AllAboutLaw.co.uk Top Law Firms for Training Contracts & Vacation Schemes 2013-14

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TRAINING CONTRACTS & VACATION SCHEMES 2013-14

As featured in THE INDEPENDENT

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AllAboutLaw.co.uk | Top Law Firms for Training Contracts & Vacation Schemes 2013-14

CONTENTS 2

Introduction

TYPES OF LAW FIRM 30

International Law Firms

TOP LAW FIRMS 2013-14

32

City Law Firms

4

Top Law Firms for Training Contracts

33

National Law Firms

5

Top Law Firms for Vacation Schemes

34

US Law Firms

6

Award Winners & Finalists

35

Scottish Law Firms

ADVICE

AREAS OF LAW

9-12

Vacation Schemes - What is a Vacation Scheme?

- Vacation Schemes: The Application Process - Five Ways to Impress on Your Vacation Scheme

13-17

Training Contracts - What is a Training Contract?

- When Should I Apply for a Training Contract?

- Training Contracts: The Application Process

18-21

First Year Opportunities - First Year Law Open Days - First Year Vacation Schemes - First Year Law Work Experience Ideas

22-25 Diversity

- Diversity in the Legal Sector 26-28

International Secondments - What is a Training Contract?

- When Should I Apply for a Training Contract?

- Training Contracts: The Application Process

37

Constitutional/Administrative Law

38

Commercial Law

40

Criminal Law

41

EU Law

42

Banking & Finance Law

44

Equity & Trusts Law

45

Human Rights Law

46

Tax Law

48

Tort Law

49

Contract Law

50

Insurance Law

52

Corporate Law

54

Land Law

56

Intellectual Property Law

AllAboutLaw.co.uk | Top Law Firms for Training Contracts & Vacation Schemes 2013-14

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FEATURED FIRMS (A-Z) 58

Ashurst

60 62 64 65 66

Baker & McKenzie Berwin Leighton Paisner Bingham Browne Jacobson Burges Salmon

67

Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP

68 70

DLA Piper DWF

72

Eversheds

74 76

Farrer & Co Field Fisher Waterhouse

77 78

Herbert Smith Freehills Hogan Lovells

79

Latham & Watkins

80

Mayer Brown

82 84

Nabarro Norton Rose Fulbright

85

Osborne Clarke

86

Penningtons Manches LLP

87

Reed Smith

88 90 92 94

Shearman & Sterling Shoosmiths Sidley Austin Slaughter and May

96

Withers LLP

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HELLO Welcome to the AllAboutLaw Top Law Firms for Training Contracts & Vacation Schemes 2013-14.

Created by the team behind AllAboutLaw.co.uk, this guide is designed to showcase the best, and only the best, law firms in the UK for vacation schemes and training contracts.

It’s also packed with useful tips and advice, as well as plenty of information on first year opportunities, international secondments, different types of law firm, and diversity in the legal sector.

WHY? We believe that an aspiring solicitor’s decision to apply to a law firm should be based on more than just a hunch. It’s important to find out what working for a firm is really like before firing off an application. For us, the only way to do this is to find out from the people who have actually been there and done it.

In addition, five of our awards, including Trainee Solicitor of the Year, were decided by an independent judging panel. Law firms submitted a nomination form for each award. These were assessed by our panel, and the winners were chosen at our judging panel meeting. The members of our judging panel were:

That’s why our rankings are based on feedback received directly from current trainee solicitors and recent vacation scheme students; all of whom were asked to rate their firm, their training and their overall experiences.

• • • • •

We also understand that vacation schemes are just as important to law firms and aspiring solicitors as training contracts, which is why our guide devotes equal space to both. This is a brand new addition to the employer research process. Indeed, this is the only law firm guide in the UK that allows aspiring solicitors to compare the best vacation schemes and training contracts in the same place!

HOW? We used one set of employee satisfaction surveys for training contracts and another for vacation schemes to determine this year’s rankings.

The training contract surveys were completed anonymously by first year trainees, second year trainees and first year NQs, while the vacation scheme surveys were completed by first year trainees who had previously completed a vacation scheme with the firm or former vacation scheme students who have been offered a training contract with the firm, but are yet to start.

Carol Cook, Solicitors Regulation Authority Davina Kesby, The Independent Rebecca Hilsenrath, LawWorks Tessa Stone, Brightside Emma Dickinson, Junior Lawyers Division at The Law Society of England and Wales

THANK YOU We’d like to say a massive thank you to the following contributors for making this year’s Top Law Firms for Training Contracts & Vacation Schemes 2013-14 guide possible: our partners at The Independent; our fantastic expert judging panel; our sponsor cvmail UK (Thomson Reuters); and everyone at the law firms who took part in this year’s rankings.

Each survey covered various topics, including job satisfaction, training, skills development, career progression, company culture, level of responsibility, team relationship and work-life balance. We then meticulously calculated each firm’s average score and percentage.

AllAboutLaw.co.uk | Top Law Firms for Training Contracts & Vacation Schemes 2013-14

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TOP LAW FIRMS 2013-14 TOP LAW FIRMS FOR TRAINING CONTRACTS

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2

3

74

5

70

6

64

11

90

66

84

8

9

10

13

14

15

16

72

19

92

20

25

30

32

85

87

88

37

68

22

80

96

27

28

33

34

65

31

36

21

26

94

35

Page No.

62

82

77

24

29

79

7

60

18

23

Ranking

86

12

17

4

78

38

67

39

58

76

TOP LAW FIRMS FOR VACATION SCHEMES

1

2

3

90

5

84

7

8

60

74

12

13

14

94

85

15

24

25

62

30

20

80

77

96

29

19

79

16

76

21

70

26

Page No.

10

68

18

23

9

82

87

17

Ranking

86

6

11

4

22

72

27

66

28

67

31

58

AllAboutLaw.co.uk | Top Law Firms for Training Contracts & Vacation Schemes 2013-14

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AWARD WINNERS Top Law Firm 2013-14 WINNER Farrer & Co RUNNER UP Shoosmiths THIRD PLACE Penningtons Manches LLP

Best Vacation Scheme – National Firm

Best Vacation Scheme –­ US Firm

WINNER Shoosmiths RUNNER UP Penningtons Manches LLP THIRD PLACE Farrer & Co

WINNER Weil, Gotshal & Manges RUNNER UP Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP

Best Training Contract Best Training Contract – International Firm

WINNER Farrer & Co RUNNER UP DWF THIRD PLACE Burges Salmon

WINNER Latham & Watkins RUNNER UP SGH Martineau LLP THIRD PLACE Baker & McKenzie

Best for Training – Training Contract WINNER Farrer & Co RUNNER UP Wedlake Bell THIRD PLACE SGH Martineau LLP

Best Vacation Scheme WINNER Shoosmiths RUNNER UP Penningtons Manches LLP THIRD PLACE Travers Smith

Best Training Contract – National Firm WINNER Farrer & Co RUNNER UP DWF THIRD PLACE Burges Salmon

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Best Vacation Scheme – International Firm WINNER Norton Rose Fulbright RUNNER UP Baker & McKenzie THIRD PLACE Nabarro

Best Training Contract – US Firm WINNER Bingham RUNNER UP Sidley Austin THIRD PLACE Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP

Best for Training – Vacation Scheme WINNER Shoosmiths RUNNER UP Linklaters THIRD PLACE Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer

Best for Career Progression – Training Contract WINNER Latham & Watkins RUNNER UP Farrer & Co THIRD PLACE Thomas Eggar LLP

AllAboutLaw.co.uk | Top Law Firms for Training Contracts & Vacation Schemes 2013-14

Best for Career Progression – Vacation Scheme

Best for Job Satisfaction – Vacation Scheme

Best Trainee & Vacation Scheme Recruitment Website

WINNER Berwin Leighton Paisner RUNNER UP Shoosmiths THIRD PLACE Osborne Clarke

WINNER Berwin Leighton Paisner RUNNER UP Penningtons Manches LLP THIRD PLACE Norton Rose Fulbright

WINNER Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer RUNNER UP Linklaters THIRD PLACE Ashurst

Best Level of Support – Training Contract

Best for International Opportunities

Best Use of Social Media in a Trainee & Vacation Scheme Recruitment Campaign

WINNER Farrer & Co RUNNER UP Wedlake Bell THIRD PLACE DWF

WINNER Baker & McKenzie RUNNER UP Gide Loyrette Nouel THIRD PLACE Linklaters

Best Level of Support – Vacation Scheme

Trainee Solicitor of the Year

WINNER Linklaters RUNNER UP Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer THIRD PLACE Shoosmiths

WINNER David Dowling, Baker & Mckenzie RUNNER UP Ben Gant, Freeth Cartwright THIRD PLACE Jo Saye, Veale Wasbrough Vizards

WINNER Travers Smith RUNNER UP Shoosmiths THIRD PLACE Wedlake Bell

Best for Job Satisfaction – Training Contract WINNER Farrer & Co RUNNER UP Wedlake Bell THIRD PLACE SGH Martineau LLP

The Social Mobility Award WINNER DLA Piper RUNNER UP Lewis Silkin

AllAboutLaw.co.uk | Top Law Firms for Training Contracts & Vacation Schemes 2013-14

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ADVICE - VACATION SCHEMES - TRAINING CONTACTS - FIRST YEAR OPPORTUNITIES - DIVERSITY - INTERNATIONAL SECONDMENTS

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AllAboutLaw.co.uk | Top Law Firms for Training Contracts & Vacation Schemes 2013-14

The Significance of Completing a Vacation Scheme Securing a vacation scheme is incredibly important.

According to a recent research study 53% of training contract vacancies are filled by graduates who have already completed a vacation scheme with the firm.

“You will work alongside trainees and solicitors on real client matters, learn about the different practice areas within the firm and get to know many of the people who work there. You will have the opportunity to demonstrate your suitability for a training contract with the firm by demonstrating your appetite for work, responsibility and your business acumen.�

Paul Harris, Co-founder & Director, AllAboutLaw.co.uk

AllAboutLaw.co.uk | Top Law Firms for Training Contracts & Vacation Schemes 2013-14

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What is a Vacation Scheme?

A vacation scheme is a period of work experience with a law firm. Typically they run for one or two weeks, although they can be longer. Vacation schemes aren’t just a work experience opportunity; many law firms will use them as a way of hunting down potential training contract recruits.

A two-way process Through a combination of talks, hands-on work experience, lunches and ‘after hours’ events, firms use the schemes to get to know each of the individuals, see how they fit into the firm and, if they are impressed, offer them a training contract.

These placements are one of the best ways for you to gain a real appreciation for a firm, its culture and the kind of people who work there. Vacation schemes are crucial in helping you to decide whether a career in law is right for you and what type of firm will suit you best.

It also looks great on your CV, as it shows your commitment to a legal career and that law firms are willing to hire you (even if it is for a week or two).

When do law vacation schemes take place?

Firms tend to organise their schemes over the summer break in a series of two or four–week structured programmes, although some firms also have winter and Easter vacation schemes. The big deadline for vacation scheme applications is 31 January; however some law firms do close their applications before, or indeed after this date.

Typically, a vacation scheme will consist of a mixture of work experience, skills training and presentations to build up an in-depth understanding of what the firm does. Some firms in London will pay anything up to £400 per week plus expenses (nearer £200 per week outside London).

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What will firms be looking for in you?

Many firms take this as an opportunity to assess your potential as a trainee. You will work alongside trainees and solicitors on real client matters, learn about the different practice areas within the firm and get to know many of the people who work there. You will have the opportunity to demonstrate your suitability for a training contract with the firm by demonstrating your appetite for work, responsibility and your business acumen.

What’s more, they will look for people who will fit into the firm socially as well as academically.

Alongside your work experience and training, it is likely there will be a strong social side to the vacation scheme. This will be a good time to make friends, establish contacts and grow your legal network.

Ultimately, the way you interact with other people and use your skills in a working environment is far more revealing than a paper-based application, and therefore recruiters will be assessing you throughout your placement.

AllAboutLaw.co.uk | Top Law Firms for Training Contracts & Vacation Schemes 2013-14

Vacation Schemes: The Application Process We can’t stress the importance of vacation schemes enough.

Aside from offering you some great work experience, many law firms recruit their trainees from those on their vacation schemes.

Starting early Your first year at university is an ideal time to start laying down the foundations for your vacation scheme application. You can start with being proactive in university life (for instance, through extra-curricular activities or volunteering) and working hard to get strong grades in your first year modules. Put that great long summer holiday to good use by doing work experience, holding down a temporary job or doing some volunteering.

In short, you’ll need to amass the evidence to prove to the recruiter that you are the well-rounded, academic and commercially aware person that they are looking for.

Law events Come autumn term in your second year, you’ll be polishing your shoes and swotting up on your law firm research as you attend career events and law fairs. Career events aren’t to be taken lightly; they provide excellent chances to meet representatives of law firms and ask them questions about the firm and their vacation scheme.

Think about where you want to do your vacation scheme.

What areas of practice are you interested in? What size of law firm? The more information you can garner, the better equipped you will be when it comes to sending off your vacation scheme applications.

Vacation scheme applications Through research and the contacts you’ve made via oncampus careers events, you should have a wish list of law firms you want to work for.

What’s left now is to send off that online application. Most deadlines tend to be in January.

However, places on vacation schemes do fill up quickly and some law firms have earlier deadlines, so instead of leaving it to the last minute, be a real rebel and get your applications in early.

You should treat applying to vacation schemes as seriously as you would applying for training contracts. Most law firms will expect you either to fill out an online application form or send in a cover letter and CV. It’s worth putting more effort into sending out five or six applications than churning out dozens of generic applications.

Recruiters can sniff out a copied and pasted application a mile off, so make sure you tailor every application to each law firm.

If your initial application is successful, then you’ll probably be invited to an interview or even an assessment centre. For both of these, a keen awareness of what the firm does, how it functions as a business, and your own strengths and weaknesses will really stand you in good stead.

Do well at the interview and/or assessment centre and, come summer, you’ll find yourself suited and booted, ready to start your vacation scheme with a law firm.

AllAboutLaw.co.uk | Top Law Firms for Training Contracts & Vacation Schemes 2013-14

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Five Ways to Impress on Your Vacation Scheme A vacation scheme is your opportunity to impress. Many law firms recruit their trainees from their vacation scheme intake, so it’s vital you perform well and make a good impression. In all likelihood, the firm will be assessing you from the moment you enter the office on the first day right through to the after-hours social events. Here are five ways to make the most of your scheme and impress the recruiter.

Do prepare by researching the firm.

Don’t act inappropriately at social events.

Kick start your vacation scheme with a very clear idea of what the firm does. This will enrich any opportunities you have to ask questions, and will show you are enthusiastic to find out as much as you can.

Firm representatives will be keen to get to know you outside of a formal work environment throughout your vacation scheme with various organised social events. Be sure to enjoy these opportunities and talk with people, but remain relaxed, yet professional.

Do make an effort to get involved.

Students who are reluctant to help out trainees and associates, or lack enthusiasm, are unlikely to be taken on.

Do be confident, but not over-confident.

Firms will want to see that you are able to hold your own but, equally, they do not want to be confronted with students who think they know it all already. They are looking for aptitude, but also a willingness to learn.

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Don’t forget to enjoy yourself.

Interact with your colleagues, get stuck in and try to squeeze as much out of the placement as you can. You want to demonstrate how confident and comfortable you are within the law firm’s working environment, so that they can picture you as an integral member of the team in the future.

AllAboutLaw.co.uk | Top Law Firms for Training Contracts & Vacation Schemes 2013-14

The Challenge of Securing a Training Contract The Holy Grail for aspiring solicitors, a training contract is a two-year training programme with a law firm. This is the final stage in the solicitor qualification process, so securing a place on one is of paramount importance.

“Finding a training contract is by no means easy; there are far more applicants than there are training contracts. Thousands miss out every year and re-apply the following year. It should come as no surprise then that there is fierce competition for training contracts, especially for those at the large London firms.�

Laura Noakes, Third Year Law Student

AllAboutLaw.co.uk | Top Law Firms for Training Contracts & Vacation Schemes 2013-14

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What is a Training Contract?

When you first start university, graduation seems a very long way away. Worrying about paying back the student loan, finding a job in the legal sector and actually earning a living feel like distant problems that should be dealt with in a year or two.

However, it’s never too early to start thinking about your future, and if you harbour ambitions to work as a solicitor that means thinking about training contracts. Students can start applying for training contracts in the second year of their LLB or the final year of their non-law degree, but application preparation starts long before that.

During the training contract, aspiring solicitors will progress through at least three areas of work at the law firm (usually between four and six at the bigger firms). This is known as a ‘seat’ and it gives trainees the chance to sample different spheres of law in order to decide which area they want to qualify in.

