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Satisfaction with Work

• "Everyone at Olswang is very approachable. Trainees are included in the team and expected to take on as much responsibility as is reasonable. Depending on what department you are in, you have varying degrees of interaction with clients, but in general trainees are encouraged to contact clients directly. In general, trainees have direct contact with partners and we are actively encouraged to work with everyone, at whichever level." -- Second year trainee
• "Satisfied in my current department, I get a good amount of responsibility, a bewildering amount sometimes but it's a fantastic learning curve. There is interaction with clients, a lot of interaction with the other law firm representing a party in a deal, and I have been exposed to a broad range of matters and deals." -- First year trainee
• "Client contact depends on the seat, but where possible it is good; my first seat was real estate and I had a great deal of client contact. Contact with partners is also high – I have shared an office with partners for my first two seats and they are generally happy to talk to trainees, and most keep their office doors open. I think that we get a good quality of work and, at any rate, in the seats I have been in so far, I have done very little ‘donkey work’." -- First year trainee
• "I think this varies hugely depending upon department. I currently feel happy with the amount of exposure I get with clients and the variety of work I'm offered. The transactions I'm working on are interesting media-related jobs so I'm enjoying them and the clients are friendly. I feel like the learning curve is steep – but I expected this and I feel challenged, but also stimulated." -- First year trainee

• "Generally, I have had good quality work, particularly during my second seat which was in media litigation. I have been very lucky to have had excellent client contact, including working at a major media organisation for a few weeks while working on a major piece of litigation. As a trainee, sometimes work is menial, but generally if you show willingness and enthusiasm for a particular work sector it can be beneficial and you will see good work come your way. I experienced this in a positive way in both corporate and litigation." -- Second year trainee
• "Overall, the partners are approachable and you will often have direct contact with them, even if there is also an associate on the deal/case. Interaction with clients is mixed and tends to be greater when the work is less complex. Some deals/cases I have been involved with are the sale of companies in the media sector, film financing deals, shareholder disputes, fraud matters, banking litigation and TV production and carriage agreements." -- Second year trainee
• "I am presently in the media litigation team, which was my first-choice seat. I have been amazed at the quality of the work I've been given, most of which is competing for front-page national headlines, and only rarely do I feel like a trainee at all. Other departments obviously vary considerably, so there have been instances where I've just been given mountains of documents to review. However, overall I don't think I would get anything like the quality of the work I have had at any other firm of this size or calibre." -- First year trainee

What does your typical day at work involve?

• "This is obviously pretty varied depending on the department, but trainees will often be given research tasks to do, sometimes simple drafting work. On larger matters there is usually a lot of document management work which will be a trainee's responsibility, for example data rooms on corporate transactions or bundling in litigation. Sometimes trainees will attend client meetings or go to court and will usually be asked to take a note." -- Second year trainee
• "At the moment I am in a tax seat. I do a good deal of research on details of tax legislation, case law, and revenue practice. I am assisting on one large property deal. I have been able to draft initial versions of a few documents, e.g. services agreements, articles on tax updates, notes of advice to clients." -- First year trainee
• "Updating CP lists, sorting through documents received, and seeing if I have any comments to update the associate about, responding to the other side with our comments, drafting director's certificates and board minutes to satisfy the CPs required, drafting MG01s/MG02s, researching legislation, etc." -- First year trainee

• "It can be anything from drafting ancillary documents, to working on a verification report or doing a company search. As trainees, we often end up helping each other out, which creates a nice feeling of unity and team work. I do the odd piece of independent work, but generally find myself working solidly on a transaction on bit of the process or another over a matter of days or weeks." -- First year trainee
• "No two days are the same. I have been involved in rushing to court to obtain last minute privacy injunctions, conference calls with celeb clients, checking national media to see whether clients have been defamed/injunctions breached, research on all matters of commercial litigation and law, drafting lots of different documents, including legal letters to opponents and 3rd parties and to the courts. Perhaps the best day was instructing private investigators to set up a 'sting' operation to serve documents on someone blackmailing a client. I have also been involved in international disputes both in the courts and ADR. It's pretty non-stop at times, but very exciting." -- First year trainee

