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Satisfaction with Work

• "I have been given a wide variety of tasks, ranging from the more tedious (photocopying – although this is rare) to a variety of interesting research issues and a number of case management tasks. Interaction with clients is limited in my department, especially given that this is my first seat; however I have met clients a few times. Direct contact with partners is very, very high. I currently share an office with a partner and the partners ensure that they are aware of what is going on in the group and regularly speak to individuals at all levels in the department." -- First year trainee
• "Naturally, the work varies and we are not always involved in big transactions or have lots of responsibility, but when this happens it is very rewarding. We have some interaction with clients, usually by email or telephone and more rarely by attending meetings. We have a lot of partner contact as we take work from partners directly and they are usually very happy to be approached with questions." -- Second year trainee
• "It's a smaller firm (only 700 lawyers or so), but has some of the biggest clients in the City and transacts just as much work as any other Magic Circle firm, which means it's a tough start, but you do get a lot of responsibility early on. I was surprised that I was in meetings with clients and dealing with them directly three weeks into starting work. It's not as if the stereotype of boring trainee work doesn't exist, I've done my fair share of photocopying (or getting the copy-room to do it for me) and filing, but it's not there for the sake of it. Since starting I've been on a major rights issue for a big international bank, a merger of two PLCs and a private share sale of a group of companies I had never heard of before, amongst others. Because there is no specialisation within departments it means that as a trainee you get to go from one thing to another and it isn't boring. I can't imagine how boring it would be if I were to be in a specialist environment stuck reading prospectuses for six months. Partners are generally down to earth and friendly and there's a great support structure. Because there are no billing targets it means the stress levels aren't what they can be when people are busy and it also means that people are much more willing to help each other as it doesn't eat into their own targets." -- First year trainee
• "It's hugely variable. At times I have had huge amounts of responsibility, lots of client contact, constant contact with partners and a wide range of deals to work on. At other times I have spent months on end doing nothing but copying, checking and photocopying." -- Second year trainee
• "I interact with clients a lot, have a lot of responsibility, and the range of work I am given is exceptionally good." -- Junior solicitor, Banking
• "I have a high level of responsibility (sometimes almost too much) and frequent direct contact with both my client and the other side's counsel. I have been involved recently in a large rights issue, several private equity investments and the preparatory stages of a planned IPO." -- Newly qualified solicitor, Corporate
• "Usually I have a high level of responsibility and plenty of client interaction. Lots of regulatory and advisory work and less litigation than I would have expected." -- Mid-level solicitor, Litigation
• "I’ve had a high level of responsibility from day one, including dealing directly with clients and the other side, even on big deals." -- Newly qualified solicitor, Intellectual Property
• "Good on small deals – but not on the larger ones." -- Junior solicitor, Corporate

• "The best things are the contact with partners and the quality of the deals. Very few partners do not have trainees sitting with them, meaning that a trainee will likely sit with two or three partners during their training contract. A partner reviews your training diary once a month and partners regularly give training sessions for trainees. The deals, particularly in corporate, are often big and headline-grabbing and the clients are household names. As a trainee, this is great experience and helps get you through the less exciting work that comes your way. Partners and supervisors are not scared to give you responsibility either. Trainees drafting documents is common." -- First year trainee
• "All work is ‘responsible’ but there is a fair amount of work which other firms might leave to paralegals. Some of the most interesting and challenging work comes from research tasks, otherwise, trainees may be asked to draft ancillary documents (authorisations, filings, minutes) to help prepare for signings and closings and to prepare bibles. There is a fair amount of partner contact, particularly if your supervisor is a partner. I have also benefited from some client contact (predominantly by phone), particularly where a research note has been provided to the client and my input is required." -- First year trainee
• "Very hands-off approach where one either sinks or swims. There is support from colleagues if one needs it but generally one is just expected to get on with things independently. Client contact depends very much on one's supervisor and trainee experience of dealing with clients can be very varied. Personally, I have had a fair amount." -- Second year trainee
• "I have had a really good and varied experience of the firm's work so far. I have dealt directly with clients, organised (fairly straightforward!) matters on my own for partners directly and have enjoyed a range of work within each seat. I have worked on an international joint venture, a scheme of arrangement for an insurance firm, a private acquisition, various tax issues, ongoing litigation involving a large privately-owned company, a cartel investigation and derivatives litigation." -- First year trainee
• "It depends upon the department, but generally the work is good. More responsibility is given in specialist departments than in corporate, where trainees do often have to do the less glamorous tasks. There is plenty of contact with partners, who are very involved in the work. I often draft emails and notes of advice to clients and do speak with them on the phone. Face-to face client contact is less common, although it depends on the work." -- First year trainee
• "Great level of responsibility, though that can sometimes be overwhelming. You’re very much left to get on with deals yourself with occasional partner input. Also a good feeling if things are going well. Can be stressful at other times, though partners are all extremely good and will step in if asked. Quality and breadth of work is very good. Again though, the very generalist approach can leave you feeling a jack of all trades and a master of none." -- Mid-level solicitor, Property
• "The step up to NQ has been a steep one, but this is a positive thing – I now have far more responsibility and client contact and receive much more challenging and satisfying work." -- Newly qualified solicitor, Banking
• "I've been given a lot of responsibility on transactions generally, and have been involved in a diverse range of top quality work." -- Junior solicitor, Corporate

