices for a US law firm.

PROS

• Lots of opportunities for informal training,
associates especially are very approachable and
a good source of advice
• Hands on experience from the start, and high
quality work
• Magic Circle level work divided amongst a much
smaller trainee intake
• Very good pay
• Although the firm is one of the largest in the
world, the London office has a small, relaxed
and collegial atmosphere

THE STATS
No. of lawyers firm-wide: 1,700
No. of lawyers in London: 110
London Partners: 39
London Associates/Counsel: 73
London trainee intake: 10
London trainees retained: 100% (2011)

SIDLEY AUSTIN

SIDLEY AUSTIN

CONS

• Unpredictability of the work load means hours
vary
• Long hours in certain departments
• Heavily finance-orientated, so make sure you
enjoy it
• While the trainee group is very close, a strong
socialising culture is lacking – not that many
firm social events
• Trainees are thrown in at the deep end

Investment Funds • Insurance • Intellectual Property • Real
Estate & Real Estate Finance • Tax

LOCATIONS

BASE SALARY

No. of offices: 17
Beijing • Brussels • Chicago • Dallas • Frankfurt • Geneva •
Hong Kong • London • Los Angeles • New York • Palo Alto
• San Francisco • Shanghai • Singapore • Sydney • Tokyo •
Washington DC

LONDON 2011
1st year trainee £39,000
2nd year trainee £43,000
Newly qualified £72,000
1 year PQE £81,500
2 years PQE £91,500
3 years PQE £101,000

LONDON OFFICE
Woolgate Exchange
25 Basinghall Street
London EC2V 5HA
Tel: +44 (0)20 7360 3600
www.sidley.com

DEPARTMENTS & PRACTICES

GRADUATE RECRUITMENT INFO

Corporate • Competition • Corporate Reorganisation &
Bankruptcy • Debt & Equity Capital Markets • Dispute
Resolution • International Finance, including Structured
Finance, Debt Restructuring and Derivatives • Employment
• Financial Services Regulatory • Hedge Funds & Other

Lucy Slater
Tel: +44 (0)20 7360 3600
Email: [email protected]

249

QUOTES
LIFE ON THE JOB
Satisfaction with Work

“I am satisfied with the work I have been given.
Being part of a smaller intake ensures you
are given a broad range of work and lots of
responsibility early on. I have had direct client
contact, assisted on large transactions, as well as
performing the usual trainee tasks such as drafting
and due diligence.”
Trainee

“The quality of the work is excellent if you get
involved in the correct transaction. However, I
have found that in some seats you end up doing
non-chargeable practice development work.
In my international finance seat I managed my
own transaction with very little partner support,
although this was certainly being thrown in at the
deep end, I did learn a lot. I’ve had chances to
interact with both clients and colleagues in other
offices from whom we get work. The nature of the
deals we are exposed to range from multi-national
securitisations to discrete research tasks and
bibling.”
Trainee

What does your typical day at work involve?

“I think the learning curve is huge at Sidley Austin.
Some departments are such that you learn
nothing about their area of law on the GDL/LPC
and as such, are thrown in at the deep end. There
is, however, a great deal of support. I am sitting
with a partner at the moment and this is not a
rarity.”
Trainee

in the law which I or my supervisor should be
aware of. I will then check with the team to
progress any tasks which might require my
assistance and action any instructions given. Tasks
commonly involve due diligence or marking-up
any transactional documents. In performing such
tasks you will have to liaise with various groups
within Sidley as well as the client directly. Trips to
Companies House are a common occurrence as
well as attending conference calls.”
Trainee

250

“A typical day at work involves checking your
Blackberry before you leave home to see if
anything has come in overnight and responding
accordingly. Upon arriving at work, I usually scan
email updates to check for any developments

“With the downturn in the market, there has
not been as much exposure as one would
hope to have in their training to transactional
work. However that being said, when there is a
transaction, in my experience as a trainee, I have
been given a fair amount of responsibility. This
includes dealing directly with partners, liaising
with the clients on a daily basis, and attending
client meeting and negotiations with the other
party’s counsel.”
Trainee
“If I am working on a transaction, it can be mainly
taken up with reviewing and drafting the tax
clauses in the various agreements, having related
discussions with the partner and often researching
specific areas of tax law that are in point. Some
days can be quite research-based, as I try to get to
grips with some of the finer points of tax law, and
so several hours can be spent in the books.”
Newly qualified solicitor

Culture

“The firm holds various social events on a firmwide scale, including a Christmas party and
summer barbecues. Other firm-sponsored events
include sending two teams to compete in the
Manches Cup and weekly softball games in the
summer. Otherwise, on an informal basis, I often
go for drinks, lunch or dinner with those solicitors
who joined the firm with me, or with members of
my group.”
Newly qualified solicitor
“As there are not a huge number of trainees, the
trainee group is very tight and we have lunch
together and sometimes drinks on a Friday. The
firm does not arrange a whole heap of stuff
for trainees, but nevertheless we are all good
friends.”
Trainee
“The firm’s culture is quite relaxed and there
is very much an ‘open-door’ policy at the firm.
At every level, I have found all colleagues to be
very approachable. As regards the social culture,
there is not perhaps as strong a socialising culture
as there may be at other firms. This may have
something to do with the nature of the hours
working at an American law firm, however, there
are social functions and gatherings organised
throughout the year, and trainee socialising is very
much ad hoc.”
Trainee
“There are a small number of trainees and as
such, strong bonds are formed and support is
offered all round. During the winter, socialising
doesn’t occur as much but come spring/summer
there are lots of sporting activities and BBQS, etc.
to indulge in.”
Trainee

Seats

“Trainees typically do four seats, although some
of the seats are for three months only (e.g., tax),
giving trainees the option to work in a few more
practice areas. The firm offers one seat abroad in
our Brussels office. As a first year trainee, there
is no choice for the first seat, which is allocated
by the firm. There is, however, trainee input
for the second and any later seats. While the
process is a bit non-transparent, the firm attempts
to accommodate trainees’ wishes as much as
possible, and appears to do a good job at that.”
Trainee

SIDLEY AUSTIN

“It may sound like a cliché, but it is fair to say
that there is not a ‘typical’ day at the office. It
can range from dealing directly with clients on a
transaction to conducting legal research for one’s
supervisor or other colleagues in the department.”
Trainee

“4-6 seats. There are plenty of departments to
choose from: Litigation and Dispute Resolution,
Regulatory, Finance, Capital Markets, Corporate,
Commercial, Competition, Insurance and
Reinsurance, Employment and Tax. Depending
on how popular your seat is, you have fairly good
chances of getting your choices. The only seat
abroad at the moment is Brussels (Competition
and a tiny bit of WTO) – Sidley’s may be an
American firm, but no US seats for the time
being...”
Trainee

Partner/Solicitor Relations

“We are kept informed by email, or through
individual conversations with the partners we
work under. There is the occasional town hall
meeting during which time the firm’s business and
strategy are discussed. An associates’ committee
is tasked with putting forward the views of
associates to the partnership.”
Newly qualified solicitor
“Individual partners are very accessible. As a
partnership that is led out of Chicago, there could
be more communication that is more Londonfocused. We have an associate committee that
gets associate views heard.”
Newly qualified solicitor

251

Formal Training

“There are internal training sessions organised
throughout the course of the training contract to
supplement the professional skills course. There is
very much a practical emphasis on these sessions
and they are taken seriously. It is compulsory
to attend, unless one’s supervisor has indicated
otherwise (which tends not to be the case!). The
majority of the sessions are focused on honing
in on legal skills. An example of a legal skill that I
have worked on is my drafting skills, and a nonlegal skill would include drafting of letters, etc.”
Trainee
“The training programme has improved over
the course of the year, and the addition of DIY
training – where a trainee is required to give a
presentation on any (legal) subject of their choice
– has been particularly useful. However, there
is a tendency to change and postpone training
sessions which makes you question how seriously
the presenters take them, though when they do
take place they are usually of a very high quality
and almost always have the effect of making you
want to do a seat with the relevant department.”
Trainee
“A counsel is in charge of organising our trainee
training and it is done very well. A wide range
of topics are covered. On top of that, there are
a huge number of department specific training
sessions which take place monthly. I have taken
part in a number of subject specific training
sessions as well as a session, organised by the firm
but opened to clients, which taught us how to
network.”
Trainee

Informal Training & Mentoring

“Training on-the-job happens on a daily basis.
Partners are very accessible and do make good
mentors. As all trainees share their office with a
partner or senior associate, you learn all sorts of
skills by ‘osmosis’ during your training contract. I
would say I learn new things on a weekly basis.”
Newly qualified solicitor

252

“Sidley Austin runs an open-door policy and as
such, associates and partners are, technically,
always available. As with any firm, this doesn’t
always work when times are particularly busy
but on the whole, it seems to be the case. A lot
of our training is informal. You are always able
to ask questions and if you’re given work to do
on a topic, or a transaction commences, which
you have not come into contact with previously,
someone will always be on hand to fill you in.”
Trainee
“Most of the associates and partners are very
approachable, and are happy to take the time to
explain things. A majority of the supervisors are
particularly concerned that their trainees receive
enough of the right training and make an effort
to ensure that this is the case. In addition to the
more formal training, most of the solicitors will
make an effort to see that you join conference
calls and have some interaction with clients so
that you can develop non-legal skills as well.”
Trainee
“Supervisors are good mentors. They provide
feedback, but not on all tasks (but you can always
ask for feedback). A trainee solicitor has two
appraisals in each six month seat. Solicitors are
accessible and like talking to trainees, however, it
does not mean that you can spend all day talking
about football.”
Trainee

Career Prospects

“It is not that easy to become partner – business
need determines, but already quite partner
heavy. Not that transparent as to what allows
for promotion, but ability to bring in clients is
important so quality of work, client network and
reviews are important.”
Newly qualified solicitor

“In five years, I should be CTA qualified and know
a lot more about tax law and be able to more or
less get on with my work autonomously without
so much partner overview. In 10 years time, I
should hope to be a partner. The law has allowed
me to work in high-end City law, working with
highly sophisticated people at the firm and on
the client side. Once I decided to work in law,
it was always my desire to do so in a top City
environment and I think I have achieved that. Also,
I think that the skills obtained here could open
other doors in the future.”
Newly qualified solicitor
“Mid-level associate in five years and hopefully
partner in 10. Moving in-house is an option.”
Newly qualified solicitor

Pro Bono

“I know some lawyers do work on pro bono
matters... Once the billable hours target is
reached, pro bono hours can be taken into
account for bonus purposes. I have worked on two
pro bono matters including the incorporation of an
after-school club providing educational facilities,
and in respect of a lease of premises for a charity.”
Newly qualified solicitor

Green Initiatives

“Recycling of paper, electronic storage of
documents, energy efficient lights.”
Trainee
“It is no longer firm policy to produce paper files,
and recycling facilities are available on
every floor.”
Newly qualified solicitor
“Recycling is encouraged everywhere (paper,
plastic, cans) but that is about it.”
Trainee

Diversity

“The firm is committed to diversity and I believe
it to be staffed with diverse lawyers in all its
offices. We have had numerous talks on diversity
and there is a diversity committee. There is also a
women’s committee.”
Newly qualified solicitor

SIDLEY AUSTIN

Where do you see yourself over the course
of the next 5-10 years? What doors has a
career in law opened for you?

“Four women partners out of a total of 39.
At associate level it is quite even. The firm is
committed to improving female promotion.”
Newly qualified solicitor
“The firm has an active women’s committee and
scores in the top 10 most diverse firms in the UK.
Retention rates are high and you see solicitors
who have trained with the firm now making
partner. The firm has a good maternity policy.”
Trainee
“8 out of 10 of this year’s trainees are women.”
Trainee

Offices & Dress

“The dress code is business casual. There is a lot
of space in the office. The maximum number of
lawyers per room is two. Trainees have their own
wardrobes, Blackberries, a lot of shelf space, huge
desks, and comfortable chairs. There are kitchens
with microwaves and fridges in the office, and a
restaurant downstairs. The office is modern, new
and located in a quiet area between Moorgate and
Bank tube stations.”
Trainee
“The offices are high standard, with an open-door
policy. Sharing an office with your supervisor is
a mixed bag – excellent for access to him or her,
but at times a drag on efficiency with meetings
or teleconferences going on while trying to focus
on something else. As for the dress code, smart
casual for most days will suffice, unless there is a
client meeting or other out-of-the-office activity.”
Trainee

253

“Good office facilities with a lovely terrace which
is accessible during the summer. The building has
a decent gym and canteen. We are located in the
City with good transport links. The firm operates
a business-casual dress code, people will notice if
you wear suit!”
Trainee
“Dress code is business casual; as long as you are
not sporting jeans and trainers you can get away
with fairly informal dress. The location, facilities
and office space are all great, but compared to
some other firms the food served in the firm’s
kitchen and the office building’s canteen doesn’t
really measure up.”
Trainee

How prepared do you feel to practise law
upon qualification?
“I can see how much I have learnt already, but
still feel like there is a long way to go. I am sure by
the time qualification comes round I will have the
necessary skills required.”
Trainee
“Get more and more prepared each day. I believe I
have been building up confidence in myself as the
training is going.”
Trainee
“More and more by the day, but nowhere near
100%.”
Trainee

“9.30am – 6.30pm are the key hours with an
hour for lunch. No one minds if you have to leave
early or have an appointment during the day. If
required, you may need to stay late and may need
to stay late several nights/weeks in a row. Dinner
and taxis are provided and as you are busy, staying
isn’t too painful.”
Trainee
“The number of hours can vary a lot, depending
on which department you sit in. Being an
American firm, there is an expectation of
long hours, which has been the case in more
transactional seats and less so in the advisory
seats.”
Trainee
“Hours are generally good. There have been a few
late nights in the run-up to signing a transaction
which is naturally to be expected. The start
time is flexible and on average, one would work
approximately 9-10 hours per day.”
Trainee

Salary

“You may be able to get a bonus if you bill more
than a certain number of hours a year.”
Newly qualified solicitor
“Better than other law firms.”
Trainee
“I am very happy with it.”
Trainee

Perks

SALARY, HOURS & PERKS
Hours

“I work no more than my friends in other City
firms and in some cases, I work less. I am yet to do
an all-nighter!”
Trainee

254

“Free dinners, sailing weekends, contribution to
gym membership, season ticket loan, Christmas
party, summer party, themed Halloween party for
families (which is amazing and very elaborate, bit
like walking into a film set.).”
Trainee

“Delicious free meal if I stay later than 9pm,
private medical insurance, pension, eye screening
and prescription allowance, gym membership,
season ticket loan, free flu vaccination, free lunch
when you attend training.”
Trainee

Pluses

“I have made some genuinely good friends, the
work/life balance is fantastic from my point of
view and I seldom have to do any drudge-work,
which is the lot of junior lawyers elsewhere from
what I hear. In tax, I feel I have the opportunity
regularly to stretch myself intellectually which
can be stressful but it’s important for me to be
academically challenged.”
Newly qualified solicitor
“Small, and work closely with partners.”
Newly qualified solicitor
“High quality work, friendly and bright lawyers,
supportive colleagues, very good training, various
networking events, things like the Manches Cup
Regatta – an annual sailing event for law firms,
Christmas parties, mentoring scheme.”
Trainee
“You get a lot more responsibility early on and get
good quality work. Everybody is very friendly so
you always have someone you can go to with a
question. The pay is also good!”
Trainee

Minuses

“Sometimes long hours (depending on the
department you work in), days when you don’t
have much to do in the morning and all of a
sudden you are swamped with work around 4pm.”
Trainee

“Sometimes I feel the instructions I get when
things are busy are not as clear as they could
be which adds to the stress of the situation,
especially when I’m not convinced I know what’s
expected of me.”
Newly qualified solicitor

SIDLEY AUSTIN

“We take part in the Manches Cup, a weekend
of sailing and fun as we make our way from Port
Hamble to the Isle of Wight and back again.”
Trainee

“Lack of firm arranged social events.”
Trainee
“Working for a US firm your clients are often stateside, therefore the time difference often requires
you to work late to meet with their working
hours.”
Trainee

Fun Facts

“We can claim Barack and Michelle Obama as
former colleagues.”
Trainee
“My firm organises an annual Halloween party
in the office. The conference rooms become,
for example, Alice in Wonderland realm for
one evening. You cannot recognise your office!
Personnel can bring their kids who play with live
animals (spiders, snakes and so on.).”
Trainee

INTERVIEWS & APPLICATIONS
Applications, Interviews & Assessments

“There was only one interview with two partners
followed by a coffee discussion with a current
trainee. The interview was one hour long and
combined general questions about my interests,
my studies to date, and then focused problemsolving questions.”
Trainee

255

“There was one round of interview with two
partners. There was no assessment day, the
questions at interview ranged from the technical
to the commercial to the personal.”
Trainee
“There is one interview with two partners and a
verbal reasoning test. Questions at my interview
related to my CV, career plans, and some technical
questions concerning current awareness and my
Master thesis. The interview was not stressful as
the partners were very nice.”
Trainee
“There was just one round of interview and some
online aptitude tests. This doesn’t mean that it
was easier than other firms...”
Trainee

Tips & Advice

“The academic requirements looked for are
typically high. The firm did use to be a structured
finance niche, but now it has diversified into other
areas. All candidates would need to have a distinct
interest in working in commercial law.”
Newly qualified solicitor
“Be up to date on current developments in the
business and finance world. Read the business
pages of a broad sheet newspaper and the FT if
possible.”
Trainee
“My firm is looking for people who are bright, and
have outstanding academic qualifications. People
who are interested in the commercial world, and
the world of finance in particular. People who are
sociable. You’ll need to have a minimum of three
A-levels (at least two A grades and one B), and
to have (or be expected to achieve) at least a 2:1
degree or equivalent (not necessarily in law). My
firm hires trainees from various universities if they
fulfil the above criteria.”
Trainee

256

“Though the firm looks for strong academics
results, they also want people who will make a
good fit. You need to be able to demonstrate an
ability to think on your feet and an interest in the
work the firm does.”
Trainee

What made you choose your firm?

“We often work opposite Magic Circle firms
therefore you have exposure to high quality work
but amongst a smaller intake, ensuring you get
good exposure to good quality work whilst not
being lost in the crowd.”
Trainee
“I thought the firm would offer top-end
commercial work in a smaller, more intimate
environment where a trainee or junior associate
could make a larger impression.”
Newly qualified solicitor
“Outstanding reputation, small intake of trainees
– 10 per year, high quality work, headquarters in
Chicago, great perks and rewarding salary.”
Trainee
“They have a good reputation in the work they
do, especially in the financial sector. I am quite
interested in the work they do.”
Trainee

SIDLEY AUSTIN

THE BUZZ ON GETTING HIRED
With 17 offices scattered around the world, Sidley
is a global firm. While applicants don’t necessarily
need to come from an international background,
you should recognise the firm’s international
approach to work. The London office takes on a
small number of trainees, with only 10 training
contracts available for outstanding candidates.
Hence excellent academic qualifications are a
prerequisite – the firm expects applicants to have
achieved at least two As and one B at A-level, and
a 2:1 degree in either law or a non-legal discipline.
However, it’s not just about proving you’ve got the
intellectual stamina, but also about demonstrating
a genuine interest in the work the firm does,
especially in finance. As one trainee advises,
‘be up to date on current developments in the
business and finance world. Read the business
pages of a broad sheet newspaper and the FT if
possible’. You also need to show you’ve got the
communication skills to work well in teams and
interact with clients appropriately. Sidley wants
people who are ‘hard working, sociable and
friendly’, so that they will fit in with the firm’s
culture.

“Be up to date on current developments
in the business and finance world. Read
the business pages of a broad sheet
newspaper and the FT if possible”.
Training opportunities particularly reflect Sidley’s
open-door policy, which encourages trainees to
‘just pop in anyone’s office and ask any question
that we have’. Solicitors and partners are ‘very
accessible’ and are said to make good mentors.
The formal training programme is taken seriously,
and the firm organises training sessions ‘across the
office and for the particular practice groups’.

During the training contract, trainees typically
do four seats, ‘although some of the seats are
for three months only’, allowing for more choice.
There is also the opportunity to complete a seat
in the firm’s Brussels office so it’s worth polishing
up your French as the foreign seat is very popular.
Expect the quality of the work to be very good and
the nature of the work you’ll be doing ‘to range
from multi-national securitisations to discrete
research tasks and bibling’.
An online application kicks off the recruitment
process and if successful, candidates will have to
complete a short online aptitude test, followed
by a one-hour interview with two partners. There
may not be any assessment days, but ‘this doesn’t
mean that it is easier than other firms’ to obtain
a coveted training contract. Expect to be grilled
on a range of topics varying from ‘the technical to
the commercial and to the personal’. Questions
will also focus on your career plans and your
commercial acumen, and although the interview
will be pretty intense, it is ‘not stressful as the
partners are very nice’.

257

FIRM PROFILE
Chicago based Sidley Austin first opened
in London as a US law office, in 1974. After
converting into a multinational practice in 1994,
it merged with New York firm Brown & Wood,
in 2001. The alliance gave Sidley a combined
222 years of experience and some 80 lawyers,
many of whom worked in structured finance and
securitisation – making the firm a real competitor
to the Magic Circle in this sector. However,
compared to its UK rivals, Sidley has a relatively
small City headcount with 110 English and USqualified lawyers currently practising in the firm’s
London office.

“The management is all British over
here, and has a say in every
crucial decision.”
Since the merger, Sidley Austin LLP has expanded
into Europe and beyond its comfort zone in
finance – which is an impressive undertaking
given the impact of the subprime mortgage crisis
on the industry. Apart from international finance,
the firm’s major work also includes M&A, capital
markets, corporate reorganisation and bankruptcy,
regulatory, insurance, funds and dispute
resolution.
Sidley’s corporate practice in London doesn’t
enjoy the reputation of its US counterpart, mainly
due to the lack of headline-grabbing M&A deals.
Owing to this, Sidley is often wrongly overlooked
on the list of successful US firms in the City. The
London office has worked on high profile M&A
deals, such as acting for FLIR Systems Inc. in
relation to the acquisition of Raymarine, listed
on the London Stock Exchange, and can boast
involvement in highly intricate transactions and
some of its domestic and cross-border legal advice

258

enjoys international renown. Particularly the
firm’s corporate reorganisation and bankruptcy
department has established itself prominently
in the market. Other City work includes tax, real
estate, competition, employment, intellectual
property and commercial.
While Sidley’s presence in Europe extends to
Brussels, Frankfurt and Geneva, the London
outpost is the firm’s largest in Europe. In spite
of the firm’s US roots, its approach to London
is distinctly Anglophile. The management is all
British over here, and has a say in every crucial
decision. London lawyers focus on domestic and
cross-border matters, and have been involved in
major transactions, such as acting for Western
Union in relation to its acquisition of Travelex
Global Business Payments division, a leading
specialist provider of international business
payments, for £606 million in cash. The global
outlook of the firm is reflected across all of its
practices. London’s structured debt finance group,
for instance, forms part of an international team
of 200 lawyers who operate across Europe, Asia
and the US.
Apart from offering world-class legal services,
Sidley Austin LLP is also involved in pro bono
work with the firm’s employees dedicating more
than 86,000 hours to pro bono projects in 2010.
Current US initiatives involve the Political Asylum
and Immigrants’ Rights Project and the Veterans
Benefits Project. In the UK, London lawyers have
been involved in providing legal advice to not-forprofit organisations such as the Community Youth
Provisions Association, the Hawkesbury After
School Club and Watford Women’s Centre.

Work for SIDLEY AUSTIN
(advertisement)

TRAINING CONTRACT

WHEN TO APPLY

Sidley Austin is one of the world’s largest full-service law
firms, providing a broad range of services to meet the
needs of businesses across a multitude of industries,
financial institutions, governments and individuals. We
are looking for candidates from both law and non-law
disciplines who are focused, intelligent and enthusiastic with
personality, humour and a real interest in practising law in
the commercial world. You will need to have a minimum of
three A-Levels (AAB), and to have (or be expected to achieve)
at least a 2.1 degree. 

Trainees will have the opportunity
to spend up to six months in at least four of our practice
groups: corporate, competition, corporate reorganisation
and bankruptcy, debt and equity capital markets, debt
restructuring, debt finance including structured finance, debt
restructuring and derivatives, employment, financial services
regulatory, hedge funds, insurance, IP/IT, litigation, real
estate and real estate finance, tax. 



For the September 2013/2014 training contract, the
deadline is 31st July 2012 . 



SIDLEY AUSTIN

JOBS

SALARY
On joining £39,000 per annum, increasing to £43,000 in
second year.

VACANCIES
We offer up to 10 training contracts each year, taking
great care with the selection of each trainee.

HOW TO APPLY
Name: Lucy Slater
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 020 7360 2016
Website: www.sidley.com

259

Exceptional service
to exceptional clients
Slaughter and May is widely regarded as one of the most
prestigious law firms in the world. Because of our reputation
for excellence, we are often appointed as legal advisers to
leading companies on high profile and landmark
international transactions.
If you want to work on complex and challenging deals for
high calibre clients, and have a good 2:1 degree or better
(not necessarily in law), then this could be the firm for you.