Culture

• "The culture of the firm is generally relaxed with a high praise for good work ethic; people can generally do what they like so long as the work gets done. Trainees support each other and socialise, but perhaps mostly on a small group basis. However, the firm is always putting on schemes to encourage wider interaction." -- First year trainee
• "You have a supervising associate and supervising partner in each seat, and you tend to sit with your supervising associate (although that is not a hard and fast rule). You are encouraged to work for as many people in each department as possible and trainees will often ‘floor-walk’ to find work first before sending out capacity emails as face-to-face contact is often a lot more effective and preferred. You are also given a mentor at the beginning of your training contract, who will be a partner from your first department. While some trainees find having a partner mentor provides an invaluable and confidential sounding board throughout their two years, others rely on it less. Recently, first seaters have also been given a trainee mentor or buddy to help them settle into the firm. The trainees are pretty good at socialising, especially at end of month drinks, and there are lots of committees, socials, sports teams and volunteering opportunities to take advantage of, although the recent division into four smaller intakes can sometimes make things a little separated." -- Second year trainee
• "Trainees do tend to socialise and are generally supportive of each other. It tends to be more ad hoc drinks out rather than organised events although this is starting to change a bit with the introduction of a trainee social committee." -- Second year trainee
• "Trainees are in general supportive; we socialise to an extent, but it's proving difficult to find the time to do so. There are occasional firm events, e.g. end of month drinks. It's a very friendly place to work day to day." -- First year trainee

• "I think this depends on the size of the department. Mine has lots of trainees in it and I feel that there is a very friendly, supportive atmosphere. Fourth seaters are really willing to help you out, and there are lots of people to talk to if you're having a tough time of it or your hours are long. There's a sense of camaraderie I really appreciate. We socialise together on a fairly regular basis, either within in our intakes (e.g. taking lunch together) or departmentally (department drinks)." -- First year trainee
• "Culture around the office is very un-stuffy, friendly and informal. There is a collegiate atmosphere and everyone is very approachable. There is no concept of 'face-time', which I have experienced on vac schemes at other firms, where trainees and even associates feel they need to stay late regardless of what work they have. Trainees support each other well, particularly within departments if there is a big task and/or lack of capacity, and the social scene is good." -- First year trainee
• "Each department is a little different. But in general the firm has a very open culture and encourages social life – drinks after work once in a while, depending on work load. Quite a few firm-wide social events are organised too and usually well attended. The trainees really support each other and often socialise together – or at least that has been my experience!" -- Second year trainee
• "The firm has a good culture with an open-door policy and a variety of social activities to choose from. Trainees have also established a trainee liaison committee, which is subdivided to include both a trainee-specific sport and social committee so various trainee-specific events are organised and encouraged." -- First year trainee

Seats during the Training Contract

• "Trainees do four seats of six months each, sitting in four different departments. Technically, all departments are available to sit in, but some have far more availability than others. Trainees are encouraged to identify their ’hot seat’ and HR will try to ensure that they get that seat – otherwise you request seats, but there's no guarantee you'll get them. I got my first choice of seat for my first seat. You can do a seat abroad in Europe, but it's a pretty rare opportunity as yet. It looks as though the chance to do this will increase over the next few years as the firm expands across Europe." -- First year trainee
• "Trainees will do four seats during their training contracts. Although HR make an effort to ensure each trainee will get their first preference, at least once during the training contract competition tends to be fierce for the more popular choices such as IP and MCT – this sometimes means sitting in areas that may not appeal. There is the possibility to go abroad to a European office, such as Brussels or Paris. There are also opportunities for secondments with some decent clients." -- Second year trainee
• "Four seats, one must be litigation, one must be corporate. Generally, people are not able to do two litigation seats... We are able to go to the Brussels office, and possibly Paris." -- Second year trainee
• "Trainees complete four six-month seats and all must do a corporate seat and a contentious seat. In terms of choice, HR try to give trainees their first choice options where possible, and usually trainees experience this once or twice. Random placements that pay no resemblance to a trainee's plans and skills are not uncommon." -- Second year trainee