Trainees must complete a contentious and 14

Trainee solicitors do receive a salary. Currently, the minimum wage for trainees in Central London is £18,590 per annum, whilst trainees working elsewhere in England and Wales receive a minimum of £16,650 per annum. Many trainee solicitors do receive more than this, with starting salaries in the City ranging from £30,000 to £40,000.

Law firms, particularly the larger ones, may also offer to cover the cost of the LPC and/or GDL tuition fees, with some even providing support for living costs.

The final hurdle A training contract is a two-year placement that is undertaken by trainee solicitors after they finish their year-long Legal Practice Course (LPC). The final step before qualification, it can be likened to an apprenticeship: an opportunity to put all your academic knowledge to vocational use. Trainees spend the two years getting a practical legal education which is overseen by senior solicitors in law firms.

Will I get paid?

non-contentious seat.

Contentious areas of law involve disputes between parties that result in court cases. Noncontentious law does not focus on conflict or involve the courts.

During the training contract, trainees undertake a Professional Skills Course (PSC) that will enable them to become fully qualified solicitors. This is split into three core modules: advocacy and communication skills; client care and professional standards; and financial and business skills. In addition to the core modules, trainee solicitors need to undertake around 24 hours of elective modules.

Successful completion of a training contract does not guarantee a job offer, although the majority of trainee solicitors do stay on at the firms they did their training contract with.

How hard is it to find a training contract?

Finding a training contract is by no means easy; there are far more applicants than there are training contracts. Thousands miss out every year and re-apply the following year. It should come as no surprise that there is fierce competition for training contracts, especially for those at the large London firms.

It’s important to start your preparation early: research law firms, get some work experience over the summer and get involved with extra-curricular activities at university. You never know, it might just clinch you a training contract!

By Laura Noakes, Third Year Law Student

AllAboutLaw.co.uk | Top Law Firms for Training Contracts & Vacation Schemes 2013-14

When Should I Apply for a Training Contract?

Timetables for applications will vary depending on the type of firm you are aiming for. The large City firms and national firms tend to have their training contract deadlines at the same time: 31 July. There are exceptions, so make sure you check with each individual law firm. Otherwise, you’ll find training contract deadlines throughout the year, particularly for smaller regional firms.

Law students…

Law students can apply from their second year (or third year if it’s a four-year course) onwards. This is due to the fact that most training contracts are offered two or three years in advance of their actual start date. Smaller regional law firms might only recruit a year in advance, meaning your final year will be the appropriate time to apply for these opportunities.

Non-law students…

Non-law students tend to start applying for training contracts in their final year (for training contracts starting three years down the line) or during their Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) for training contracts beginning in two years’ time. This will give them time to complete the mandatory GDL and LPC courses ahead of their contract. Some firms will have specific training contracts for non-law candidates which might have a different deadline for the training contract for law students.

How late is too late?

When you should apply will depend on when applications for training contracts open. With training contract applications — particularly those that are open from November to July — earlier rather than later is better; the reason being that places on schemes tend fill up before the deadline.

Starting earlier will also give you more time to spend tailoring your application and improving your application technique. You can see where you go wrong in early applications, seek help if you are receiving a string of outright rejections and have time to adjust your approach.

AllAboutLaw.co.uk | Top Law Firms for Training Contracts & Vacation Schemes 2013-14

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Training Contracts: The Application Process Getting a training contract is simple, right? Erm…not really! If you want to secure a training contract and become the next hotshot lawyer, it’s going to take a lot more than a generic CV. The training contract application process has a series of core stages and in order to be selected ahead of your competitors, you need to do everything right! Here’s a stepby-step guide to the process.

STEP 1:

STEP 2:

Identify your target employers…

Do your research…

It’s basically impossible to apply to every law firm in the country. You could try, but you probably wouldn’t have time to eat or sleep. Consequently, it’s a good idea to identify a small number of firms that you would potentially like to work for.

Each training contract application needs to be treated like an individual project, putting some serious care and attention into each one. With that in mind, we recommend that you identify between five and ten target employers and concentrate your efforts on making your applications as good as they possibly can be.

If you try and apply for too many firms, you will risk spreading yourself too thin; and if you apply for just one firm, you may risk putting all your eggs in one basket. It’s all about applying to enough firms, but not too many.

First things first, you need to decide what kind of law firms you want to apply to. Do you want to do commercial law or criminal law? Do you want to work for a Magic Circle firm or a Silver Circle firm? Do you want to work for a City firm or a regional firm? This can be a bit confusing, so it’s worth doing your research.

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Before you even consider filling out your application form, you need to research every firm that you intend to apply to. During this research process, you should explore various avenues.

You can check out the employer profiles in this publication and on AllAboutLaw.co.uk and then explore their graduate recruitment website.

By the time it comes to sending off application forms, you should have already attended law fairs and open days to find out more about each firm.

Preferably, you will also have done a vacation scheme with one or two of your target firms.

Understandably, location is also a crucial factor. If you want to work in the City, you need to find out what firms are based in London. If you want to work in another city like Bristol, Manchester or Leeds, you need to find out what national and regional firms are located in that area. Furthermore, if you would like to work abroad at some point, it’d be useful to find out which firms have international offices.

Each firm has their own culture and atmosphere. Which one suits your personality? For instance, do you want to work for a traditional firm or a modern firm? Or do you want to work somewhere with excellent opportunities for getting involved with pro bono work?

AllAboutLaw.co.uk | Top Law Firms for Training Contracts & Vacation Schemes 2013-14

Finally, it’s important to think about your long-term career prospects and not just the short-term perks of the job.

Hence, it’s all about identifying employers with world-beating training programmes and the best opportunities for career progression. For instance, the route to becoming a partner will be significantly faster in highstreet and regional firms, where there is less competition for the top jobs.

STEP 3 Make your applications…

When you’ve done all your research, it’s all about putting pen to paper. In fact, it’s more likely that you’ll be putting your fingers on a computer keyboard, as you’ll most probably be making an online application.

Take your time over each application. Treat each one as an individual project and make sure your answers fulfil what each specific firm is looking for.

STEP 4 Expect a few rejection letters…

Every year around 30,000 people apply for law training contracts in the UK and only around 5,000 jobs are actually up for grabs. Competition is fierce and therefore you may receive some rejection letters.

Don’t be disheartened, though!

Even the very best candidates are unlikely to get an interview for every firm they apply to.

STEP 5 Get a positive reply…

Hopefully, if you’ve got a strong academic background, you’ve done some work experience and you’ve written a winning application form, then some firms will identify your potential and will offer you an interview of some sort. Some firms will offer a telephone interview; others will invite you to an assessment day; and some will bring you in for a face-to-face interview.

Some might do all three.

STEP 6 Get a second interview…

If you manage to survive your first-round interview and impress the panel with your ambition, determination and commercial awareness, you will hopefully be offered a second interview. This is the final stage of the assessment process, so there’s a good chance that it’s going to be quite intense. Expect to be grilled!

and decisive when answering the questions that are being thrown in your direction.

STEP 7 Receive a job offer or rejection letter…

Hopefully, if you’ve done everything right and impressed the interview panel, you will get a job offer. If so, then congratulations! Take a deep breath, pat yourself on the back and have a celebratory drink or two. Then start getting ready for your exciting, new career as a lawyer.

If you do receive a rejection letter, then don’t fret. Lots of people do unfortunately fall at the final hurdle.

Understandably, you will be disappointed, but it’s important to treat this as a learning experience. What doesn’t kill you will only make you stronger.

Try to analyse where you might have gone wrong, make some notes, and when you get another interview you will be even better prepared.

Be confident in your own ability though. They wouldn’t have brought you this far if they didn’t think you had what it takes. Be calm, collected, patient

AllAboutLaw.co.uk | Top Law Firms for Training Contracts & Vacation Schemes 2013-14

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Sponsored by:

The Rise of First Year Opportunities Attending an open day, taking part in an insight programme or completing a vacation scheme in your first year of university is a fantastic idea. After all, it’s never too early to start researching law firms and considering your options.

“An open day or open evening enables you to see directly what the firm can offer you.

Not only will you get to ask any questions you have but you will gain a feel for the firm and the culture directly from the firm’s reps.”

Lucy Klein, Graduate Recruitment Advisor, Berwin Leighton Paisner

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AllAboutLaw.co.uk | Top Law Firms for Training Contracts & Vacation Schemes 2013-14

First Year Law Open Days There is no better time than your early university days to start investigating your career options — particularly if you feel that that career lies in the legal sector. The majority of vacation schemes are aimed at students in their penultimate or final year of study; however there are ways in which first years can gain an insight into a legal career before they reach that stage. There are a few firms that open their doors to first year students from law and non-law degrees in the form of open days, insight days or workshops.

What is a law open day?

Open days usually last a day, sometimes two. They are designed to give you a feel for the firm, introduce you to its culture, and provide you with information about starting your legal career. Students usually get the chance to meet current trainees, associates and sometimes even partners on these days. You will get the opportunity to have a look around the firm’s offices, get involved with presentations and participate in workshops.

As such, it can still be very competitive to get a place on these insight days. Some firms even require students to take online tests as well as submit a written application in order to win a place, of which there are only a limited number each year. Places are usually allocated on the strength of application forms or on a firstcome, first-served basis.

Attendance at one of these events counts towards legal work experience. The dates on which they take place can vary between firms, so it’s a good idea to keep track of their website and from early on in the year to find out their specific deadlines and times for when they run each scheme.

You can think of an open day as the first key stage of an application process for a firm. Show your interest and enthusiasm and use the opportunity to network at this point, and you could stand a better chance of winning a vacation scheme place in the next year. And a vacation scheme could lead to that golden training contract!

What should you do to impress on an open day?

You won’t be hired directly from an open day, but it really is your chance to find out as much as you can about the firm, their practice areas and life as a lawyer. You will be able to use this insight to tailor your future applications for schemes and training contracts. Make sure you listen carefully, ask plenty of questions and chat to people on the day. If you show a keen interest at this stage and make a good impression it could well count in your favour in the long run.

You may want to think up some questions to ask different types of employees, for example trainees, associates, members of the graduate recruitment team or partners before you visit the firm. It’s also worth preparing by reading up on the firm so you can ask about things you can’t easily learn from their website.

Otherwise, get stuck in, engage with any tasks you are asked to do and, most importantly, enjoy yourself! It’s a great opportunity to suss out your options and decide which firm is the right fit for you.

AllAboutLaw.co.uk | Top Law Firms for Training Contracts & Vacation Schemes 2013-14

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First Year Vacation Schemes There are a limited number of vacation scheme opportunities for first years.

They are work experience programmes which aim to give first year students an insight into a particular law firm and life in legal practice They usually last around a week.

The majority of firms currently prefer to run first year opportunities as open days or insight days, however if you manage to secure a place on a first year vacation scheme you will gain a blend of experience including shadowing a practising solicitor and taking part in workshops. First year vacation schemes are intended as an introduction to firms and as preparation for vacation scheme applications in the second and final year of university.

Why do firms offer them?

Firms have started to introduce first year vacation schemes because of the sheer volume of inquiries they receive from first years regarding work experience. Competition is hotting up each year, and the sooner you can start to get hands-on experience, the better! Firms are also looking to engage top talent at an early stage, and first year vacation schemes are a great way to do this.

“We’ve been running our Insight Scheme for the last two years and have always been inundated with applications from first year law students and second year non-law students.

“Students are definitely thinking about their careers at an earlier stage now. An Insight scheme is a great opportunity for students to see how an international City law firm like ours operates and to get some hands on experience of what it’s like to be a trainee solicitor.”

Lucy Klein, Graduate Recruitment Advisor, BLP

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First Year Law Work Experience Ideas

By Rebecca Morgan,

What work experience can a first year do?

Apart from a handful of first year vacation schemes, the majority of vacation schemes are currently only available to students in their second year or above. You’ll need to think slightly outside of the box and try and get plenty of prior experience, so that when you do apply for these schemes in your second year you can demonstrate your dedication to a career in law.

Third Year Law Student

Pro bono work

Everyone knows about work experience, but so many students make the mistake of thinking it is not important early on. Your career starts when you first attend university, and that means getting out there, networking, and building up your CV and experience.

Does your university run a law clinic or Street Law project? They offer a great chance to develop legal skills as well as confidence, plus it’s voluntary. You will (under the supervision of a tutor) be helping people who need legal advice but cannot afford it. Street Law enables you to go into schools or visit young offenders and teach them about a legal topic relevant to them, helping you to develop skills pertinent to your future career.

No doubt your parents, lecturers and older friends are all encouraging you to start applying for work experience.

With the prospect of a summer of freedom on the horizon, you might think that it can all wait until next year. The reality is that in the current legal climate you need to do as much as you can to make yourself stand out.

Some schemes require an application months in advance.

Gaining work experience early will ensure your applications will be strong and tailored for law.

The Citizens Advice Bureau and Free Representation Unit (FRU) are always looking for volunteers to help out and provide advice for those who need it. This is similar to working in a student law clinic, but you will receive formal training and will be able network with the trainers.

Shadow a police officer Police stations offer students the chance to shadow an officer for a shift. This is a good opportunity to see what goes on behind the scenes and explore aspects of the justice system, especially if you are interested in pursuing a career in criminal law.

In-house legal teams Do not forget that large companies have in-house legal teams too. When you are sending speculative work experience letters to local solicitors, why not send a few to the legal departments of big companies? It’s great to amass a variety of work experience so you can start to figure out what type of legal organisation you want to work for and in what area of law.

Wherever you start to build up you experience, networking during your work experience is crucial. Not only will contacts help your career, but they may be able to recommend other avenues for work experience if you ask them nicely.

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Sponsored by:

The Importance of Diversity in Modern Law Firms It’s essential that today’s law firms work hard to promote and maintain a diverse workforce and an equal and fair working environment.

“At Reed Smith we recognise that all individuals bring with them distinctive skills, perspectives, contacts and other attributes to create a diverse work force and, in turn, a stronger team. We want the very best talent to ensure the very best service to our clients and this means ensuring that we attract talent from across the whole of society. Ultimately, diverse teams create better results for our business and for our clients. Diversity is more than a principle or a programme, it’s part of our culture and our ethos; it’s the right thing to do.”

Kevan Skelton, Director of Human Resources, Reed Smith

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Diversity in the Legal Sector Diversity in the working world is all about combating discrimination in employment and promoting equality.

Related to human rights law, it spans across all areas of working life, from recruitment and dismissal issues to treatment of the individual and minority groups in the workplace.

In the employment law context, The Equality Act 2010 outlines the framework of legislation to protect and enforce equality in the UK. All companies, including law firms, are obligated to adhere to equal employment guidelines, and the majority of modern law firms are now actively working on improving and promoting their diversity policies.

Aspects of diversity include: • Disability • Age • Sex • Sexual orientation • Race • Religion and belief • Gender reassignment • Social mobility • Marriage and civil partnership • Pregnancy and maternity

Diversity in the legal sector Legal professions have traditionally been viewed as white, male and elitist, and pretty much closed off to anybody not fitting that bill. It’s a big barrier to break down, and there are arguably still a lot of issues to overcome.

However, action is now being taken to tackle discrimination, open up the sector and create equal employment opportunities in the modern legal profession. Law firms have active diversity policies.

Law firms must uphold diversity requirements outlined by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), the regulator for the solicitors’ profession in England and Wales, in their recruitment and within the workplace.

The SRA works closely with a number of representative groups of protected characteristics, and states its public sector duties

regarding diversity and equality to be as follows: • “Eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation.”

•

“Advance equality of opportunity between people who share a protected characteristic and those who do not.”

•

“Foster good relations between people who share a protected characteristic and those who do not.”

The Law Society carries out lot of work to support and spread word of the SRA’s regulations, and has divisions for ethnic minority lawyers, lawyers with disabilities, junior lawyers and women divisions dedicated to providing support to their members.

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Active initiatives are integral to firm culture “At Reed Smith, we recognise and treat diversity and inclusion as being ingrained within our culture and a key pillar to the success of our business. To help support this approach, we run a number of initiatives as part of our Diversity & Inclusion Programme. In addition to a host of affiliations and initiatives focused on ensuring diversity across recruitment, career progression, talent management and communication, this year the firm launched its Disability Task Force and partnered with the Law Society’s Lawyers with Disabilities Division, and Diversity Jobs.”

Sakil Suleman, Partner and Member of Reed Smith’s Diversity Committee

Aim to attract the widest talent pool possible “Work experience is now more important than ever, especially in the legal sector, which has never been harder to access. It can be difficult for talented school age students to secure these opportunities if they come from a less-privileged background or do not have the right contacts to call on.

That’s why we support PRIME, a commitment by the legal sector to provide fair access to quality work experience for students from less-privileged backgrounds. This commitment includes providing a high-quality work experience programme across the full spectrum of roles, from fee earning, to IT, marketing and HR. The firm wants attract the widest talent pool possible. Ultimately, diverse teams create better results for our business and for our clients.”