What does your typical day at work involve?

• "There is no typical day – it's driven by the work. So on a day I don't have anything scheduled I usually get in by 9.30 but there are days when I need to be in earlier to be on top of things. Similarly there are days when I leave at 5.30 and days when I work through the night (though not many of those lately!). Sometimes you may not have slept all night or it may be hectic from early in the morning, sometimes the day is very quiet until around 4pm and then the work kicks off. It means that no two days are the same." -- First year trainee
• "There is no typical day at work. It very much depends on the group you are in, the transactions you are involved in and your supervisor. At the moment, I usually have the mornings free so I use this time to do my own research. Client work starts coming my way after lunch. I generally leave the office around 6.30pm." -- Second year trainee
• "There is no such thing as a typical day here, although it is possible to plan a little in advance and work around outside commitments." -- First year trainee
• "No typical day. In support departments, research is more common. In corporate or finance, trainees will be asked to do all sorts – from bog-standard copy-checking or bible-building through to amending documents, handling process matters (update emails, etc.), and even, on occasions, taking responsibility for documents and drafting. Going to a meeting is not uncommon. There will typically be one or two trainee training sessions in a week and often a group meeting." -- First year trainee
• "Depends on whether I am on a transaction or not. Assuming I am on a transaction, the day will consist of attending meetings, participating on calls and drafting documents." -- Junior solicitor
• "Lots of emails, chasing people down for input into drafting, etc. The odd bit of compliance work or training, and drafting research notes and submissions." -- Mid-level solicitor
• "At the moment: three deals on the go. Emails, drafting novation agreements for a completion that recently happened, research on legal aspects of a new deal that I'm starting on, and speaking to client for updates on a different deal." -- Junior solicitor, Corporate

• "Generally my day is 9.30 – 6.30, sometimes later, with an hour for lunch. Work typically involves: reading current awareness updates, attending training sessions, assisting with formal documents or preparing for signings/closings, sending emails to colleagues and responding to capacity emails, some pro bono work and completing research tasks." -- First year trainee
• "Days vary from seat to seat. My current seat is mainly research and analysis but my previous seat (within the same department but with a different supervisor) involved lots of drafting and attending meetings with clients and other counsel. I usually get the bulk of my work from my supervisor." -- Second year trainee
• "No two days are generally the same, but in my current seat (financial regulation) it often involves researching points of law and writing or assisting with memoranda of advice for clients, reading updates and following new developments in the field and reporting these to my supervisor." -- First year trainee
• "Calls with clients, perhaps face-to-face meetings, discussing significant issues with partners, drafting, negotiating, and researching." -- Junior solicitor, Banking
• "Usual combination of emails, calls with clients or the other side. Drafting documents, attending meetings. It’s difficult to get everything done during the day. Most drafting takes place at night when email and phone stops going." -- Mid-level solicitor, Property
• "Very often some training (Slaughter and May takes training very seriously), reviewing recent legal updates that are sent both internally and from subscriber sites like PLC, discussion with team members about the stage and status of a transaction, drafting a documents list of all the various consents, waiver and general transactional documents required, requesting additional information from contact at the client on outstanding issues, and discussion of the format of some client training sessions and materials required for them." -- Newly qualified solicitor, Corporate