• "Trainees sit four seats of six months each. Trainees are allowed to state preferences, however, we are only permitted to do one litigation seat which can be very frustrating. Seats abroad are limited, however with more foreign offices opening it is hoped that the foreign opportunities available will increase." -- First year trainee
• "We do four seats of six months each. The choice of departments is: corporate, finance, commercial litigation, employment, IP, commercial, competition, real estate, real estate litigation and construction. You put down two or three choices and should usually get one of those choices. Some trainees can be unlucky for a certain seat (although if they don't get one of their choices, HR does try to place trainees in departments that they think will suit the particular trainee), but they are then very likely to get their first choice the next time round. There is a trainee doing a seat in Paris at the moment and this will probably become more possible. Trainees also get sent on secondment in-house at clients." -- Second year trainee
• "Each trainee does four seats. The general rule is that everyone has to do a corporate seat and a litigation seat, but you are given the opportunity to put down first, second and third choices for each seat you do, as well as a ‘hot seat’... Getting two litigation seats is rare, although it is possible. There is also the opportunity to go on client secondment, and there are usually five or six client secondments at any one time and there are also opportunities to do seats in Brussels and Paris." -- Second year trainee

Formal Training

• "The training is peppered throughout your two years. You're expected to attend everything unless you have a real reason for not going, and this is respected by supervisors. Most helpful is having information to take away – I use my training books/files quite regularly." -- First year trainee
• "Training programmes are organised per department. They are taken fairly seriously, although client work will always come first, so at times it is difficult to explain that you have training when you are busy. Most people are understanding though and they are worthwhile sessions." -- First year trainee
• "The firm's formal training is generally pretty good. Sometimes it's excellent and this usually depends on the speaker’s knowledge of the subject area. Junior associates are often tasked with trainee training and at times it can feel like a bit of a waste of time if it's a quick run through of things you've already covered at law school. That said, there are also opportunities to attend the formal training that the firm puts on a department by department basis to all levels of fee earners, and this is often excellent." -- Second year trainee

• "Each department organises its own trainee training which generally consists of presentations given by associates to the trainees. These are taken very seriously and trainees are expected to attend. PSC training is arranged throughout the two years and can sometimes fall at times when you are very busy with client work." -- Second year trainee
• "The PSC core courses are spread out throughout most of the first year. The PSC electives are partly spread out and partly bunged onto the end of the training contract, although there's not much ’electing’ done on the part of the trainee. Apart from the PSC Courses, each department has its own trainee training programme, which are pretty comprehensive and compulsory to attend. I have generally picked up drafting, research and advocacy skills, as well as technical practice area-specific knowledge via these training sessions." -- Second year trainee
• "They always encourage you to attend and they are taken seriously, with many associates giving up their time to tutor us." -- First year trainee

Informal Training & Mentoring

• "In my experience, the solicitors and partners have been very accessible and have made excellent mentors. They take the time to keep in touch throughout your two years as a trainee and teach you everything they can." -- Second year trainee
• "Personally I've received excellent feedback from tasks, and everyone is very approachable. Often it is a matter of being pro-active and asking for tips rather than expecting people to coach you." -- First year trainee
• "Most associates and partners are pretty good at comprehensively explaining the background to matters and work, and in giving constructive feedback once the work is done." -- Second year trainee
• "People will generally give informal training when they have time and if you ask for it. Very few people are inaccessible. Not everybody is good at ‘mentoring’, but the ratio of those who are and are not is probably about normal; that is to say, mentoring is a skill which not everybody has. It's not to do with the firm." -- First year trainee

• "There's a very good support system here: I have a trainee buddy, a partner mentor, my supervisor, and my supervising partner, as well as my work allocation partner, and my own friends/fellow trainees. My supervisor provides an excellent level of training; she's friendly and approachable and I can always ask her questions so I feel she gives me informal training on a regular basis." -- First year trainee
• "Each trainee is assigned a mentoring partner on joining the firm with whom you have six weekly catch-ups to ensure everything is okay. Each trainee is also assigned a trainee buddy who is normally a third seat trainee with whom fortnightly catch-ups are encouraged. The support network on offer to trainees is therefore fairly comprehensive." -- First year trainee
• "My mentor partner has made it clear that he is always available should I need him and we have six-weekly meetings to discuss any issues that may arise. The partner that I sit with also takes various opportunities to show me how I could learn from a particular situation." -- First year trainee