260

To find out more about career opportunities,
visit slaughterandmay.com

Somewhat of an anomaly, this Magic Circle firm has a smaller headcount and fewer international offices
than most. However, Slaughter and May has secured domestic domination as the most profitable firm in
the City and has never lost a partner to another firm. How’s that for a little Magic?

PROS

• Biggest and best work around
• Excellent informal training from supervisors and
associates
• The name to have on your CV
• High degree of responsibility from the start
• Generous fixed percentage bonuses for
everyone

CONS

• Hierarchical structure and rigid ‘up or out’
policy
• High pressure and expectations
• Lack of transparency on firm decisions
• Very difficult to make partner

THE STATS

LOCATIONS

No. of lawyers firm-wide: Approx. 730
London Partners: 113
London Associates: 350+
London trainee intake: 90
London trainees retained: over 90%
Approx. no. of applications per year: 1,800

No. of offices: 4
Beijing • Brussels • Hong Kong • London

BASE SALARY
LONDON 2011
1st year trainee £38,000
2nd year trainee £43,000
Newly qualified £61,500

SLAUGHTER AND MAY

SLAUGHTER AND MAY

LONDON OFFICE
One Bunhill Row
London EC1Y 8YY
Tel: +44 (0)20 7600 1200
www.slaughterandmay.com

GRADUATE RECRUITMENT INFO
Trainee Recruitment Team
Tel: +44 (0)20 7600 1200
Email: [email protected]

DEPARTMENTS & PRACTICES
Asset Management • Capital Markets • Commercial Real
Estate • Competition • Corporate and Commercial •
Corporate Recovery and Insolvency • Dispute Resolution
• Environment • Financial Regulation • Financing •
Information Technology • Infrastructure, Energy and
Natural Resources • Intellectual Property • Mergers and
Acquisitions • Outsourcing • Pensions and Employment •
Private Equity • Sport • Tax

261

QUOTES
LIFE ON THE JOB
Satisfaction with Work

“I have been given a wide variety of tasks, ranging
from the more tedious (photocopying – although
this is rare) to a variety of interesting research
issues and a number of case management
tasks. Interaction with clients is limited in my
department, especially given that this is my first
seat; however I have met clients a few times.
Direct contact with partners is very, very high. I
currently share an office with a partner and the
partners ensure that they are aware of what
is going on in the group and regularly speak to
individuals at all levels in the department.”
First year trainee
“A partner reviews your training diary once
a month and partners regularly give training
sessions for trainees. The deals, particularly in
corporate, are often big and headline-grabbing
and the clients are household names. As a
trainee, this is great experience and helps get you
through the less exciting work that comes your
way. Partners and supervisors are not scared to
give you responsibility either. Trainees drafting
documents is common.”
First year trainee
“I have had a really good and varied experience
of the firm’s work so far. I have dealt directly with
clients, organised (fairly straightforward!) matters
on my own for partners directly and have enjoyed
a range of work within each seat. I have worked
on an international joint venture, a scheme of
arrangement for an insurance firm, a private
acquisition, various tax issues, ongoing litigation
involving a large privately-owned company, a
cartel investigation and derivatives litigation.”
First year trainee

262

“The step up to NQ has been a steep one, but
this is a positive thing – I now have far more
responsibility and client contact and receive much
more challenging and satisfying work.”
Newly qualified solicitor, Banking

What does your typical day at work involve?
“There is no typical day – it’s driven by the work.
So on a day I don’t have anything scheduled I
usually get in by 9.30 but there are days when
I need to be in earlier to be on top of things.
Similarly there are days when I leave at 5.30 and
days when I work through the night (though not
many of those lately!). Sometimes you may not
have slept all night or it may be hectic from early
in the morning, sometimes the day is very quiet
until around 4pm and then the work kicks off. It
means that no two days are the same.”
First year trainee

“In support departments, research is more
common. In corporate or finance, trainees will be
asked to do all sorts – from bog-standard copychecking or bible-building through to amending
documents, handling process matters (update
emails, etc.), and even, on occasions, taking
responsibility for documents and drafting. Going
to a meeting is not uncommon. There will typically
be one or two trainee training sessions in a week
and often a group meeting.”
First year trainee
“Calls with clients, perhaps face-to-face meetings,
discussing significant issues with partners,
drafting, negotiating, and researching.”
Junior solicitor, Banking

Culture

“Slaughter and May seem to choose like-minded
people so we all get on well, socialise together
and are good friends. However actual social
events organised by the firm for trainees are
fairly limited.”
First year trainee
“Trainees are generally friendly and supportive.
There are several social and sports clubs
available, as well as a range of corporate-sponsor
promotional offers. People frequently go for
drinks at the local pub on Thursdays and Fridays.
The atmosphere is extremely professional and
organised. The firm is generally quite conservative
in terms of business practice but very openminded in other terms.”
First year trainee
“There’s a very good support structure. During a
period when I was working really late, I had a call
from HR to ask if I was okay and whether they
could do anything to help... I’ve always found
co-trainees willing and eager to help me out when
I’ve been swamped, and have equally taken on
work for others. I won’t say it can’t be tough at
times – it can be very tough at times – but it’s
made easier by the fact that the environment
helps you deal with it. The atmosphere is very
collegiate – trainees tend to lunch together and
if we’re staying later we go for dinner together.
Fridays after work drinks at the Artillery Arms are
a staple.”
First year trainee
“The atmosphere in the office is friendly but
reserved. There are no billable hours targets
or weighted pay, which means there is no
competition between any fee-earners.”
First year trainee

“Friendly culture, partners are approachable and
don’t leave you totally alone to get on with work
without making sure you’re okay, etc. ‘Open office’
culture so I feel I can ask other associates anything
if I have questions. Trainees (by and large) are
treated as equals.”
Junior solicitor, Corporate

Partner/solicitor relations

SLAUGHTER AND MAY

“Days vary from seat to seat. My current seat is
mainly research and analysis but my previous seat
(within the same department but with a different
supervisor) involved lots of drafting and attending
meetings with clients and other counsel.”
Second year trainee

“It largely depends on the partner, but on
a day-to-day basis in a transaction, I’ve had
good experience so far. I don’t feel like we can
contribute to firm-wide decisions much (although
if I felt very strongly about something, I could
approach a partner and feel it would make a
difference.).”
Junior solicitor, Corporate
“The firm is not renowned for openness – this is
a reputation that is both deserved and that the
partnership seems disinterested in changing. The
general impression is that non-partners do not
contribute to firm-wide decisions in any way –
though whether or not this is true is hard to tell,
given the firm’s opaque power structure.”
Newly qualified solicitor, Banking
“There is generally a feeling that the partners do
not keep associates well-informed of firm-wide
decisions; however, I have never felt unfairly/
unexpectedly out of the loop.”
Newly qualified solicitor, Corporate

SEATS

“Every trainee will do six months in a corporate
seat and most will do another six months in a
finance seat and you choose before you start you
training contract. You are allocated all your seats
before you arrive, but these can be changed. You
can do a seat abroad. There is a big choice. Seats
abroad will be with one of the firm’s best friend
firms and there are three competition trainees at
any one time in Brussels.”
First year trainee

263

“Trainees typically do four six-month seats.
However, there are a number of three month
seats available as well, which means that you
may end up doing six seats in total. In terms of
departments, you can sit in corporate and finance
(we have numerous groups for each), dispute
resolution, competition, intellectual property,
commercial real estate, pensions & employment,
tax and financial regulation. There is a fair amount
of choice. You have to spend 12 months in either
corporate or finance, although six of these can be
abroad or in financial regulation.”
First year trainee
“If one of your seats in your second year is a
corporate/financing seat (CoCoFin as it is called),
you can request a secondment. These are quite
competitive but the network of best friend firms
means that there are quite a few options to
choose from – I know people who have gone to
New York, Tokyo, Shanghai, Paris, Milan, Auckland,
Stockholm and Sydney! But the secondments are
really very competitive and you can’t presume
you’ll get one. If you’re sitting in competition, then
you might be sent to Brussels for three months.”
First year trainee

Formal Training

“There is a great deal of training, most of which is
compulsory. The training is of a very high quality
and supervisors ensure that trainees are mostly
able to attend (unless there is some very urgent
work). Training records are monitored closely
and it is taken very seriously. Training covers
legal topics as well as accounting, commercial
awareness, communication skills and advocacy.”
First year trainee
“The training sessions here are excellent; I
constantly refer to them during my seat and find
them useful in my day-to-day work. There is also
a lot of training to cover most aspects of the work
carried out, so that trainees can be exposed to
tricky concepts and familiarise themselves with it
in their own time, making working life that little
bit easier I would say.”
First year trainee

264

“The training programme here is seriously good;
there is a lot of training and it is well thought out
and extensive. In addition to training required by
the SRA, the firm offers specialised department
training for trainees in each seat, and there are
regular outside speakers who generally offer
updates in their specialist subject to anyone in the
firm who is interested. I have been able to attend
the majority of my scheduled training sessions.”
First year trainee

Informal Training & Mentoring

“It is commonly the role of supervisors to give
training and mentoring. Most supervisors are
happy to do so on an informal basis as and when
you need it, but we also have ‘mid-seat reviews’
and ‘end of seat reviews’ when you can get more
guidance and advice. We also get allocated a ‘diary
monitor’, a partner who checks on your work
experience on a monthly basis. I find that it is easy
to approach people for advice no matter what
rank they hold.”
Second year trainee
“Each month a partner will review your training
diary – some more thoroughly than others – but
they are willing to answer any questions you have.
Your supervisor will normally be very happy to
discuss things like foreign secondments, office
etiquette and personal development.”
First year trainee
“I have had excellent supervision from both my
direct supervisors and from the other associates
and partners I have worked for. At times there are
time pressures, but as a rule people are happy to
explain the background to matters, give feedback
and advice. It helps to be proactive; people rarely
say no if asked for advice or feedback but don’t
always volunteer it. The most difficult things to
pick up are the social niceties of working here.
There are ways of going about your work that
aren’t always obvious but are quite important; I
was very lucky to have a supervisor in my first seat
who spelt things out... ‘when partners ask THIS
they mean THAT’ and so on!”
First year trainee

Offices & Dress Code

“The office is great to work in. It’s kept in top
condition, very clean and respected, top facilities.
The canteen provides excellent food on a
subsidised basis. The dress code seems to be quite
formal but not too restrictive and there doesn’t
seem to be a formal policy – I’ve never had a talk
on how to dress.”
First year trainee
“Office space is excellent. Most associates
have their own office or share with one other
or a trainee. Dress code is smart and fairly
conservative, but sets a good tone.”
Mid-level solicitor, Property
“The office is really nice – location is convenient,
though not in the heart of the City. The facilities
are reasonable and the food is good. The dress
code is basically suit and tie for the men. Women’s
dress code is a bit more relaxed – lots of wrap
dresses, skirts and jumpers, etc. rather than suits.”
Second year trainee
“Everyone is very smartly dressed but it’s all
based on common sense. We don’t do dress down
Fridays. But at my desk I usually take my jacket
and tie off – I put them on if I’m going in for a
meeting or to see a client.”
First year trainee

CAREER PROSPECTS

“There is only one rank for solicitors then you are
up or out. No one tells you if you are on the way
up or out, or what criteria decide who is up and
who is out so I have no idea what it takes to make
it to the top.”
Mid-level solicitor, Litigation

“It is very difficult to make partner and the process
is not at all transparent. It seems to involve
working with as many partners and departments
as possible, running training sessions and getting
involved in client pitches, etc. It is also probably
a bit of a case of ‘last man standing’ – if you are
still able to take the pace after 6 years, you have a
good chance of succeeding as so few people stay
longer than 2 or 3 years PQE.”
Newly qualified solicitor, Corporate

SLAUGHTER AND MAY

“The partners are not as accessible as they could
be, but when new issues arise on a transaction
they are very good at passing on relevant
experience and giving decisive views or advice.”
Junior solicitor, Banking

“Promotion is notoriously hard and
unpredictable.”
Mid-level solicitor
“It’s a long road to partnership. People that don’t
want to be made up usually leave of their own
accord beforehand.”
Junior solicitor, Corporate

Where do you see yourself over the
course of the next 5–10 years?

“I would hope that I would still be here. I think
that I could find a position in practically any other
career, particularly in the business/corporate
sphere. However, colleagues have gone into a
wide variety of second careers after leaving here.”
Newly qualified solicitor, Corporate
“Hopefully a partner somewhere. More doors
opened if you choose a corporate group
admittedly. Worth considering other careers.”
Mid-level solicitor, Property

Pro bono

“If you want to do it, the opportunities are there,
if you don’t, no-one’s going to make you. I work at
a legal advice centre, and have previously taught
Citizenship at secondary schools and read with
primary school children.”
Mid-level solicitor

265

“We don’t have a billable hours’ target. However,
notice is taken of pro bono work and it is
encouraged, particularly in certain departments.
Several partners have said that it should be
treated with the same consideration as any other
client work.”
Newly qualified solicitor, Corporate

“It is not something that is shouted about (a
formal LGBT/diversity committee was only recently
established) but the firm is pretty evenly split
gender-wise, and work is being done to redress
the preponderance of male partners. The firm is
very open to suggestions and will provide funds to
ones that are approved.”
Newly qualified solicitor, Corporate

Green Initiatives

“There are ethnic minority, LGBT and parent
groups which organise talks and provide
information but the reality is that the fee earning
side of the firm is not very diverse. The higher
it gets in terms of the firm’s structure, the less
diverse it is.”
Second year trainee

“There are loads of initiatives, I think we try to
recycle pretty much everything and minimise
energy use. That said the priority is always on
producing the best work, so there’s no hint
of trying to go paperless in the work context,
although any paper you do use will be recycled.”
Second year trainee
“Nothing from the office goes to landfill, which
is an incredible achievement. I feel very strongly
about environmental issues and I was impressed.
The electricity consumption has been monitored
and brought down considerably in the past few
years. There is no food waste – all the wasted food
from the staff restaurant is anaerobically digested
and converted to electricity or feed for pigs in an
organic farm. There are more initiatives to bring
the carbon footprint down even more in the
coming years.”
First year trainee
“This is of increasing importance. Very little is
thrown away and all food waste, and all plastics,
tins, etc. that are put in the recycling bins (at
least four on every floor) are sent for recycling.
There are frequent emails asking us to be more
environmentally aware and making suggestions on
the same.”
Newly qualified solicitor, Corporate

diversity

“Recruitment is very diverse and there is no
obvious prejudice when it comes to retention or
promotion. I have experienced no prejudice as a
female in the working environment.”
First year trainee

266

“The firm is striving to achieve a diverse
workforce, and there is definitely a good
representation of ethnic minorities in the firm.”
First year trainee

How prepared do you feel to practise law
upon qualification?
“There is a large gap between training and
qualification and most people experience a steep
learning curve upon qualification.”
First year trainee
“I feel prepared but it’s still a big jump.”
First year trainee
“We’re very well protected as trainees so I think it
will be a big step up (but I’m sure we’ll be fine).”
Second year trainee
“The training sessions really help to get a grasp
of the relevant law, and trainees get given
responsibility early on.”
First year trainee

Hours

“One great aspect to the firm is that there are no
billing targets. Work hours vary hugely. When it
is busy, it is very busy and one is expected to stay
and get the work done, at whatever hour that may
be. Twelve hour days are not unusual, but are not
generally the norm.”
Second year trainee
“I am generally working between 35 and 40
hours a week, sometimes less and sometimes
more. From conversations with colleagues this is
fairly average for trainees, although workloads
can vary widely due to the nature of the work –
particularly in the corporate groups. This is less
than I expected but the jump to associate hours is
expected to be quite great (particularly when we
are given BlackBerries!).”
First year trainee

Salary

“The trainees’ salaries are competitive. We also
get a bonus which is a percentage of your salary,
no matter how many hours of work you put
in. This is very good as most firms do not give
bonuses to trainees, and the ones that do base it
on working time.”
Second year trainee
“Salaries here are competitive for trainees. The
associate salary bands are on the low side given
the firm’s revenues, the complexity of the work
and the hours which associates frequently work.
This is presumably seen as a trade-off for excellent
brand name and a slightly reduced partnership
track.”
First year trainee

SLAUGHTER AND MAY

SALARY, HOURS & PERKS

“The amount of money we get paid for two years
of education is pretty good, although they do take
the proverbial pound of flesh!”
First year trainee

“Monthly hours billed usually ranges between 150
and 200. I probably spend on average between 40
and 50 hours in the office per week, but at other
times it has been significantly higher, depending
on workload. The hours are dictated by the
client’s needs and so they can be flexible at times
depending on the transaction.”
Junior solicitor, Banking

“I am happy with my salary – it is a lot of money
to earn at the beginning of my career. However,
I am aware that a lot of other firms of a similar
size/reputation do pay a lot more. On the whole,
paying everyone the same % of their salary as a
bonus is fair, but it can feel frustrating if you have
recently been working particularly long hours.”
Newly qualified solicitor, Corporate

“I bill on average 40 hours a week, which probably
means I spend around 50 hours in the office
(never sure where that extra two hours goes!).
We have no billing targets, which means on quiet
weeks you leave when you like. It goes someway
to making up for the busy weeks! Slaughters treats
you like a grown-up, so as long as you’re getting
the work done, no-one’s going to be commenting
on your hours.”
Mid-level solicitor

“Trainee salaries are pretty much market rate but
we get bonuses, which is better than other firms.”
Second year trainee
“It’s very good, especially considering the
economic climate and the cuts experienced in
other firms.”
Second year trainee

BONUS

“8%.”
Mid-level solicitor
“Discretionary up to 15%.”
Junior solicitor

267

“£4,000”
Newly qualified solicitor
“£4,500”
Newly qualified solicitor
“£8,000”
Mid-level solicitor

Perks

“There are excellent private views at the Royal
Academy and art cards, which you can borrow to
get into art galleries for free at the weekend. The
firm supports the Barbican, which means a great
discount for events and in their restaurants and
bars.”
First year trainee
“My favourite is the extremely discounted gym
membership at a great gym (Virgin Active).”
Newly qualified solicitor
“We have interesting (non-law!) speakers
come into the firm to speak to us, and the arts
opportunities are really good. And because we
work for some good football teams, tickets to
matches are often available.”
Mid-level solicitor
“Lots of tickets to sports events, etc. get offered
round by the partners and there are plenty of free
meals and other things for those willing to help
with recruitment events.”
First year trainee
“Slaughter and May don’t really do perks. All we
really get is subsidised gym membership and a
loan when you start.”
Second year trainee

PLUSES

“The name, the CV points, the amazing brains, the
facilities, the clients and the quality and size of the
deals.”
Newly qualified solicitor

268

“People, work culture, office facilities, benefits,
and working on the top, most newsworthy
commercial transactions. This firm really is at the
cutting edge of English commercial law – we seem
to have more FTSE 100 clients than any other firm
in the City.”
First year trainee
“The immediate contact with partners and the
high profile work. The reputation of the firm helps
open up opportunities later in your career. The
high expectations mean you develop quickly.”
First year trainee
“Partners are outstandingly good at what they
do. Work is generally of a very high quality. Lots
of responsibility early on. Everyone you work
with is intelligent and motivated. 24 hour support
(secretarial, food, taxis, etc.). The office.”
Mid-level solicitor, Property
“Great training, excellent informal training from
supervisors and associates. The prestige of
working for such a brilliant firm.”
First year trainee

MINUSES

“The hours. The lack of direct input and feedback
from supervisors and more senior colleagues.”
Second year trainee
“Long hours and demanding expectations.”
Newly qualified solicitor
“Opaque structure, and rigidity of the ‘up or out’
policy.”
Mid-level solicitor
“The pressure to always get things perfect.”
First year trainee
“Occasionally the hours, inconsistency of quality
of work, high attrition rate of associates.”
First year trainee

Fun Facts

“At 3am, if you go and ask client reception really,
really nicely, they will give you bags of jelly
babies.”
Second year trainee
“They do accept people who didn’t get 1sts – I’m a
prime example!”
Mid-level solicitor
“The partners here all have silver napkin-rings
with their names on them.”
First year trainee
“One of the most senior partners is a massive
music fan and probably knows more about new
bands than I do.”
First year trainee

INTERVIEWS & APPLICATIONS
Interviews, Applications and Assessments
“The application process is very straight forward.
You have to send a CV and cover letter and, if you
get selected, there is only one interview (with
two partners) as opposed to the usual two (one
with partners and one with HR) which other firms
have. The first half of the interview is about you
as a candidate so it consists of the usual questions
about your experiences, reasons for applying
to the job, etc. The second half consists of a
discussion on a current affairs topic which you
cannot prepare in advance. We recently started
having a literacy test too.”
Second year trainee

“I had one interview with two partners which
lasted an hour. It was the only place I interviewed.
I remember it being pretty intense – I felt like
they were trying to get to a point where I had no
prepared answers to see how I reacted. Some
of the questions I got were very open. Two that
stick in my head are: ‘What do you think about
the death penalty?’ and ‘Compare Russian and
German as languages.’ I think they want you to
disagree with them and fight your corner.”
Second year trainee

SLAUGHTER AND MAY

“The occasional grind which comes with large
corporate and financial transactions.”
First year trainee

“The interview process is quite unusual. You
send in a CV and cover letter and then have a 45
minute interview with two partners. The interview
is a bit more like a chat than a formal interview.
They focus on what you have done and enjoyed
at university, so you get the chance to lead the
conversation to areas you want to talk about. You
do get the usual questions such as ‘Why law?’ and
‘Why corporate law, in particular?’”
Second year trainee
“My interview consisted of a discussion of my CV
with some questions about my vac schemes and
other experiences. I remember talking a lot about
history and very little about the law. I have heard
of Italian students talking about Dante.”
First year trainee
“One interview round and the interview is
informal, more about the personality of the
candidate. The first half of the interview is based
on a case study, which actually could be about
anything, not just a commercial topic. I thoroughly
enjoyed my interview as the case study allowed
me to voice my opinions about the NHS and
the provision of expensive drugs. The partners
seemed very interested in me as a person, which I
thought was quite unique.”
First year trainee

269

Tips & Advice

“The partners are looking for intelligence,
eloquence and confidence – on any subject.
Academic qualifications are important, hence a
relatively high number of Oxbridge graduates, but
you notice a lot of trainees have slightly unusual,
interesting characteristics (multiple languages,
music, sporting excellence).”
First year trainee
“Applicants should be outgoing, confident allrounders with strong academic credentials. There
is not ‘one type’ at this firm, nor does the firm
overly favour law students. Applicants should be
willing to be themselves, to answer questions
honestly and intelligently, to stand up for and
be able to explain their opinions and to be quick
learners. I would expect most applicants to show
extensive interest in the City and in the law
generally.”
First year trainee
“Be yourself. Don’t ‘play the game’ – no-one
believes that you really read the FT every day, so
why say it?”
Mid-level solicitor
“Have good academic credentials, but don’t
worry about which university you are from. The
firm is actively recruiting from a wider range of
universities.”
Mid-level solicitor, Property

What made you choose your firm?

“It is Magic Circle and it provides great training
in diverse areas. The multi-specialist approach
exposes trainees to many different types of
transactions in the same practice area, instead
of simply doing one type of transaction, i.e. only
bond issues.”
First year trainee

270

“A very straightforward recruitment process –
submit a CV and covering letter, and a face-toface interview with two partners. No crazy online
forms, assessment days, group exercises or any
of that faff. Why did I apply? Because the training
here is second to none, as is the reputation. And
the work speaks for itself... What really topped off
the experience for me was the fact that the week
following my interview, one of the partners who
had interviewed me rang me personally to offer
me a training contract. Apparently that’s what
they always do. It’s a nice, personal touch that
makes you feel valued.”
First year trainee
“Culture and ethos. The firm is collegiate, open
door, ethical, values people and individuality but
all of this without ever compromising the quality
of the work or the calibre of the transactions. The
people you work with are incredibly intelligent,
talented and impressive.”
Second year trainee
“The jelly babies at front reception... And they
were the only ones who treated me as a human
being, rather than just another graduate. And
their training is second to none.”
Mid-level solicitor
“I chose Slaughter and May because of the firm’s
reputation for winning and producing high-quality
work.”
First year trainee

As one of the industry’s most prestigious players,
Slaughter and May has the luxury of choosing
only the very best from the hoards of applicants
vying for a coveted trainee spot at the firm. This
means that top grades, a variety of extracurricular
activities, and a minimum of a high 2:1 from
a leading uni are essential. Out of the 1,800
applicants Slaughter and May receives each year,
about a quarter will make it to the interview stage.
The firm has two annual intakes – March and
September – and hires approximately 90 trainees
across the course of the year. Around half of the
graduate/trainee intake is made up of non-law
grads who have converted to law by studying the
GDL/CPE.
The firm is consistently listed in The Times Top
100 Graduate Employers and solicitors tell us that
the ‘high degree of responsibility’, ‘the big deals
that get newspaper headlines’, as well as the
fact that ‘trainees (by and large) are treated as
equals’ help to make Slaughter and May a popular
choice. Applicants are expected to be confident,
articulate, and display ‘excellent attention to
detail’, while ‘demonstrating a certain amount of
analytical thinking and common sense’. Though
‘flawless’ academic credentials are a prerequisite,
the firm looks beyond just Oxbridge candidates
and ‘is actively recruiting from a wider range of
universities’.
Successful applicants will sit four six-month seats,
with the majority doing at least two in corporate
and finance departments. And for those with a
wanderlust, yes, there are opportunities for seats
abroad; however, they are not as plentiful as at
other firms and are therefore pretty competitive.
Those that do manage to secure a foreign
secondment may be posted to best friend firms
in enviable European locations such as Paris or
Milan, or perhaps as far afield as Tokyo or Sydney.
In contrast to many of its rivals, Slaughter and
May’s hiring process is relatively simple and
straightforward. Candidates are required to

complete a brief online form and submit a
covering letter and CV. If successful, applicants are
simply invited for an interview with two partners;
there’s no HR preliminary, no assessment days,
no role plays, and no psychometric testing. The
interview itself is described by many as a relaxed,
informal – though sometimes challenging – chat,
where the partners try to get to know you. With
interviews lasting between 45 and 60 minutes,
expect to talk about anything and everything on
your CV: from A-Levels and module choices, to
hobbies and interests.