Sarah Ramwell, CSR Manager, EMEA, Reed Smith

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Diversity initiatives & societies A number of representative groups are established within the legal sector. Here are a few which collaborate with the SRA and Law Society: •

The Black Solicitors’ Network (BSN) works towards “equality of access, retention and promotion of black solicitors within the sector”.

•

The Lawyers with Disabilities Division (LDD) is “committed to promoting equality of opportunity for people with disabilities — whether they are solicitors, would-be solicitors or clients”.

• Interlaw is an inter– organisational forum for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) networks, and was established “in response to a need for an organisation to address LGBT in the London legal sector”.

•

The Association of Women Solicitors is now part of the Law Society’s new Women Lawyers Division, which “supports and advises all women solicitors, no matter their area of practice, and includes LPC graduates, all women on the roll, women on a career break and even retirees”.

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Let’s take a look at some stats…

Business effectiveness and profit is enhanced when women are included at every level “Reed Smith are part of the 30% Club and have an initiative (WINRS) in place to help women reach their full potential and position themselves for advancement and success. WINRS incorporates various education, training, mentoring and networking opportunities across the firm. It has been highly successful (female partners currently comprise 21% of the partnership, above law firm average) and a strong pipeline of potential partners are coming up the ranks.”

Lynne Freeman, Partner and Head of Reed Smith Women’s Initiative Programme, London

The Aspiring Lawyer Survey, conducted by AllAboutResearch in 2013, sampled 10,000 aspiring lawyers (either law students or non-law students) from the cvmailUK application system, and gives a taste of how diversity currently shapes up for young law applicants:

*1% Declined to answer

SEX

53%

46%

AGE ETHNICITY

31-40 1% 26-36 4% 16-20 36% 21-25 57% * 1% Declined to answer

SECONDARY SCHOOL STATUS

Declined to answer 2% White (Irish) 2% Other 2% Mixed 4% Black 4% Chinese 5% White (Other) 12% Asain 13% White (Britih) 56%

The rise of legal apprenticeships and discussions amongst training providers about a possible “Solicitor Apprenticeship” to work alongside the traditional graduate route to becoming a lawyer is an indication of a wave of change in the legal sector.

Though it’s currently a whisper, there is potential for this route to become an established pathway, as in the accountancy profession. It’s a big step for social mobility, encouraging those who may be put off by high course fees to pursue the legal profession.

48% State School

23% Independent 24% International 25 5% Declined to answer

Sponsored by:

The Value of International Secondments An international secondment is not just an exciting cultural experience, it’s a fantastic opportunity to develop your skills as a solicitor in a new, challenging environment.

“I had a lot more responsibility and one-on-one case work with partners.

It allowed me to step up and gave me a taste of life as a qualified lawyer.

Singapore is a hub for South East Asia, so there was a lot of cross-jurisdictional work. Some cultural differences meant that my client approach also really developed. There was lots of drafting work, and I had to adapt to Malaysian law, which is fairly similar to English law.

It was a good learning experience.”

Toby Usher, Trainee Solicitor, Herbert Smith Freehills

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What is an International Secondment?

An international secondment in the legal sector is an opportunity to work abroad for a period of time, either in another of the firm’s offices or at a client’s office. A secondment could take you to another European country, or even as far afield as the United States or Asia!

International secondments that pose as a seat during a training contract period usually last for six months — just as a normal seat back in your UK office would. It tends to stand as your second seat or later to give you time to settle into the legal office environment at home first.

As law firms continue to grow and their office and client networks sprawl across the globe, it’s

Why do an International Secondment?

You’ll gain further insight and an alternative perspective into how the law firm works as you settle into a different office and culture. This will be highly advantageous as you develop your legal career.

You can gain experience in different departments or work with representatives of industries with whom you may not otherwise have the

likely that if you take on a training contract with an international firm then one of these exciting opportunities will be an option for you.

As a trainee solicitor, you won’t necessarily be taking on a different role in your new location.

You are still there to learn the tricks of the trade as a lawyer in the department in which you are placed. Therefore you will still be supervised by associates and partners in your workload and in the tasks you will be asked to complete.

However, there is a chance that you could gain more responsibility and more autonomy in what you do depending on the cases you face and the knowledge and skills you can contribute.

opportunity back in your UK office. It could open your eyes to a specialist area you may not have considered previously.

Time spent working abroad looks very impressive on your law CV. More and more clients at top law firms now boast extensive international client portfolios; if you can demonstrate a conscious effort to learn more about this with an international secondment then you could really open up career doors in the near future.

foreign lands on your own.

Working abroad demonstrates adaptability, tenacity and that you are not afraid to step out of your comfort zone. All essential attributes for the successful modern lawyer!

International secondments are your ticket to the jet setter lifestyle.

You can experience life in another country, eat new foods, try new things, meet new people... It’s likely you will be able to travel further and tick off other locations too in your free time whilst you’re away. Living the dream!

Living in another country is a challenge in itself. It takes some guts to pack your bags and jet off to

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My International Secondment: Singapore Toby Usher is a trainee at international law firm Herbert Smith Freehills. As part of his training contract he was given the opportunity to spend six months with one of the firm’s international offices — and he jumped at the chance to jet off to Singapore!

A six-month international secondment is a common part of seat allocation at Herbert Smith Freehills. I was really keen to broaden my legal experience by going abroad as part of my training contract. There were a range of locations to choose from when it came to deciding on where to go: Herbert Smith Freehills is renowned for its vast Asian network but I also had the option of spending time with the offices in Paris, Dubai, Moscow or Brussels.

I am keen to develop skills within Mergers and Acquisitions as this is the area I want to specialise in when I qualify. This was one of my main reasons for selecting Singapore as my first choice.

Their office has real strengths in M&A, working in both the private and public sectors.

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More responsibility & cross-jurisdictional cases The working language in Singapore is English. As the office was smaller (100 people) I had a lot more responsibility and one-on-one case work with partners. It allowed me to step up and gave me a taste of life as a qualified lawyer. Singapore is a hub for South East Asia, so there was a lot of cross-jurisdictional work. Some cultural differences meant that my client approach also really developed. There was lots of drafting work, and I had to adapt to Malaysian law, which is fairly similar to English law. It was a good learning experience.

Travel bug There were other trainees from London there at the same time, as well as trainees from other firms, so it was a really good way to make friendships and do a bit of networking. Together we explored the city and travelled to Malaysia, Hong Kong, Cambodia, Borneo and Australia in our free time.

My international secondment in Singapore has definitely made me eager to work abroad again once I qualify — perhaps in Australia! The experience has without a doubt helped me to progress and grow as a trainee.

Roof top bars, international travel & networking Singapore is a great place to live, although it took a while to get used to the climate.

You definitely have to carry an umbrella most of the time!

It can be hot, humid and stormy; I recall arriving to work absolutely drenched from a sudden downpour on a couple of occasions! The city really has the wow factor. It is full of high rise buildings with roof top bars — definitely a highlight! It is an expensive place, but I did get a pay uplift to cover costs, and the firm helped me organise accommodation. It was exciting and refreshing to experience something away from London for a while.

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TYPES OF LAW FIRM - INTERNATIONAL - CITY - NATIONAL - US - SCOTTISH

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International Law Firms International firms have multiple offices across several jurisdictions worldwide. If you work for one of these firms you can expect the bulk of your caseload to involve transnational work. Though you’ll start off in your UK office as a trainee to begin with, an exciting feature of career progression with an international firm is the potential for frequent travel.

Sponsored by:

Featuring an Interview with: Joane Cox, Trainee Solicitor

Working for an International Law Firm

These types of firms often represent the legal interests of many global businesses as part of their client portfolios. Owing to individual demands, deadlines for cases and differences in time zones, long hours can be typical of work in the international market.

Though you can work for an international firm without any additional language skills, knowledge of languages other than English is a definite advantage. If you are fluent in more than one language you could prove to be a great asset to the firm and even receive more responsibility at an earlier stage in some particular cases. You will also have to think on your feet as you face cases stemmed in legal systems across the world — a steep learning curve that will serve as experience to keep you at the top of today’s legal market’s international scope.

Working for an international firm can open up many opportunities to travel during your career. After six months as a trainee solicitor in Berwin Leighton Paisner’s London office, Joanne Cox was given the chance to complete her second seat in Moscow, Central Russia.

Q: Why did you decide to spend time in the Russian office?

A:

When the opportunity came up, it sounded like an amazing challenge. I’ve done some travelling, but living and working in a city for six months is a very different experience.

It also fitted in very nicely with my career because BLP is an expanding international law firm.

Q: How is work in an international office different to BLP’s London office?

A:

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The work I did was mainly M&A work, but it’s a lot broader than it might be in London. I also got to work on different types of transactions, which was great. As a trainee, you’re always

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looking to get a broader range of training. I had the opportunity to sit in on quite high-level negotiations with partners and junior associates

Also, being in Russia, most of my colleagues were native Russians. I often had colleagues come up to me and ask: “Is this the right way to say this?” or “I’ve drafted this in English. Is this the right translation?”

but I certainly let out a big sigh of relief when I’d finished.

Q: What was the best thing about living in Moscow?

A:

Q: Do you feel that time abroad has made you a better international firm trainee?

A:

I hope so. Showing that you have international aspirations and the tenacity to go abroad gives you an added value when working for international firms. These days, the majority of clients are international and we have to be too. Now I’m back in London, I still liaise with the Russian office and maintain the relationships I’ve established.

Q: What was the best moment of your international secondment?

A:

There was a big 10,000 word document that I’d been asked to review and just pick out any grammatical errors. It wasn’t supposed to be anything substantial because lots of people had already looked at the document. The first word on the document was wrong and nobody had noticed. I picked up on it, so I was secretly quite pleased with myself.

Like London, there’s always stuff to do in Moscow. I wouldn’t have wanted to go somewhere smaller. I’m definitely a city girl.

There’s a thriving nightlife and the clubs are open until six or seven in the morning.

Russia’s got a long history and such an interesting culture. There are museums, there’s ballet, there’s opera and there’s theatre. I didn’t go to the theatre, though, because it’s in Russian and so it was hard to follow the play!

Q: Did you learn any Russian in Moscow? If so, what is your favourite Russian word and what does it mean?

A:

You know the Kate Bush song, ‘Babooshka’?

Everyone knows that word, even if they don’t know it means “grandma”. But in Russian (бaбушка) the pronunciation is on the first syllable, not the second. It’s BAB-ooshka. If you say that at a dinner party, it makes you look like you know everything about the Russian language.

Q: What was the most challenging part of your international secondment?

A:

The flipside of having more responsibility is that you do have more pressure. I hadn’t done a corporate seat before and had to learn the language of corporate transactions just as much as learning the Russian language. I was asked to draft something under time pressure after just six weeks. It was alright in the end,

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City Law Firms London calling! City firms are amongst some of the world’s leading law firms.

Most likely to be based in the thick of the City of London, they also tend to have offices that span across the world. These firms have turnovers of millions of pounds each year and work with some of biggest and most influential clients around, including FTSE 100 members.

The majority of City law firms will be ‘full service firms’, which means they have departments and specialist lawyers to cover all possible cases and legal issues. You’ll find departments which handle niche specialist areas as well as huge coverage in areas such as corporate law, commercial law and banking and finance law. International client portfolios are increasingly important in this type of firm and so cross-jurisdictional issues as part of a City lawyer’s caseload will feature often.

Amongst the City firms you will find the prestigious so-called Magic Circle and Silver Circle firms. These are ranked as the top law firms in the UK.

Many City law firms will provide funding and some financial support for maintenance for the GDL (Graduate Diploma in Law – the conversion course for nonlaw students) and the LPC (Legal Practice Course) if you secure your training contract with them.

The competition is extremely fierce; therefore, you need to show outstanding potential and capabilities and some top-notch commercial awareness to get a foot in the door.

If you work for a City law firm, it’s possible your career progression could be slightly slower at first due to the size of these firms and the exceptional lawyers that work for them. However, as you gain experience and network in the City, the opportunities that will be available to you will be vast.

As part of the City lifestyle you can expect to have long working hours. You may have to work at weekends at times if the requirements for a particular case demand it. There are very good pay-scales to go along with an exciting, fast pace to the work.

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National Law Firms Opportunities in the legal sector in the UK are in no way restricted to London alone.

National firms have a very well-developed network of offices in various regions in the UK and preferred-partner tie-ups overseas.

They mostly cover general practice and commercial law cases. A regional firm’s expertise and business is confined to one or two regional hubs. Their work focus is a mixture of domestic general practice and commercial work for locally-based companies and individual clients. Many national firms still offer a full service.

The majority of clients for national firms are UK based. This could be a good option if you’re keen to combine a successful legal career with staying in a certain area of the UK. Cities such as Manchester, Liverpool, Bristol, Leeds, Newcastle, and Birmingham, as well as Edinburgh and Glasgow in Scotland, are popular hubs outside of London for national law firm offices.

Work in a national law firm doesn’t necessarily mean that you will be restricted to the office either; you may have to visit clients based in other parts of the country quite regularly to conduct face-to-face consultations and interviews or watch a public inquiry. In comparison to the gigantic City and international firms, life at a national firm or at smaller scale offices can also potentially offer a chance for more responsibility in cases at an earlier stage in your career. Though your salary may not quite reach the heights of that with a City, US or international firm, national and regional firms still offer good packages and a desirable work-life balance.

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US Law Firms As the name suggests, these law firms have been established in the United States and are primarily based there, with offshoots in the UK and other EU countries. US firms’ UK offices will mostly be based in London, falling in with the big City players of the legal sector. The kind of work these firms focus on is, as such, mostly in high-end corporate and commercial practice. Some are quite niche in their specialisms; others are full service across their worldwide offices.

A training contract with a US firm will in essence be no different to a training contract with a UK firm if completed in a London office. They are still based on the UK Law Society process, and London programmes are run very much with relevance to the London office. You’ll complete four or six seats over the two years in exactly the same way.

Though the focus will not be on the US, work for these firms will still involve plenty of exposure to international clients, and so you will gain an excellent understanding of English law whilst developing a sense of working in a global market.

As with the City law firms, you can expect the work to be extremely fast-paced with some long hours depending on client demands. You can experience work on cases at various different stages in the process, and enjoy the buzzing City lifestyle. The highest remuneration packages make this type of firm a very attractive destination for trainee solicitors (employees are paid on scales according to their US rates, and the UK salaries equate to that). In some instances they may also cover your GDL and LPC fees.

The annual intake of new candidates for the UK offices of US law firms tends to be considerably smaller compared to that of the UK firms. The high salaries and small intake make these training contracts quite exclusive. The competition is tough, and you’ll need to have a good balance of strong academics, work experience and commercial awareness to be in the running for opportunities with these firms.

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Scottish Law Firms Law firms specialising in Scots law (Scotland’s own law) are spread across various regions in Scotland, with Glasgow and Edinburgh being particular hubs for Scottish legal practices. Lawyers at these firms handle any local, national, or even international legal issues for their clients who are based in Scotland. A few Scottish firms offer a full service and have select specialist areas of law. Firms such as DWF and DLA Piper also have offices in some Scottish cities.

If you undertake a traineeship with a Scottish firm, you will be qualifying into practice in Scots law upon qualification. The firms offer two-year traineeships with seat rotations around different departments. The Law Society for Scotland is also promoting so-called ‘flexible traineeships’ in which a trainee works at more than one firm or organisation across the two years, or on a parttime basis over an extended period.

In order to undergo a traineeship with a Scottish firm, you must have the correct qualifications in Scots law: an LLB in Scots Law followed by the Diploma in Professional Legal Practice. Qualified lawyers in other jurisdictions must complete the relevant transfer tests in order to requalify in Scottish practice.

The competition for traineeships in Scotland remains as competitive as in the rest of the UK. According to the Law Society for Scotland, in 2012 there were 472 registered traineeships. Salaries for trainee solicitors in Scotland are competitive.

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AREAS OF LAW - CONSTITUTIONAL/ ADMINISTRATIVE - COMMERCIAL - CRIMINAL - EU

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- BANKING & FINANCE

- CONTRACT

- EQUITY & TRUSTS

- INSURANCE

- HUMAN RIGHTS

- CORPORATE

- TAX

- LAND

- TORT

- INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

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Constitutional/ Administrative Law The country without a constitution...

The UK does not have a constitution per se, certainly not in the same way that countries like the US or Germany do. We have a series of rules, guidelines, powers and laws which govern how the country is run and where power lies.

This area of law makes sure that governmental power is not abused and that it is used in an appropriate manner. Someone has to keep a check on the government and that is where this area of law steps up to the plate.

Why is it important? What does it involve?

Constitutional or administrative law is arguably the most important in existence; without it there could be no other laws and the state would not be able to function. It holds our country together.