Diversity (women, minorities & LGBT)

• "There is a diversity committee and I think there is an LGBT society. As with most City firms, there is a higher proportion of women compared to men at the trainee level, but this pattern is flipped at the partner level. The firm is still predominantly white at the fee-earner level in general, although there is a smattering of other ethnicities throughout the ranks." -- Second year trainee
• "I think there are lots of opportunities for women in terms of career progression." -- First year trainee

• "Many women fee earners; not so many women partners, but probably a good ratio in relation to many firms." -- First year trainee
• "Their maternity leave packages appear to be exemplary and they recently took part in an initiative to encourage more black students to apply. The firm's higher tiers have a very strong number of women, which makes women at all levels feel that there is no glass ceiling." -- First year trainee

Offices & Dress Code

• "The dress code is pretty relaxed – girls wear attractive dresses, etc. – there's a definite lean towards media edgy! Men always stick with shirts and suit trousers though. Suits are encouraged for client meetings but not compulsory. Dress down Friday is a relaxed affair and most people wear jeans. The location of the office is great; we have a good canteen but most people like to try to escape as much as possible for fresh air." -- First year trainee
• "Office space is well laid out with breakout and kitchen areas. Location is excellent." -- Second year trainee
• "Location is good, by Holborn tube so 10 minutes in either direction from the City, West End and Covent Garden. The dress code is 'work casual', i.e. suits without ties, and there is a dress down Friday where people are encouraged to wear jeans and trainers (for a small donation to charity)." -- First year trainee
• "Generally smart everywhere, but more formal in corporate/finance. Ties are optional, but most partners tend to wear them in corporate." -- First year trainee

• "The location is great (Holborn). Office is pretty nice. Dress code is fairly relaxed (not that many ties, dresses and tops) and Fridays are always dress down." -- First year trainee
• "Holborn's a good location, the building itself is quite impressive... The reception and canteen area has recently been refurbished and the canteen food has improved. There are shower facilities with complimentary towels, which is handy for those who run/cycle into the office. Dress code is smart but, unless you are going to a client meeting, suits are not really compulsory. The men don't have to wear ties unless they are meeting a client and females can get away with being a little less formal but within reason!" -- Second year trainee
• "Dress code here is fantastic – not only are you encouraged to be individual, people will notice and approve if you put effort into your dress. Obviously you should always try and remain smart, but within that remit there is a lot of flexibility which I love. The offices are very nice, although my department is semi-subterranean, which is not so great." -- First year trainee

Green Initiatives

• "Being green is very heavily promoted here – there’s currently an ad in the corridors to enter a grow-bag competition to grow the best plants, we have just installed bees, and everything has to be recycled." -- First year trainee
• "It is keen on recycling, encouraging staff to turn off computers and lights, and walk/cycle to work." -- First year trainee
• "They have an incredibly low carbon footprint, none of us have bins under our desks, and you have to recycle everything possible!" -- First year trainee

• "The firm is extremely hot on all things green and there are no bins under desks – everyone is encouraged to recycle." -- Second year trainee
• "The firm has lots of green initiatives, ranging from dedicated recycling bins on all floors and no waste-paper bins at your desk, to automatic switches on lights and computers, to bee-hives on the roof!" -- First year trainee
• "This is very important to our firm. From the Olswang beehives to our Boris Bikes, this is taken very seriously at the firm." -- First year trainee

How prepared do you feel to practise law upon qualification?

• "Not terribly – but thankfully I'm still 20 months away!" -- First year trainee
• "Pretty well prepared, although six months in a department is never going to be long enough to prepare you fully to work in that practice area." -- Second year trainee
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• "I don't know if I'll ever feel truly prepared, but I've been given as good a training programme as I could have asked for." -- First year trainee
• "Not much at the moment, but I've only been here three months." -- First year trainee
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