SLAUGHTER AND MAY

THE BUZZ ON GETTING HIRED

Current trainees say there are two parts to the
interview: first, a discussion of your CV, reasons
for choosing law, and your motivation behind
applying to Slaughter and May specifically. Then
candidates are often quizzed on controversial
current issues or given a newspaper article to
discuss. Issues discussed in actual interviews have
ranged from linguistics to the role of the NHS in
drug prices to Dante’s Inferno. What the partners
really want to learn from the interview is that
you can argue a point well whilst also displaying
humour and common sense. One trainee adds
that the firm wants candidates that can ‘think
on your feet, speak confidently and think
independently’.

Vacation Schemes
Slaughter and May runs work experience
schemes at Easter and in the summer. Both
law and non-law students can apply for these
schemes, as long as you are in your penultimate
year of study. Successful applicants can expect
to be involved in some proper work, do a bit
of research and participate in some workshops
and training. Furthermore, the firm also holds
two-day workshops over Christmas, open only to
final year students and graduates from a non-law
background.

271

PROFILE
Slaughter and May has secured domestic
domination as the most profitable law firm in the
City – quite a feat given it has a much smaller head
count than its Magic Circle rivals and a relatively
small international footprint. In fact, Slaughter and
May competes successfully with just a fraction of
its competitors’ workforce – a meagre 730 lawyers
worldwide, spread over just four offices.
At the heart of the firm is a strong corporate
practice advising clients on M&A and finance.
No other UK firm has advised more FTSE 100
companies or garnered as many clients on the
London Stock Exchange. The corporate practice
is a major contributing factor to the firm’s
success, with the bulk of revenue coming from
acquisitions, capital markets, private equity deals
and demergers. Slaughter and May is also a
leading expert on competition and tax matters.
The London partners all hold equity in the firm
and are paid equally according to total firm
profit, rather than by individual performance or
contribution over the year. The partnership is
actually somewhat sacred: Slaughter and May
has the distinction of never having hired a lateral
partner from another law firm (they’re all homegrown) and never having lost a partner to a rival.
How’s that for a little Magic?

“No other UK firm has advised more
FTSE 100 companies or garnered as
many clients on the London Stock
Exchange.”
Ever since its inception in 1889 – by founding
members William Slaughter and William May –
the firm has had high-profile clients. The firm can
even count household names, Alfred Nobel and
Joseph Pulitzer, amongst its enviable early roster.
These prestigious names, combined with a client
list including more merchant banks than any other

272

firm, led to a period of prosperity in the early
20th century, thus creating strong foundations
that withstood both World Wars. By the 1980s,
Slaughter and May had cemented its position
as the UK’s leading law firm, advising Thatcher’s
Conservative Government on the privatisations
of British Aerospace, British Airways, British
Gas, British Petroleum, British Steel and British
Telecom.

“Slaughter and May has the distinction
of never having hired a lateral partner
from another law firm (they’re all homegrown) and never having lost a partner
to a rival.”
After opening offices in Hong Kong and Brussels
– in 1974 and 1989 respectively – Slaughter and
May concertedly eschewed the rapid international
expansion tactic of its competitors, and closed
its offices in New York and Singapore. However,
this certainly doesn’t mean the firm limits its
business to just the UK. Through a network of
‘best friends’, Slaughter and May uses referrals –
firms independent from them in other regions – to
service its international deals. These relationships,
with firms such as Hengeler Mueller in Germany,
and Bredin Prat in France, are strengthened
through joint training programmes and exchanges
of personnel.
Slaughter and May may be at the top of its field,
but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have time for the
community or the environment. The firm provides
pro bono advice to the Islington Law Centre,
Battersea Law Centre, LawWorks for Community
Groups, and Royal Courts of Justice Advice Bureau,
amongst others. Complementing this free legal
support and advice, Slaughter and May solicitors
also volunteer in non-legal scenarios, offering
mentoring and financial support to local schools
and their students.

Work for SLAUGHTER AND MAY
(advertisement)

TRAINING CONTRACT
The qualities we look for in our trainees include
common sense, a sharp intellect, independent thought,
judgement and a good sense of humour. In order to
thrive here, you will also need enthusiasm, a willingness
to accept responsibility and the ability to get on well
with others. The minimum standard we look for in our
applicants is three very strong A-levels (or equivalent)
and either a good 2:1 or a 1st in their first degree.
Proficiency in a foreign language is a bonus but not
a requirement. Our trainees come from a range of
universities: it is the quality of the candidate, not their
university, which is important to us. A law degree is not
essential - approximately half of our trainees have not
studied law at university. All future trainees must attend
the LPC at BPP Law School in London. Those who have
not studied law will also be required to study the GDL
at BPP.

SLAUGHTER AND MAY

JOBS

WHEN TO APPLY
Please visit our website for application deadlines.

SALARY
Starting salary for trainee solicitors is £38,000, rising to
£43,000 in the second year of training.

VACANCIES

CONTACT US

We recruit 90 trainee solicitors each year.

Email: [email protected]
(enquiries only)
Tel: 020 7600 1200
Website: www.slaughterandmay.com

HOW TO APPLY
Applications should be submitted via our online form
which can be accessed via our website. Candidates
will be required to complete a short form and to attach
a copy of your covering letter and CV - including a full
breakdown of all your examination results.

273

Can you
take the
HEAT?

RECIPE FOR SUCCESS
Do you have the taste for a challenge?
Do you have the taste for law?
Do you have the taste for success?
You knew us as Denton Wilde Sapte. We’re now SNR Denton. We’ll still demand the best from you, and you can expect even
more from us.
You’ll develop your career in an open and supportive environment and join a team that achieves success together.
You’ll need the skills and ambition to join a top 25 global legal services provider – and the ability to deliver the highest quality
services to our clients.

Are you interested?
Apply now at www.snrdenton.com/graduates
SNR Denton is committed to providing equal opportunities in employment
© 2011 SNR Denton UK LLP. SNR Denton UK LLP is a limited liability partnership regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority of England and Wales. It is registered in England and Wales under no.OC322045. SNR
Denton is the collective trade name for an international legal practice. Please see www.SNRDenton.com for legal notices.

Formed in September 2010 – from the merger of US-based Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal and the
UK’s Denton Wilde Sapte – SNR Denton has 33 locations in 18 different countries. With DWS’s wellestablished finance and corporate practices and Middle Eastern presence, and SNR’s heavyweight
clients, the future looks bright for this firm.

•
•
•
•
•
•

PROS

High profile and international work
Friendly and supportive culture
Approachable partners and helpful solicitors
Excellent mentoring
Good opportunities for overseas seats
No competitiveness between the trainees

CONS

• Sometimes long and unpredictable hours –
trainees are expected to stay when busy, though
encouraged to leave when not
• Level of client contact for trainees varies
considerably between departments
• Can be difficult to find the time for training
when busy

THE STATS

LOCATIONS

No. of lawyers firm-wide: 1,400+
No. of lawyers in the UK: 434
UK partners: 120
London associates: 206
London trainee intake: 25
Milton Keynes trainee intake: 5
Trainees retained: 60% (2011)
Approx. oo. of applications per year: 1,300

No. of offices: 26
Abu Dhabi • Almaty • Bahrain • Brussels • Cairo • Chicago
• Dallas • Doha • Dubai • Kansas City • Los Angeles •
London • Milton Keynes • Moscow • Muscat • Short Hills •
New York • Paris • Phoenix • San Francisco • Silicon Valley
• Singapore • St Louis • Tashkent • Washington DC • Zurich

BASE SALARY
LONDON 2011
1st year trainee: £37,000
2nd year trainee: £40,000
Newly qualified: £59,000
MILTON KEYNES
1st year trainee: £25,500
2nd year trainee: £27,500
Newly qualified: £39,000

DEPARTMENTS & PRACTICES
Banking • Commercial (which includes commercial
contracts, intellectual property and technology) •
Corporate (which includes takeovers, mergers, private
equity and funds) • Corporate Recovery/Insolvency •
Employee Incentives • Employment • Environment • EU &
Competition • Financial Services & Markets • Litigation •
Pensions • Real Estate • Regulatory Investigations • Tax

SNR DENTON

SNR DENTON

SNR Denton Associate Offices:
Jordan • Kuwait • Saudi Arabia
SNR Denton Facilities:
Boston • Miami • Walnut Creek
SNR Denton Associate Firms:
Algeria • Beirut • Burundi • Ghana • Kenya • Mauritius
• Rwanda • Russia • South Africa • Tanzania • Tripoli •
Turkey • Turkmenistan • Uganda • Zambia
LONDON OFFICE
One Fleet Place
London EC4M 7WS
Tel: +44 (0)20 7242 1212
www.snrdenton.com

GRADUATE RECRUITMENT INFO
Hemlata Shamji
Tel: +44 (0)20 7320 6775
Email: [email protected]

275

QUOTES
LIFE ON THE JOB
Satisfaction with Work

“I am very satisfied. The quality of work you
are given will depend on your abilities. If you
demonstrate you are competent and willing
early on, generally you will be rewarded. Client
exposure depends on the departments you go for,
as each department lends itself to client facing
work differently, but generally there are good
opportunities across the firm. The firm attracts
first-rate instructions, so from time to time you
will see something you have worked on spread
across the papers.”
Second year trainee
“I had direct client contact on my very first day,
although this was exceptional. Partners are very
approachable and there is a lot of contact as many
supervisors are partners. Many of the transactions
are small enough to have a decent role in and
even on the very large transactions trainees are
generally given tasks that matter.”
First year trainee

276

What does your typical day at work involve?
“Work can include research, liaising with the
client and updating them on the progress of the
transaction, making amendments to documents,
keeping up to date with where we are with all of
the documents in the transaction, small sections
of drafting, and inevitably some proofreading!”
Second year trainee

“Legal research, drafting legal documents
(depending on the department you are in, ranging
from court documents to companies house
documents to legal agreements), drafting emails
of advice, speaking to clients on the phone, filing
documents at court.”
Second year trainee
“I could be doing a number of tasks for several
people. Regular jobs like building bibles and CP
lists are interspersed with more varied, smaller
tasks.”
First year trainee

“As a first seater in real estate, I was handling
my own files and dealing with clients from day
one, as well as helping out on larger deals across
numerous departments.”
First year trainee

“Reviewing documents, amending documents,
drafting documents, drafting and sending emails,
doing research, attending formal training.”
First year trainee

“The quality of work varies, occasionally there
will be something to get your teeth into, but it’s
generally not all that challenging, and can be
repetitive. On the whole, I have had little contact
with clients. There is a lot of direct contact with
partners. Generally, I have been exposed to admin
tasks on all manner of deals.”
Second year trainee

Culture

“I have found the firm to be an extremely good
place to work. The department I sat in in my first
seat was very friendly and supportive and I never
felt uncomfortable asking questions. Generally it
is a really good bunch of trainees; there is almost
always a group of trainees drinking in Corney
& Barrow on a Friday night. Everyone is really
friendly, helpful, and questions are often asked
and answered across trainee email threads when
anyone has a problem.”
First year trainee

“Very friendly culture and quite a relaxed office
atmosphere. The trainees by and large get on well,
and the social scene is good, albeit informal and
ad hoc rather than firm organised.”
Second year trainee
“The culture is generally very good. There are
always exceptions to the rule, but the rule here
is that people are friendly and approachable and
there are regular opportunities to socialise. A
lot of the time that involves being proactive and
arranging things, even if it’s going for a drink after
work on a Friday. A trainee rep team organises
regular trainee events.”
Second year trainee

Seats

“Trainees complete four seats at the firm. As we
have a large banking group trainees can expect
to spend one of their seats in one of the banking
sub-groups. You apply for each seat you have, and
although you don’t always get your first choice, HR
generally try to give you want you want at some
point during your training contract. We can also
spend a seat seconded to a client or spend time in
our offices abroad (Paris, Dubai, and Muscat).”
Second year trainee
“Trainees do four six-month seats. There is
a massive choice of departments to sit in,
including client secondments (both national and
international) and international seats within
the firm. Some seats are more competitive than
others, but I have not met anyone who has been
unable to get their choice of seat.”
First year trainee

“Trainees do four seats. There is a wide range
of departments to choose from including: real
estate, corporate, banking, dispute resolution,
energy, competition, and tax. You indicate up to
three preferences for your next seat but are not
guaranteed one of those, although if you make
the effort to show an interest in where you
would like to sit next, you are normally rewarded.
Currently there are opportunities in Muscat
and Dubai, as well as a split seat spending three
months in Paris.”
Second year trainee

SNR DENTON

“Trainees socialise with each other outside the
office, not just in the Corney & Barrow that is
attached. The social committee organises drinks
about 3 – 4 times a year. Trainees are very
supportive and often offer any spare capacity to
other trainees who are being stretched.”
First year trainee

“Four seats, must complete one in Banking and/
or Real Estate. The choice is wide ranging but
very few seats in niche areas i.e. tax/employment
which are very competitive to get. Seats abroad
are available, mostly in the Middle East, and
encouraged.”
Second year trainee

Formal Training

“Training is taken very seriously and attendance
is mandatory. You have time to attend but it is
important to be organised so you can fit your
work around training. Generally training is focused
on technical aspects of the law so you will have
plenty of chances to broaden your legal skills.”
Second year trainee
“These are usually arranged at lunch time which
can be a little annoying as you often miss it if you
are busy. The slides will be made available to you
but it is not the same as hearing it explained.”
First year trainee
“Training is taken very seriously. Supervisors
understand the need for training and simply
request that you inform them as soon as you find
out about any training. They will then cater the
work towards you to allow you plenty of time
to train.”
First year trainee

277

“PSC is taken quite seriously, although in the
busier departments it may be more difficult to
attend. Generally it is easy to postpone training,
but on the premise that you must attend the next
session (to make sure that you do attend). There is
also regular internal training with a good turnout
from all levels.”
First year trainee

Informal Training & Mentoring

“This really depends on who you sit with. Some
supervisors are very good at training you; my
current supervisor puts all of their calls on speaker
so that I can hear the negotiations and learn from
them. Sometimes it is difficult to get feedback on
work, as the solicitor or partner is often very busy,
but generally if you ask they will try and explain
why something you have done is right/wrong
and give you some feedback. The junior lawyers
tend to be good mentors as they remember more
readily what it was like to be a trainee!”
Second year trainee
“Every member of the firm (from partner to fellow
trainee) is willing to take the time and explain
something that you do not understand (provided
that you show you have taken the time to consider
what you think the answer is).”
First year trainee
“We are a very friendly firm and so far I have
always been able to ask for help from solicitors
and partners, with very much an open door policy.
Probably the most important thing I have learnt is
to always ask someone if you are unsure, rather
than sit worrying. Secretaries are also a goldmine
for information.”
First year trainee
“Everyone is really friendly, so not much need
for a buddy system or anything. An associate who
was in the office until 2am last night still found
the time to take me through something very
basic on Word at 9am this morning with a smile
on his face.”
First year trainee

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Offices & Dress Code

“Office is in good condition and comfortable to
work in. Facilities are pretty good but some of
the IT is a bit creaky. IT know this and seem to be
addressing the issue, apparently these things take
time. Dress code is informal for a law firm. Very
few people wear a tie on a daily basis. Dress down
Fridays allows you to head right out on the tiles,
although a £3 voluntary donation to the firm’s
charity is suggested to those who choose to wear
jeans.”
First year trainee
“Nice office, with free tea and coffee, reasonable
and cheap on-site cafeteria. There aren’t that
many places to grab food or pick up shopping
during lunch that are convenient.”
First year trainee
“The office is lovely and in an amazing location
right in the City with stunning views (lovely late at
night too). Dress code is smart – girls can get away
with much more than boys – but if you are having
meetings with clients then suited and booted is a
must. Friday is jeans day provided we pay £3
to charity.”
First year trainee
“We are centrally located and easy to get to. The
office is fairly nice (for an office!) and we have
good 24-hour facilities to support us if necessary.
The dress code is fairly standard, smart businesswear Monday to Thursday and dress down (smartcasual) on Friday (unless you are meeting clients).”
Second year trainee

Green Initiatives

“There are many colour coded recycling bins all
around the firm and there is a big effort to reduce
the amount of paper used within a transaction.”
First year trainee
“We are no longer allowed to have bins in our own
offices! We have to use the recycling bins in the
corridor, which really does make you think twice
about waste.”
First year trainee

diversity

“We have a good diversity policy and, as a woman,
I certainly don’t feel at any disadvantage. My
observations on promotion are that these are
open to everyone and I certainly haven’t heard
anyone make a comment otherwise.”
Second year trainee
“Nobody minds if you are as camp as a row of pink
tents or if you’re a pregnant woman. If you are
good at your job and can get on with people that
is quite enough. Refreshingly, some intakes are
very diverse whereas other are very homogenous.
This is a reliable indicator that there is no pattern
of recruitment and that candidates are selected
on merit.”
First year trainee
“Amongst the trainees there are a variety of
ethnic backgrounds and a good male/female ratio.
However, this diversity slowly filters out the higher
up you get, which is probably in line with most
firms/big corporations.”
Second year trainee

How prepared do you feel to practise law
upon qualification?

SALARY, HOURS & PERKS
Hours

“This depends on the department you sit in. Some
have steady (and therefore shorter) work hours
and others are more random. There will be times
when you are required to work late (and you
should expect this from any law firm) but this
firm certainly doesn’t have a ‘seen to be working
late’ policy and if you have finished your work for
the day then you should (and are encouraged) to
go home.”
Second year trainee

SNR DENTON

“The firm works very hard so that we avoid
wasting energy, recycle properly, and print only
when necessary.”
First year trainee

“I am working more than I expected – probably
through naivety rather than anything else – but
the experience I have had so far is that if there is
work to do, you stay, if there isn’t, you go home.
The hours do vary a lot across the firm depending
on the departments too.”
First year trainee
“Average hours depend entirely on the
department you are in and the level of work.
Generally, banking seats will involve 50+ hour
weeks and the occasional weekend (although
many make it through without coming in at
weekends at all). Other departments such as
real estate can be slightly less demanding but this
all depends on the volume of work at any one
time. You have to be prepared to work hard
when required.”
Second year trainee

“Very well. There is reasonable amount of
crossover, if you demonstrate you’re willing and
able, between the tasks you do as a trainee that
typically fall in the trainee camp and the
NQ camp.”
Second year trainee

“Work life balance here is very good. I have never
come across face/time culture; I have stayed till
2am when necessary, and left at 5.30pm where
possible.”
Second year trainee

“I feel quite prepared. I could definitely have done
more, but then I think you always can. I don’t feel
that I will be left by myself at all and I know I will
always be able to ask for help.”
Second year trainee

Salary

“As a graduate salary, trainees are one of the most
highly paid groups. You are compensated well,
but for this you shouldn’t expect to be out of the
office by 5.30 everyday.”
Second year trainee

279

“I am ridiculously well paid for what I do.”
First year trainee
“My current compensation is adequate, but the
pay scale further up the ranks leaves something to
be desired...”
Second year trainee
“I take into account the payment for the LPC
and maintenance grant; I couldn’t have done it
without my firm’s support.”
First year trainee

Perks

“If you get a seat abroad, you are given a budget
for moving expenses and also relocation leave.
We also have a couple of work events a year
where you get free food and alcohol!”
Second year trainee
“Free drink nights, free breakfasts and lunches
with training, gym discounts, gym bonus of
£25 a month, and discounts across the City,
e.g. T.M. Lewin.”
First year trainee
“Free taxi home if working late on client matters
(within reason) and the same for dinner.
Subsidised gym membership too.”
First year trainee
“Free breakfast before 8:30. Although it is a
backhanded perk if you ask me.”
First year trainee

PLUSES

“It’s a friendly firm with a good support structure
and lots of varied work.”
Second year trainee
“Almost everyone is very nice and there is no
feeling of hierarchy.”
First year trainee

280

“Corporate perks, working in the City and starting
my training at a respected City firm, having so
many people (trainees!) in exactly the same
boat as me who I can chat to about pretty much
anything without feeling competitive.”
First year trainee
“Learning from great solicitors, the ability to work
for a growing law firm, and lots of opportunities to
gain real experience across the world.”
First year trainee

MINUSES

“You sometimes have to do boring/mindless
tasks.”
Second year trainee
“Midweek appointments can be hard to keep as
hours are unpredictable. A lot of people think it
is pronounced Senor Denton. Mind you, at least
it no longer has hidden e’s in the name. The old
email addresses were a nightmare to spell.”
First year trainee
“No option to review your photo that goes on the
web portal for everyone to see.”
First year trainee
“The hours and the unpredictability of them.
Never knowing when/how to say no to extra work,
and constantly feeling like you are grappling with a
bear each time you receive new instructions.”
First year trainee

Fun Facts

“They give out Kit Kats in a certain department if
you do a good piece of work!”
Second year trainee
“Lots of people get involved with quirky charity
bits and bobs. One high up worker dressed up as
Beyoncé and sang ‘single ladies’.”
First year trainee

Interviews, Applications and Assessments
“An online application, HR interview, critical
thinking test, and a partner interview (including
case study and presentation, question and answer,
and personal interview). Expect a grilling on your
CV, competencies and why you want to work at
SNR, etc.”
First year trainee
“Two rounds of interview and a psychometric
test and business case exercise. One interview
with HR, one with partners. The partner interview
(especially business case) can be hard to predict
and very challenging.”
Second year trainee
“Several rounds: interview with HR, interview
with, and impromptu presentation to, two
partners and a Watson Glaser test. Interview will
focus on your application, any weaknesses in it,
and your desire to be a lawyer at the firm.”
Second year trainee

Tips & Advice

“SNR Denton looks for well rounded candidates
who haven’t just spent time studying. They want
people with a personality. We have people here
from many universities and they certainly don’t
just target one particular type. You will need to
have good academics but also show that you can
think on your feet and are able to pick things up
quickly (this is a good skill for a trainee!).”
Second year trainee
“Get a good mix of experience if you can. A
year out getting relevant work experience and
travelling will put you in good stead. Interpersonal
skills are important, not just for getting on with
colleagues but with clients too.”
Second year trainee
“Prepare for an interview like you would an
exam – with the main topics being you and the

firm. Commercial awareness is essential, as are
the general competency skills, etc. I think the
trainees are a hard working, outgoing bunch, with
a positive attitude all round.”
First year trainee

SNR DENTON

INTERVIEWS & APPLICATIONS

“I would say that enthusiasm and knowledge
about the firm and about business in the City
would be important in a candidate. Generally,
I would say candidates need to show they can
think through and present an argument. The firm
recruits from a wide range of universities. Trainees
are required to have a 2.1 degree, and then to
pass the GDL (if applicable) and LPC.”
Second year trainee

What made you choose your firm?

“I really liked the attitude of the people here.
They work hard but recognise that you have a
life outside work. Everyone works as a team as
well and, although you know that certain people
hold certain positions, there isn’t a pompous
hierarchy.”
Second year trainee
“The opportunity to work abroad, work in an
international firm in the City with a significant
presence in the emerging markets, as well as
being a friendly firm – something which I really do
think is true on all levels.”
First year trainee
“Growth prospects and great hearsay from others
in the City.”
First year trainee
“Overseas secondment opportunities, as well as it
being easily the most friendly firm and having the
most attractive culture among other firms that I
had vacation schemes, interviews and offers at/
from.”
Second year trainee
“Mid-sized so would not get the horrendous hours
of the Magic Circle.”
Second year trainee

281

THE BUZZ ON GETTING HIRED
Fancy working for a mid-sized City firm with a
strong banking practice and international seats?
Then read on, as SNR Denton may well be the
right choice for you.