Practising administrative or constitutional law means you will either be employed by the state in the Government Legal Service (GLS), or in a private practice. Incidentally, the GLS is the largest employer of lawyers in the UK. As a lawyer in this area, you will be working to ensure that government bodies and agencies are acting in the public interest. Therefore, you could be working alongside the NHS, your local council or the police. Sometimes the state does not follow the interests of the public, or works in contravention of its obligations under national and international law. For example, if a local councillor has ten parking permits and gives them all to friends and family for no other reason than because they are related, then this is clearly unfair and administrative law can be applied to make sure the councillor does not abuse his/her position.

Similarly, if the police torture you whilst you are in custody, then there will have been a breach of the European Convention of Human Rights (Art. 3) and your action against the state will be pursued through constitutional or administrative law.

Break it down for me a little bit!

If you would like to work in the public interest, either for the state or in a private practice against the state, constitutional and administrative law is a stimulating and exciting option.

You may be dealing with high-profile cases or smaller local issues, but either way you will have to deal with lots of paper work (the public sector is notorious for its bureaucracy/paper work) and keep up-to-date with constantly evolving case law.

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Commercial Law

Sponsored by:

Tricky business...

Commercial law disputes deal primarily with contract and/or tort laws. It involves issues that arise in the course of running a business at any stage of the commercial cycle.

Such disputes are brought before courts for legal restitution when other methods of resolution, such as arbitration or mediation, have failed to provide a solution acceptable to all interested parties.

Why is commercial law important?

Commerce is at the core of a democratic society and, in order to be strong economically, it must be attractive to businesses. One way of doing this is to have a strong set of laws and regulations protecting businesses that enter into agreements with others and providing resolutions when things don’t go to plan. Commercial law provides that platform.

Most commercial disputes are heard in Commercial Court or in county business courts when the dispute relates to that particular jurisdiction. They can also be brought before the Queen’s Bench or Chancery divisions of the High Court, or the Technology & Construction Court (TCC).

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Break it down for me a little bit!

A commercial lawyer’s work begins with obtaining necessary instructions and supporting information and documents from the clients. The case is reviewed thoroughly and the important facts and data are picked out. Lawyers then research case law and former precedents, prepare pleadings and arguments, and attend regular briefing sessions with clients.

They will arrange for settlement where viable, and present motions and arguments before courts if the case proceeds into litigation.

Understanding a client’s needs is an important quality for those involved in commercial law.

Other skills and talents required are: negotiation, commercial awareness and time and people management. Commercial lawyers need to keep up to speed with the current business and commercial climate, changes and amendments in legislation, and regulations in all jurisdictions that are involved.

Commercial lawyers are normally required to have: a top-class degree, experience of participation in extra-curricular activities whilst at school or university, experience in debating, public speaking and moot court trials. Work experience in a non-legal commercial sector will be an added advantage.

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A Day in the Life of a Commercial Law Trainee Joe Bradley, trainee solicitor at law firm Shearman & Sterling, has already completed a seat in finance in the London office, and is now part of the corporate team which involves plenty of work in commercial law. The team handling commercial issues at Shearman & Sterling consists of four trainees, ten junior associates, 14 associates and five partners.

They are renowned for an impressive client portfolio of global companies.

9.15am I arrive at the office having already checked the latest industry news on my phone en route. I pop my head in to say hello and have a quick catch up with colleagues as I make my way to my desk.

9.30am Time to plan the day! I check emails and file industry newsflashes to read for research. In commercial law lots of deals involve cross-border transactions, so it’s likely that things will have progressed

overnight. I respond to any correspondence accordingly, sort my to-do list for the day, and update my training log – an essential record of experiences for all trainee solicitors.

10am A weekly team meeting. These are useful to allow everyone to assess the previous week, catch up and plan for the week ahead.

10.20am In commercial law trainee tasks involve work on acquisition agreements, legal research and draft ancillary documents. They also send drafts to the other side of the transaction for deals and review comments they send back to relay to the relevant colleague. This morning I work on some drafting and review some acquisition documents.

Shearman & Sterling also run legal clinics at two local schools for parents and members of the school. On some mornings I go along to provide advice, conduct necessary legal research and relay back to those we help at the clinic.

12pm Head to training with the first and second year trainees.

Two or three times a week the trainees will have lunchtime training sessions.

1pm I review the morning’s draft and discuss points on layout, phrasing, and how we can tailor towards the client’s needs with my supervisor.

4pm A quick tea break and read of the City headlines. Alternatively, if I’m busy working on a deal then I’ll continue with that.

4.30pm ‘Knowledge development’.

As a trainee I have to review developments in the law and feed back to our specialist lawyers in those areas so that they can advise clients accordingly.

6pm I organise my to-do list for tomorrow and then head out for department drinks. There are plenty of work social events.

Sometimes we’ll have ‘snapshot’ evenings, in which each of the firm’s departments give a little presentation on what they have been working on, followed by drinks. Sometimes I’ll meet friends from other firms, or outside of work. I’m also a mentor as a second year trainee, so I’ll meet up regularly with my first year and law school buddies for a catch up too!

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Criminal Law And they say crime doesn’t pay...

Criminal law covers everything; from small misdemeanours, to big heinous crimes, fraud and white-collar crime. It can also involve international relations and multiple jurisdictional rules, particularly concerning issues such as extradition, money-laundering, crossborder crimes and terrorism. Typically, work is of a contentious nature.

What does criminal law involve?

Criminal law covers some of the most serious issues in society, such as murder, rape or robbery.

Opportunities are available for criminal lawyers in both private and public practice. In private practice, you can work as a defence lawyer for those accused of criminal offences. In public practice, you will be working for either the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) or for the Public Defender Service (PDS).

Criminal lawyers will usually work on the case from the beginning to the end. This will usually involve: the filing of a case; investigation; visiting police stations and prisons; taking witness statements; going through medical reports; liaising with court personnel, the police department and probation officers; filing pleas and motions before the presiding court; and conducting the eventual trial, if that part is not being performed by a barrister.

Post sentencing, you might work on appeals at higher judicial levels. This will involve piles of paperwork and a huge amount of research.

or criminal negligence. Ancillary tasks may well include: following the money trail; battling with corruption and bureaucracy; monopolies and restrictive trade practices; and running through copious amounts of documentation.

What makes a good criminal lawyer?

To be a criminal lawyer, you should be streetsmart, quick on your feet and have a thorough understanding of criminal law, procedures and the functioning of the judicial system. You should also be able to handle large volumes of work and perform well under pressure, whilst retaining a meticulous attention to detail.

Your communication and negotiation skills need to be top-notch and you should be good at dealing with different kinds of people. You will need to get accustomed to working long and unconventional hours.

Many of the clients that a criminal lawyer may deal with can be dangerous, mentally unstable, drug addicts, or chronic offenders, so it is crucial that you are able to set aside personal prejudices and judgment and take an objective and clinical approach in handling such people.

Crime, by its very nature, carries a lot of notoriety and ill-will, so it’s important for a lawyer to maintain absolute discretion when it comes to dealing with their clients. Honesty and trustworthiness are of paramount importance and the same goes for anyone else who works within this area of law, from reporters and court clerks to legal secretaries and administrators.

Much of the activity in dealing with cases can involve: liaising with peers and judicial authorities from other jurisdictions; taking care of extradition claims; or dealing with the fallout of delinquency

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EU Law 28 members, one legal system‌ EU law, or European Union law, is a system of law that is specific to the 28 members of the European Union. This system overrules the national law of each member country if there is a conflict between the national law and the EU law.

Why is it important? What does it involve?

EU law relates to a wide range of different matters; from agriculture to competition law. As the European Union grew in size, the idea was to create a level playing field and harmonise the laws across the Union regarding certain matters, mostly trade.

other lawyers work for private individuals and companies to make sure that member states do not surpass the powers they are given.

You might even find yourself in Luxembourg at some point working at the European Court of Justice (ECJ). This is the highest court in Europe and makes binding decisions for all countries in the EU.

Break it down for me a little bit!

If you are interested in international law, then EU law will offer you plenty of scope for career development. Additional language skills can be useful, especially if you work at the ECJ or on cross- border disputes. You can use pretty much any language during a court hearing in the ECJ (although Klingon probably isn’t allowed). However, you should be aware that all the deliberations of the court are in French.

This is a relatively new area of law, which only started to develop in the latter half of the 20th century. EU law is important because it ensures that the populations of the member states are treated, and treat others, equally.

There is often a large amount of paper work involved in this area of law, especially if the case has been brought to the European Court of Justice (ECJ). In order for a matter to be admissible to the ECJ, all domestic remedies must have been exhausted, which means the case must have already been considered in the highest court in the country.

Often these cases can be huge and involve large numbers of people, so will require lots of organisation and delegation. You may also find yourself working on disputes involving other national law systems and languages, which will make matters complex and multifaceted.

In this area you will either be working for, or against, the state. There are a large number of government lawyers who are required to protect the interests of the state, whilst a number of

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Banking & Finance Law

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Money makes the world go round...

Nowhere is this popular adage more applicable than for practising law in the banking and finance domain. This area of practice covers it all; from providing a loan to an individual, to complex financial deals for big companies.

Banking and finance is a global leviathan; its tentacles are spread over multiple jurisdictions and, with new products frequently being offered, this is an area which can only get bigger. As a banking and finance lawyer, you can look forward to long working hours, dealing with tons of paperwork, heaps of travel and getting to grips with the law in multiple jurisdictions.

What is involved in banking & finance law?

This is an area where some amount of specialisation is a must; there are too many components for a solicitor to be a general practitioner.

As a lawyer in this field you will represent either the borrower or the lender and it is your job to ensure the correct documentation is completed and your clients’ interests are fully covered and protected.

A major portion of work in banking and finance is of a transactional nature. You will complete your part in the transaction and move on to the next. A return to a completed transaction becomes necessary when disputes arise. This constitutes the contentious element of a banking and finance lawyer’s work. As a lawyer in this field, you can choose to specialise in a particular class of financing. These might include: project, acquisition, asset, property, securitisation, derivatives, capital markets and Islamic finance.

Project finance normally involves making loans for various projects, whilst acquisition finance focuses on the lending of money to companies to purchase other entities. Asset finance, likewise, focuses on loans; however, it specifically relates to the purchase or leasing of big-ticket items. Securitisation involves transactions, where a lender offloads its loan portfolio to another company, whilst derivatives focus on the fixing of currency rates during a transaction. Capital markets is where a borrowing entity issues bonds to investors and another huge area is Islamic finance, which involves transactions or loans that comply with Shariah principles.

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What makes a good banking & finance lawyer?

Across all modes and segments of finance, a lawyer will be required to assist with negotiations, provide assistance in structuring deals and complete due diligence checks on other parties (usually the borrowing entity).

You will also act as a mediator between parties; helping everyone to reach common terms that are satisfactory to all involved. Throughout all of this, you will have to ensure that the deal is in line with all laws and regulations of the particular jurisdictions they involve, as well as completing formalities such as registration.

You will have to analyse and predict future trends, which may have an impact on the transaction or deal, and communicate this in a clear and concise way to your clients. As such, excellent attention to detail and having an exact knowledge of the fine-print is essential.

A familiarity with legislation and regulatory mechanisms in other countries, where your clients have business interests

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will also be essential.

Furthermore, an ability to reduce complex definitions and terminology into simple language easily understood by clients will be invaluable. As with most high-level jobs, the knack of consistently producing high-quality work, regardless of time constraints or deadlines, is a standard requirement.

In order to be a banking and finance lawyer, you will need an outstanding academic background, detailed knowledge in your specialist area, keen commercial awareness and an understanding of market realities.

The career opportunities in this area range from partners right through to legal secretaries, legal executives and HR personnel.

Lawyers in the Financial Institutions Sector: Industry Insight Theodora James was a trainee at Simmons & Simmons, and is now an associate in banking at the firm.

Simmons & Simmons has six teams that specialise in different areas of finance: banking, asset finance, financial services, debt capital markets, derivatives and equity capital markets. Each team’s lawyers specialise in a different area and have market-leading clients. For example, the financial services group is internationally renowned for its work with hedge funds. The banking and capital markets departments regularly advise the world’s top ten investment banks. We act for both borrowers and lenders to negotiate favourable terms.

Drafting & negotiating for borrowers & lenders Daily tasks for a lawyer in a financial institutions team include drafting, negotiating and reviewing documents which detail loan agreements. The documents which tend to be the most heavily negotiated are the facility and security agreements. These agreements set out the terms upon which lenders will provide the necessary funds and the terms which must be complied with the loan to remain outstanding.

On each deal, banking lawyers need to be astute and have an understanding of the borrower’s business, even when acting for the lender, so that they can provide commercially relevant advice.

“Finance is a good field for lawyers who seek a combination

of complex legal issues and commercial challenges in their work”

Plenty of responsibility for trainees On any deal, trainees can become particularly involved in managing conditions precedent – the various conditions that must be satisfied before a borrower is allowed to access funds. This requires high levels of organisation and communication, as well as excellent attention to detail. Trainees can also practise their drafting skills by preparing ancillary documentation such as corporate authorities, fee letters and legal opinions. Coordinating overseas counsel is a typical job entrusted to trainees and involves reviewing drafts for accuracy and liaison tasks.

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Equity & Trusts Law It’s just not fair...

Equity essentially means fairness. Our legal system is based on these rules and this area of law gave birth to the law of trusts. Trust law is a set of rules that have been established to regulate situations where one person places trust in another person to look after their affairs. This includes the way that charities are run or the way that money left to somebody in a will is governed.

Why is it important? What does it involve?

Equity stretches across all areas of law. It’s an incredibly important part of the legal system, but the majority of people working in this area of law will be dealing with the various intricacies of trust law.

Break it down for me a little bit!

Sometimes, trust law matters can be very complicated and often items, objects or money may have changed hands several times before anyone notices a problem. Consequently, unravelling these issues can be a complex process and you will often need to digest vast amounts of information and follow long paper trails.

Disputes often arise between partners who are looking to separate, especially regarding property.

These scenarios are at the heart of trust law and it’s not unusual for your work to be intertwined with family law or other areas of law. You will need to be versatile and able to react to changing circumstances in a constantly evolving area of law.

If you have a passion for understanding complex relationships, you are happy dealing with people often going through difficult periods in their lives, and are prepared to work long hours then equity and trust could be for you.

If you specialise in equity and trusts, you may find yourself making sure charities are correctly spending donated funds or resolving conflicts between families. It may often involve dealing with the affairs of people who are no longer around and therefore you will need to be sensitive to the situation of your clients. This applies whether you are a paralegal, a solicitor, a barrister or a legal clerk.

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Human Rights Law Put simply…

Human rights law covers many aspects of public justice, equality before law, laws against discrimination, freedom of speech and prisoners’ rights.

It also covers sanctions against governments and regimes with gross human rights violations, persecution against minorities and downtrodden societies, and all areas where there is a conflict between the “public and individual good”.

What does human rights law involve?

The history of human rights law, as a separate and distinct legal area, can be traced back to the enactment of the Human Rights Act 1998 (HRA) in the UK, where, for the first time, general principles of human rights, public law and EU and international legal principles were added to prevailing English law.

The European Convention on Human Rights was ratified as part of the enactment of the HRA; the application of which covers civil and criminal litigation and judicial reviews on appeal. In civil matters, the application of public interest/human rights can come up in cases which concern issues such as the right to work, education, community welfare, family welfare, and discrimination on grounds of age, gender, race, disability or religion.

In criminal matters, you will be working with issues that may arise from the incorrect application of enforcement procedures, police brutality, torture of prisoners, illegal confinement, infringement of public rights to peaceful assembly, false arrests or wrongful identification of suspects, refusal to provide legal resource opportunities for wronged claimants, accusations of terrorist activities and extradition issues.

Immigration law is yet another important segment of human rights principles. This is an extremely current and hot topic, which covers business and private immigration issues. Personal immigration matters involve pleas for asylum and/or extended residence in the UK on human rights’ grounds, particularly from individuals who’ve been disenfranchised in their countries or have escaped persecution or torture.

Commercial immigration covers travel on temporary or permanent visas for business purposes, skilled and unskilled migrants looking to migrate to the UK for longer/extended stay and companies which regularly bring in overseas workers for execution of work projects.

The daily tasks for a human rights lawyer and ancillary staff can include: advising clients (individuals or groups) on actions taken by various public bodies or organisations, collecting documentation and facts in evidence, interviewing witnesses and concerned parties, preparing for filing suits and taking part in court proceedings.

What makes a good human rights lawyer?

Excellent people management skills, thorough knowledge of laws and regulations, empathy and patience, providing fair and judicious opinions and integrity are all important qualities required by solicitors wishing to practise in this area.

Strong advocacy skills are a must, since much of the activity in human rights and immigration involves a significantly higher percentage of contentious work.

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Tax Law

Sponsored by:

There are two certainties in life: death and taxes...

Tax law is an important ingredient of literally every commercial, corporate or personal transaction. Every facet of life today involves tax in some respect. It’s a big source of revenue for authorities and its subject-matter is voluminous and complex.