“Always back up opinions with
arguments and logic. The key is not
necessarily the content of your answer,
but your manner and method of
articulating it.”
SNR Denton is particularly interested in hearing
from ‘well-rounded candidates who haven’t
just spent time studying. The firm wants people
with a personality.’ Although a strong academic
background is a must, the firm hires from a wide
range of universities and doesn’t target any
particular types. However, word has it that ‘you
need to show that you can think on your feet and
are able to pick things up quickly’. Social skills and
team spirit are also highly valued, as is commercial
awareness and confidence. Due to the firm’s
international presence, language skills certainly
help you stand out from the crowd. But ultimately,
the firm wants candidates who are enthusiastic,
friendly and willing to work during stressful
periods. Trainees also recommend you try your
best to take part in the firm’s vac scheme, as this
puts you in a better position at the interview for a
training contract.
So how do you apply? Simply submit your
online application, ensuring you emphasise your
extracurricular activities to distinguish yourself
from the hordes of other applicants. Those who
make the cut will have to master two rounds of
interviews. Though before the first interview, you
will be asked to complete an online questionnaire,
focussing on your preferences and style of work.
The first interview will be conducted by HR and
involves competency-based questions, a review

282

of your skills and anything else you put on your
application form. Also, you best prepare for a
Watson Glaser test too.
The second interview is held by partners. Before
the interview begins, you will be given some
information on a business case. Using this
information, you will have a short time to prepare
a presentation to give during your interview. In
addition, your interviewers will test your business
awareness and determine whether you have the
necessary interpersonal and communication skills
to interact well with clients. The ‘partner interview
can be hard to predict and very challenging’ so
‘expect a grilling on your CV, competencies and
why you want to work at SNR’. Intimidating as this
may sound, the interview is described as relaxed
by many candidates, and you are made to feel
very welcome. Current trainees advise candidates
to ‘prepare for an interview like you would for
an exam – with the main topics being you and
the firm’. And remember ‘to always back up
opinions with arguments and logic. The key is not
necessarily the content of your answer, but your
manner and method of articulating it.’

“Ultimately, the firm wants candidates
who are enthusiastic, friendly and
willing to work during stressful periods.”
Make the final cut, and you can expect to
complete one of your four six-month seats in the
banking department or one of its sub-groups.
Other departments on offer include real estate,
dispute resolution, corporate, technology, media
and telecommunications, energy, infrastructure,
employment, pensions, and competition – so
you really are spoilt for choice. Trainees also get
a chance to ‘spend a seat seconded to a client’
or even in one of the SNR’s offices abroad (Paris,
Dubai, and Muscat are the current options).

One trainee tells us that ‘if you are able to get on
a vacation scheme then you will be in a better
position when interviewing for a training contract’.
You should make up your mind of as to where
you’d like to do a vac scheme – London or Milton
Keynes – and send off your application in good
time. Both offices run a week-long placement
during the summer, and the London office also
offers winter open days.

As a summer student, you’ll most likely shadow
one of the firm’s current trainees. There will
also be some social events to keep you busy,
but keep in mind that the London office only
accepts applications from law grads/students
in their penultimate or final year. Non-law
students shouldn’t feel left out though, as the
Milton Keynes summer placement (for those of
you interested in a potential training contract
opportunity in Milton Keynes) and London’s
winter open day offers candidates from non-law
disciplines a taste of what it’s like to work for SNR
Denton.

SNR DENTON

Vacation Schemes

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FIRM PROFILE
SNR Denton is the result of an amalgamation
of US-based Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal
LLP (SNR) and the UK’s Denton Wilde Sapte LLP
(DWS). When the combination became effective
in September 2010, the new firm boasted 1,400
employees across 18 countries, with 33 locations
over four continents.
Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal LLP was founded
in Chicago in 1906, and built a reputation for
serving the needs of many of the world’s best
known businesses, non-profits and individuals.
At the time of the merger with DWS, SNR had 11
offices across the States and additional outposts
in Brussels and Zurich.
SNR was known as a leader in providing
innovative legal services across a number of
practices, most notably: financial institutions
and services, insurance, manufacturing and
industrials, healthcare and life sciences,
technology, media and telecommunications, real
estate, and energy and utilities. SNR’s impressive
inventory of clients included names from the
acme of industry – from Citibank to The Boeing
Company, and General Electric Company to
McDonald’s Corporation.
DWS was formed in 2000 by the merger of the
then strongest mid-market law firms in the UK.
The attempt was to combine the corporate
division of Denton Hall with the strong banking
practice of Wilde Sapte. The result: a firm that
steadily built a reputation in finance, media,
energy and real estate with an expertise in the
Middle East. DWS’s ancestry can be followed
back to Sam Denton – who established his firm
in 1788 and Thomas Wilde, who founded what
was to become Wilde Sapte with partner Samuel
Archer Hussey in 1785.
DWS had a firm foothold in the emerging
markets of the Middle East and Africa since the
‘60s, and also built a strong presence in Central
Asia – becoming the largest international law

284

firm operating in the region. To complement
its international offices, DWS had a series of
associate firms forming its notable African
network, as well as alliances with St Petersburg
firm Duvernoix Legal in Russia, and AK Counsel
in the key energy market of Turkmenistan. DWS’s
finance practice had a strong reputation in
banking circles and it was one of the first ports of
call for insolvency and asset management advice.
The firm’s corporate practice included both major
and marquee clients, such as the FA Premier
League, Shell, Sainsbury’s and Virgin.
The new entity, SNR Denton, unites the
complementary practices of the two consolidated
firms, with a focus on meeting evolving client
needs in eight key industry sectors – financial
institutions and funds; energy, transport
and infrastructure; insurance; real estate,
retail and hotels; technology, media and
telecommunications; health and life sciences;
manufacturing; and government.
SNR Denton provides in-depth legal expertise in
numerous practice areas, including: litigation,
disputes, internal investigations and international
arbitration; corporate/M&A; venture capital/
private equity; securities; finance; structured
finance; tax; policy, regulation and public
policy; restructuring and insolvency; intellectual
property; outsourcing; employment and
pensions; competition; trusts and estates.
SNR Denton is committed to pro bono work
and the firm’s involvement in this area includes
anything from representing death-row inmates
to working on asylum matters and civil rights.
The firm has also been a supporter of groups
such as UNICEF, the International HIV/AIDS
Alliance and Human Rights Watch. In the UK, the
SNR Denton UK Charitable Trust is dedicated to
funding various charities, particularly those with
a London or Milton Keynes link.

Work for SNR DENTON
(advertisement)

SNR DENTON

JOBS

SNR Denton is a top 25 legal services provider worldwide, with a network spanning four continents, in 43 countries
and 60 locations.
We work hard to maintain a friendly and open environment where ideas are shared and people work together to
achieve goals.
We offer an international legal practice focused on quality in the following industry sectors: Energy Transport and
Infrastructure, Financial Institutions and Funds, Government, Health and Life Sciences, Insurance, Manufacturing,
Real Estate, Retail and Hotels, Technology, Media and Telecommunications.

TRAINING CONTRACT

VACATION SCHEME

As part of SNR Denton, you’ll be given all the
responsibility you can handle. You’ll learn on the job by
running parts of real cases, meeting with real clients
and taking your place in the fast-paced and increasingly
global world of business. After all, it’s this type of
experience that makes great lawyers and readies you for
the daily pressures of your professional career. At SNR
Denton you’ll get it almost from day one.

Want to get a feel for what a law career with us is really
like? By shadowing our trainees, hearing about the work
we do and asking lots of questions, you’ll find out for
yourself about the type of firm we are, and whether
we’re right for you.

If commercial law is your ambition, beginning your
career with us will give you the fulfilment you’re looking
for. You’ll be welcomed into a team internationally
renowned for its expertise. We’ll help you develop
your skills and knowledge in an open and supportive
environment.

Our Summer Scheme offers a week of challenging
experiences with us. You’ll meet and shadow our
current trainees. You’ll advance your presentation and
negotiation skills. You’ll also take part in fun exercises
and social events. The scheme is open to second,
penultimate and final year law students and those who
have completed a law degree.

WHEN TO APPLY

Final year non-law students and graduates can taste the
experience too, on our December Winter Open Days.
You’ll shadow two of our trainees, attend talks and take
part in a negotiation exercise.

VACANCIES

Check our website for details.
www.snrdenton.com/graduates

Training Contract (non-law applicants) deadline: 30
March 2012. Training Contract (law applicants) deadline:
31 July 2012

We recruit between 20 and 25 trainee solicitors.

SALARY
Our current starting salary for trainee solicitors is
£37,000/£25,500 (London/Milton Keynes), rising to
£40,000/£27,500 in the second year of training.

APPLY

WHEN TO APPLY

VACANCIES
Each year, we offer between 20 and 25 summer vacation
placements across our London and Milton Keynes
offices.

SALARY
The summer scheme remuneration is competitive.

Name: Hema Shamji
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 0207 320 6775
Website: www.snrdenton.com/graduates

285

The adventure you’re looking for,
the guidance you need
It starts the moment you do – work of the highest quality with the support
and guidance of some of the best people in the business. At Travers Smith,
we are big enough to offer the most exciting opportunities but small enough
for each individual to count. Choose a more inspiring path.
Please visit www.traverssmith.com or contact Germaine VanGeyzel,
Graduate Recruitment Manager: [email protected]
Travers Smith LLP, 10 Snow Hill, London, EC1A 2AL, 020 7295 3000

286

Travers Smith is one of the darlings of the mid-market UK legal scene. A quality corporate boutique with
private equity at its heart, Travers Smith has resisted the temptation to grow too fast – instead focussing
its attention on securing the very best deals that a firm of its size can handle.

PROS

• Small firm feel where everyone knows
each other
• Very open office – associates and trainees
generally share rooms with partners
• No billable hours targets
• Early responsibility encouraged, with a good
support network
• Very flat hierarchy – everyone’s treated equally
• No culture of being seen to stay late

THE STATS
No. of lawyers firm-wide: 282
No. of lawyers in London: 279
Partners: 64
Associates: 169
Trainee intake: 46
Trainees retained: 83% (September 2011)
No. of applications per year: 2,000

BASE SALARY
LONDON 2011
1st year trainee: £38,000
2nd year trainee: £42,000
Newly qualified: £60,000
1 year PQE: £66,000
2 years PQE: £72,000
3 years PQE: £81,000

DEPARTMENTS & PRACTICES

•
•
•
•
•

CONS

TRAVERS SMITH

TRAVERS SMITH

Slight lack of flexibility
Bonuses are not that generous
The underground canteen
Certain lack of transparency over firm decisions
Only one international seat available, Paris

Employee Incentives • Employment • Environment • EU &
Competition • Financial Services & Markets • Litigation •
Pensions • Real Estate • Regulatory Investigations • Tax

LOCATIONS
No. of offices: 2
London • Paris
LONDON OFFICE
10 Snow Hill
London EC1A 2AL
Tel: +44 (0)20 7295 3000
www.traverssmith.com

GRADUATE RECRUITMENT INFO
Germaine VanGeyzel
Graduate Recruitment Manager
Tel: +44 (0)20 7295 3546
[email protected]

Banking • Commercial (which includes commercial
contracts, intellectual property and technology) •
Corporate (which includes takeovers, mergers, private
equity and funds) • Corporate Recovery/Insolvency •

287

QUOTES
LIFE ON THE JOB
Satisfaction with Work

“The work is very varied but I suspect this
is typical of trainee work at any firm. Tasks
range from photocopying to in-depth analysis,
research, and real advice to clients. At best,
the work is excellent but at worst, very dull
and administrative. There is generally lots of
transactional exposure though, and as much client
contact as you can handle.”
Second year trainee
“I have been exposed to a considerable amount
of interesting and high profile work – and have
always been involved with exciting elements of
the transactions/deals, not just the drudgery. This
includes a high profile high court action where
I ran elements of the litigation, drafted letters,
ran meetings, etc. and independently (whilst
overseen) managed an asset manager client on its
property-related work. Because we sit a partner,
an associate, and a trainee to a room, we all
have exposure to partners everyday – this means
there is an immense opportunity to learn and
discuss issues with those who have a high level of
experience/skills.”
Second year trainee
“It varies. Largely, you get a lot of responsibility
from an early point, which makes for a great
training experience. If the department can let
you loose on clients then it will, but obviously
the more advisory departments preclude regular
client contact. You will have constant exposure
to partners because you share a room with a
partner and an associate. This definitely promotes
a non-hierarchical feel to the firm, although it
can be quite stressful to constantly be around
your partner supervisor. The transactional work
we do is fairly high profile and exposure is first
class, particularly in contrast to other trainees’
experiences at other firms.”
Second year trainee

288

“The responsibility given to trainees at Travers
Smith is massive (almost too much!), but you can
always ask for help. You have lots of client contact,
which I think differentiates Travers Smith from
other City firms.”
Second year trainee

What does your typical day at work involve?
“The best thing about the job is that there is no
typical day – as you work for multiple people
within a room and within a department, you will
often work on many matters simultaneously. This
provides exposure to a variety of issues on a daily
basis and means that you don’t ever have time to
get bored!”
Second year trainee

“It is varied, but usually I read through emails
in the morning (although trainees have now
been given BlackBerries) and catch up on any
developments in the law and/or any deals or
notifications going on. I usually have a to-do list,
so after my coffee I usually get going with that –
researching, drafting research notes, preparing
board minutes, editing agreements – a very varied
workload. Throughout the day other work comes
in and we have discussions about clients and
deals, where your input is treated as valid, and
as associate level contributions. I definitely don’t
feel like as much of a trainee as my peers at larger
firms.”
First year trainee
“It varies greatly between departments. Generally
there will be some longer-term matters on which
you will be working and you can structure your
time as to how you want to work on those.
Throughout the day extra bits of work (some
larger, some simply small tasks) will be given and
you will have to adjust your workload accordingly.
There is generally around one training session a
week, geared towards the first few weeks/months
of your seat.”
Second year trainee

Culture

“Trainees socialise together a lot. Both years get
along very well and we generally meet in the
pub on a Friday night. It’s a good atmosphere
because we’re not forced to socialise with specific
‘trainee events’ but we choose to hang out with
each other anyway, which is a very good sign.
The general firm atmosphere and environment
is very supportive – you can ask questions from
anyone, and everyone has their doors open.
Stupid questions are answered without any
condescending manner. It is fairly open and
relaxed, even the partners make tea for me!”
First year trainee
“Very friendly and supportive firm – a lovely place
to work. The social life is good and everyone
supports one another. At times when it is
necessary to pull long hours, the quality of my
colleagues make it seem a lot less gruelling than it
could otherwise be.”
Second year trainee
“Very flat hierarchy, all partners are extremely
accessible and willing to help. Partners share
a room with two associates and/or trainees
and room doors are always open, literally and
metaphorically. The bonus structure is flat, so
there’s no incentive to hoard work. Similarly, if an
associate is extremely busy efforts will be made
for other, less busy associates to share some of
the work. On the whole, there’s good camaraderie
between associates and between associates and
partners. Impromptu socialising in the local pub is
fairly common, more formal efforts are also fairly
frequent.”
Junior solicitor

“Trainees are very supportive of each other –
often sending group emails around if they come
up against questions/problems they need help on
or just to organise social events. Trainees in the
same department socialise the most together but
the trainees try to organise big social events every
couple of weeks. Friday night usually involves
a mass exodus from the office to the local pub
(where almost the entire firm ends up) and it is
always great to be bought a beer by your partner
after a long but successful week!”
Second year trainee

TRAVERS SMITH

“The type of work and workload varies
significantly depending on the type of deal,
number of deals running concurrently, and stage
of each deal.”
Junior solicitor

Partner/Solicitor Relations

“On a day-to-day basis partners interact well with
associates/trainees and everyone feels as though
they are getting involved. However, when it comes
to decisions about the firm, rather than work,
there is a certain lack of transparency (but I do
understand why this is).”
Newly qualified solicitor
“Firm strategy is very much decided at the
partnership level. As far as decisions and strategy
in connection with ongoing instructions are
concerned, junior associates are encouraged to
involve themselves in those decisions and your
views are taken into account.”
Junior solicitor
“On an individual level partners mix very closely
with associates. Firm-wide decisions are well
communicated but there is little visibility on the
decision-making processes.”
Newly qualified solicitor

Seats

“Trainees have four seats, with a choice between
Employment or Litigation, Property or Banking,
and an excitingly named ‘wild card’ seat
(covering the other departments: Tax, Pensions,
Competition, FSMG, and Commercial). There is a
compulsory Corporate seat. There is a fair range of
choice, although there is no guarantee you will get
what you want. There is one seat in Paris available
for second or third seat trainees.”
Second year trainee

289

“Typically a trainee sits in four seats: Corporate,
Banking or Property, Employment or Litigation
and a ‘wild card’ seat. The choice is fairly limited
by the amount of departments we have but if
you’re interested in the departments on offer,
then exposure to work is first class. There is the
possibility of doing a Corporate seat in Paris if your
French is up to scratch.”
Second year trainee
“Four six month seats, Corporate is compulsory
then a choice between Employment/Litigation and
Property/Banking, and then a free choice of the
remaining seats. Generally people get their first
choices – I have got all my first choices.”
Second year trainee

Formal Training

“The induction talks are formal and are
conducted by a number of different fee earners.
Departmental induction/training seems to vary
from department to department but is equally
well structured. Both are taken seriously and
trainees are told in advance when such sessions
are due to take place. Legal training: CPs, know
your client, company searches, due diligence.
Non-legal training: organisational skills, and IT.”
First year trainee
“Training is taken seriously but is a very open
forum in which questions can be asked and views
aired. There is always time to attend and you
would only not attend if there was a very pressing
matter where your colleagues absolutely could
not do without you. Training programmes are
organised by the department PSLs and generally
take place in the first few weeks/months of each
seat. You pick up a range of skills, e.g. drafting, but
also an overview of the process for the matters
each department generally deals with, and an
understanding of how the firm operates.”
Second year trainee

290

“There are fortnightly departmental meetings
which cover major legal developments and any
work-related points of interest which have arisen.
Associates have weekly lunchtime training on a
specific area of law. Additionally, external speakers
attend regularly and we periodically get sent on
training courses (e.g. accounts, management
skills, etc.).”
Junior solicitor

Informal Training & Mentoring

“As partners, associates, and trainees sit together,
informal training happens on a daily basis simply
by discussing issues with people. Partners and
associates (time permitting) are always willing to
give advice/feedback on work. This is by far the
most effective and hands on way of learning and,
for me at least, provides a way to hone skills in a
practical manner (not just an academic one).”
Second year trainee
“It is very easy to receive informal training. Due to
the fact that you sit with an associate and partner,
you are always picking up advice on your work,
and seeing how partners manage their case load
and interact with their clients. I have learned a lot
about house style, presentation of formal notes of
advice, how to interact with clients, and so forth.”
First year trainee
“Before starting a piece of work you are always
fully briefed on the background and the issues. On
the whole, partners and associates are extremely
good at this. There is also the freedom to ask
questions while carrying out the work. Travers
Smith pride themselves on their ‘on the job
training’.”
First year trainee
“Partners are generally approachable and keen to
offer assistance. Very much an ’open door’ policy,
and the relative size of the firm ensures that
partners know most people on a personal level.
The professional support lawyers are also a willing
source of informal know-how and training.”
Junior solicitor

“Dress code is fairly standard. Can be more relaxed
depending on which seat you are in (Litigation for
example, is quite formal, whereas Corporate is
notoriously laid back and no one bothers to wear
a tie unless going to meet a client).”
First year trainee
“Farringdon is a great part of the City to work in
– it’s on the edge and has unique cafes and bars
all offering different foods, drinks and good times.
Its location right by the City Thameslink Station
and St Pauls and Farringdon tubes is easy to get
to and from. The dress code is formal Monday to
Thursday with a dress down policy on Friday.”
Second year trainee
“Good size offices. Trainees tend to sit with an
associate and a partner, and we all have the same
size desks, etc. – you always feel like an equal. The
location near Smithfield Market is a nice, not too
busy part of the city. There is a small gym (which
is good for personal training sessions) and the
canteen is reasonable (we get £5 subsidy
per week).”
First year trainee

Career Prospects

“At present, associates progress up a lock-step
based on PQE. We are subject to annual reviews,
but these are obviously confidential and have no
bearing on pay. It is therefore difficult to assess
progress against peers. You just have to hope that
good reviews mean you are on the right track, but
only time will tell.”
Junior solicitor
“Travers Smith is smaller than its competitors.
To succeed here you need to be able to cover all
bases – you need to be a strong technical lawyer,
but also good with clients. The longer you work
here the more apparent it is whether you have the
requisite skills and your promotion, and the ease
with which you move up the ranks, depends on
those skills.”
Junior solicitor

“Good work is noticed, reviews are detailed and
helpful, and anyone who becomes a partner is a
pretty great lawyer.”
Junior solicitor

Where do you see yourself over the course
of the next 5-10 years? What doors has a
career in law opened for you?

TRAVERS SMITH

Offices & Dress code

“Developing further skills in the law at the firm;
good legal training at a respected firm is respected
by many employers.”
Junior solicitor
“Here. I do a very interesting job and have no
desire to move.”
Junior solicitor
“A career in law opens lots of doors as the skills
acquired in obtaining the professional qualification
are highly sought after. That said, a career in
accountancy probably opens more doors outside
of a professional capacity. Also, commercial and
management experience in private practice can
be fairly limited. Had I gone straight into industry/
business after university (it’s been eight years
since I graduated), depending on the size and
type of organisation I joined, I would expect to be
managing people and taking strategic business
decisions by now (neither of which I am currently
doing). But I would probably be earning less
money. It’s swings and roundabouts.”
Junior solicitor

Pro Bono

“The firm places considerable importance on pro
bono work. I have represented a charity in a six
figure dispute with a supplier on a pro bono basis,
and also regularly attend law centres to provide
pro bono advice. Pro bono does not count toward
billable hours but we have no billable targets, so
it’s academic.”
Junior solicitor

291

“There are lots of opportunities for pro bono. We
record pro bono work but it is not billable. Not
that that matters, we do not have billable hours
targets and there is no minimum quota. Pro bono
projects include: Paddington Law Centre, City
Law School Pro Bono Scheme, Reading Partners
Scheme, and Private Equity Foundation.”
Junior solicitor
“I volunteer for a pro bono law centre that the
firm supports. There is no minimum quota but
attendance is encouraged.”
Junior solicitor

How prepared do you feel to practise law
upon qualification?
“I think when I complete my training contract I will
have been fully prepared by the firm to continue
practising law after qualification.”
First year trainee
“Very, and I’m extremely looking forward to it.”
Second year trainee
“I think by the time I have finished my training
contract, I will feel quite confident in my abilities
(or at least, that’s the hope).”
First year trainee

Green Initiatives

“The firm has a dedicated environmental partner
from the real estate team to oversee the firm’s
carbon footprint (including the best way to reduce
it). We try at every stage of our work to minimise
our waste – including timed light switches and air
con, recycling facilities in all areas, responsible
energy sourcing, etc.”
Second year trainee
“Usual stuff... paper recycling, motion sensor
lights, timed air conditioning, monitors and
PCs switched off every evening, etc. They have
initiated Leapfrog (a network of professionals who
advise on green initiatives).”
Junior solicitor
“We are encouraged to recycle all paper. The
property department have completely paperless
filing.”
First year trainee

Diversity

“I think there is a 50-50 split in the number of
male and female trainees. Child care vouchers are
available and I understand the maternity leave to
be good.”
First year trainee
“Could be more proactive in this area but
definitely not negatively biased.”
Second year trainee

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SALARY, HOURS & PERKS
Hours

“Flexible working is not something that has really
been implemented at our firm yet. However, we
have no formal billing targets. Hours are normal
for the City (i.e. they can be very long) but lawyers
are not encouraged to do long hours for the sake
of it. The department is (in general) very good
about ensuring junior lawyers take holidays and
that these holidays are not interrupted, and that
there is some down time in between transactions.
Bearing in mind that I knew what I was signing
up to, I am happy with the working culture at the
firm.”
Junior solicitor
“The job involves long hours – it just does.
However, that being said, I have never had to
work late whilst everyone else heads home at
6pm. When there is lots on you are expected,
reasonably, to put your shoulder to the wheel.
Conversely, when there isn’t much on you are
encouraged to head home early!”
Second year trainee

“£1,200”
Junior solicitor

“50 hours per week, on average, which is less than
I would have expected. There is also no culture of
‘face-time’ at Travers Smith – if you have no work
to do, or even just no urgent work to do, you will
be encouraged to go home.”
Second year trainee

Perks

Salary

“Pay is very good, but there aren’t as many extra
benefits (good gym membership package, coffee
subsidiaries, pension plans) for trainees as in other
law firms.”
First year trainee
“I’m very happy with it and think it is very
competitive.”
Second year trainee
“Bonus is based on a set number of weeks pay.
Bonuses could be better but our base salary is
good.”
Junior solicitor
“There needs to be a bonus programme, we were
given a tiny bonus at Xmas which was firm-wide.”
Junior solicitor
“Good basic rate of pay compared to similar sized
firms.”
Junior solicitor