There are lots of stereotypes surrounding tax. It sounds very boring, but then again so are lots of things that are difficult to understand. To be clear, this area of law is often reserved for the most analytical of aspiring lawyers.

What does tax law involve?

Tax law involves contentious and non-contentious work and is a crossover service, which is associated with almost all other areas of law practice. Much of a tax solicitor’s work today covers what used to be the domain of accounting firms. More and more clients are looking for professionals who combine legal and accounting expertise to ensure the uniformity and quality of advice that they receive.

Tax lawyers are required in both private and public domains. A private sector tax practitioner’s workload will cover various core areas; normally this involves focusing on the best way to structure assets, assisting with documentation, negotiating transactions and jockeying the deal to completion. They will advise clients on the implications of tax during transactions, especially when structuring financial and administrative frameworks in different markets.

Tax lawyers in the public sector will work for governmental tax and revenue departments, tax statutory bodies and panels. Their work will include investigating tax evasions, auditing the tax accounts of companies, prosecuting tax offenders, assisting in interpretation of tax rules and regulations and defending public authorities against private sector claims.

Tax law is a particularly lucrative area for solicitors, as good advice can often result in clients saving literally millions of pounds.

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What makes a good tax lawyer?

Clients now often expect their law firms to act as their accountants too. As such, many departments at law firms are now looking to bolster their accounting credentials by way of boosting their client rosters.

Tax law can be very complex and confusing; hence a strong background in academic excellence is a must. Tax solicitors require exceptional skills in analysis, communication and negotiation. They scrutinise and study business structures and constitutions to provide clients with the best possible advice. Furthermore, the job involves plenty of study and research and tax solicitors need to have a beady eye for detail.

Extra qualifications in accounting will be an added advantage.

Clients will be very interested in getting all their business advice in one shop. Tax is an integral part of every business transaction and therefore, it makes sense to have a good, solid all-round knowledge.

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Opportunities in Tax Law Jamie Chambers is a solicitor at law firm Shoosmiths.

Having completed his training contract with the firm, he recently qualified into their tax team after deciding this was the area in which he would like his legal career to specialise.

When I joined Shoosmiths in June 2011, the tax team did not cater for a trainee. After attending a conference with counsel on the tax implications of a novel business structure, I knew tax law was for me and asked my supervisor whether it would be possible for me to do a tax seat. The tax team was busy and would welcome a trainee’s help, so the firm essentially created a seat for me. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and qualified into the tax team in September 2013.

Wide scope for experience in various law areas Tax law pervades almost every other area of law in some way. In terms of corporate deals, it is always a key consideration when determining how to maximise the profitability or minimise the risk for a client.

From a real estate perspective, we often deal with matters involving stamp duty land tax, VAT and capital allowances. We also help several other teams across the firm including, for example, commercial, employment and litigation.

So it’s no surprise that Shoosmiths itself is one of our biggest clients!

The breadth of practice supported by the tax team allows us to get involved with numerous aspects of the law. The continuous flow of internal queries and referrals allow us to get involved with a range of transactional and non-transactional matters.

What can a trainee do in tax law?

Junior lawyers looking to qualify into tax would benefit from a rounded training contract involving different areas of law across all offices, as Shoosmiths is a national firm offering a full range of legal services. We also do ‘stand alone’ tax work for external clients.

As well as assisting on the technical tax aspects of complicated structures or arrangements, there are plenty of matters a more junior tax lawyer can get their teeth into, including drafting share option schemes, registering legal persons for VAT, and drafting tax clearances to HMRC. As one would expect, tax law is a technical and ever-changing practice area, and requires us to be commercially aware, innovative and forward-thinking if we’re to provide practical legal solutions for clients. Qualifying into a niche area of law such as tax allows a trainee to specialise their legal knowledge and technical skills at an early stage in their career.

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Tort Law Something aspiring lawyers tort to know about...

Torts are not tasty European cakes with lashings of icing. They are wrongs committed by one individual against another individual. Tort law allows individuals to claim against any losses they suffer as a result of another’s action.

Many of us are familiar with “no win, no fee” personal injury law firms, which are most often associated with this area of law.

However, this is just one part of a much wider area of law that covers loads of different types of tort; from slander and trespass, to noise pollution and false imprisonment.

Why is it important? What does it involve?

array of support staff are needed; from secretaries and legal executives, to reporters and court interpreters.

Break it down for me a little bit!

Tort law sometimes requires you to act quickly.

In particular, in slander and libel cases you will be up against the clock to prevent irreparable damage from occurring, rushing to prevent articles from being published or television programmes from airing. You may also find yourself working on high-profile cases where discretion will be of paramount importance.

Your clients will stretch the entire social spectrum, so having a knack for getting on with all types of people will be a great asset. Understanding and empathy are also essential traits and you will need the ability to convey complex matters in an easily accessible way. You should also be able to handle large volumes of work, perform well under pressure and work to tight deadlines.

Tort law encompasses a range of issues in society and offers a number of different career opportunities.

Essentially, the purpose of this area of law is to ensure that individuals do not suffer unnecessary loss. Loss can take a variety of different forms. For example, my actions may prevent someone from working due to an injury they sustain from them.

In this case, the court may decide I need to pay for any losses incurred. Alternatively, I could say or write something about another person which damages their reputation (this is called ‘slander’ when spoken and ‘libel’ when written) and they may sue me to claim damages against the harm I may have caused.

Lawyers working in this area will have to work alongside individuals who feel they have suffered a loss. Their task is to ascertain whether there has been a loss, what type of loss it is and convince the court to side with their client. As with all areas of law, it will involve lots of paper work and an

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Contract Law It’s all in the small print...

There are few areas of law that require as much attention to detail as contract law.

We enter into contracts every day, whether we are using a service, having a drink in a bar or buying a bus ticket. Rarely does a problem arise; however, sometimes it does.

In such instances, you can figure out where the blames lies and what the potential solutions are by referring to the contract, or the laws that govern the contract.

Why is it important? What does it involve?

Terms and conditions, rent agreements, mortgages, loan agreements and receipts are all contracts that bind you and someone else into a special relationship. We enter into hundreds of different contracts throughout our lives and this area of law has many everyday applications.

Whether you are a legal clerk, an advocate or a judge, you will find yourself having to look through large quantities of paper work. Often contractual agreements can concern multiple parties. This means your role can often require a great deal of correspondence between various parties and therefore proceedings can sometimes last many months or even years.

Contract lawyers will usually work on cases from the beginning to the end. This will involve: the filing of a case, investigation, filing pleas and motions before the presiding court, negotiating settlements and even conducting the eventual trial.

It can be a very lucrative area of law, but the hours can be long, especially as deadlines approach.

Often contract law is integrated into many other areas of law, such as corporate law, land law or even family law.

Contract law is all about relating the facts of the real world to an agreement made between two or more parties. Your job will be to ensure your clients’ best interests are protected as much as possible.

Break it down for me a little bit!

Attention to detail, attention to detail and attention to detail are the three most important traits required for anyone working in contract law.

Often contracts can bind people to considerable sums of money and to something for substantial periods of time, so if you get it wrong, or fail to spot something, it can be difficult or impossible to rectify.

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Insurance Law

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Rest insured, we’ve got your back…

The practice of law surrounding insurance is majorly important both to individuals and the commercial sector. It primarily includes the regulation of the business of insurance, regulation of the content of insurance policies and claim handling.

What does insurance law involve?

You can trace the roots of insurance law beyond the 12th and 13th century. The growth of industry came hand in hand with the rise of the maritime industry and trade, and it’s for this reason that London is the centre of the insurance market. This area of law has so far been less affected by the financial crisis than anticipated.

Insurance law work can be directly linked to external events and phenomena, for example claims put forward as a result of war, piracy, terrorism attacks or financial crises. Cases will stem from a whole manner of matters — both contentious and non-contentious — and also cover international cases.

Insurance lawyers will discern whether or not their clients are liable for damages for claims or eligible for compensation in relation to the warranties stipulated in the relevant contracts. They will collect evidence from a range of sources in order to build a sound picture of what has happened and advise their client or employer accordingly.

They will also negotiate and draft insurance policies, cover regulatory aspects such as Duty of Disclosure (the policyholder’s duty to provide pre-contract information) and investigate damages for circumstances such as late payments or for personal injury claims.

a company buys insurance from another or multiple insurance). In the case of individuals, they may work on behalf of the policyholder in an insurance claim dispute.

The type of clients you might encounter as an insurance lawyer are: individuals, commercial sector representatives, insurance buyers, internation insurance and reinsurance companies, brokers. intermediaries, captives,and specialist insurance and reinsurance providers.

What makes a good insurance lawyer?

A real investigative edge is needed in order to put together a picture of what exactly happened in claims. Depending on the case you could be called to interview a number of people from different backgrounds and professions, making strong communication skills and adaptability key.

Empathy and a knack for handling sensitive situations is required, particularly when it comes to areas such as personal injury claims. Cases can be very complex, and an ability to understand a client’s situation whilst staying true to the facts and commanding reason is essential.

Strong knowledge and understanding of contract law is necessary – policy drafting and assessing potential breaches of warranty is integral to this area of law. Those working in the commercial sector in particular will need to possess an in-depth understanding of financial risk in these markets.

Within an insurance company,lawyers in insurance law can also deal with reinsurance disputes (when

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Corporate Law

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Big cat territory...

Corporate lawyers are an elite group in legal practice. If you work in this area of law, no doors will be closed to you.

The practice of corporate law involves general corporate matters, such as the incorporation of companies, directors’ and shareholders’ rights, articles of association, board meetings, secretarial matters and the public listing or delisting of companies.

No two corporate transactions or deals are the same. The differences can depend upon several factors, such as the type of industry, whether it involves single or multi-market businesses, and the size of the companies involved.

Clients in this area range from multinational corporations, investment banks and privately-held companies, to small and medium scale businesses, regulatory bodies and governments.

What does corporate law involve?

As a corporate lawyer, your portfolio of work will usually involve: acting on mergers and acquisitions (M&A), the restructuring of corporate entities and the hiving-off of unprofitable sections. You might help list clients on stock exchanges across the world, secure finance from private equity players and venture capitalists.

Your work on any deal or transaction will move through different stages. Firstly, you might negotiate and prepare draft documentation in association with your client’s various accountants, financial advisors and managerial representatives. Helping to

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with private equity funds and listing clients’ companies on recognised stock exchanges.

A private equity player usually holds some kind of stock or ownership in unlisted companies.

A private equity lawyer’s job is to make relevant financial arrangements when it comes to floating a new business venture, further expansion of operations, a tie-up or takeover with another company, or MBO financing.

What makes a good corporate lawyer? procure finance, either from banks or private investors, securing guarantees and other assets, might form part of the deal, as will completing duediligence reports and checking on the status of debts, employees, ownership details and existing liabilities. To top it off, you might finalise the deal with all involved parties, getting necessary approvals through resolutions at board meetings, and completing registration and other formalities wherever necessary.

Amongst the different types of deals and transactions which constitute corporate law, a big portion of work involves dealing

Exemplary knowledge of business law, current trends and legislative and regulatory developments is key.

A corporate lawyer needs to have strong communication and negotiation skills, an excellent academic background, the ability to think ‘out-of-the-box’, exceptional analytical skills and meticulous attention to detail. You will work with groups of professionals who share a common objective and therefore your interpersonal and people management skills should be top-notch. A good corporate lawyer is ambitious, thrives on challenges and relentlessly chases their goals.

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Corporate Law: Trainee Experiences Eversheds has corporate law departments based in the UK and worldwide. Richard, Sean and John are Eversheds trainee solicitors, and have enjoyed a range of experiences and responsibilities in the busy London office.

Richard Chan Pensley, Trainee Solicitor (Second Year) During my corporate seat at Eversheds I worked on deals for companies across highly varied industries such as retail, education, energy and real estate. A really exciting and different project I helped with was a pitch to a Chinese civil aviation authority. I had to brush up on my Mandarin!

The hours in corporate can be unpredictable, especially compared to other areas of law like tax which mostly tend to be more nine-to-five, but the work does even itself out between very busy and quieter periods.

TOP TIP As a trainee, don’t ever be afraid to ask questions and always double check everything you work on before sending.

Sean Gray, Trainee Solicitor (Second Year) I’m one of 12 students on the trial Combined Studies LPC, supported by BPP and the SRA. It’s a fast track LPC which includes practical training. One of my electives is corporate law, and I got to combine academic study on this with my time in the Eversheds corporate department.

You constantly have to think on your feet and there’s a buzz about the fast pace of work. I loved it! I contributed to deals at various stages and saw a private equity transaction through from start to finish — a great taste of qualified life. My supervisors involved me with everything they did.

John Inglese, Trainee Solicitor (First Year) I joined Eversheds in August 2013. I’ve really enjoyed it so far; everything is massively different to LPC study. There are plenty of short deadlines for transactions and internal processes to learn, but everyone is incredibly supportive. They want you to do well.

TOP TIP Get experience though vacation schemes. I did mine with Eversheds and it really helped me decide what I wanted. You need genuine understanding of how businesses work and how they become successful.

TOP TIP It’s a City environment, so you need to keep on top of current economic issues, for example by reading the Financial Times, and think about how clients will be affected. I’d also say that work experience is very important.

I sit with specialists in private equity, and a substantial part of the department’s deals involves property — a renowned Eversheds strength. I’ve also already worked on deals for clients in industries like travel and renewable energy.

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Land Law The lie of the land...

Land law, as the name suggests, is the set of rules that govern the land and anything attached to it, such as trees or buildings, or anything in it, for example treasure or oil.

People who work in this area of law have the task of fighting or defending disputes over land matters, such as rights of way and boundary issues, or real estate matters. These cases may landowners, private individuals or the state.

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Why is it important? What does it involve?

Break it down for me a little bit!

Almost everyone will have to deal with some elements of land law at least once in their life, whether you buy a house, walk up and knock on someone’s door or decide to cut down a neighbour’s overhanging tree.

Land law has evolved significantly over hundreds of years. Working in this area of law can be particularly interesting and stimulating.

Although the remuneration is not as high as you might expect in corporate or commercial law, it can still be lucrative; especially when you consider the high value people place on land. After all, a man’s house is his castle!

A great deal of the work of a lawyer specialising in this area involves going through deeds, agreements and the land registry records to see if you can decipher who owns what and what rights people may or may not have over pieces of land. Tenancy agreements are a feature.

You will need to have excellent attention to detail and be highly-motivated to be able to concentrate on long paper trails and deal with the often unclear intentions of the individuals involved. Some of the disputes might require you to go back and refer to documents that are hundreds of years old.

Research is a key part of this area of law. Furthermore, you will frequently be required to draft legal documents and liaise with the land registry, other lawyers and law firms that are sometimes located on the other side of the country, or even the world.

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Real Estate Litigation

Morning I usually arrive at the office at around 8.30am. Once I’ve made a coffee, I check emails and write myself a ‘to do’ list.

As a trainee, I’ve found this is vital, as I’m working on lots of different matters. If I don’t keep on top of them, my desk gets messy very quickly!

I generally have several tasks to complete in the morning.

This morning I’m asked to draft a notice to renew a business tenancy on behalf of the landlord. I carefully read the official copies to determine who the landlord and tenant are. Using the precedent I have been given as a guide, I then draft the notice. It needs to be sent today, so I ensure it’s drafted in enough time for the associate responsible for the matter to check it and for it to be sent out before the 5.00pm post deadline. In real estate litigation, there are certain times when notices must be sent out, and all legal advisers are responsible for making sure deadlines are met.

Chloe Taylor-Page, Trainee Solicitor, Shoosmiths

I then have a short training session about break notices. At Shoosmiths, I have one-to-one training sessions for the key areas of real estate litigation.

These enable me to start working on matters straight away and with confidence.

Afternoon This afternoon, I draft the claim form and particulars of claim for a landlord claiming possession of a property that squatters have moved into. This is quite a big task, and before I know it, a couple of hours have passed.

Lunch Before I know it it’s 1pm, and I’ve arranged to meet the other trainees for lunch and a catch-up in the breakout area.

We discuss the training day we attended last week – a series of useful training sessions followed by a fantastic meal at the Imperial War Museum, in Manchester. After a chat (and a gossip!), I head back to my desk and check emails.

Next, I’m given back the notice I drafted earlier, discuss it with a colleague, make amendments and get it signed. I then take it to the post room to ensure it’s sent recorded delivery.

I glance at the clock and it’s 4.30pm. As I’ve completed my tasks for the day, I work on some research. I’m helping a colleague give a presentation about social housing, so I look into the grounds a registered social landlord can rely on to take possession of a property.

It’s now 6pm. Home time! I’m back for an hour before going out again to play my debut netball match for Shoosmiths.