Bonus

“£1,000”
Junior solicitor
“£3,000”
Newly qualified solicitor

“Discretionary but was around 5% of salary last
year (across the board).”
Junior solicitor

TRAVERS SMITH

“I probably work between 38 – 45 hours per week.
I think that the number of hours is fairly standard
(if not quite good) for a well respected City law
firm. I would not expect to be working fewer
hours (and in some of my future seats, I expect to
work considerably more).”
First year trainee

“Cheap tickets for a box at the Royal Albert Hall!”
Second year trainee
“We don’t get anything too wacky that I can think
of. We get £5 a week towards food at the canteen
(whoop whoop), subsidised gym membership,
spare sports tickets if they’re not being used for
client entertainment (Twickenham, Emirates,
Wembley, Oval, etc.). Free chocolate bars, crisps,
soft drinks, etc. after 6pm (not sure that’s a good
thing!), free dinner after 7pm, and free taxis
home after 9pm. We are also allowed to use our
BlackBerries as our personal phones without
having to reimburse the firm (within reason),
which I think is fairly generous.”
Junior solicitor
“Departmental and firm-wide Christmas party.”
Junior solicitor

Pluses

“The people and a general commitment to
wanting to train people well.”
First year trainee
“Good support network, high quality of work.”
First year trainee
“Great work and nice, talented colleagues.”
Junior solicitor
“The people, the mix of clients and the
responsibility which is given to you at an
early stage.”
Junior solicitor

293

“Great fun. Good partners (very helpful in
the office, great fun outside it), the collegiate
environment and great quality of work.”
Second year trainee

Minuses

“The lack of international opportunities.”
Junior solicitor
“The canteen is in the basement. It would be nice
to be able to eat in the office and see the outside
world at the same time.”
Junior solicitor
“Slight lack of flexibility.”
Junior solicitor
“Quality of sandwiches for work meetings!”
Second year trainee
“Poor bonuses, not much else.”
Second year trainee

Fun Facts

“We have a great local pub – the Bishop’s Finger.
Friday = good times.”
First year trainee
“It’s nothing like Ally McBeal.”
Junior solicitor
“Joseph Travers Smith was supposedly an expert
on cigars.”
Junior solicitor

INTERVIEWS & APPLICATIONS
Applications, Interviews & Assessments

“I applied for a vacation scheme and was offered
a training contract on the back of that. I had
one interview for the vacation scheme and was
interviewed by a graduate recruitment partner.
The interview was general in scope and didn’t
involve any legal questions (I was a non-law
student at the time). I was asked what I would give
a talk on if I had an audience at Hyde Park Corner,
a time when I had to make a difficult decision, my
strengths and weaknesses, and general questions
about me and my interests.”
First year trainee
“I had two interviews with no standard ‘hoopjumping’ questions, just a debate about a couple
of current issues to get inside my mind. The
interviews were enjoyable and engaging and
reflective of the firm’s interest in the person
themselves. I was asked to debate the merits of
the death penalty, whether we should have
juries, etc.”
First year trainee
“The Travers Smith interviews are very tough.
Whilst there are only two interviews, the partners
are notorious for wielding the axe ruthlessly... The
first interview is twenty minutes with one partner,
and the second is an hour interview with two
partners. Some of the questions are commercially
focussed, but most aim to examine the way that
you think and whether you can think laterally
and have the ability to back up your opinions and
arguments (I for instance, was asked about my
thoughts on new powers of detention in relation
to suspected terrorists).”
First year trainee
“I had one interview for a vacation scheme and
got offered a training contract straight from the
vacation scheme. The interview was challenging
but fun!”
Second year trainee

294

“Bright, interesting and interested self-starters.
You need to be able to communicate your point
of view well and stick up for it to fit in here. It
is not a place for shrinking violets; everyone is
expected to get involved from an early stage. The
firm does not recruit from specific universities, but
the characteristics of those that it recruits means
that the trainees tend to be drawn from the more
academically respected institutions.”
Junior solicitor
“They hire bright, sociable people who will get on
with the current employees and each other. There
is a very collegiate atmosphere at Travers Smith
which the partners like to keep going. The firm
expects a minimum of a 2:1 in a good degree from
a good university.”
First year trainee
“Bright, understated candidates with a good sense
of humour and a penchant for having fun at work.”
Second year trainee
“The firm looks for bright people that take their
work, but not themselves too seriously. Soft skills
are extremely important – can the candidate be
left with a client for a period of time?”
Junior solicitor

What made you choose your firm?

“I loved the vac scheme. But more than anything,
I thought the people showed a relatively
unique combination of intelligence/ability and
friendliness/approachability.”
Second year trainee

TRAVERS SMITH

Tips & Advice

“The people. Everyone I met seemed intelligent,
great fun and engaging (definitely more so than at
other firms!). The promise of good work and client
interaction also attracted me and, I’m pleased to
say, I got what I was promised!”
Second year trainee
“Down to earth people, sociable atmosphere,
really interesting work – great clients,
early responsibility.”
First year trainee
“Mainly its reputation in corporate law, but I
also got on very well with the partners who
interviewed me and the trainees who showed me
round the firm, which confirmed my choice.”
Junior solicitor

Go online for
more quotes on
Travers Smith and
other law firms

WWW.INSIDEBUZZ.CO.UK
295

THE BUZZ ON GETTING HIRED
At Travers Smith there are only 25 training
contracts available, so competition is extremely
fierce. As a more diminutive firm, Travers Smith
looks for people who will fit into its close, friendly
and collegiate culture. Moreover, current solicitors
advise that candidates need to be ‘bright,
interesting and interested self-starters. You need
to be able to communicate your point of view well
and stick up for it to fit in here’.
Travers Smith is ‘not a place for shrinking violets as
everyone is expected to get involved from an early
stage.’ Trainees ‘tend to be drawn from the more
academically respected institutions’ and successful
candidates will most likely hold a minimum 2:1
degree from a good university. However, stuffy
types should leave their pretentions at the door
– Travers Smith looks for people with a sense of
humour who ‘take their work, but not themselves
too seriously,’ one solicitor tells us. Soft skills are
also really important as the firm needs to trust
trainees to deal with clients on their own. The firm
is definitely interested in candidates who enjoy ‘a
variety of things and are not one dimensional’ so
any extracurricular activities will surely spice up
your application!

“Any extracurricular activities will surely
spice up your application!”
Successful applicants will be able to benefit from
excellent training opportunities which a Travers
Smith trainee says is ‘highly prioritised and
always well-tailored to meet the demands of the
department’. Training sessions run throughout the
four six-month seats. Trainees need to complete
a corporate seat and then have a choice between
banking or property, between employment and
litigation, and a final ‘wild card’ choice. If your
French is up to scratch, you may also be able to do
your corporate seat in Paris.

296

Fortunately, the application process is
straightforward: just apply online via the firm’s
website. Two rigorous interviews are the rewards
for successfully negotiating this initial hurdle,
the first with one partner and the second with
two. These interviews are designed to determine
character and reactions to questioning. ‘Interviews
are very tough... The partners are notorious
for wielding the axe ruthlessly’, one trainee
commented, but as long as you stay confident
and focussed there should be nothing to worry
about! The first interview is likely to last around
30 minutes, whereas the second will be one hour.
In the second interview ‘some of the questions
are commercially focussed, but most aim to
examine the way that you think and whether you
can think laterally and have the ability to back up
your opinions and arguments’. There won’t be
any assessment days, so don’t be shy during the
interviews and sell your skills!

Vacation Schemes

Travers Smith offers a two-week vacation scheme
in the winter and runs two two-week schemes in
the summer. If you’re a law student or graduate
you will be able to apply for the latter whereas
non-law students can sign up for the winter vac
scheme. During the vac scheme you’ll be able
to sit in two different departments and attend
workshops that should get your legal skills going.
With places filling rapidly, you’ll have to come
armed with more than good grades. To get a place
on one you’ll have to master an interview with a
graduate recruitment partner. These interviews
are described as ‘relaxed’ and ‘general in scope’
with less of a focus on legal questions, instead
centering on current affairs and your strengths,
weaknesses and interests.

Travers Smith manages to punch well above
its mid-market weight, landing knockout
deals without the advantage of a network of
international offices. The firm has resisted
temptation to grow too quickly, instead
remaining with around 275 lawyers, and
focussing its attention on getting the very best
deals that a firm of its size can handle. Travers
Smith is a full-service firm with a propensity for
corporate, banking, financial services, private
equity, M&A, and tax, but strength in depth in
other areas too – their litigation department
won “The Lawyer’s” Litigation Team of the Year
Award in 2011, and the real estate team was
ranked second in their category. Travers Smith
is applauded for its laid-back ethos and working
environment in what is a notoriously
demanding industry.
Travers Smith is one of the oldest law firms in the
City, in fact one of its earliest partners drafted
the constitution of the first Stock Exchange, in
1801. The firm took its name from its senior
partner, in 1851, Joseph Travers Smith, whose
clients included the Westminster Bank. The
arrival of Stephen Braithwaite, in 1873, brought
a change in name to Travers Smith Braithwaite;
however, the firm truncated its title back to its
original moniker in 2005. Despite its long history,
the firm has remained monolithic, growing
without acquisition or merger – something that
very few law firms worldwide can claim.
While much of the City went expansion-mad in

“...even trainees are given lots of
responsibility from the start.”
the 1990s, Travers Smith bucked the trend by
maintaining its focus on the London market.
All along, the firm has emphasised cautious
organic growth in order to preserve its preciously
guarded culture – one of its major selling points

when it comes to recruiting new talent. However,
the firm does have a small liaison office in Paris
staffed by UK lawyers. On the international front,
the firm has a trusted policy of ‘best friends’
that has seen it build up excellent relationships
with independent corporate firms across the
Continent, Asia and North America.
This ‘best friends’ network is fastidiously

TRAVERS SMITH

FIRM PROFILE

“The firm boasts an impressive roster
of clients, including Barclays Private
Equity, 3i, Bridgepoint Capital, Pinewood
Studios, Shepherd Neame and
Channel 4.”
maintained, with lawyers seconded back and
forth at regular intervals, and partners racking up
the air miles visiting potential colleagues. In fact,
45% of Travers Smith’s deals involve cross-border
advice, so it’s probably fair to say that this system
appears to be bearing fruit.
Although it’s no pushover in the M&A field,
the firm’s mainstay practice is private equity,
and Travers Smith was one of the first firms to
appreciate the huge potential that involvement
with this lucrative sector could bring. The firm
boasts an impressive roster of clients, including
Barclays Private Equity, 3i, Bridgepoint Capital,
Pinewood Studios, Shepherd Neame and
Channel 4.
Prospective lawyers choose Travers Smith
because of its relatively small size, which
guarantees that even trainees are given lots of
responsibility from the start. Another attractive
prospect is how the actual office is set up –
trainees, associates and partners sit together so
the level of on the job training is very high.

297

Though employees at Travers Smith commend
the firm for this flat hierarchy, there still seems
much to be done on the diversity front, though
the firm is actively addressing this. But everyone
agrees that the collegiate atmosphere is one of
the pluses of working at the firm.
Travers Smith makes a good contribution to its
community and has a healthy commitment to pro
bono work. The firm has acted on a number of
death row cases for the Caribbean Capital Cases
Committee, and has taken on cases from the
Bar Pro Bono Unit. Other examples of pro bono

298

work have included advice to St Bart’s Church,
Macmillan Cancer Support and Coram. Trainees
in the litigation department are encouraged to
take on their own pro bono cases through the
Free Representation Unit and all trainees can
participate in the drop in legal advice clinics run
by the firm at the Paddington Law Centre. There
are also opportunities to join the firm’s “Reading
in Schools scheme” helping children in a Tower
Hamlets primary school learn to read. Employees
have even done a sponsored climb of Mt.
Everest, helping to raise money for the Samantha
Dickson Brain Tumour Trust.

Work for TRAVERS SMITH
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TRAINING CONTRACT

VACATION SCHEME

This year, we’re looking to recruit 25 trainees. Not many,
but we want the best
bright people who are committed to a career in law
but also have a lighter side and don’t take themselves
too seriously. In return, we offer the chance to be part
of a firm that has earned a phenomenal reputation
relative to its size, is recognized as a leading specialist
in each of its chosen disciplines and routinely wins
headline-grabbing work. A law degree is not a necessity
– around half the trainees who join us come from a
non-law background. We look for people who combine
academic excellence with common sense. You’ll need
to be articulate – on your feet and on paper – as well as
determined, self-motivated and with a healthy sense of
humour.

Our vacation schemes give you a taste of life at Travers
Smith. We run two-week vacation schemes – two
schemes during the summer and one at Christmas. The
summer schemes are designed primarily for penultimate
year law undergraduates, whereas our Christmas
scheme is designed primarily for final year non-law
undergraduates. Vacation schemes are a chance for us
to get to know each other and workshops and working
lunches are just as important as the legal work you’ll be
doing. You’ll meet our current trainees who will give you
an honest opinion of what it’s like to practice law at
our firm.

WHEN TO APPLY

WHEN TO APPLY
The deadline for summer 2012 vacation schemes is
31 January 2012.

For the September 2014 training contract, the deadline
is 31st July 2012.

SALARY

SALARY

VACANCIES

Our current starting salary for trainee solicitors is
£38,000, rising to £42,000 in the second year of training.

There are 18 places available for the Christmas vacation
scheme in 2011. Applications to attend open on 1st
October 2011. There are 36 places available for the
summer vacation schemes. For the Summer schemes,
you can apply any time up to 31 January 2012 and we
will start to interview early in the New Year allocating
places straight away, so apply in good time.

VACANCIES
We recruit 25 trainee solicitors each year.

HOW TO APPLY

TRAVERS SMITH

JOBS

£275 per week.

Name: Germaine VanGeyzel
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 0207 295 3000
Website: www.traverssmith.com

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training contracts

Who are
Trowers &
Hamlins?

How will my
training be
structured?

Do they offer
regional
opportunities?

they
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t
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Wh g for?
lookin

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Ca tion
vaca ement?
plac

What
will I seats
be a
experi ble to
ence?

Will I get a
chance to work
overseas?

How do I
apply?

For further information please contact the graduate recruitment team on
Tel +44(0)207 423 8312 or [email protected]

300

Trowers & Hamlins is an equal opportunities employer

In the field of social housing, Trowers & Hamlins towers above the competition. In addition to this
market leading practice, Trowers is a leading light of Middle Eastern law and has a disproportionately
successful international projects practice for a mid-sized firm.

PROS

• High levels of responsibility and client
interaction from the start – trainees are often
given their own files to run
• Good support network and quality training
• Excellent secondment opportunities in the Gulf
• Reasonable hours and good work/life balance
• Relaxed working environment and friendly
colleagues

CONS

• Do not always get your top seat preference
• Firm deserves a better reputation
• Not a huge number of perks, unless you do an
overseas seat
• London office is average and old – though
moving next year

THE STATS

DEPARTMENTS & PRACTICES

No. of lawyers firm-wide: 330
No. of lawyers in London: 216
London partners: 91
London associates: 125
London trainee intake: 40
Manchester trainee intake: 3
Exeter trainee intake: 1
Trainees retained: 75% (September 2011
Qualification Process)
Approx. no. of applications per year: 500 (Summer
Vacation Scheme); 1,100 (Training Contract Autumn
Assessment Centre)

Banking & Finance • Construction • Corporate •
Dispute Resolution • Employment & Pensions • Energy
& Infrastructure • Housing & Regeneration • Middle
East • Private Wealth • Projects • Public Sector/Local
Government • Real Estate

BASE SALARY
LONDON 2011
1st year trainee £35,000
2nd year trainee £38,000
Newly qualified £55,000
MANCHESTER & EXETER
1st year trainee £26,000
2nd year trainee £28,000
Newly qualified £35,000 (Manchester); £32,500 (Exeter)

TROWERS & HAMLINS

TROWERS & HAMLINS

LOCATIONS
No. of offices: 10
Abu Dhabi • Bahrain • Birmingham • Cairo • Dubai • Exeter
• London • Manchester • Oman • Riyadh
LONDON OFFICE
Sceptre Court
40 Tower Hill
London EC3N 4DX
Tel: +44 (0)20 7423 8000
www.trowers.com

GRADUATE RECRUITMENT INFO
Anup Vithlani
Graduate Recruitment & Development Manager
Email: [email protected]

301

QUOTES
LIFE ON THE JOB
Satisfaction with Work

“It’s a great firm to work at. I work in the
affordable housing practice, a sector in which the
firm is the acknowledged market leader, and that
gives rise to some fairly cutting edge thinking in
terms of delivery of housing led regeneration in
a limited subsidy market. In addition, and slightly
oddly, it involves cross over with our Middle
Eastern offices as that region considers how to
deal with the demand for affordable housing and
other social infrastructure.”
Partner, London
“Trainees are given a very high level of
responsibility and contact with clients. Several
departments give trainees their own files to
run, where they will be the client’s first point of
contact. During my training contract I have run
client meetings under supervision, and attended
site visits and the Employment Tribunal on my
own. I have regular direct contact with partners
often working directly for a partner. Several
trainees share offices with partners.”
Trainee, London
“You are given a large amount of responsibility
and client contact and often run your own files,
particularly in the housing department and
the Gulf offices. Partners are generally very
approachable and you may share an office with
one. It’s definitely not the kind of firm where
trainees are stuck doing photocopying or page
numbering all day long.”
Trainee, London

What does your typical day at work involve?

“My day usually runs from 8am to between 6 and
7pm. I have a few ongoing matters which are my
sole responsibility which I have to keep an eye on.
The majority of my day is performing specific tasks
for other fee earners in the department.”
Trainee, London

302

“My typical day has varied between departments
but generally involves working on my own matters
and assisting others on larger matters. I regularly
correspond with clients by email, letter and on the
phone, carry out research, draft documents and
attend meetings.”
Trainee, London
“Client meetings – either with Government
quangos, local authorities or affordable housing
providers; project work – it’s very commercial,
contract heavy both on the drafting and
negotiation fronts; marketing and business
development – either nationally or in the context
of the MENA region...”
Partner, London
“Varies vastly depending on the seat. In litigation
it involved a reasonable amount of bundling,
reviewing document, drafting particulars of claim,
attending meetings with clients and counsel,
attendance at mediations and research on an ad
hoc basis regarding case law and the CPR.”
Trainee, London

Culture

“We have a fairly standard structure – partners,
assistant solicitors, trainees and support staff. It
doesn’t feel too hierarchical and this is something
we’re keen to retain. The firm is supportive and
friendly – this is the feedback we get from staff,
trainees and vac schemers. I just checked this
with my current trainee to ensure that I wasn’t
being too “corporately on message”. Apparently,
I still have a grip on reality! Solicitors do socialise
together, but I suspect that as the firm has grown,
socialising has become more department-centric.”
Partner, London

“The trainees are all ambitious, but there is no
sense of there being a competition. There is a
strong support network amongst the trainees.
Trainees across intakes are always willing to assist
each other when needed. As well as attending
events organised by the firm (of which there are
many, but not too many), trainees also socialise
together out of work, including at the weekends.
Not infrequently trainees even go on holiday
together.”
Trainee, London
“Most partners and all the more senior fee
earners treat you as one of the team. The team in
which I currently sit regularly goes out for lunch
and drinks together and have included me from
the beginning. Trainees, particularly within an
intake, support each other a lot and there is a
fair amount of socialising. There is often a bond
between those trainees that go abroad at the
same time and I visited all of the other trainees
who were seconded in the various countries
during my six months abroad.”
Trainee, London

Partner/solicitor relations

“There are communications groups, involving
the senior partner feeding into management
decisions. Inevitably, decisions are occasionally
made where more consultation or involvement
could have been included.”
Partner, London
“As a partner, I would say that we keep staff well
informed about firm-wide decisions that affect
them. For example, the senior partner regularly
does a presentation to staff about how the firm
is doing, what’s coming up next, etc. In addition,
we have a fee earner communications group
which meets regularly and feeds back ideas or
comments, which are then considered by the
partnership. Some ideas are taken forward, others
are not.”
Partner, London

Seats

“Trainees complete four, six-month long seats.
Trainees can sit in the following departments:
projects and construction; international projects;
public sector commercial; banking; corporate;
housing projects; public sector communities
and governance; commercial litigation; property
litigation; construction litigation; employment; tax,
trusts and pensions; and commercial property.
Trainees do not have any choice over their
first seat, but give HR three choices in order of
preference for subsequent seats. Trainees can
do a six month seat in Dubai, Bahrain, Oman or
Abu Dhabi. Most trainees will complete one seat
abroad – usually their second or third seat.”
Trainee, London

TROWERS & HAMLINS

“The firm culture is very friendly. There is a lot of
support available. Trainees do not socialise that
much, outside of semi-regular organised events.”
Trainee, London

“Typically four seats, in a range of departments
– no departments are compulsory, unlike at a
lot of firms. You are asked to list your choices
for your next seat at the half-way point of your
current seat. I have had every seat I have wanted
(including a seat abroad).”
Trainee, London

Formal Training

“The firm is always keen to provide training where
a need is identified, which is good. For example,
I asked for presentation skills training in my first
seat appraisal and this has been provided.”
Trainee, London
“There is extensive training for trainees. At the
start of their training contract, trainees attend a
two-week course at Kaplan’s Law School. Several
departments run invaluable training programmes
at the beginning of each seat. Trainees are also
invited to departmental and firm-wide training,
which takes place several times a month.”
Trainee, London
“The housing projects department, in which I
sit, organises morning training sessions once or
twice a week for the first two months of the seat.
These are useful in giving a broad overview of the
work the department undertakes, however their
practical usefulness is debateable.”
Trainee, London

303

“Training is provided formally in weekly sessions
for all trainees. These are compulsory and time
is usually found for trainees to attend. Each
department also runs relevant training sessions to
keep fee earners updated.”
Trainee, London

Informal Training & Mentoring

“As well as mid-seat and end-of-seat appraisals
from supervisors, you have an ‘end-of-seat chat’
with a partner you’ve not worked with before, and
this is great for getting an impartial view of what
seats and qualification options you should do.”
Trainee, London
“The quality of training and mentoring that I have
received from my supervisors in each department
has far exceeded my expectations. I have always
felt able to ask any questions that I have, and my
supervisors have always made time for me in their
busy days. Solicitors, and partners alike, are very
approachable – not only with regard to the work
that I am doing, but also my career development.”
Trainee, London
“My supervisor (a partner) explains everything
that we do in great detail, and is always willing to
answer any questions that I have. Other partners
in the department are usually equally willing to
answer questions, as are the associates. They will
also call you up on your mistakes, no matter how
small, which I hope means I will come out the
other side of this with most of my weaknesses
ironed out! So far, the greatest skill I have learnt is
resilience and a thick skin!”
Trainee, London

Green Initiatives

“The firm is fairly good at recycling and is trying to
go paperless, but still has a long way to go.”
Trainee, London

304

“While there are recycling bins, we are not told
what we should recycle. However, most people
seem to recycle. The recycling facilities for bottles,
etc. aren’t explained either. As with all law firms,
a lot of paper is used, and I think, to a degree, this
is unavoidable. There are automatic lights that
turn off when no motion is detected, but a lot of
people leave their computers on overnight
I think.”
Trainee, London

diversity

“Very good at this: no discrimination. The firm
is recognised as valuing diversity. It respects
different cultures/religions, and is flexible,
allowing assistance for working mothers, religious
commitments, etc.”
Trainee, London
“Trowers is renowned for the amount of diversity
within the firm. Retention is very high; Trowers
goes out of their way to keep their trainees. Many
of the firm’s partners trained with the firm.”
Trainee, London
“We are given speeches on discrimination and
respect during our induction. There is a good mix
of people here. From what I can tell, the maternity
and paternity provisions seem generous.”
Trainee, London

Offices & Dress Code

“The building is quite old, as is the computer
system. The firm is moving to a new location in
about 18 months and you can tell why, in terms of
space. Dress code is formal and old fashioned. It’s
best to wear a tie at all times while a trainee. Once
you’re a fee earner, you can relax a bit.”
Trainee, London
“The dress code is business smart, but not stuffy.
We do not have a dress down, except occasionally
for charity.”
Trainee, London

“Dress code is very formal compared to other
firms. Offices are okay, but not swanky.”
Trainee, London

Pro bono

“The firm wants people involved in CSR, but
finds it difficult to incentivise people to get
involved. Firm punches above its weight with
programmes with local school children, strong
relationship (including donation of funds and
partner as governor) with local primary school,
work placements scheme with housing charity
and growing relations with national charity and
local legal advice centre. Pro bono does not count
towards billable hours.”
Partner, London

How prepared do you feel to practise law
upon qualification?
“I think the good thing about working here is
that the trainee intake is relatively small and so
exposure to real work is much more likely here
than in firms which take on lots of trainees. I
would love to qualify into the firm as it is a great
place to work.”
Trainee, London
“I’m only 3 months in, and the impression I get
from NQs is that nobody is ever really prepared,
but I think I’ll be more prepared here than in a lot
of other places.”
Trainee, London

SALARY, HOURS & PERKS
Hours

“I work from 9am until 5:45 – 6:30pm, with a few
later stays, but none beyond 8pm. Part of the
reason for this is the cyclical nature of work my
department undertakes, with the months up to
March being busy because of the distribution of
government funds for the year ending at the end
of March. I would say that I work slightly less than
I would have expected, and certainly less than my
fellow trainees in other departments.”
Trainee, London

TROWERS & HAMLINS

“The offices are not terribly shiny, but that is part
of Trowers’ appeal – they are not very ‘City’, and
from my window I can see the Tower of London
and Tower Bridge. Dress code is smart, but not
uncomfortably so – our client base (specifically
public sector and construction) often means
a slightly relaxed attitude to dress, which is
refreshing.”
Trainee, London

“I bill on average 90 – 100 hours a month. Spend
approximately 50 – 55 hours in the office a week.
The firm is flexible about hours for those who have
rights to request it, but there is still a difficulty in
asking for it if you have no right to request.”
Partner, London
“I work fewer hours than I had expected before I
joined the firm and have no complaints. Although
it varies from department to department, I rarely
work longer than 8.30am to 6.30pm and regularly
work a slightly shorter day. I have not had to work
weekends or nights and have only had to cancel
my evening plans a couple of times in two years.”
Trainee, London
“I work an average 50 – 60 hours week, which
is less than I expected. I work the occasional
weekend, but that tends to be my decision and is
not expected.”
Trainee, London

Salary

” We are paid a little less than our peers, but I
would not swap this for the working environment
at other firms. In light of our work/life balance, we
are very well compensated.”
Trainee, London

“Very – I am raring to go.”
Trainee, London

305

“Overall, I’m very happy with the salary
and benefits. It would be nice to have gym
membership benefits though.”
Trainee, Manchester
“Low compared with my peers at other firms but
good given the hours we work and the fact that I
actually enjoy my job!”
Trainee, London

Perks

“Getting involved in marketing events or
supporting vacation students can also lead
to a few drinks. The firm does contribute to
conveyancing fees if you move house, and will
sponsor you £100 for charity events that you do.”
Trainee, London
“Great benefits if you do a seat overseas – free
accommodation and car, plus a monthly living
allowance. Free membership to Royal Academy
events.”
Trainee, London
“The firm provides: a summer bonus; a Christmas
bonus; health insurance; subsidised gym
membership; free entry to the Royal Academy;
a bi-annual meal for trainees; departmental
Christmas parties; events for current and future
trainees several times a year; firm-wide drinks
every two months; life assurance and free
breakfast before 8.30am.”
Trainee, London

PLUSES

“Friendly colleagues who are prepared to take
time for you. Good breadth of work and clients.
Excellent salary. Good hours.”
Trainee, London
“Relaxed environment, open-door policy,
opportunity to do a seat abroad.”
Trainee, London

306

“The reasonable hours for a City salary.”
Trainee, London
“My colleagues, the level of responsibility that I
get and the fact that I feel that I have a long-term
future with the firm.”
Trainee, London
“The atmosphere and the people – I enjoy coming
to work.”
Trainee, London

MINUSES

“Trowers deserves a better reputation than it has
amongst others in the profession.”
Trainee, London
“Occasionally having to stay late (though this
is very rare). Not always getting your first seat
preference (although I have not experienced this
personally).”
Trainee, London
“Not a huge number of perks and the pay isn’t
great.”
Trainee, London
“Occasional chaotic communication.”
Partner, London

Fun Facts

“Anthony Trower used to sit opposite the same
man every day on the train, half way through their
journey, they used to swap newspapers.”
Trainee, London
“Apparently they have worst toilets of any City
firm, so the rumour goes. Not sure where it’s from
though, I think they’re fine.”
Trainee, London

TROWERS
BOND
PEARCE
& HAMLINS

e
h
t
r
o
f
g
Lookin
n
o
p
o
o
c
s
latest

Accenture, Apple, Bain & Company, Bank of England, BBC, Booz & Company,
BP, Citi, Civil Service, Coca-Cola, Credit Suisse, Deloitte, Deutsche Bank,
Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Ernst & Young, FSA, GlaxoSmithKline, Goldman
Sachs, Google, Grant Thornton, HSBC Holdings, IBM, J.P. Morgan, John Lewis
Partnership, KPMG, L’Oréal, McKinsey & Company, Morgan Stanley, Oxfam,
PricewaterhouseCoopers, Procter & Gamble, Sony, Teach First, The Boston
Consulting Group, UBS, Unilever, Virgin Group and more...

for the latest scoop
go to www.insidebuzz.co.uk
307

INTERVIEWS & APPLICATIONS
Interviews, Applications and Assessments
“I only had one interview with two partners,
with questions that focused on my interest in the
Middle East and previous legal work experience.
There was a legal document which I reviewed
for fifteen minutes before the interview and was
asked to talk about.”
Trainee, London

“There was an online application form, then an
assessment day. It was run in a very unintimidating
way. The final stage was an interview. I was
interviewed by a partner in housing projects and a
solicitor.”
Trainee, London
“Assessment centre (with HR), followed by twopartner interview (so two rounds). Assessment
centre was good fun! Partner interview questions
included personal questions, commercial
awareness questions, questions testing awareness
about the firm, and an exercise involving looking
through a legal document.”
Trainee, London

Tips & Advice

“Trowers seems to be looking for candidates who
are passionate about what we do, with relatively
strong academics. The firm is fairly unique in what
it does and who its clients are, so knowing a bit
about that and understanding the role you could
play is crucial. It tends to steer towards candidates
who have some experience of another career, or
further study, or relevant work experience – life
skills are pretty key.”
Trainee, London
“The firm looks quite widely for its candidates
and tends to consider those with experiences and
previous careers outside of law equally with those
candidates coming straight from university/GDL/
LPC.”
Trainee, Manchester

308

“I think that Trowers looks for candidates who
genuinely want to work for them specifically. They
are a unique firm with a quirky mix of practice
areas so if you’re doing blanket applications, more
than ever, this firm wouldn’t suit you.”
Trainee, London

What made you choose your firm?

“I loved the unusual combination of practice
areas, public/private sector, UK/Gulf. They are
at the top of the game in the Gulf and in their
housing practice. It is a City firm, but without City
attitude. I now work with partners who worked at
some of the top City firms, but just didn’t want to
live that lifestyle anymore.”
Trainee, London
“The breadth of work was the main factor –
primarily the combination of public sector with
private work. I thought the firm was a good size
for me as well, big enough to be a specialist in its
areas but not so big that you don’t feel part of an
organisation. Also, the reviews of the firm and my
experiences during the recruitment process gave
me the impression it was a friendly, unpretentious
place.”
Trainee, London
“I had a couple of other offers on the table at
the time of my interview and was undecided.
Unlike during my interviews at other firms, I left
the interview feeling like I had had a thoroughly
enjoyable and challenging hour and a half with
interesting people I would like to work with,
whose work I would both enjoy and feel useful
doing. That feeling has stuck with me throughout
my training contract.”
Trainee, London
“It is ideally placed on the border between the
public and private sectors; meaning the work is
interesting and opportunities in both fields will be
open.”
Trainee, London

If you’re interested in social housing law,
international projects, and the occasional trip to
the Middle East, Trowers & Hamlins should be on
your employer shortlist. However, before you start
daydreaming about spending your time in one
of the firm’s foreign offices – Abu Dhabi, Cairo,
Dubai, Oman, Riyadh and Bahrain – bear in mind
that there are only around 22 training contracts
on offer each year, so brace yourself for a tough
application.

“The assessment day is said to be fun
and ‘run in a very unintimidating way’.”
So how do you make the route to success less
bumpy? First up, you need to have strong
academics – ‘upper second class degrees are
needed’. However, Trowers doesn’t just select
its trainees from top 10 unis; the firm is known
to ‘recruit a real mixed bag of people’, as one
current trainee points out. It’s also good to know
that Trowers & Hamlins has a tendency to pick
‘candidates who have some experience of another
career, further study, or relevant work experience’.
After an initial online application that will
assess the usual – educational background,
extracurricular interests, skills – you’ll be faced
with an assessment day, followed by a partner
interview. The assessment day is said to be fun
and ‘run in a very unintimidating way’.
Past interviewees have been given a legal
document ‘to look at for 15 minutes prior to the
interview’, as preparation for a discussion with
the interviewer. In addition to something like this,
expect to be quizzed on your personal background
with the typical ‘why do you want to work here?’,
and ‘what can you bring to the firm?’ questions.
Your commercial awareness and knowledge of
the firm will also be tested. As one trainee states,
‘Trowers seems to be looking for candidates

who are passionate about what it does and who
its clients are, so knowing a bit about that and
understanding the role you could play is crucial’.
Should you be successful with your application,
you can expect to complete four six-month seats
at Trowers & Hamlins. ‘It is possible to sit in a
wide variety of departments, including property,
litigation, banking and corporate, projects and
construction, as well as private client, employment
and public sector’ claims one trainee. While
there are no compulsory seats, it is likely you will
spend some time in social housing. If this gets you
excited, here’s some even better news: due to the
small intake, trainees don’t usually have to fight
for a secondment abroad and are in fact expected
to ‘go to the Middle East for their second seat’.

TROWERS & HAMLINS

THE BUZZ ON GETTING HIRED

Vacation Schemes

Many of the firm’s trainees got their foot in the
door through the Trowers & Hamlins summer
vacation scheme; so if you’re eyeing up a training
contract with the firm, you’re best advised to
apply for a vac scheme first. These are by no
means a guarantee, but they can certainly provide
a helpful stepping stone to landing a full-time
position with the firm.
The firm offers 30 lucky students the opportunity
to do a summer vac scheme in the firm’s London,
Manchester or Exeter offices. Over the two week
placement, you will get to experience life in two
different practice areas. A supervisor and buddy
will make sure you get all the support you need
when working on various tasks, which may include
drafting, conducting legal research or interacting
with clients.

309

FIRM PROFILE
Trowers & Hamlins may not be the largest firm on
the block, but in the field of social housing law it
towers above the competition. In addition to its
market leading practice, Trowers & Hamlins also
ranks as a heavyweight in the Middle East, and
has a disproportionately successful international
projects practice for a mid-sized firm.

“In keeping with its treatment of staff,
Trowers & Hamlins’ altruistic activities
are high on the agenda.”
Trowers & Hamlins’ lineage can be traced back an
incredible 230+ years to London in 1777. Since
Richard and John Woodhouse ran the firm in its
early days, Trowers & Hamlins has gone through
20 changes of identity and amalgamations.
Walter Trower (who was knighted in 1915) joined
the partnership in 1886, with the second half
of the current appellation stemming from the
firm, Hamlin & Grammer – which was practising
in 1875. Though the two firms had been in
association for many years, it was not until 1987
that they finally joined forces to become Trowers
& Hamlins.
Since settling on the current moniker, the firm
has made considerable international strides.
Trowers & Hamlins’ first foreign foray was in
Oman in 1980, with Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain,
and Cairo all following in the 1990s. In addition
to its Middle Eastern stronghold, Trowers &
Hamlins has domestic outposts in London, Exeter
and Manchester, with the brand new Birmingham
office completing the firm’s national footprint.
Today, Trowers & Hamlins has approximately 700
staff operating across its offices in the UK and
Middle East.
Many firms have since set up practices in the
Middle East, but Trowers & Hamlins moved into

310

the region early, leaving its peers far behind.
However, to pigeonhole Trowers & Hamlins as
just a Middle Eastern firm would be both unfair
and inaccurate. The firm’s real estate practice
is amongst the strongest in the UK, and its
corporate work is not to be scoffed at either.
Trowers & Hamlins has appeared in the
Sunday Times’ ‘100 Best Companies to Work
For’, partly because it employs a number of
initiatives to keep its staff happy. For instance,
the firm makes allowances for working from
home, career breaks, and part-time and job
share arrangements, to name but a few.
Understandably, defections are relatively low and
trainee retention is high.

“Trowers & Hamlins’ pro bono and CSR
extends to its Middle Eastern sites,
with projects ranging from an Abu Dhabi
recycling programme to fundraising
in Bahrain.”
In keeping with its treatment of staff, Trowers
& Hamlins’ altruistic activities are high on the
agenda. The firm is involved with numerous
community schemes, ranging from helping out
with reading in primary schools, to arranging
placements in corporate organisations for
East London residents. In Manchester, the
firm works with the Manchester Methodist
Housing Association to support the Northmoor
Community Association; partners have assisted
with a range of projects to support local
residents, including decorating, gardening and
rubbish clearance. This benevolence isn’t solely
domestic either; Trowers & Hamlins’ pro bono
and CSR extends to its Middle Eastern sites, with
projects ranging from an Abu Dhabi recycling
programme to fundraising in Bahrain.

Work for TROWERS & HAMLINS
(advertisement)

TRAINING CONTRACT

VACATION SCHEME

Candidates must have a minimum of 320 UCAS points
at A Level (ABB) or equivalent, and a predicted /
achieved 2:1 degree or above. However, we are on the
lookout for more than just academic ability - candidates
must demonstrate the following: an enthusiasm and a
drive to succeed; team working skills as both a player
and a leader; resilience and strength of character;
initiative and a sense of responsibility; versatility and
an innovative approach; an analytical and logical mind;
excellent communication skills; and the ability to adapt
them to your audience. We believe in having a diverse
workforce which is why we don’t just look for candidates
from Oxbridge and “red-brick” universities. We welcome
applications from all universities, as well as candidates
who have already left university or are considering a
career change.

Our summer vacation schemes are a good way to find
out what life as a trainee at Trowers & Hamlins is really
like. Each year, we offer over 20 summer vacation
placements across our London, Manchester and Exeter
offices. Each placement is for two weeks and provides
experience of two different departments. During your
time with us, you will be treated as a trainee solicitor,
get involved in ‘real’ work (such as drafting, undertaking
research and attending client meetings), as well as
having the opportunity to meet a range of people from
around the firm from support staff to Partners. In each
department you experience, you will be designated a
‘buddy’ who will introduce you to the department and
be on hand to offer you guidance and advice. You will
also have a supervisor, usually a senior solicitor, to offer
you counsel on the various pieces of work that you will
be given.

WHEN TO APPLY
For Training Contract September 2014 / March 2015 the
deadline is 1st August 2012

SALARY
Our current starting salary for trainee solicitors is
£35,000 / £26,000 / £26,000 (London/Manchester/
Exeter), rising to £38,000 / £28,000 / £28,000 in the
second year of training and £55,000 / £35,000 / £32,500
for newly qualified solicitors.

VACANCIES
We look to recruit around 22 trainee solicitors each year
across two intakes (March and September).

HOW TO APPLY
Name: Anup Vithlani
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 0207 423 8312
Website: http://www.trowers.com/careers/students/

TROWERS & HAMLINS

JOBS

WHEN TO APPLY
Summer Vacation Scheme 2012, the deadline is 1st
March 2012. Please note that if you wish to apply for
either a place on our summer vacation scheme and /
or for a training contract position only, you will need
to complete our online application form, which can be
accessed via our website. We do not consider any other
form of application to us.

SALARY
The remuneration is currently £225 per week in London
and £185 per week in Manchester and Exeter.

VACANCIES
Each year, we offer over 20 summer vacation placements
across our London, Manchester and Exeter offices.

311

Accept
the
challenge.
Get a fast paced, fulfilling,
and fantastic opportunity.
Weil, Gotshal & Manges are currently
recruiting for Vacation Scheme Placements
for 2012 and Training Contracts for 2014.
For more information and details
on how to apply please go to
www.weil.com/ukrecruiting

312

Weil, Gotshal & Manges has powerhouse practices in restructuring, private equity and litigation, and in
addition to being a major player in UK law, has a huge presence across the Continent. The firm’s London
office is the second biggest after its New York HQ, and its largely UK-qualified solicitors are amongst the
highest earners in the City.

PROS

• Good exposure to high quality and challenging
work
• Supportive network of trainees due to the small
intake
• Close knit culture – everyone knows everyone
• Lots of direct interaction with clients and high
levels of responsibility for trainees
• Top of the City pay scale
• Excellent Women@Weil network

CONS

• Not much socialising outside of work
• Lack of interaction between departments at
times
• Some practice areas are rather small in the
London office
• Trainees don’t always get their chosen seats

THE STATS

LOCATIONS

No. of lawyers firm-wide: 1,200+
No. of lawyers in London: 107
London partners: 24
London associates: 77
London trainee intake: between 12 and 14
London trainees retained: 82% (2011)
Vac schemes: 518
Training contracts: 714

No. of offices: 20
Beijing • Boston • Budapest • Dallas • Dubai • Frankfurt •
Hong Kong • Houston • London • Miami • Munich • New
York • Paris • Prague • Providence • Shanghai • Silicon
Valley • Warsaw • Washington, DC • Wilmington

BASE SALARY
LONDON 2011
1st year trainee £41,000
2nd year trainee £45,000
Newly qualified £97,000
1 year PQE £100,000
2 years PQE £103,000
3 years PQE £112,000

DEPARTMENTS & PRACTICES

WEIL, GOTSHAL & MANGES

WEIL, GOTSHAL & MANGES

LONDON OFFICE
110 Fetter Lane
London EC4A 1AY
Tel: +44 20 7903 1000
www.weil.com

GRADUATE RECRUITMENT INFO
Vicki Wisson
Graduate Recruitment Advisor
Tel: +44 (0)20 7903 1000
Email: [email protected] or
[email protected]
www.weil.com/ukrecruiting/

Antitrust/Competition • Finance • Business Finance
& Restructuring • Capital Markets • Corporate (M&A
and Private Equity) • Employment/Employee Benefits
(including Pensions) • Fund Formation • Intellectual
Property • Litigation & Dispute Resolution • Real Estate &
Environment • Tax

313

QUOTES
LIFE ON THE JOB
Satisfaction with Work

“As a general rule at Weil there is no list of ’trainee
tasks’. My supervisor and other colleagues will
give me as much responsibility as they think I can
handle. The more you can show your supervisor
that you are understanding what they ask for,
and that you are willing to turn to them on the
trickier points, they will give you harder, higher
responsibility work. Direct interaction with clients
and partners is high, by email, on calls and at
meetings.”
Second year trainee
“The clients and transactions we work on are
at the peak of the PE market in the UK, and
transactions can vary greatly from straightforward
acquisitions to complex cross-border transactions
involving multiple interested parties. The work is
generally high quality and you will be given more
responsibility on every deal, so you do not stop
learning.”
Junior solicitor, Private Equity
“Being a small office, there’s often something
of an ‘all hands on deck’ mentality, and trainees
work closely with lawyers at all levels (and in
many offices) of the firm, as well as with clients.
Obviously, there’s some typical ‘trainee’ work
involved, but associates and partners alike are
very good at delegating ‘good’ work to trainees
whenever they can.”
First year trainee
“I have had a significant amount of client contact
during my seat in litigation and have worked with
senior associates and partners at Weil. The cases
I worked on were high-value and high-profile.
I have also worked on the finance side of two
large private equity acquisitions which involved
satisfying KYC criteria and conditions precedent.”
First year trainee

314

What does your typical day at work involve?

“Some research tasks (often to be put in the form
of a memo to be sent directly to a client), drafting
letters and documents, responding to client
enquiries, and liaising with lawyers at other firms.
I normally manage to grab lunch with some of the
other trainees (we generally get on well in and out
of the office) and head off around 8pm.”
First year trainee
“The work will vary depending on how many
deals you are working on and what stage they are
at. During the early stages of the deal you could
be reviewing confidentiality agreements and
commencing high level diligence on the company,
in the intermediate stages you may be finalising
the due diligence report and negotiating/
drafting documentation (from board minutes
to sale purchase agreements and investment
agreements), and in the final stages you will be
working hard to ensure all documentation is
finalised and ready for signing.”
Junior solicitor, Private Equity
“A variety of things from typical trainee tasks such
as file administration, note taking, proofreading,
etc. through to drafting and reviewing transaction
documents.”
Second year trainee

Culture

“Culture is very ‘open doors.’ With limited
exceptions, nobody would mind a trainee going
into their office to ask questions (if reasonable!).
There’s a very professional atmosphere in the
office, and a fierce focus on getting the job done
properly and on time. The trainees are a great
support to one another, and are always there
if you’re not sure where else to turn for help!
Trainees also socialise together – being on the LPC
together was great in terms of getting to know
each other before starting work.”
First year trainee

“As the firm is smaller than UK counterparts in the
City you get the benefit of knowing everyone in
the office and having a stronger identity, without
compromising on the work quality. Hierarchy
is more flexible than in English law firms, and
partners are very approachable. There is a social
side too, and you will go for lunch or meet up after
work for drinks, but I would think this may be less
of a factor than in firms with big intakes, which
provide more opportunities for socialising.”
Junior solicitor, Private Equity

Partner/solicitor relations

“I find that partner communications are very
good at the firm. As with every law firm, many
decisions are made behind closed doors, but there
is generally good chance for upward review and
we are kept up-to-date on a regular basis on office
developments.”
Junior solicitor, Private Equity

Seats

“Trainees undertake four seats, including
compulsory seats in Finance and Corporate.
Optional seats include Litigation, Capital Markets,
IP/IT, Real Estate, Competition, Tax, and BFR
(Business Finance and Restructuring). Seats
abroad are currently available in New York and
Paris (for French speakers), as well as other
European offices on an ad hoc basis (based on
business needs). The seat allocation process
is renowned for being a little less transparent
than would perhaps be ideal, but few people are
shocked when seats are eventually allocated.”
First year trainee

“Trainees do four seats across areas such as
corporate, finance, litigation, employment, IP/
IT, property, capital markets, restructuring and
competition. Trainees submit choices and these
are taken into account, but really the best way
to get the seat you want is to speak to the
partners in that department, especially if it is a
small department. The compulsory departments
are corporate and finance (although the latter
can be satisfied by doing a capital markets or
restructuring seat). The seats abroad are in New
York and Paris.”
Second year trainee

WEIL, GOTSHAL & MANGES

“The working environment is fairly friendly with
most associates and partners being approachable.
Trainees do support each other and help out
when colleagues are busy. Socialising is not all that
popular, although there is a core group of trainees
who do their best to get the others involved!”
Second year trainee

“Four seats; almost all departments (corporate,
banking/securitisation, restructuring, litigation,
capital markets, IP/IT, real estate, tax,
employment/pensions, competition). Choice
is there if you make it known early what you
want, and you impress everybody early on so
that people want to give you the right seats, etc.
Having said that, corporate and finance (capital
markets, securitisation or banking) are mandatory
which only leaves two spare; seats abroad are
back on the agenda, one trainee just got back
from Paris and another has just left for New York.”
Second year trainee

Formal Training

“Training programmes need to be more focused
on your current seat and less general. Actual
knowledge sharing could be improved, but does
depend largely on department. The main training
at the firm is on-the-job learning.”
Second year trainee
“There is regular training and some very good
training on a smaller scale, where partners and
senior associates will go through agreements in a
more intimate way than large training sessions. I
think that the training structure is less rigid than in
larger firms, as would be expected, but I find that
the training complements the practical leaning onthe-job effectively.”
Junior solicitor, Private Equity

315

“Training is high quality and interesting, often
delivered by the (extremely well qualified) team
of PSLs. Supervisors are definitely keen for their
trainees to attend unless absolutely impossible.”
First year trainee

Informal Training & Mentoring

“I’ve never felt uncomfortable asking a question of
anyone. (Although, as with anything, it won’t go
down well if you don’t know what it is that you’re
asking!). People are supportive, but trainees
are expected to be independent and should not
expect to have their hands held at every step.”
First year trainee
“There is a mentoring scheme at the firm, which
is voluntary, but most people take it up as it is a
useful tool to seek advice from people outside
of your department who are more senior, on a
confidential basis. In addition, as partners are
accessible and they do actually focus on the
development of the junior lawyers, there is good
support on your progress as a lawyer.”
Junior solicitor, Private Equity
“If you need to have someone hold your hand or
if you’re easily upset, this isn’t the place for you.
On the flip side, the culture is a good fit for people
with drive and initiative.”
First year trainee
“Depends on the department, but most associates
and partners are willing to teach and train.”
Second year trainee

CAREER PROSPECTS

“As a trainee, there are reviews every three
months, and then every six months as an associate
(with the main review occurring once a year).”
Junior solicitor, Private Equity

Pro bono

“A very high importance, and there is a 50 hour
pro bono requirement from lawyers.”
Junior solicitor, Private Equity

316

Green Initiatives

“There are various initiatives implemented
to increase efficiency in an achievable and
realistic way.”
Junior solicitor, Private Equity
“Prominent recycling bins and encouragement to
file electronically.”
First year trainee
“The firm recycles, and people turn off lights...
going paperless is never going to happen, ever.”
First year trainee

diversity

“We have just had our bi-annual firm-wide
diversity week, where a variety of talks were given
at the London office from groups such as Refuge
and Female Prisoners of HMP Send. There is a
permanent diversity committee as well.”
First year trainee
“Absolutely outstanding at every level. Initially
driven from the US, the London office has firmly
embraced the diversity initiative. Diversity training
is compulsory for all new joiners, and various
affinity groups exist (Women@Weil is particularly
good at organising all sorts of exciting sounding
events!).”
First year trainee
“The firm regularly wins awards for these sorts of
things and has committees on them. The firm held
a diversity week with various talks/seminars to
discuss these issues.”
First year trainee

Offices & Dress Code

“Dress is normal office attire, shirts and smart
trousers, except meetings where a suit is
required.”
Junior solicitor, Private Equity

“Working hours vary hugely depending on
department, supervisor and level/status of deal
activity. I worked a 100 hour week one month, and
then did 10 billable hours in a fortnight the next
month.”
First year trainee

“Business casual policy five days a week (i.e.
no need for a jacket or tie, but shirt, shoes and
trousers are required).”
Second year trainee

“9.30am – 8pm is my average day, which is exactly
what I’d expected. The firm doesn’t pretend that
it’s a 9 – 5 job, but the hours are no worse than
any other corporate firm.”
First year trainee

How prepared do you feel to practise law
upon qualification?