AllAboutLaw.co.uk | Top Law Firms for Training Contracts & Vacation Schemes 2013-14

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Intellectual Property Law Patently the best area of law…

Intellectual property law (commonly known as IP) governs the ownership and accessibility of ideas and inventions on tangible and intangible concepts. In an extremely competitive world, IP is an integral part of business.

There are many different ways to protect the ownership of ideas, products or concepts, but these usually come in the form of patents, trademarks or copyrights.

Why is intellectual property law important? What does it involve?

Much of an IP lawyer’s activity will involve providing legal advice on usage, commercial viability, marketing and distribution mechanisms, infringement or duplication, vesting of ownership and usage rights for any product or matter which falls within the ambit of IP. Like most legal areas, IP also has contentious and noncontentious components.

Most large firms will have separate departments handling IP, I.T. and life sciences, where the maximum amount of patent, copyright and trademark usage is concentrated. If this is a field you want to specialise in, it may better to join one of the mid-range and smaller boutique firms which work exclusively on intellectual property matters.

An IP lawyer’s day-to-day tasks can incorporate a wide array of activities, from issuing notices to parties infringing on a client’s rights, to trawling through various patent registries in relation to a new product, innovation or idea brought forward by a client.

What makes a good IP lawyer?

IP lawyers get the opportunity to deal with fascinating yet technically complex subjectmatters. Consequently, it’s important for these lawyers to be up-to-date with business and innovation trends, and understand and appreciate creativity and/or the technical or scientific details for a product.

Drafting expertise is essential, since contracts and agreements are the lifeblood of any IP deal.

Additionally, you will need to be flexible in your working style, as you will often work simultaneously on several projects at the same time.

It also helps to be organised so you can keep track of your workload. Furthermore, you will need to be able to discuss complex situations in a clear and concise way.

If any disputes arise, an IP lawyer will be required to initiate discussions between parties, as well as challenging decisions and rulings that might go against your client’s interests.

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FEATURED FIRMS

AllAboutLaw.co.uk | Top Law Firms for Training Contracts & Vacation Schemes 2013-14

57

JOB SATISFACTION

TOP LAW FIRMS

80.6%

for TRAINING CONTRACTS & VACATION SCHEMES 2013-2014

30

VACATION SCHEME

38

TRAINING CONTRACT

74%

Total Score: 79.7%

LEVEL OF SUPPORT

Total Score: 72.5% OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE

AWARDS THIRD PLACE – Best Trainee & Vacation Scheme Recruitment Website

ABOUT A law firm now with over 400 partners and 1700 lawyers, Ashurst LLP has 24 offices spread across 14 countries. With a heritage spanning over 200 years, their international client portfolio includes Goldman Sachs, Apax and Royal Bank of Scotland.

TRAINING CONTRACT

79.1% 72.5%

Winter Work Placements Vacation Schemes Training Contracts International Secondments First Year Opportunities

TRAINING 80.3% 73.5%

facebook.com/ AshurstTrainees

CAREER PROGRESSION

Search “Ashurst”

80.3% 66.6%

@ashurst Trainees at Ashurst LLP must complete four seats, with mandatory six-month seats in international finance and another transactional department.

They will be supervised by a senior associate or partner during each seat. Individual seat appraisals are used to conduct a formal assessment at the end of the year.

KEY STATISTICS

VACATION SCHEME

No of Employees 2,500

Training Contract Places 40

Starting Salary £38,000

Vacation Scheme Places 60

There is one scheme in the spring for two weeks (non-law students) and two batches during the summer for three weeks (penultimate year law students). These provide the opportunity to rotate weekly around specific departments, as well as attend workshops and meet trainees, associates and partners. Summer trainees will visit one of Ashurst LLP’s European offices.

58

Vacation Scheme Training Contract

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AllAboutLaw.co.uk | Top Law Firms for Training Contracts & Vacation Schemes 2013-14

JOB SATISFACTION

TOP LAW FIRMS

94.5%

for TRAINING CONTRACTS & VACATION SCHEMES 2013-2014

7 12

VACATION SCHEME TRAINING CONTRACT

82.6%

Total Score: 91.3%

LEVEL OF SUPPORT

Total Score: 84.5% OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE

AWARDS WINNER – Best for International Opportunities | WINNER – Trainee Solicitor of the Year | RUNNER UP – Best Vacation Scheme – International Firm | RUNNER UP – Best Training Contract - International Firm

ABOUT Baker & McKenzie LLP is a global leader. Its services and presence spread to virtually all of the world’s most important financial and commercial centres. It has offices based in over 70 locations across more than 40 countries.

TRAINING CONTRACT

94.1% 88.3%

Winter Work Placements Vacation Schemes Training Contracts International Secondments First Year Opportunities

facebook.com/Baker McKenzieGraduates Search “Baker & McKenzie”

TRAINING 91% 89.6%

CAREER PROGRESSION 97.6% 78.9%

@bakermckenzie There are four six-month seats; one of which is usually in the dispute resolution department (one of the firm’s particular strengths). There are opportunities for international and client secondments. The two-year period also involves training programmes on management and business skills, as well as seminars and workshops on key legal topics for each area of practice.

VACATION SCHEME Baker & McKenzie’s vacation schemes comprise of two seats in key practice areas. They welcome an intake of final year and non-law students in the spring, and two intakes in the summer for those in their penultimate study year. There is also an international vacation scheme on offer, in locations such as New York, Sydney and Hong Kong.

60

Vacation Scheme Training Contract

KEY STATISTICS No of Employees 700

Training Contract Places 34

Starting Salary £39,500

Vacation Scheme Places 30

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AllAboutLaw.co.uk | Top Law Firms for Training Contracts & Vacation Schemes 2013-14

61

JOB SATISFACTION

TOP LAW FIRMS

99.6%

for TRAINING CONTRACTS & VACATION SCHEMES 2013-2014

24

VACATION SCHEME

16

TRAINING CONTRACT

Total Score: 82.5%

LEVEL OF SUPPORT

Total Score: 83.6% OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE

AWARDS WINNER – Best for Career Progression – Vacation Scheme WINNER – Best for Job Satisfaction – Vacation Scheme

ABOUT

Search “Berwin Leighton Paisner Graduates”

TRAINING CONTRACT

Search “Berwin Leighton Paisner”

New trainees are teamed with existing trainees who will act as ‘buddies’, as well as a supervisor and trainee mentor. They must sit at least one seat in real estate and corporate finance departments.

There is also chance to select a client secondment or an international secondment to the Singapore, Brussels, Moscow or Abu Dhabi office.

VACATION SCHEME Schemes offer the opportunity to attend various other events alongside gaining experience within their departments, including a commercial awareness workshop; department presentations, social events with trainees and partners; and a final round interview for a training contract.

85% 85.4%

Winter Work Placements Vacation Schemes Training Contracts International Secondments First Year Opportunities

Berwin Leighton Paisner is an international, full service law firm with over 850 lawyers, based across 11 global offices. Their client network includes more than 30 FTSE 100 companies and seven of the world’s top 10 banks.

62

82.6%

TRAINING 81.8% 87.4%

CAREER PROGRESSION 99.1% 82.8%

@BLPTrainees

Vacation Scheme Training Contract

KEY STATISTICS No of Employees 1,400

Training Contract Places 45

Starting Salary £37,000

Vacation Scheme Places 100

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63

JOB SATISFACTION

TOP LAW FIRMS

N/A

for TRAINING CONTRACTS & VACATION SCHEMES 2013-2014

5

TRAINING CONTRACT

86.4%

Total Score: 86.1%

LEVEL OF SUPPORT

OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE

AWARDS WINNER – Best Training Contract – US Firm

ABOUT Bingham McCutchen is an international law firm with 15 offices worldwide.

The firm’s London office deals with international financial institution clients including some of the world’s most prominent hedge funds, insurance companies and investment banks. It currently employs over 50 solicitors with expertise in financial restructuring, litigation, financial regulatory and corporate law.

N/A 84.9%

Winter Work Placements Vacation Schemes Training Contracts International Secondments First Year Opportunities

TRAINING N/A 82.9%

CAREER PROGRESSION

Search “Bingham McCutchen” Search “Bingham McCutchen”

N/A 83.6%

@BinghamLaw Vacation Scheme Training Contract

TRAINING CONTRACT Trainee solicitors at Bingham complete a series of six-month seats during their two-year training contract, gaining valuable experience in four of the following practices: financial restructuring, finance, litigation, corporate, financial regulatory, EU/competition and tax. During this time, they hone their practical skills and commercial awareness through their first-hand exposure to high profile matters.

KEY STATISTICS No of Employees 110

Training Contract Places Up to 4

Starting Salary £40,000

Vacation Scheme Places N/A

VACATION SCHEME

FIND OUT MORE

Bingham McCutchen does not currently offer vacation schemes in the London office.

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JOB SATISFACTION

TOP LAW FIRMS

N/A

for TRAINING CONTRACTS & VACATION SCHEMES 2013-2014

26

TRAINING CONTRACT

74%

Total Score: 79.7%

LEVEL OF SUPPORT

OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE

ABOUT Browne Jacobson is a full service national law firm with offices in Nottingham, Birmingham, London, Manchester and Exeter. They have strengths across the commercial, public, health and insurance sectors.

N/A 75.8%

Winter Work Placements Vacation Schemes Training Contracts International Secondments First Year Opportunities

TRAINING N/A 81.8%

TRAINING CONTRACT Trainees at Browne Jacobson start with a comprehensive induction programme and a fast track professional skills course and then go on to undertake an extensive internal trainee development programme. They will spend four periods of six months in some of the principle areas of the firm, gaining an overview of the practice.

CAREER PROGRESSION

Search “Browne Jacobson” Search “Browne Jacobson LLP”

N/A 73.2%

@brownejtrainees Vacation Scheme Training Contract

VACATION SCHEME Browne Jacobson do not currently run a vacation scheme. They do have open days for penultimate year students who wish to obtain a training contract.

KEY STATISTICS No of Employees 705

Training Contract Places 8

Starting Salary £24,000

Vacation Scheme Places N/A

FIND OUT MORE allaboutlaw.co.uk/law-careers/law-firms/ browne-jacobson

AllAboutLaw.co.uk | Top Law Firms for Training Contracts & Vacation Schemes 2013-14

65

JOB SATISFACTION

TOP LAW FIRMS

89.1%

for TRAINING CONTRACTS & VACATION SCHEMES 2013-2014

22 3

VACATION SCHEME TRAINING CONTRACT

Total Score: 83.2%

LEVEL OF SUPPORT

Total Score: 86.4% OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE

AWARDS THIRD PLACE – Best Training Contract THIRD PLACE - Best Training Contract – National Firm

ABOUT Burges Salmon is one of the UK’s top commercial law firms. Their national and international client base ranges from private individuals to government departments and FTSE 100 companies including The Crown Estate, Discovery Channel, Lloyds Banking Group, The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority and FirstGroup.

TRAINING CONTRACT The training contract scheme consists of six seats — one of which must be in property. Trainees select their first four from shortlisted departments; the final two will be their personal choice and the department they will eventually join. They also have the opportunity to get involved with pro bono and client secondments.

VACATION SCHEME Each placement in June, July and August is for a period of two weeks. Interns spend each week in two different practice areas under the supervision of a partner or senior lawyer, gaining hands-on experience. Interns undergo various skills training sessions which are conducted by the current batch of trainee solicitors.

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86.9%

85.9% 83.9%

Winter Work Placements Vacation Schemes Training Contracts International Secondments First Year Opportunities

facebook.com/ burgessalmontrainee Search “Burges Salmon LLP”

TRAINING 81.3% 88.5%

CAREER PROGRESSION 91.2% 83.5%

@BurgesSalmon Vacation Scheme Training Contract

KEY STATISTICS No of Employees 590

Training Contract Places Varies

Starting Salary £33,000

Vacation Scheme Places Varies

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JOB SATISFACTION

TOP LAW FIRMS

85%

for TRAINING CONTRACTS & VACATION SCHEMES 2013-2014

27

VACATION SCHEME

37

TRAINING CONTRACT

73.6%

Total Score: 80.8%

LEVEL OF SUPPORT

Total Score: 74% OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE

AWARDS RUNNER UP – Best Vacation Scheme – US Firm THIRD PLACE – Best Training Contract – US Firm

ABOUT First established in 1946 in New York and Washington offices, Cleary Gottlieb has expanded to comprise of 16 offices across the US, Europe and the Far East. In recent times the firm has represented clients such as ArcelorMittal, HSBC Holdings Plc, Ferrari and Bank of America.

TRAINING CONTRACT Alongside their mandatory four seats, trainees can also work with teams working in other practice areas in order to facilitate a wider range of experience and learning, They have flexibility to continue working on a particular deal or assignment, even if the six-month period is completed for a particular seat, to be able to experience a case from start to finish.

VACATION SCHEME There are winter, spring and summer schemes.

They consist of practical work experience on actual deals and cases, presentations on each area of practice within the London office and interaction with the present trainees, other associates and partners in official and social events.

80% 74.1%

Winter Work Placements Vacation Schemes Training Contracts International Secondments First Year Opportunities

TRAINING 75% 74.7%

CAREER PROGRESSION

Search “Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton”

80%

Search “Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton”

74.3%

Vacation Scheme Training Contract

KEY STATISTICS No of Employees 190

Training Contract Places 13

Starting Salary £40,000

Vacation Scheme Places 35

FIND OUT MORE allaboutlaw.co.uk//law–careers/law–firms/ cleary–gottlieb–steen–hamilton–llp

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67

JOB SATISFACTION

TOP LAW FIRMS

91.5%

for TRAINING CONTRACTS & VACATION SCHEMES 2013-2014

14

VACATION SCHEME

36

TRAINING CONTRACT

Total Score: 88.2%

LEVEL OF SUPPORT

Total Score: 75.3% OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE

AWARDS WINNER – The Social Mobility Award

ABOUT DLA Piper is a global firm with 4,200 lawyers located in more than 30 countries throughout the Americas, Asia Pacific, Europe and the Middle East.

Their vision is to be the leading global business firm in each of their markets.

TRAINING CONTRACT Trainees complete four six-month seats and have an opportunity to express what areas of law they would like to experience, as well as a seat abroad or a client secondment. Responsibility levels are high for those that display the right aptitude and enthusiasm. Their approach to learning and development, combined with an open door policy, provides trainees with an excellent foundation on which to build their careers.

VACATION SCHEME There are up to 130 two-week placements across the UK offices, used to recruit trainees. You will sit with two departments and complete real work to develop your legal skills and demonstrate your ability. Work shadowing, court visits, bespoke presentations and group activities and social events with trainees also feature.

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74.3%

90.1% 75.1%

Winter Work Placements Vacation Schemes Training Contracts International Secondments First Year Opportunities

facebook.com/ dlapiperukgraduates

TRAINING 88.5% 81.4%

CAREER PROGRESSION

Search “DLA Piper Graduates”

93.8% 66.6%

@DLA_Piper_UK Vacation Scheme Training Contract

KEY STATISTICS No of Employees 8,000

Training Contract Places 80

Starting Salary £37,000

Vacation Scheme Places 130

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OPPORTUNITIES DLA Piper offers big opportunities to ambitious graduates – big firm, big clients, big careers.

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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 Copyright © 2013 DLA Piper. All rights reserved. | OCT13 | 2656173

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Don’t just take our word for it. Find out more at www.dlapipergraduates.co.uk

JOB SATISFACTION

TOP LAW FIRMS

87.1%

for TRAINING CONTRACTS & VACATION SCHEMES 2013-2014

20 2

VACATION SCHEME TRAINING CONTRACT

84.8%

Total Score: 83.5%

LEVEL OF SUPPORT

Total Score: 86.6% OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE

AWARDS RUNNER UP – Best Training Contract RUNNER UP – Best Training Contract - National Firm THIRD PLACE – Best Level of Support – Training Contract

ABOUT DWF is a UK business law firm with international reach. The firm’s legal experts combine real commercial understanding and deep sector knowledge to help clients anticipate issues, create opportunities and achieve the outcomes they need.

88.6% 88.8%

Winter Work Placements Vacation Schemes Training Contracts International Secondments First Year Opportunities

TRAINING 87.9% 86.4%

CAREER PROGRESSION

Search “DWF” @DWF_Law

87.9% 81.2%

TRAINING CONTRACT DWF’s unique training contract is divided into six four-month ‘seats’. This allows trainees to get a real taste of the variety of work they offer and make informed decisions about their future career.

Trainees have the opportunity to sit in specialist departments within all practice groups and return to a preferred department for their final seat; enabling up to eight months pre-qualification experience in their chosen field.

VACATION SCHEME Each summer the firm offer week-long vacation scheme placements. Interns become immersed in one of many practice groups and have the opportunity to complete legal skills training.