“50 hours billed on average per week, probably
translates to about 70/80 in the office. The reason
I rate this highly is that: (i) this is what I expected,
(ii) the pay isn’t bad, and (iii) it is probably worse
at other firms where the pay is less.”
Second year trainee

“Extremely, I have been thrown in at the deep end
and have been treated as an associate from day
one in most departments.”
Second year trainee
“I’m halfway through my second seat – it’s going
well, but at the moment, I wouldn’t trust me.”
First year trainee
“That depends where I qualify – some
departments I feel more prepared in than others.
It depends on the level of work you got when you
were a trainee.”
Second year trainee

SALARY, HOURS & PERKS
Hours

“My hours are no longer than those of my peers at
Magic Circle firms. However, I have had one or two
weeks where I have finished at 4am every night.
Otherwise, I tend to finish at 7pm. The hours are
as I expected.”
First year trainee

WEIL, GOTSHAL & MANGES

“The firm is moving office in autumn 2011 to a
brand new office on Fetter Lane. The dress code is
informal. Ties can be worn, but most opt to leave
the top button undone if they are not attending
meetings with clients or lawyers from other firms.”
First year trainee

“This depends on departments. Some are a huge
number of hours, whilst others have a great work/
life balance.”
Second year trainee

Salary

“As trainees, we are paid near the top of the scale
for City lawyers.”
First year trainee
“Salary is very high among competitors and
generally in line with, but higher than, most
US firms.”
Junior solicitor, Private Equity
“The reason I get up in the morning.”
First year trainee

Perks

“Occasional free tickets and dinners are offered.
The firm also has a corporate membership to the
Royal Academy.”
First year trainee

317

“Birthday holiday... although I ended up working
mine. Tickets do pop up now and again. I’ve been
to a Champions League game at the Emirates,
and a group of trainees were dispatched to
represent the firm at the IFLR awards dinner at
The Dorchester.”
First year trainee
“Good pension scheme and health insurance.”
Junior solicitor, Private Equity

PLUSES

“The quality of work, the salary, the prospects for
trainees.”
First year trainee
“Women at Weil, specialised training and guidance
for females in law, the salary, and learning from
highly skilled and friendly colleagues.”
Second year trainee
“Money, challenging work is there in the right
department.”
Second year trainee
“The people and the work.”
First year trainee

MINUSES

“Some practice areas are rather small in the
London office, but we all knew this when we
signed up.”
First year trainee
“The lack of interaction between different
departments.”
First year trainee
“Hours, some departments do not provide enough
challenging work.”
Second year trainee
“In some departments there is an hours culture
and it is a struggle to have a work/life balance in
those departments (but not all).”
Second year trainee

318

Fun Facts

“The rumours are not true – it is not a
sweat shop!”
Second year trainee

INTERVIEWS & APPLICATIONS
Interviews, Applications and Assessments
“The online application was followed by a verbal
reasoning test. I was then invited to a first round
interview with a partner and associate which
was followed by an assessment day comprising a
presentation, group discussion, drafting exercise
and a second interview with a different partner
and associate. Both interviews involved lengthy
technical scenarios, as well as competency
questions. I also had discussions about private
equity.”
First year trainee

“I came through the vacation scheme and received
a training contract through that. The process
was as expected; there were tests, a partner-led
interview and various exercises throughout the
scheme, such as negotiation or pitches.”
Junior solicitor, Private Equity
“Two rounds, a partner and associate at each.
First one is a 45 minute interview, and the second
one is a full assessment day with team exercises,
written exercises, interview, etc. Interview went
through standard questions (motivation, CV
walkthrough, ambitions), then had a couple of
commercial awareness questions.”
Second year trainee
“There are verbal and written tests, then an
interview and an assessment day. Questions
ranged from personal to deeply financial, and
were adapted to my CV.”
First year trainee

“Any applicant should be confident, outgoing
and commercially-minded. It is not enough for
them to be academic high-flyers; they must also
have interests outside of work and a solid grasp
of the firm and the London office’s outlook. It is
accurate to say there is a mixture of universities
represented in the current trainee intakes:
Oxbridge, UCL, LSE, Edinburgh, Durham, Warwick,
Manchester, Nottingham, Sussex and Exeter.”
First year trainee
“Independent thinkers. The firm does not hire
corporate drones, and people are expected to
have a personality! Top notch academics are
expected as standard (although, contrary to
popular belief, the firm isn’t exclusively populated
by public school educated Oxbridge grads!).
Confidence, quick thinking, and the ability to think
practically will go a long way.”
First year trainee
“The firm looks for all round lawyers, with strong
technical skills, as well as social skills and common
sense. A strong knowledge of the firm is also
essential.”
Junior solicitor, Private Equity

“The mixture of the smaller size and good quality
work meant that I knew that I would get better
quality work than elsewhere, and still work on
as interesting and high profile deals. I also prefer
knowing other people in the firm, not just those
on your floor, or even just the department you
work in.”
Junior solicitor, Private Equity
“Amazing work, a relatively small office, and the
ability to work alongside some of the leading
lawyers in their respective fields. (Oh, and
the salary.).”
First year trainee

WEIL, GOTSHAL & MANGES

Tips & Advice

“Size of intake: I had no desire to be one of 150,
or even one of 30/40. As one of a smaller cohort,
you necessarily get more responsibility and
recognition. Salary: no-one gets into this game for
fun, and very few stay for life. If you’re going to do
something, do it properly: work all day and earn
a small fortune. Clients: private equity will always
be a sector driven by risk and reward; both appeal
to me.”
First year trainee

“Firm looks to hire quietly smart people (not
necessarily smart quiet people though) whom it
believes will thrive in the transaction heavy smoky
deal rooms of Private Equity.”
First year trainee

What made you choose your firm?

“The firm offered a small trainee intake and
therefore large levels of responsibility, as well as a
competitive salary and blue-chip clients. The office
is also well managed and has great prospects for
the future.”
First year trainee
“Good pay, small intake, more chance to shine.”
First year trainee

319

THE BUZZ ON GETTING HIRED
Weil, Gotshal & Manges is one of the top
international law firms in London, so securing
a training contract can prove to be a tough
undertaking. The firm’s annual intake consists
of between 12 and 14 trainees, and Weil looks
for candidates who can demonstrate excellence
beyond the minimum 2:1 from a top university.
According to current trainees, the firm seeks
‘commercially-minded’ and ‘independent thinkers’
with ‘strong technical skills, as well as social skills’.
Furthermore, Weil only takes on candidates it
believes can handle responsibility, because due to
the combination of ‘the ‘[firm’s] small size and its
big ticket work… each and every trainee must pull
their own weight’.

“The recruitment process may be
stringent, but it is also known to be
friendly and cohesive in drawing the
best out of candidates.”
The recruitment process may be stringent, but
it is also known to be friendly and cohesive in
drawing the best out of candidates. Applicants are
required to fill in an online application form and, if
successful, will need to complete an online verbal
reasoning test. The next stage consists of an initial
interview with a partner and an associate.
Ace the first interview and you’ll be invited
to a full assessment day, where you’ll have ‘a
presentation, group discussion, drafting exercise
and a second interview with a different partner
and associate’. This is your chance to shine…
Deliver focussed answers on why you want to
work for Weil and demonstrate a strong interest
in corporate and finance work, as well as a
good understanding of the firm’s history and
noteworthy deals. Weil looks for candidates with
an active extracurricular side to their CV, so be
sure to cover your ‘interests outside of work’ in

320

addition to demonstrating ‘a solid grasp of the
firm and London office’s outlook’. Current trainees
advise applicants to be prepared to ‘stand up to a
lot of pressure, both at interview and in the job’.

“Weil only takes on candidates it
believes can handle responsibility.”
Trainees at Weil undertake four six-month seats,
with finance and corporate being compulsory.
Almost all of the firm’s departments are an option
for the remaining two seats, and the ‘choice is
there if you make it known early what you want,’
states one trainee. Seats abroad are possible,
with Paris and New York currently available.
Secondments to clients or other European offices
are also sometimes an option.

Vacation Schemes

As is the case with many law firms, a vacation
scheme is a brilliant door-opener; it will give you
an inside look and feel for the firm, all the while
providing the opportunity to demonstrate your
enthusiasm and commitment.
Weil offers a two-week vacation scheme every
Easter and summer and typically welcomes 20
students. If you are one of the lucky few to make
it through the hiring process, you will be given
an opportunity to work in two different practice
areas. There you will share an office with a lawyer
and assist them with their everyday work –
participating in deals or attending client meetings
is not uncommon according to Weil’s summer
students. You’ll also be offered training sessions
to help you develop both soft and technical legal
skills; overall, a great stepping stone if you’re
looking to secure a training contract.

WEIL, GOTSHAL & MANGES

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321

PROFILE
International firm Weil, Gotshal & Manges boasts
powerhouse practices in restructuring, private
equity and litigation – major contributors which
have elevated the firm’s worldwide revenue past
the $1 billion mark in recent years. Although
enduring some rough waters since its UK outpost
was opened in 1996, the firm has since stabilised
and even managed to counter the market by
flourishing through the recession.
Today, the firm’s London office is its second
biggest and most significant after its New York
HQ. More than 90% of its 100+ lawyers are UK
qualified and they are amongst the highest
earners in the City: newly qualified solicitors earn
a salary of £97,000 per year (including pension)!
The result of the firm’s London endeavours is that
its office is now at the heart of many of Weil’s
major efforts, especially cross border corporate
deals.
Founded in 1931, Weil’s work remained solely
domestic until the 1990s. Although London
now acts as its European headquarters, its first
international forays were in Russia, followed by
Brussels in 1992. Weil previously had a presence
in London, courtesy of Nabarro Nathanson’s
office, but it didn’t take the leap to go it alone
until 1996. Heavy investment and an aggressive
lateral hire strategy marked its inception. The firm
is continuing to grow with the addition of new
partners joining from rival firms, such as Clifford
Chance, Linklaters and Jones Day.
Weil is not only a major player in UK law – the
North American firm has dedicated significant
resources to global expansion over the past 15
years. Weil now has over 1,200 lawyers in 20
offices, spread across the US, Europe and Asia.
In 2009, the firm opened its first Middle Eastern
office in Dubai, marking its debut with one of the
biggest deals in the region – the merger of TV
channels Showtime and Orbit.

322

In recent years, the firm has placed emphasis
on its niche strengths rather than broadening its
scope – a strategy that has paid off. And while the
banking and finance teams hold their own with
the big boys, the firm’s litigation and arbitration
teams also have a strong reputation. Weil secured
the mandates to advise on some of the world’s
largest defaults: Parmalat, General Motors
and WorldCom. Furthermore, the firm boasts
significant practices in capital markets; and with a
client list including Barclays Capital and Deutsche
Bank, the work is as high-profile as it comes.
Weil’s pro bono efforts are renowned for being
pervasive firm-wide, with even senior figures
contributing to the philanthropic cause. In 2005,
Weil launched a policy requiring each associate to
perform at least 50 hours pro bono work a year.
And if that wasn’t enough, Weil has helped Oxfam
set up a chain of fair-trade coffee shops and
also works with numerous charities such as the
disabled children’s charity KIDS.

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TRAINING CONTRACT

VACATION SCHEME

Learning at Weil is designed to get you on your feet and
practising law quickly, encouraging and enabling you to
take ownership of your career. In one of the best training
programmes in the City, you’ll get plenty of personal
attention, combined with early responsibility, and the
opportunity to play a meaningful role in headlinemaking deals.

We run two-week vacation schemes each summer
and take up to 15 students. You spend each week in a
different department, sharing an office with qualified
lawyers, and sharing their work. The aim is for you to
experience the work we do and the way we do it. You
participate in deals and attend meetings with clients,
working side-by-side with our lawyers. To help you get
to know our trainees in a social setting, we also organise
events to facilitate opportunities for further learning and
questions.

WHEN TO APPLY
The deadline for our 2014 training contract is
31/07/2012

SALARY
Trainee Salary of £41,000 rising to £45,000 by beginning
of fourth seat

VACANCIES
We offer up to 10 training contracts each year, taking
great care in the selection process.

WEIL, GOTSHAL & MANGES

JOBS

Work for WEIL, GOTSHAL
& MANGES

WHEN TO APPLY
The deadline for our 2012 vacation schemes is
31/01/2012

SALARY
You will be paid £400 per week.

VACANCIES
We offer 15 placements.

HOW TO APPLY
Name: Jillian Singh/Lucy Greaves
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 020 7903 1000
Website: www.weil.com/ukrecruiting
(We accept on-line applications only)

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325

LEGAL TRAINEE RECRUITMENT FROM
AN APPLICANT’S PERSPECTIVE – part 1
Written by Ashley Connick

For a candidate, the recruitment process is daunting,
uncertain and often unclear. For a recruiter, I’d
imagine it can on occasion seem exactly the same.
Any recruitment is an inexact science for a number of
reasons; graduate recruitment more so than usual, on
account of the applicants’ dearth of experience (in most
cases). I’ll use two parts of the recruitment process to
show this uncertainty from a candidate’s viewpoint, and
explain how the circumstances of recruitment lead me
to have sympathy for recruiters (although they can test
this sometimes!).

“There would be students who would
lurk around the computer rooms waiting
for opportunities to quickly sit in
someone’s place when they got up from
their PC in order to email that person’s
CV to themselves.”
The nature of recruitment is not the fault of the
applicant or the recruiter. It’s not even the conscious
fault of the system – it’s merely that, as Winston
Churchill said of democracy, the current system is the
worst system ever tried, apart from all the others. As
far as I can see, there is no way to alter this. The things
that recruiters ask for are all perfectly reasonable and
desirable in a candidate.
The written portion of the application process is tricky
enough. Each firm is like a prospective romantic partner

326

– they like to be smiled at and told how special they are,
so the candidate must find new ways to compliment
each one without being too general or too sycophantic.
Candidates must also show their “commitment”, both
to law and to the firm in question. I mentioned last
week in my blogpost about why law students wanted
to work for City firms how recruiters need to be certain
that their investment, which in some cases is more than
£250,000 per candidate recruited, is spent wisely and
will net their firm a return.
The trouble with this, of course, is the knowledge of the
candidates is limited and the medium they are using to
communicate that knowledge is similarly constrictive.
One can only gain so much from reading about a firm’s
atmosphere or “personality” – after a while, reflecting
the image that the firm’s marketing team puts out just
becomes nauseating for a recruiter (or so one told
me). Commitment, as I was discussing recently with @
LegalBizzle, is more to do with increasing the odds of
candidates being suitable than a criteria in and of itself.
In reality, it’s very difficult to convey commitment and
enthusiasm accurately through an application form. One
of my friends told me that at the American university
at which she gained her first degree, there would be
students who would lurk around the computer rooms
waiting for opportunities to either steal people’s
homework off the printers or to quickly sit in someone’s
place when they got up from their PC in order to
email that person’s CV to themselves. I’ve heard of
embellishing a CV, but stealing aspects of someone
else’s had never occurred to me. This just serves to
make recruiters’ lives more challenging – as sure as I am
that what I write is true, how can they, without knowing
me, be as certain? What position must a recruiter take –
one of trust or mistrust in their applicants?

These examples show how difficult the process can be
for both applicants and recruiters. As applicants, we
have to deal with the vagaries of the system and the not

knowing quite what each individual recruiter wants (for,
as we are constantly reminded, all firms are different).
For recruiters, they must unfortunately view each
application with scepticism, for the stakes for potential
trainee lawyers are so high that embellishment will
naturally occur.
Even at the end of the process, the recruiter cannot
be certain they have made the right decision. I have
heard stories of people leaving the day after their
training contract finished at their own behest, of those
not being offered an NQ job, and seen people let go
before their contract has even begun as a consequence
of sub-par performance in law school exams. It seems
recruiters really don’t get it right all the time. No blame
can be attributed though – if only there was a way to
remove the element of guesswork, life would be easier
for both recruiters and applicants.

LEGAL TRAINEE RECRUITMENT FROM AN APPLICANT’S PERSPECTIVE – PART 1

Now to move on to the second part of the process I
wish to focus on. If you are lucky enough to pass the
application stage – and statistically, most people who
apply for any job will not enjoy that success – then you
are faced with either an interview or an assessment day,
and sometimes with both. The assessment day contains
what all employing organisations know as the “group
exercise”, to see whether individuals can work well with
others. This is generally a round-table discussion where
there are contentious issues at stake and an agreement
must be reached. There’s a fine balance between being
too loud and being overbearing, and between being
thoughtful and being too quiet. I recently raised the
point with a recruiter that being part of a team means
working together, and that if you are sat round a table
with three people whose personalities are loud and
forceful, it is sometimes actually good teamwork not
to add a fourth brash personality into the mix. She
conceded that this was a very artificial process and
was the best they could do. Group work at law college
or university helps to give candidates practice with
situations like this, of course, but the trouble is that very
few people are able to be natural on assessment days,
and those that are natural are often the ones being
drowned out. Obviously, recruiters know this and have
developed techniques to spot the candidates who will
be the best for them in the long run, but yet again this is
not an exact science.

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327

Legal Trainee Recruitment from an
Applicant’s Perspective – Part 2:
The Application Form
Written by Ashley Connick

In Part 1 of my guide to the applicant’s view of legal
trainee recruitment, I wrote about some of the
questions and tasks that applicants must negotiate on
their way to the reaching holy grail of a training contract
offer. I realise, though, that I may have inadvertently
given the impression that similar things could be
expected from all law firms.
To a certain extent, this is indeed the case – they each
have an application process involving you writing
something down followed by seeing them face-to-face.
Most of the time there’ll be a question about why you
have chosen that particular firm (which is why that is
the example I used when mentioning application forms
in the previous piece). Apart from that, however, the
process is often as different as chalk and cheese.
I’d like to say by way of a disclaimer before I begin
that I’m only writing this to give people a sense of the
process, rather than because I believe that wholesale
changes to the system are necessary – they aren’t. As
I concluded in the last piece on the topic, we know
that recruitment processes are imperfect, otherwise
there wouldn’t be much deviation from 100% trainee
retention rates and there wouldn’t be trial periods in
most jobs. The fact is that there’s no way to truly know
what someone is like at work without actually working
with them.
Different firms use different systems to create their
application forms. Some use central form systems,
such as CVMailUK or Apply4Law, which applicants

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like because they allow you to enter your education
records into a central website database and simply
import them into each application form. This may not
sound important, but when you’ve done more than
20 modules at university, 3 A-Levels, an AS-Level and
10 GCSEs as is standard across the country (with some
doing many more), it can become a mite repetitive to
enter the same data into multiple forms. Especially
when some applications ask for the marks as pure
marks (University marks in this country are out of 90)
and some ask for them in percentages, often requiring
conversion.

“Some applications ask for the marks
as pure marks (University marks in this
country are out of 90) and some ask for
them in percentages, often requiring
conversion.”
Once you’ve hurdled the education section, the
next part you’re confronted with is often – but not
always, obviously – the employment section. Again,
the requirements of this section vary from firm to
firm. Some firms are very generous with their word
allowance in this section; one firm I know allows
unlimited space for you to elaborate on the tasks
you performed and the knowledge you gained whilst

The firm-specific questions (for want of a better
description) are always bound to differ by virtue of
their very nature. Some of them are the standard,
“explain your decision” questions, whilst some are more
competency-based. Just to give you a proper idea, the
standard questions can include:

• Why you want to be a lawyer
• Why you want to work for [X] firm
• Why you want to work in the City
• Why your skills make you suitable for a career in
the type of law you’ve chosen
• Why you think the firm should hire you over
anyone else

“If your form is good enough, you may be
invited to have a telephone interview. Or
have a face-to-face interview. Or have an
assessment day. Or undergo psychometric
testing. Or all of the above.”
Meanwhile, the competency questions often ask about
things like times you’ve been involved in a successful
team, when you’ve shown resilience or an occasion
you overcame a problem. These also come in different
formats: some firms ask for the competencies outright,
whilst some are more circumspect in their questioning.
Some firms ask each of the “explain your decision”
questions with a 100-word limit, whilst some lump two
or three in together and give you slightly more. This is
the real core of what a firm is looking for, so it makes

perfect sense for the firm to tailor this section to its
individual needs.
Of course, there are also the firms who don’t require
you to fill in these kind of forms. Some firms merely
request a CV and Covering Letter, which requires a
different set of skills entirely. Again, if firms feel that
this is the best way for them to find and hire the right
candidates, then there’s no problem with it for me.
I know that the process isn’t designed to make life
easy for candidates, or for us to be able to copy and
paste answers from one form to another – I’m aware
that the purpose is to test the applicants’ abilities.
The recruitment processes are there for the firms
themselves to hire the people they find to be the best
for their firm, and they have the freedom to do that in
whatever way they like.
I can’t help thinking, though, that applications would be
made simpler and perhaps of a higher standard if firms
accepted that certain things could be standardised.
The ability to pre-load education results is, as I
mentioned, a wonderful thing when it comes to making
applications, and in my opinion should be the norm
for firms. Perhaps the same could also be done for the
employment questions, which would enable applicants
to answer the competency and justification questions
without having to worry about the standard elements.
Sometimes it seems that the only thing the application
processes have in common are their uniqueness.
If your form is good enough, you may be invited to have
a telephone interview. Or have a face-to-face interview.
Or have an assessment day. Or undergo psychometric
testing. Or all of the above. This part of the process is
so individual to the firms that it would be impossible
to comment. You just have to hope that none of the
unexpected elements of the process resemble this
interview:

LEGAL TRAINEE RECRUITMENT FROM AN APPLICANT’S PERSPECTIVE – PART 2

performing them. Other firms prefer slightly more curt
responses, with one firm allowing a mere 50 words; by
way of illustration, the start of this paragraph to the first
semicolon (i.e. two-and-a-half sentences) is 46 words.
Most firms settle somewhere in the 100-300 word
bracket for this answer, which is still not an immense
amount, and requires a new answer to be written for
every form because of the different constraints.
The gulf between a 200-word answer and a 100-word
answer is vast.

www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_
embedded&v=-jhKceRgpak
Many thanks to fellow GDL student, Yihsin Wang, for
her help with this blogpost.

329

SOME FAQS ANSWERED FOR THOSE
CONSIDERING A LAW CONVERSION COURSE
Written by Ashley Connick

I recently received an email from someone I know
who was thinking about converting his degree through
the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL), more commonly
known as the law conversion course. He asked me some
questions so that he could have as much information as
possible on which to base his decision.

“They’re the sort of questions I wish I’d
had answers to before I left university,
and answers from a student on the
course rather than from one of the
course providers.”
His questions were practical ones about the course,
how I was finding it, and how I was funding it. They’re
the sort of questions I wish I’d had answers to before
I left university, and answers from a student on the
course rather than from one of the course providers. I
decided, having read and answered his questions, that
to publish them might help others make a decision. My
reply is extensive and, I’d like to think, thorough, but it
won’t be comprehensive and my experiences will have
differed from those of others, so please feel free to
comment with your own thoughts and opinions if you
have anything to add to the information.

The email I received read thus:
Hey Ashley,
I understand that you are currently taking the law
conversion course. I’ve decided to look into it and
see if it’s for me, and would just like to ask you a few
questions about it, if you don’t mind? Was it easy to get
into with your degree? Are you self-funding…and are
most people on the course self-funding or are there lots
of people already with law firms paying for them? How
difficult/intense etc is it, are you struggling or finding it
a manageable challenge? Since we did similar subjects
at the same uni I assume we’ve got a relatively similar
skill set!
Are you in the process of applying for/have you got
a Training Contract (TC)? From reading about it, this
seems to be absolutely crucial yet also very difficult.
How are you finding it and what would you do if you
can’t get one? How easy do people seem to find it in
general on your course, and do you need much previous
law experience to help you get one? This is the one
issue that really confuses me as I’m worried I wouldn’t
be able to get a TC and hence waste a year! Have you
secured any work experience etc/ how difficult was that
to achieve?
I know there are lots of questions, but any help will be
really greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
A Prospective GDL Student

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Hi Prospective Student.
I’d be delighted to answer your questions.

“At uni I left most things until the last
minute, even exam revision. With this,
it’s impossible to do that; I think you’d
quickly sink like a stone.”
1) The only true entry requirement is obviously that you
hold a degree. Beyond that, if they have space available
and you are able to afford the fees, you are likely to
be accepted. By way of example, I know people who
applied in March or April, well after the deadline for
first round applications, to three law schools (which is
as many as lawcabs.ac.uk allows you to apply to) and
received offers from all three. The law schools were also
still advertising places on the GDL well into September
2010 for the 2010/2011 Academic Year.
2) I am self-funding and so are many of my classmates.
As I write, out of our class of 20, there are only 3 people
who have secured funding already. I took a job straight
from University, having thought that the training fees
in law would be prohibitive for me, in order to work out
what to do. It took me no time at all to realise that I
didn’t want to do anything other than go into the legal
profession, and so I used that year to earn the money
for my GDL and apply for Training Contracts. There are
ways to finance the courses and I will need to find a way
to fund myself through the next stage if I do not manage
to secure a TC this year. Whatever happens, though, the
investment has been one worth making, as far as I am
concerned. Some people said that it would be worth it
back when I was worrying about it, but it seemed easy
for them to say that, as they weren’t people who’d
been through it. Taking the year to work gave me the
perspective on my ambitions and the perspective on
funding the course to be able to take the risk of funding
it myself. I was surprised to find out how few people on
the GDL have Training Contracts already.

3) There’s a lot of work for sure, but it’s manageable. I
haven’t had any problems so far, although the volume
increases between Xmas and the end of the course, with
two pieces of coursework to do as well as the regular
lectures and workshops (and revision for mocks). The
trick is to keep on top of it. At uni I left most things
until the last minute, even exam revision. With this, it’s
impossible to do that; I think you’d quickly sink like a
stone. So it’s just about being responsible and working
consistently. Once you do that, it’s comparatively simple.
Yes, our similar backgrounds are useful but law has
so many disciplines in practice that it requires people
from all backgrounds – the most common are social
sciences, humanities, philosophy graduates, but there
are two former musicians in my class as well. The course
is open to holders of all kinds of degrees, so whilst your
essay-writing skills may stand you in good stead, they’re
not all that you need and they certainly won’t carry you
through on their own!

“If you’re applying to city commercial
firms, having some work experience in
a high-street family practice will only be
useful up to a point.”
4) I haven’t got a training contract yet, and am applying
for them at the moment. In my opinion, the greatest
importance placed on attaining a TC at the stage you’re
at is in the funding. You obviously need to complete
a 2-year TC if you want to qualify, but the immediate
need is the money. If it’s possible to do the GDL and
even maybe the LPC via another means of funding then
I would do so. If you need to take a year or two to earn
money to pay for it and apply for training contracts
then that makes sense – I did it – but it helps to get
on the path as soon as possible, in my opinion. The
other important thing that a Training Contract gives
you, though, is the security of knowing that you have
somewhere to go after finishing your studies.

SOME FAQS ANSWERED FOR THOSE CONSIDERING A LAW CONVERSION COURSE

I gave the email due consideration, and thought
about my experiences, both on the course itself and
beforehand. I replied as follows:

5) Firms like you to have experience because it shows
that you have a commitment to law, but also because it
shows that you know what to expect. [I wrote about this
at length in my blogpost entitled “So, Candidate, why do
you want to work at a City firm?”] More than just “any

331

who recruit for trainees from the pool of people who
already have their LPC qualification, so even if you go
throughout law school with no Training Contract, you
may still be in a great position to apply to firms like that
afterwards.

“Think of everyone who you know who
might be able to give you some help or
advice and ask them.... Networking is
absolutely vital.”
legal experience”, they want it to be relevant. They’re
not looking for their trainees to know exactly what
area they want to qualify into – and in many cases they
prefer trainees not to know. But they’d like you to be
sure that the type of law is what you want. For instance,
if you’re applying to City commercial firms, having some
work experience in a high-street family practice will only
be useful up to a point. You can sell it on the basis of
knowing you don’t want to work in that environment,
but a big firm wants its candidates to be certain they
want to work in the city world. It was explained to me
recently that it costs roughly £250,000 to recruit each
trainee at most of the big firms, so obviously for that
investment they want to make sure, as far as they can,
that the person is right for the job and will stay there
for a while. The entire process is fairly arbitrary, I think,
as what one firm wants, another firm may not. Also, it
depends how the recruitment is done. Many systems are
imperfect, especially in firms who give applications to
busy lawyers to read.
6) Training contracts are, as I’m sure you know, recruited
two years in advance when it comes to the big firms.
They do this because that’s the amount of legal training
that their students have to go through if they get them
at the earliest stage. I know many people who have
secured contracts with firms after they have started
their training, and the years in between are not wasted,
I can assure you! Sometimes the firms take their future
trainees on as paralegals so they can gain experience
and earn some money. Some take it as a gap year
opportunity and go travelling, or undertake more study
such as an MBA. Of course, there are also smaller firms

332

7) As I mentioned above, work experience is a real help
when it comes to securing Training Contracts. In order to
get the experience, though, sometimes you already need
to have experience – it can be a bit of a vicious circle
with Vacation Schemes in the City. My advice would be
to write to law firms and to make as many contacts as
you possibly can. Think of everyone who you know who
might be able to give you some help or advice and ask
them. Even if you don’t know anyone directly who can
help, there are bound to be people around who can.
Sometimes it’s useful to think laterally: for instance,
most of us know people who have been divorced; ask
someone for the contact details of their solicitor. Even if
they can’t help you themselves, they may have contacts
in the industry who are able to. Networking is absolutely
vital. Recruiting firms don’t expect everyone to have
extensive experience though, so don’t worry about filling
a CV chock-full of it. Just enough to show that you have
thought about the profession seriously will suffice.
I hope that this has been of help. If you have any more
questions, you know where I am.
All the best,
Ash

Now, comprehensive though this may appear, it omits
at least one major piece of advice that I wish I’d had
– that of how to decide which provider to study with
once you’ve made the decision to do the GDL. This is a
difficult decision for many prospective students because
of the dearth of information on the subject. The four

When looking to choose a university for your
undergraduate degree, you can decide based on the
surroundings, based on teaching league tables, on
research, on course content, and many other factors.
When the course content is identical, as it largely is
with the GDL, the decision becomes more difficult. The
majority of the information available comes from the
providers themselves, rather than any independent
source, and leaves a great deal to the imagination.
It’s difficult to make a wrong decision on this, and
each of the major providers is regarded equally by
most firms (some have agreements with a particular
provider but studying elsewhere before securing a
TC doesn’t preclude you from joining them in most
cases). My advice would be to contact the providers
and find out the full details of the teaching and any
extra benefits: how many contact hours you would
have, what materials would be made available online
(are lectures recorded, for instance?), how big are the
class sizes, what’s the careers service like, and so on.
Then, once you have this information to hand, work out
what is most beneficial for you. If you’re someone who
can’t take notes easily in lectures, having recordings of
them available online might be just what you need, for
instance.

Once you’ve decided on a provider, you may find that
they have more than one branch in the same city,
as I found with the College of Law. Again, almost no
information on which to base a decision over where
to study exists, even less for deciding between the
Moorgate and Bloomsbury College of Law centres than
there was for deciding which provider to opt for. I chose
the College because of their course structure, because
I knew a larger number of people who had studied
there than at any of the other providers, and because,
if you do GDL and either the BPTC (the practical course
for future barristers) or the LPC (the equivalent for
future solicitors) with the College, you receive an LL.B
at no extra cost and with no further exams, which is
in contrast to other providers. I figured that if I didn’t
get a training contract, I’d like to come out with an LL.B
to show for my two years; if I secure one and the firm
wants me to study for my LPC elsewhere, I’m happy to
make that trade-off!
This was a personal decision, and the lack of
information meant that it wasn’t built on the strongest
of foundations, but I did as much research as I could
and made my decision based on as much knowledge as I
was able to acquire. I hope that through this post, some
people will be able to be more certain of their options.
As I said earlier, I am certain that I have missed some
absolute gems of advice, and that people who have
had different experiences to me will be able to provide
valuable insights into other areas of the decisionmaking process.

SOME FAQS ANSWERED FOR THOSE CONSIDERING A LAW CONVERSION COURSE

major postgraduate legal education providers are BPP
Law School, City Law School, Kaplan Law School and The
College of Law.

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Written by Travis the Trout

Question: How do you/did you know what Law Firms to
apply for a training contract with?
I had a very strong idea of what area of law I liked
and that was a big deciding factor for me. Property is
an area of law that the majority of firms dabble in. I
applied for both niche property firms and those with
an excellent reputation in property law (along with a
couple of other firms that I liked for other reasons, but
didn’t necessarily have a strong property department).
After all, if I want to have a choice of qualifying in
property I will need to have completed a seat in it.
I decided my factors to consider were:
• Reputation of the firm
• Seat options
• Prospects of a job on qualification
The Top 25 Firm:
• Reputation: My current firm is a top law firm with
a great reputation in many of its practice areas, but
commercial property is not one of them. It is a good
department, but people don’t think of property when
they hear our name. In fact, some people will say ‘I
didn’t know they did property.’
• Seat Options & Prospects on Qualification: The key
thing from a prospective trainee’s position is that
property take on 3 trainees each seat rotation (in
my office) and this year a few NQs joined the team.
But after a big retention last year, they are unsure
whether they will be able to do the same this year.
Small “Family Run” Firm:
• Reputation: Sometimes it is easier to know what
smaller firms are good at (they shout about it as
much as they can), and what the job prospects are –
from my experience they are more upfront about it.
• Seat Options and Job Prospects: At an interview I
had last year with a small firm I was informed that
their property department was struggling and they
informed me it was unlikely they could offer a seat in

property (let alone a job on qualification). I found it
hard to hide my disappointment and needless to say
that was not where my future was.
Small but Well Connected Firm:
• Reputation: Another comparable small firm, but
made up of ex-top 50 law firm lawyers (with a
stronger commercial property department and a lot
of recent investment).
• Seat Options: they were certain they could give me
a seat in property, but they also had a limited choice
for my other 3 options which were not necessarily
choices that I thought would be a good fit. But for
plenty of people this would have been enough.

JOB HUNTING: WHICH LAW FIRM

Job Hunting: Which Law Firm?

Medium-sized Regional Firm:
• Reputation: Strong reputation in the regions. Which
is why, when I finally got the training contract that
I accepted, I was sure it was the right firm for me.
Great reputation.
• Seat Options: multiple property seats available and
only a couple of us competing for a permanent job at
the end of it.
It is not a straightforward choice with a wide range of
firms out there (with a limited number of jobs). But:
• Be selective – have a list of criteria.
• Want the job (Some people simply don’t care what
they do they just want a job – but I will stress that
further down the line there are too many colleagues
disappointed by what they do as they are not
passionate about it and admit that things “just sort of
turned out that way”.)
• Be realistic – there is no point in holding out for a job
where all the current trainees are first class degrees
from Oxbridge if you are sitting on a 2.2 from an expoly.
• If you can get it – do work experience or get to know
someone who works there. Get the inside scoop – the
reality is often different from the glossy brochures.
• Remember: law firms are not your only option.

335

Are Vacation Schemes Really Worth It?
Written by Richard Hornshaw

For a Exeter LLB student, Richard Hornshaw, gives
an account of his experiences on the Travers Smith
Vacation Scheme.

However, it was a refreshing experience to emerge from
the interview around 40 minutes later having felt the
partner in question had really drawn the best from me.

With the recent closing of applications for summer
vacation schemes, comes the annual tradition of
opening the email inbox only to find a seemingly
endless string of rejections. For those fortunate enough
to secure interviews, shuttling back and forth from
London for an array of psychometric testing, assessed
presentations and competency-based interviews can be
a gruelling process. And so, in a climate where firms are
receiving record numbers of applicants, there seems no
better time to ask – is it all really worth it just to secure
a vacation scheme?

As I entered the office doors for the first day of the
scheme, it was obvious to see that my peers shared
the inevitable combination of nerves and excitement.
This was swiftly put to rest, however, as we enjoyed
a welcome from the Managing Partner, a tour of the
office and a relaxed lunch where the conversation
flowed freely between schemers and trainees alike.
Indeed, this welcoming, hierarchy-free environment was
a consistent theme running throughout the scheme.
However, the honeymoon period was abruptly put to
rest upon returning to the office as we were split into
groups for what must go down as the most nerveracking ‘ice-breaker’ known to man!

“The honeymoon period was abruptly
put to rest upon returning to the office
as we were split into groups for what
must go down as the most nerve-racking
‘ice-breaker’ known to man!”
My answer? A resounding yes.
Having endured the psychometric testing and
commercial exercises of other firms this time last year,
it came as a welcome surprise to find one which bases
its selection purely on CV/covering letter, followed by
a partner interview. This is not to say the selection
process is any less rigorous; indeed my naivety of
commercial issues, fundamentally important to a firm
with a pedigree in private equity, was often exposed.

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Having been given a fictional scenario, we were asked
to compile a 10 minute ‘Dragons’ Den-style’ pitch which
we would give to senior partners within the hour. As
they tore apart our hastily scrabbled together thoughts
for market position, advert design and financial
projections in true Dragon-style, it was a huge relief to
emerge relatively unscathed as our group somehow
won the task. This great sense of achievement following
a challenging situation would be a recurring pattern
throughout the mix of social events, workshops and
office time that I was to encounter over the next
fortnight.
On the social side of things, softball in Hyde Park,
playing for the firm’s football team and the notorious
end-of-scheme drinks allowed for unlimited
opportunities to meet trainees, associates and partners
who often knew us by name and always had time for a
chat. The workshops continued to include litigation and

“It was this culture of people who take
their work, but not themselves, seriously
which left a lasting impression as I left
the office doors for the final time.”
A memorable moment occurred on the final day of the
scheme, which didn’t start well as I sat down at my
desk nursing a fairly sore head from the drinks on the
previous evening. As I struggled to complete a research
task from earlier in the week, I received an email from
a trainee sitting with a senior partner. The email read,
fairly ominously, that my presence was required in his
room within the next five minutes. Having hurried to

his office, I was greeted with a game of office rugby
to which he had challenged some of the schemers the
previous evening. It was this culture of people who take
their work, but not themselves, seriously which left a
lasting impression as I left the office doors for the final
time.
So is it all really worth it? Besides the very real
possibility of securing a training contract in the most
competitive recruitment conditions of recent times,
vacation schemes offer an unrivalled insight into
the daily workings of legal practice, coupled with a
hugely rewarding mix of work and play along the way.
Absolutely, it’s worth it.

ARE VACATION SCHEMES REALLY WORTH IT?

negotiation exercises which developed a healthy degree
of competition between the schemers and, in doing
so, dispelled any myths that Exeter graduates cannot
compete with those from the other top universities
in the country. Office time, in the respective Tax and
Financial Services departments, was often spent
researching genuinely interesting solutions for problems
arising in headline-grabbing cases.

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• Consulting
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• And more...

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LIFE AS A CORPORTE TRAINEE

Life as a Corporate Trainee
Written by Fryderyk Hoffmann

The Corporate Division of Herbert Smith is organised
into several groups dealing with various areas of
corporate law. I did my second seat in a group
specialising in mergers and acquisitions (often
abbreviated to M&A) and general corporate matters.
The group acts for clients from a range of industries
with the media industry being the primary focus. This
makes it possible to work on landmark deals making
headlines and involving clients such as Warner Bros. and
Sky Group. Amongst other matters, I was assisting in an
attempted takeover of Sky Group by Rupert Murdoch’s
News Corporation. This has been one of the most
significant deals on UK media market in recent years!

“There’s always advice and support
available from more senior lawyers.”
Typically, duties of a corporate trainee at Herbert
Smith encompass drafting a wide array of legal
documents, research and administrative tasks in varying
proportions. Some tasks may seem challenging. I was,
for instance, advising a company based in Hong Kong on
obligations applicable to it due to listing of its shares on
a stock exchange in London in the first week of my seat!
Fortunately, there’s always advice and support available
from more senior lawyers, there are also plenty of
useful documents at hand on an internal database.
It’s important to easily get on with people around as
trainees always work as part of teams. Each trainee has
a supervisor who oversees trainee’s progress and with
whom – or rather under supervision of whom – the
trainee mostly works. The supervisor is a professional
role model, it’s he or she from whom a trainee mostly
learns and develops. It’s therefore essential to put lots
of effort into establishing a good working relationship

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with a supervisor. Each trainee has also a personal
assistant whose help may be priceless when dealing
with administrative workload such as putting together
bibles of transaction documents or drafting bills for
clients.

“There are also plenty of useful
documents at hand on an internal
database. “
Being a corporate trainee at Herbert Smith entails hard
work, some days may be long, especially when assisting
concurrently on several transactions, but I have a sense
that I’ve learned a good deal and matured as a lawyer
thanks to completing a seat in corporate.

Written by by the former Bracton Law Society President
(Exeter University)

My first week on the LPC at BPP Holborn smashed a lot
of preconceptions that I had going into the course. My
fear that I would be surrounded by Oxbridge graduates
who ate statute books for breakfast and considered the
proposed increases in University fees as ‘a good way
to keep out the riff-raff’ was one of the first to die an
early death. A cross-section of my friends on the course
includes Warwick, Southampton, LSE and Sussex – so
no one should be put off applying on the basis that they
think Exeter isn’t good enough. We are.
Another preconception of mine was that people had
some interest in what I thought. After having forgotten
my Companies Handbook (an essential piece of LPC
literature), I attempted a time honoured diversion
technique of asking a ‘what if?’ question in a Business
Law seminar. Cue the lecturer telling me, in no
uncertain terms, that ‘the client won’t care about that.
Just tell them what they want to know’.

“I could almost picture Lord Sugar’s
silver haired sidekick Nick shaking his
head in disbelief.”
Welcome to the business world. Much like a candidate
on ‘The Apprentice’ who lists their career as investment
banking after doing some work experience at their local
Halifax, I had been found out. I could almost picture
Lord Sugar’s silver haired sidekick Nick shaking his head
in disbelief. Public chastisement and £6 pints aside
(enjoy Arena while you can), what lessons have I learnt
so far from the LPC?
Firstly, enjoy university. That’s not to say I am not
enjoying the LPC or living in London, I am. My walk to
lectures now takes me past St Paul’s Cathedral instead

LIFE ON LPC

Life on LPC

of The Lemmy and last week I went to the same club as
Paije Richardson. I live in exciting times.
However, the LPC is business like. It curtails creative
thinking and encourages ‘procedure plans’, basically
ensuring that the way you approach your work is exactly
the same as the last person, and the next person.
It is safeguards such as these that make companies
successful, but that doesn’t make it any more
interesting.

“Employers value experience and
diversity. Want to do a Masters? Do a
Masters! Want to do a year travelling?
Do it!”
Secondly, do not do the LPC if you do not want to be a
solicitor. Sounds simple right? Essentially it’s like saying
don’t do Medicine if you don’t want to be a Doctor.
A Law degree can be applied to anything you want,
the LPC is explicitly designed for being a solicitor. You
practice interviewing clients, you learn which forms to
fill in and you learn how to research properly.
Thirdly, if you’re not sure about doing the LPC right now,
don’t do it right now! The average age of my course is
24/25. I am 21. I have rushed through uni to this point
as quickly as is possible, and there really is no need. In
fact, employers value experience and diversity. Want
to do a Masters? Do a Masters! Want to do a year
travelling? Do it! Then, once you’ve squeezed every
drop out of the experience, if you think that being a
solicitor is for you and you don’t just like the idea of a
big office and a big car, come and do the LPC, because it
is still the start of a great career.

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Maritime Law: Shipbuilding –
Understanding the Importance of
Refund Guarantees
Written by Victoria Ogden, 2nd year trainee at Ince & Co LLP

I am a fourth seat trainee at Ince & Co LLP. Ince is a nondepartmental firm, so we do not have the usual formal
‘seat’ system. Trainees do a broad range of work across
all areas of the firm’s practice, and we see our cases
through from start to finish.
I have been involved in a number of shipbuilding
disputes during my training contract. There has been
a rise in shipbuilding disputes in the past few years
because of the collapse of charter rates and the capital
value of ships in 2008. To put it into perspective, in May
2008, the spot rate an owner could command for a
Capesize vessel was at an all time high of $230,000 per
day, but by December 2008 this rate had fallen to as low
as $2,800 a day.
Due to the time it takes to construct a large, high-value
commercial vessel, shipbuilding contracts are commonly
entered into a long time (often years) before delivery
of the vessel is due to take place. When the market
collapsed, ship owners found that they had committed
themselves to highly priced shipbuilding contracts with
a long lag time, and by the time the vessels were due to
be delivered the vessel might be worth much less than
the amount that the owner had agreed to pay at the
height of the market.
Ship yards also experienced difficulties in fulfilling
orders because they over-loaded their order books
during the pre-2008 boom. Because there was such
high demand for new vessels during the boom period
of 2004-2008, many new yards sprung up in a short
space of time and began constructing more vessels
quickly and cheaply. In some cases, this resulted in substandard construction and associated claims by buyers

340

under the warranty provisions in the shipbuilding
contract.
In the vast majority of shipbuilding contracts, the
shipyard will be required to provide a refund guarantee
to secure advance payments made by the buyer in the
event that the vessel is not delivered to the buyer as
promised.
What is a refund guarantee?
Generally speaking, on the signing of the contract and/
or during the construction process, the buyer is required
to pay instalments to the yard, which together with a
final delivery instalment, make up the total purchase
price of the vessel. However, title in a vessel will not
usually pass to the buyer until delivery. To secure those
instalments paid before delivery, the shipyard will in
most cases be required to provide a refund guarantee
from a bank. This guarantees the repayment of the
instalments if delivery does not occur as promised.
The importance of refund guarantees has been
highlighted by the recent reports of financial difficulty
and insolvency in a number of Korean ship yards. Where
the yard becomes insolvent, the refund guarantor bank
becomes the only prospect the buyer has of making
a recovery of the instalments it has paid. This news
has been accompanied by reports that, unsurprisingly,
banks are becoming more stringent when issuing
newbuilding-refund guarantees.
Set out below are a few of the issues I have come across
when looking at refund guarantees.

2. Expiry
The buyer should ensure that the expiry date of the
refund guarantee provides sufficient time to allow
a demand for reimbursement to be made after the
due date for delivery and before the expiry of the
refund guarantee. This will be a particularly important
consideration where the shipbuilding contract provides
for delivery by reference to an event, rather than a fixed
date. In the event of arbitration/Court proceedings
post-delivery, the refund guarantee will often
automatically extend until after the award/judgement is
handed down.
3. Changes to the underlying contract
The English law on guarantees is very strict on this
point. Changes to the underlying shipbuilding contract,
without the express consent of the refund guarantor
bank, will usually have the effect of vitiating the refund
guarantee. It is not unusual for parties to shipbuilding
contracts to negotiate subsequent addenda to
cover matters such as extending the delivery date,
adjusting the contract price or making changes to the
specification. Express consent should be sought from

the refund guarantor bank before any changes to the
underlying contract are agreed, or the wording of the
refund guarantee should be sufficiently broad to allow
for changes to the underlying contract.
4. Coverage
Buyers must ensure they are fully aware of which
payments will be covered under the refund guarantee.
Some refund guarantees will only cover instalments
due under the contract. The protection will not extend
to advance payments of instalments before they were
contractually due and other payments made outside the
scope of the contract.
A trainee’s role
Trainees at Ince & Co LLP are encouraged to take on as
much responsibility as they feel comfortable with, and
are involved in most tasks on a case. I recently assisted
on a case involving a number of identical sister vessels
for delivery from an Asian shipyard worth in excess
of US$200 million. My tasks included attending client
meetings; drafting correspondence with the clients and
their insurers; instructing Counsel; instructing overseas
lawyers to advise on local law issues; advising on
addenda to the shipbuilding contracts and implications
for the refund guarantees; drafting witness statements
and drafting the settlement agreement.
The above is a very brief summary and is intended
only to give a flavour of the commercial considerations
involved in shipbuilding disputes and the type of issues
trainees at Ince & Co LLP can expect to be involved in.

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MARITIME LAW: SHIPBUILDING – UNDERSTANDING THE IMPORTANCE OF REFUND GUARANTEES

1. Authority to sign
It is important to ensure that the refund guarantee is
signed by a bank employee who has full and proper
authority to do so. In a recent Commercial Court
decision, the buyer was unable to claim under a refund
guarantee because it was held that it had been signed
by an employee who did not have actual or apparent
authority to do so.

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to help you decide
if a career in law with Freshfields
is for you.
Once you meet us you’ll just know.
And we’ll know too.
To find out more, go to:
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AN INSIDE LOOK AT

The job involves long hours –
it just does. However, that being
said, I have never had to work
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including dealing directly with
clients and the other side, even
on big deals.

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