70

Vacation Scheme Training Contract

KEY STATISTICS No of Employees 2,450

Training Contract Places 48

Starting Salary Competitive

Vacation Scheme Places 60

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71

JOB SATISFACTION

TOP LAW FIRMS

86.1%

for TRAINING CONTRACTS & VACATION SCHEMES 2013-2014

21

VACATION SCHEME

13

TRAINING CONTRACT

84.4%

Total Score: 83.4%

LEVEL OF SUPPORT

Total Score: 84.4% OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE

ABOUT Eversheds work for some of the world’s most prestigious organisations in both the public and private sector. The firm has 46 offices in total in major cities across Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia.

83.9% 85.7%

Winter Work Placements Vacation Schemes Training Contracts International Secondments First Year Opportunities

TRAINING 83.8% 88.6%

TRAINING CONTRACT Eversheds’ trainees complete four six-month seats. Additional training is provided in drafting, business correspondence, conducting negotiations and general management skills. Each department has its own special training programme which will cover specific skills and requirements in detail relating to, for example, accepting instructions from clients, drafting communication, preparing case files and conducting research.

VACATION SCHEME Eversheds’ scheme runs for a period of two weeks during the summer in UK offices. Selected candidates will spend time in any two practice areas in the firm, gain a first-hand view of the work carried out and assist in completion of daily tasks allocated to them. Assessment exercises will be conducted during the scheme, and trainees who attend their vacation scheme are automatically considered for a training contract vacancy.

CAREER PROGRESSION

facebook.com/ legaltrainee Search “Eversheds”

88.9% 81.6%

@LegalTrainee

Vacation Scheme Training Contract

KEY STATISTICS No of Employees 4,000

Training Contract Places 52

Starting Salary £36,000

Vacation Scheme Places 90

FIND OUT MORE allaboutlaw.co.uk/law-careers/law-firms/ eversheds

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73

JOB SATISFACTION

TOP LAW FIRMS

95.8%

for TRAINING CONTRACTS & VACATION SCHEMES 2013-2014

5

VACATION SCHEME

1

TRAINING CONTRACT

94.9%

Total Score: 91.8%

LEVEL OF SUPPORT

Total Score: 93.6% OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE

AWARDS WINNER – Top Law Firm 2013-14 | WINNER – Best Training Contract | WINNER – Best Training Contract – National Firm WINNER – Best for Training – Training Contract | WINNER – Best Level of Support – Training Contract | WINNER – Best for Job Satisfaction – Training Contract | RUNNER UP – Best for Career Progression – Training Contract | THIRD PLACE – Best Vacation Scheme – National Firm

95% 95.7%

Winter Work Placements Vacation Schemes Training Contracts International Secondments First Year Opportunities

TRAINING 91.9% 97.4%

ABOUT Search “Farrer & Co” Farrer & Co provides advice to a large number of prominent private, institutional and commercial clients. The firm has an outstanding reputation in fields as diverse as matrimonial law, offshore tax planning, employment, heritage work, charity law, defamation and sports law.

CAREER PROGRESSION

Search “Farrer & Co” 86.1% 89.5%

Vacation Scheme Training Contract

TRAINING CONTRACT All trainees receive a solid grounding in commercial, litigation, private client and property law. The further two seats constitute the trainees’ ‘wild card’ option – a guaranteed choice of seat – and the department in which they will join on qualification.

VACATION SCHEME The firm runs two-week spring and summer vacation schemes. Each week is spent in a different team doing “real” work under supervision. Other activities include lunchtime seminars, Q&A sessions, a Courts tour, various social activities and a group case study involving legal research and presentation skills.

74

KEY STATISTICS No of Employees 375

Training Contract Places 10

Starting Salary £34,000

Vacation Scheme Places 30

FIND OUT MORE allaboutlaw.co.uk/law-careers/law-firms/ farrer-co

AllAboutLaw.co.uk | Top Law Firms for Training Contracts & Vacation Schemes 2013-14

Farrer & Co: Meet the Trainee Name: Alice Yandle From: Kent University: Oxford, Worcester College Year of training: Second Current seat: Family Law

“At Farrers you have the genuine ability to tailor make your training contract, being provided with the opportunity to have a real input into your seat choices and career progression” What made you apply to Farrer’s?

First and foremost, the depth and breadth of the firm’s practice areas. Farrer’s maintains its standing as arguably the best all-round private client firm, whilst also having a very strong commercial presence. Furthermore, the quality of training is exceptional and investment in trainees is second to none. At Farrer’s you have the genuine ability to tailor make your training contract, being provided with the opportunity to have a real input into your seat choices and career progression.

How would you describe the working culture at Farrer’s?

attending numerous client meetings and frequently liaising directly with clients. I have already been given the opportunity to be the main point of contact for a client, overseeing the entire matter from start to finish. The atmosphere at the firm is truly collegiate, with trainees working directly with all levels of seniority on client matters and regular inter-departmental interaction. The firm has a very friendly ethos.

What have been your highlights at Farrer’s so far?

My highlight thus far has been my involvement in a contentious employment matter back in my first seat in employment law, which went to the High Court. Having been involved in this matter from the start of my seat, I conducted meetings with the client by myself and was in charge of managing an aspect of the case as part of the litigation process.

What do you think Farrer’s look for in their candidates?

Someone with a real passion for the law and a genuine enthusiasm for the firm and the type of work that it does. There is no Farrer’s ‘type’; everyone brings something slightly unique to the firm and that’s what makes it the diverse and exciting place that it is to work at.

What would you say to prospective candidates?

Apply! I really believe that the experience you get as a trainee at Farrer’s is one of a kind. The fact that so many of the firm’s partners trained here speaks volumes. Do your research on the firm; its areas of specialisation and the type of clients it has, and match this to your skills. This will help you to stand out at interview.

As a trainee I have gained fantastic exposure to clients during my time at Farrer’s thus far,

AllAboutLaw.co.uk | Top Law Firms for Training Contracts & Vacation Schemes 2013-14

75

JOB SATISFACTION

TOP LAW FIRMS

88.1%

for TRAINING CONTRACTS & VACATION SCHEMES 2013-2014

16

VACATION SCHEME

39

TRAINING CONTRACT

68%

Total Score: 87.2%

LEVEL OF SUPPORT

Total Score: 72.3% OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE

ABOUT Field Fisher Waterhouse (FFW) is a European law firm with offices in Brussels, Hamburg, Munich, Paris, Manchester, London, Palo Alto and Shanghai. The firm has considerable expertise in niche practices.

88.8% 73%

Winter Work Placements Vacation Schemes Training Contracts International Secondments First Year Opportunities

TRAINING 87.9% 72.7%

TRAINING CONTRACT During each of the four seats, trainees will sit with a supervising partner or associate and trainees are expected to take on as much responsibility as early as possible. Work will include documentation, research, handling small claims or cases, meeting with clients and visiting courts if necessary. The elective modules of the Professional Skills Course are covered in 24 sessions throughout the training period, and other internal training programmes are scheduled regularly.

CAREER PROGRESSION

facebook.com/ FFWGraduates Search “Field Fisher Waterhouse”

92.5% 65.8%

@FFWGraduates Vacation Scheme Training Contract

VACATION SCHEME

KEY STATISTICS

There are two-week schemes in spring and summer. The time is spent within one department, during which interns carry out real work for real clients under the supervision of a partner or associate. The training programme also schedules in-depth departmental interactive presentations as well as coffee with the managing partner, meetings with members of the Board, and skills sessions.

No of Employees 750

Training Contract Places 12

Starting Salary £35,000

Vacation Scheme Places 20

FIND OUT MORE allaboutlaw.co.uk/law-careers/law-firms/fieldfisher-waterhouse

76

AllAboutLaw.co.uk | Top Law Firms for Training Contracts & Vacation Schemes 2013-14

JOB SATISFACTION

TOP LAW FIRMS

90.2%

for TRAINING CONTRACTS & VACATION SCHEMES 2013-2014

18

VACATION SCHEME

18

TRAINING CONTRACT

82%

Total Score: 85.5%

LEVEL OF SUPPORT

Total Score: 82.7% OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE

ABOUT Herbert Smith Freehills is a global firm with a dispute resolution practice acknowledged as number one in the UK and Asia. They are a market leader in corporate law with a particular strength in the energy sector.

86% 83.8%

Winter Work Placements Vacation Schemes Training Contracts International Secondments First Year Opportunities

TRAINING 88.9% 86.3%

TRAINING CONTRACT Trainees rotate through four six-month seats.

They will spend time in the dispute resolution and corporate divisions in London. Seats are also available in finance; real estate; employment, pensions and incentives; and competition, regulation and trade, as well as such specialist areas as IP, tax and advocacy. In each of your seats you will be assigned to, and supervised by, a partner or associate.

VACATION SCHEME Herbert Smith Freehills runs vacation schemes in the spring, summer and winter. As an intern you will share an office with a partner or associate and carry out tasks specific to the supervisor’s open case-work whilst gaining training and information on different practice areas. All students attending a spring vacation scheme in London have the opportunity to apply for a vacation scheme in one of our offices in Sydney, Melbourne, Brussels, Hong Kong, Madrid, Paris, Shanghai, Singapore or Tokyo.

facebook.com/ HSFgraduatesUK

CAREER PROGRESSION

Search “Herbert Smith Freehills”

92.1% 80.9%

@HSFgraduatesUK Vacation Scheme Training Contract

KEY STATISTICS No of Employees 2,725

Training Contract Places 85

Starting Salary £38,000

Vacation Scheme Places 100

FIND OUT MORE allaboutlaw.co.uk/law-careers/law-firms/herbertsmith-freehills

AllAboutLaw.co.uk | Top Law Firms for Training Contracts & Vacation Schemes 2013-14

77

JOB SATISFACTION

TOP LAW FIRMS

N/A

for TRAINING CONTRACTS & VACATION SCHEMES 2013-2014

32

TRAINING CONTRACT

75%

Total Score: 78.7%

LEVEL OF SUPPORT

ABOUT

OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE

The pre-merger firms of Lovells in the United Kingdom and Hogan & Hartson in the United States have illustrious histories. The merger resulted in one of the largest law firms in the world, currently with 40 offices in Europe, the USA, the Middle East and Asia.

Winter Work Placements Vacation Schemes Training Contracts International Secondments First Year Opportunities

N/A 82.3%

TRAINING N/A 81.1%

TRAINING CONTRACT The training contract is divided into four seats of six months each; seat allocation is based on trainee preferences, SRA regulations and the business needs of the firm. Trainees can also undertake six-month client secondments assigned to clients including Citibank, John Lewis, ExxonMobil, Barclays and Prudential, among others, and overseas secondments in the second year.

VACATION SCHEME The firms hosts vacations schemes in the winter, summer and spring. As an intern you will experience the role of a trainee first-hand through drafting documents, attending meetings, doing legal research and where possible, attending court.

Your hands-on learning will be complemented with tailored workshops, discussions and social events — giving you the chance to experience the best of all worlds.

facebook.com/ HoganLovellsGradsUK

CAREER PROGRESSION

Search “Hogan Lovells”

N/A 64.2%

@HoganLovells

Vacation Scheme Training Contract

KEY STATISTICS No of Employees 2,500

Training Contract Places 60

Starting Salary £39,000

Vacation Scheme Places 90

FIND OUT MORE allaboutlaw.co.uk/law-careers/law-firms/ hogan-lovells

78

AllAboutLaw.co.uk | Top Law Firms for Training Contracts & Vacation Schemes 2013-14

JOB SATISFACTION

TOP LAW FIRMS

92.1%

for TRAINING CONTRACTS & VACATION SCHEMES 2013-2014

10 4

VACATION SCHEME TRAINING CONTRACT

87.8%

Total Score: 90.8%

LEVEL OF SUPPORT

Total Score: 86.3% OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE

AWARDS WINNER – Best Training Contract – International Firm WINNER – Best for Career Progression – Training Contract

ABOUT Latham & Watkins was established in the US in 1934, with its first office in Los Angeles. At present, the firm has 32 offices with over 2,100 lawyers generating $2.2 billion in global revenue.

TRAINING CONTRACT

94.3% 87.5%

Winter Work Placements Vacation Schemes Training Contracts International Secondments First Year Opportunities

TRAINING 90.2% 88%

CAREER PROGRESSION

facebook.com/ lathamwatkins Search “Latham & Watkins”

94.9% 94.8%

@lathamwatkins Training consists of four six-month seats, including mandatory corporate, finance and litigation seats.

There is also an opportunity to spend six months in one of their overseas offices such as Hong Kong, Brussels, Doha, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, Singapore, Dubai, Paris, Moscow or New York. Trainees share an office with each seat supervisor and are also assigned an associate mentor.

VACATION SCHEME There are two-week placement schemes twice a year, one over Easter and one during the summer, for candidates who would like to obtain a training contract at the firm. The Easter scheme is for final year students, graduates, or are doing their GDL or LPC studies. The summer scheme targets penultimate year law students.

Vacation Scheme Training Contract

KEY STATISTICS No of Employees 426

Training Contract Places 20

Starting Salary £42,000

Vacation Scheme Places 40

FIND OUT MORE allaboutlaw.co.uk/law-careers/law-firms/ latham-watkins

AllAboutLaw.co.uk | Top Law Firms for Training Contracts & Vacation Schemes 2013-14

79

JOB SATISFACTION

TOP LAW FIRMS

92.6%

for TRAINING CONTRACTS & VACATION SCHEMES 2013-2014

19

VACATION SCHEME

21

TRAINING CONTRACT

Total Score: 84.7%

LEVEL OF SUPPORT

Total Score: 81.3% OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE

ABOUT Mayer Brown is a global law firm with offices in key business centres across Asia, Europe and the Americas. In Brazil, the firm has an association with Tauil & Chequer Avogados.

Clients include a significant proportion of the Fortune 100, FTSE 100 and DAX and Hang Seng Index and organisations in the banking, insurance, communications, industrials, energy, construction, professional services, pharmaceuticals, chemicals and mining sectors.

TRAINING CONTRACT The two-year training contract is a mix of hands-on work experience and training across four seats of six months’ duration, based on trainee preference from a list of 24 practice areas in the London office, client secondments or overseas placements at one of Mayer Brown’s offices in New York or Hong Kong. Seat preferences can be amended as the training contract progresses, based on experience and training gained up to that point.

VACATION SCHEME Three vacation schemes are conducted annually (one in spring, two in summer) with a total intake of 30 students. Interns work across two departments, share an office with a partner or senior associate, attend presentations on all practice areas and work on a group project with other interns.

80

77.8%

82% 82.1%

Winter Work Placements Vacation Schemes Training Contracts International Secondments First Year Opportunities

TRAINING 75% 86.4%

CAREER PROGRESSION

facebook.com/ mayerbrown Search “Mayer Brown”

88% 79.7%

@MayerBrownGrads

Vacation Scheme Training Contract

KEY STATISTICS No of Employees 500

Training Contract Places 20

Starting Salary £37.500

Vacation Scheme Places 30

FIND OUT MORE allaboutlaw.co.uk/law-careers/law-firms/ mayer-brown-llp

AllAboutLaw.co.uk | Top Law Firms for Training Contracts & Vacation Schemes 2013-14

AllAboutLaw.co.uk | Top Law Firms for Training Contracts & Vacation Schemes 2013-14

81

JOB SATISFACTION

TOP LAW FIRMS

93.5%

for TRAINING CONTRACTS & VACATION SCHEMES 2013-2014

8 20

VACATION SCHEME TRAINING CONTRACT

Total Score: 91%

LEVEL OF SUPPORT

Total Score: 81.9% OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE

AWARDS THIRD PLACE – Best Vacation Scheme – International Firm

ABOUT Nabarro is a major commercial law firm. They have 110 partners leading more than 300 lawyers who deal with major national and international clients. The firm’s headquarters are in central London with a network of offices in Singapore, Sheffield and Brussels.

TRAINING CONTRACT The training contract programme consists of six four-month seats. The firm’s areas of work include corporate and commercial law, banking and finance, real estate, dispute resolution, planning, pensions and employment, IP/IT, tax, construction and engineering, projects and environmental law.

Trainees can also undertake a seat in the Brussels office or a client secondment.

VACATION SCHEME This scheme lasts for three weeks rather than the usual two. Nabarro recruit all of their trainees directly from the scheme. Interns spend the whole period with one department. There will be a team project as well as social events and chance to network with people across the firm.

82

81.4%

94% 81.7%

Winter Work Placements Vacation Schemes Training Contracts International Secondments First Year Opportunities

Search “Nabarro LLP”

TRAINING 92.6% 85.2%

CAREER PROGRESSION

Search “Nabarro LLP” 98.1%

@nabarro

81%

Vacation Scheme Training Contract

KEY STATISTICS No of Employees 832

Training Contract Places 25

Starting Salary £37,000

Vacation Scheme Places 55

FIND OUT MORE allaboutlaw.co.uk/law-careers/law-firms/ nabarro-llp

AllAboutLaw.co.uk | Top Law Firms for Training Contracts & Vacation Schemes 2013-14

Our Summer Scheme.

A dozen awards, and counting.

What are your chances of winning a Training Contract with Nabarro without first getting to know us on our Summer Scheme? In a word, non-existent. These days, every trainee who joins us starts here.

To find out why joining Nabarro, via our multi-award-winning Summer Scheme, will greatly increase your chances of building the kind of career you want, just roll up for a chat at the next Law Fair you see us at. We’d love to meet you.

Or visit: www.graduates.nabarro.com

Your future AllAboutLaw.co.uk as a lawyer. Leave nothing to chance. | Top Law Firms for Training Contracts & Vacation Schemes 2013-14

83

JOB SATISFACTION

TOP LAW FIRMS

97.3%

for TRAINING CONTRACTS & VACATION SCHEMES 2013-2014

4 17

VACATION SCHEME TRAINING CONTRACT

83.6%

Total Score: 92.3%

LEVEL OF SUPPORT

Total Score: 82.9% OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE

AWARDS WINNER – Best Vacation Scheme – International Firm THIRD PLACE – Best for Job Satisfaction – Vacation Scheme

ABOUT Norton Rose Fulbright’s offices are spread across over 50 cities in North and South America, Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia. Key industry sectors for the London office are energy, financial institutions, infrastructure, mining and commodities, transport, technology and innovation and life sciences and healthcare.

89.3% 83.2%

Winter Work Placements Vacation Schemes Training Contracts International Secondments First Year Opportunities

TRAINING 89.3% 86.3%

Search “Norton Rose Fulbright Graduates”

CAREER PROGRESSION

Search “Norton Rose Fulbright Graduates”

96.3% 79.8%

@NLegal_GradUK Vacation Scheme Training Contract

TRAINING CONTRACT Corporate, banking and finance, and dispute resolution and litigation all feature as seats, with the fourth seat giving you the opportunity to go on secondment. Trainees take part in a tailored training development programme to build a career not just as a lawyer, but as a business advisor.

VACATION SCHEME The firm offers a paid winter and summer scheme.

Experience is in at least two practice areas, with training sessions on key skills as a lawyer. There will also be plenty of social events to meet trainees, lawyers and partners.

84

KEY STATISTICS No of Employees 3,800+

Training Contract Places Approx. 55

Starting Salary £38,000

Vacation Scheme Places Approx. 45

FIND OUT MORE allaboutlaw.co.uk/law-careers/law-firms/ norton-rose

AllAboutLaw.co.uk | Top Law Firms for Training Contracts & Vacation Schemes 2013-14

JOB SATISFACTION

TOP LAW FIRMS

93.7%

for TRAINING CONTRACTS & VACATION SCHEMES 2013-2014

9 31

VACATION SCHEME TRAINING CONTRACT

76.3%

Total Score: 90.9%

LEVEL OF SUPPORT

Total Score: 78.8% OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE

AWARDS THIRD PLACE – Best for Career Progression – Vacation Scheme

ABOUT

91.5% 77.6%

Winter Work Placements Vacation Schemes Training Contracts International Secondments First Year Opportunities

Osborne Clarke have particular expertise in digital business, energy & utilities, financial services and real estate & infrastructure. They are also experts in the range of legal services, from business regulation to tax.

facebook.com/ osborneclarketrainee

TRAINING CONTRACT

Search “Osborne Clarke”

TRAINING 88.8% 81%

CAREER PROGRESSION 98.3% 63.3%

Trainees at Osborne Clarke work in four seats for a period of six months each, with compulsory seats in corporate, commercial disputes and an option between property and tax. A training supervisor is assigned to allocate and supervise work activities, providing feedback as needed throughout the seat.

KEY STATISTICS

VACATION SCHEME

No of Employees 1,000

Training Contract Places 20

Starting Salary

Vacation Scheme Places 20

Osborne Clarke runs a two-week summer programme, in which interns spend one week each in two different areas of practice. Practical experience is provided with the allocation of tasks similar to those carried out by trainee solicitors.

If you do well during the placement then you will be invited to interview for a training contract with the firm.

@OC_Trainee Vacation Scheme Training Contract

£32,000 (Bristol) £36,500 (London & Reading)

FIND OUT MORE allaboutlaw.co.uk/law-careers/law-firms/ osborne-clarke

AllAboutLaw.co.uk | Top Law Firms for Training Contracts & Vacation Schemes 2013-14

85

JOB SATISFACTION

TOP LAW FIRMS

98.2%

for TRAINING CONTRACTS & VACATION SCHEMES 2013-2014

2

VACATION SCHEME

6

TRAINING CONTRACT

85.7%

Total Score: 94.2%

LEVEL OF SUPPORT

Total Score: 86%

AWARD(S) WON RUNNER UP – Best Vacation Scheme | RUNNER UP – Best Vacation Scheme – National Firm | RUNNER UP – Best for Career Progression – Vacation Scheme | THIRD PLACE – Top Law Firm 2013-14

ABOUT Penningtons Manches is a law firm with a 300-year history. They provide a broad range of services for businesses and individuals and operate out of London, Cambridge, Hampshire and Surrey.

They manage overseas work and clients through membership in two international networks – Multilaw and the European Law Group, of which they are also a founder-member.

OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE

93.8% 87.1%

Winter Work Placements Vacation Schemes Training Contracts International Secondments First Year Opportunities

Search “Penningtons Manches LLP”

TRAINING 90% 85.7%

CAREER PROGRESSION

@Penningtonslaw

98% 84.3%

Vacation Scheme Training Contract

TRAINING CONTRACT Penningtons Manches training contracts involve four seats across the firm’s three divisions. Inhouse seminars and monthly ‘Trainee Thursdays’ – sessions on current topics of interest or skills training – and the PSC also feature.

VACATION SCHEME A one-week paid placement programme is offered in London, Hampshire and Surrey in July. Interns spend time in one of the firm’s practice areas to get an idea of life as a Penningtons trainee.

86

KEY STATISTICS No of Employees 350

Training Contract Places 10

Starting Salary £31,500

Vacation Scheme Places 24

FIND OUT MORE allaboutlaw.co.uk/law-careers/law-firms/ penningtons

AllAboutLaw.co.uk | Top Law Firms for Training Contracts & Vacation Schemes 2013-14

JOB SATISFACTION

TOP LAW FIRMS

96%

for TRAINING CONTRACTS & VACATION SCHEMES 2013-2014

12

VACATION SCHEME

30

TRAINING CONTRACT

75.8%

Total Score: 89.9%

LEVEL OF SUPPORT

Total Score: 79%

ABOUT

OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE

Reed Smith currently represents some of the world’s biggest commercial and savings banks, oil and gas companies and largest pharmaceutical organisations. The firm has a renowned shipping practice and its advertising law practice is regarded as among the legal industry’s finest.

Winter Work Placements Vacation Schemes Training Contracts International Secondments First Year Opportunities

89.4% 79.3%

TRAINING 91.4% 82.8%

TRAINING CONTRACT Trainees at Reed Smith only work on commercial matters, but can choose seats from any of the following practice areas: company law, commercial and finance law, commercial litigation, employment law, media law, energy and natural resources law, shipping law or property law. There is also an option to do an international or client secondment.

VACATION SCHEME Vacation schemes at Reed Smith take place in the summer — one in June and one in July. Each vacation scheme student undertakes two ‘miniseats’ in two of the firm’s many practice areas.

They are also given the chance to take part in skills sessions and social activities. All candidates who take part in the scheme will be invited to attend an interview for a Reed Smith training contract.

facebook.com/ reedsmithgraduatesuk

CAREER PROGRESSION

Search “Reed Smith”

90.6% 79.9%

@reedsmithllp

Vacation Scheme Training Contract

KEY STATISTICS No of Employees 600

Training Contract Places 24

Starting Salary £37,000

Vacation Scheme Places 20

FIND OUT MORE allaboutlaw.co.uk/law-careers/law-firms/ reed-smith

AllAboutLaw.co.uk | Top Law Firms for Training Contracts & Vacation Schemes 2013-14

87

JOB SATISFACTION

TOP LAW FIRMS

N/A

for TRAINING CONTRACTS & VACATION SCHEMES 2013-2014

35

TRAINING CONTRACT

72.5%

Total Score: 76.6%

LEVEL OF SUPPORT

OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE

ABOUT One of the oldest law firms in the US, Shearman & Sterling has grown over the years into a global entity with 18 offices in top commercial cities and a total staff strength of over 2,000. The UK office was opened in 1972.

N/A 75.5%

Winter Work Placements Vacation Schemes Training Contracts International Secondments First Year Opportunities

TRAINING N/A 79.4%

TRAINING CONTRACT Training contracts are apportioned into four sixmonth seats. Two seats will be from the firm’s core sectors (finance, M&A, or project development and finance). One seat may also be completed overseas in offices such as New York, Abu Dhabi, Singapore or Brussels. For those not completing a contentious seat, trainees attend a two-week course in litigation to comply with Law Society rules and participate in pro bono cases.

VACATION SCHEME There are three batches of vacation schemes lasting two weeks over the spring and summer.

Each participant is assigned a partner contact, supervisor and mentor, ensuring they have access to a diverse range of work.

Search “Shearman & Sterling”

CAREER PROGRESSION

Search “Shearman & Sterling LLP”

N/A 69.8%

@ShearmanGreen Vacation Scheme Training Contract

KEY STATISTICS No of Employees 250

Training Contract Places Approx. 15

Starting Salary £39,000

Vacation Scheme Places 30

FIND OUT MORE allaboutlaw.co.uk/law-careers/law-firms/ shearman-sterling

88

AllAboutLaw.co.uk | Top Law Firms for Training Contracts & Vacation Schemes 2013-14

AllAboutLaw.co.uk | Top Law Firms for Training Contracts & Vacation Schemes 2013-14

89

JOB SATISFACTION

TOP LAW FIRMS

96.1%

for TRAINING CONTRACTS & VACATION SCHEMES 2013-2014

1 11

VACATION SCHEME TRAINING CONTRACT

83.8%

Total Score: 96%

LEVEL OF SUPPORT

Total Score: 84.7% OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE

AWARDS WINNER – Best Vacation Scheme | WINNER – Best Vacation Scheme – National Firm | WINNER – Best for Training – Vacation Scheme RUNNER UP – Top Law Firm 2013-14 | RUNNER UP – Best for Career Progression – Vacation Scheme | RUNNER UP – Best Level of Support – Vacation Scheme | THIRD PLACE – Best Use of Social Media in a Trainee & Vacation Scheme Recruitment Campaign

97.5% 87.7%

Winter Work Placements Vacation Schemes Training Contracts International Secondments First Year Opportunities

TRAINING 95.7% 89.6%

ABOUT Formerly, a regional firm, Shoosmiths has made a successful move into the national stage, operating out of ten offices across the UK and employing over 1,300 personnel.

facebook.com/ shoosmithsgraduates

CAREER PROGRESSION

Search “Shoosmiths”

99% 69.8%

@shoosmithsgrads

TRAINING CONTRACT The two-year programme includes ongoing networking and learning opportunities both inside and outside the office throughout four six-month seats. Opportunities for client secondments are also possible; past secondments have included Mercedes Benz and Hewlett Packard.

VACATION SCHEME One week in June or July in Edinburgh, Manchester, Birmingham, Nottingham, Milton Keynes, Reading or Southampton. Interns have trainee buddies and sit within one department. Placements are open to final year non-law students, penultimate year law students, GDL or LPC students and graduates.

90

Vacation Scheme Training Contract

KEY STATISTICS No of Employees 1,300

Training Contract Places 22

Starting Salary £24,000

Vacation Scheme Places 45

FIND OUT MORE allaboutlaw.co.uk/law-careers/law-firms/ shoosmiths-llp

AllAboutLaw.co.uk | Top Law Firms for Training Contracts & Vacation Schemes 2013-14

AllAboutLaw.co.uk | Top Law Firms for Training Contracts & Vacation Schemes 2013-14

91

JOB SATISFACTION

TOP LAW FIRMS

N/A

for TRAINING CONTRACTS & VACATION SCHEMES 2013-2014

14

TRAINING CONTRACT

85.1%

Total Score: 84.1%

LEVEL OF SUPPORT

OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE

AWARDS RUNNER UP – Best Training Contract – US Firm

ABOUT First established in 1866 in Chicago, US law firm Sidley Austin merged with Brown & Wood in 2001 and became known as Sidley Austin LLP. The firm has a global reputation for its litigation, regulatory and transactional expertise, with offices in the US, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region.

TRAINING CONTRACT Trainee solicitors with Sidley Austin LLP undertake four seats, each for a period of six months, during which they sit with a partner or a senior lawyer. The seat supervisor is responsible for allocating work, providing guidance and reviewing performance at the mid-point and end of the seat.

VACATION SCHEME The firm’s vacation scheme runs for two weeks across June and July. The scheme is paid, and applications are accepted up until 31 January of each year, although places will be allocated to the strongest candidates on a first-come-firstserved basis.

N/A 83.9%

Winter Work Placements Vacation Schemes Training Contracts International Secondments First Year Opportunities

facebook.com/ sidleyaustinllpofficial Search “Sidley Austin LLP”

TRAINING N/A 89.5%

CAREER PROGRESSION N/A 80.4%

@SidleyNewsroom Vacation Scheme Training Contract

KEY STATISTICS No of Employees 220

Training Contract Places 10

Starting Salary £41,000

Vacation Scheme Places 12

FIND OUT MORE allaboutlaw.co.uk/law-careers/law-firms/sidleyaustin-llp

92

AllAboutLaw.co.uk | Top Law Firms for Training Contracts & Vacation Schemes 2013-14

AllAboutLaw.co.uk | Top Law Firms for Training Contracts & Vacation Schemes 2013-14

93

JOB SATISFACTION

TOP LAW FIRMS

94.3%

for TRAINING CONTRACTS & VACATION SCHEMES 2013-2014

17

VACATION SCHEME

24

TRAINING CONTRACT

78.8%

Total Score: 87.1%

LEVEL OF SUPPORT

Total Score: 80.3%

ABOUT

OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE

Slaughter and May is a prestigious law firm. Their lawyers work on high profile and ground-breaking international transactions and have a varied client list. They have offices in London, Brussels, Hong Kong and Beijing and work closely with leading independent law firms around the world.

Winter Work Placements Vacation Schemes Training Contracts International Secondments First Year Opportunities

93% 81.8%

TRAINING 87% 87.7%

TRAINING CONTRACT The training contracts combine hands-on experience with practitioner-led training sessions.

The firm regularly sends trainees on secondment to a range of jurisdictions including Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, and the USA.

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CAREER PROGRESSION

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84.7% 83.4%

@slaughterandmay Vacation Scheme Training Contract

VACATION SCHEME The training schedule will cover details on working in a City firm and Slaughter and May’s profile and work, with some hands-on experience in real casework and research into relevant subjects.

There are three summer work experience schemes, two two-day Christmas workshops each year and a first year open day in April.

KEY STATISTICS No of Employees 1,100

Training Contract Places 75-80

Starting Salary £39,000

Vacation Scheme Places 80

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AllAboutLaw.co.uk | Top Law Firms for Training Contracts & Vacation Schemes 2013-14

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JOB SATISFACTION

TOP LAW FIRMS

89%

for TRAINING CONTRACTS & VACATION SCHEMES 2013-2014

23

VACATION SCHEME

22

TRAINING CONTRACT

82.1%

Total Score: 83%

LEVEL OF SUPPORT

Total Score: 81.3%

ABOUT

OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE

Withers LLP has established a high reputation for family law and landed estate work, and is known for its private client practice. It has offices in London, Milan, New York, Geneva, New Haven, Greenwich, Hong Kong, Zurich, Singapore and the British Virgin Islands.

Winter Work Placements Vacation Schemes Training Contracts International Secondments First Year Opportunities

86.3% 81.6%

TRAINING 83.3% 84.2%

TRAINING CONTRACT As a Withers trainee, you will undertake four seats of six months’ duration from a selection of practice areas covering family, corporate, real estate, charities, litigation and wealth planning. Formal, structured training is conducted simultaneously throughout the contract and after qualification.

CAREER PROGRESSION

facebook.com/ WithersWorld Search “Withers LLP”

89.1% 76.3%

@WithersLLP

Vacation Scheme Training Contract

VACATION SCHEME Vacation scheme placements are in the London office during spring and summer. Departments in which interns could be placed include corporate, employment, family, litigation, real estate and wealth planning law. You will experience two different departments across the two weeks and work on a case study as part of a group, involving a client meeting, drafting and mediating a settlement.

KEY STATISTICS No of Employees 700

Training Contract Places 10

Starting Salary £34,000

Vacation Scheme Places 18

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AllAboutLaw.co.uk | Top Law Firms for Training Contracts & Vacation Schemes 2013-14

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TOP LAW FIRMS for TRAINING CONTRACTS & VACATION SCHEMES 2013-14

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