Culture

• "There is a very friendly and open working environment (we often share an office with a partner or associate) and there is definitely an open door policy. Trainees definitely support each other, and it is not uncommon for work to be passed from one trainee to another if one suddenly has a large work load. Trainees do socialise together, but equally this is not forced upon you, it is entirely up to each individual how much they get involved." -- First year trainee
• "Trainees are generally friendly and supportive. There are several social and sports clubs available, as well as a range of corporate-sponsor promotional offers. People frequently go for drinks at the local pub on Thursdays and Fridays. The atmosphere is extremely professional and organised. The firm is generally quite conservative in terms of business practice but very open-minded in other terms. Social interaction tends to be on the formal side to begin with and the general atmosphere may appear cool, but once people get to know one another the lawyers here reveal themselves to be very intelligent and personable." -- First year trainee
• "The firm is probably a little more ‘boring’ than elsewhere in terms of social life, but at the same time, it's nice not to feel forced to go out, e.g. to secure qualification to a particular group (which I understand happens elsewhere). Also, while there are not so many firm events, trainees do organise to socialise with each other outside of work in any case. That said, sometimes it would be nice not to be so serious all the time! Within work, the culture is very professional. People are nice and approachable in general. It is quite hierarchical though, in terms of how you're treated as a trainee, which I imagine can be particularly annoying for people who've had other careers etc. before coming here. There is no real feeling of competition amongst trainees (and it is not encouraged)." -- Second year trainee
• "The firm has a good environment to work well in; people are focussed and it makes the day more efficient, which I find to be a plus. The trainees here are very friendly towards one another, there is no feeling that there is competition between the trainees and if anyone is finding a task hard, or is confused, usually a quick email to all trainees will answer the question. The trainees do get along very well in the firm, but outside of the firm, there is not much organised, apart from the pub on Friday nights. Although the working environment is good, at times because of the hierarchical nature of the firm, when doing work for a partner they can be very intimidating and there is not a sense that you can ask them questions." -- First year trainee
• "Intellectual, witty, fun and respectful." -- Second year trainee
• "The firm is very hierarchical and in many respects, some of the partners distance themselves too much from the rest of the members of the firm. Solicitors certainly support each other and are always happy to share experiences and offer advice. I socialise a lot with my colleagues, although this is almost always organised through our own initiative rather than by the firm." -- Junior solicitor, Banking
• "Extremely supportive environment exists amongst solicitors, which complements the high level of responsibility we are expected to assume. We do have social events, which are always well organised and smart, but this is not really a major part of the firm." -- Newly qualified solicitor
• "A very hierarchical firm. Associates are close, but there isn't a huge amount of socialising – when people finish work, they tend to want to get home, which is fair enough! It makes work/life balance a bit easier in my opinion." -- Mid-level solicitor

• "There's a very good support structure. During a period when I was working really late, I had a call from HR to ask if I was okay and whether they could do anything to help. The secretaries and office support are great and you are encouraged to use the systems support to get the work done more efficiently. I've always found co-trainees willing and eager to help me out when I've been swamped, and have equally taken on work for others. I won't say it can't be tough at times – it can be very tough at times – but it's made easier by the fact that the environment helps you deal with it. The atmosphere is very collegiate – trainees tend to lunch together and if we're staying later we go for dinner together. Fridays after work drinks at the Artillery Arms are a staple. The Trainee Solicitors Committee organises a range of socials – typically smaller events for intakes and three large events a year for all trainees." -- First year trainee
• "The atmosphere in the office is friendly but reserved. There are no billable hours targets or weighted pay, which means there is no competition between any fee-earners. Sometimes a large volume of work can put people under strain. Between trainees there is a good atmosphere with socialising largely informal, centred on the local pub on a Friday evening. The trainee committee does a good job." -- First year trainee
• "Slaughter and May seem to choose like-minded people so we all get on well, socialise together and are good friends. However actual social events organised by the firm for trainees are fairly limited." -- First year trainee
• "The firm is conservative, especially so the further up the ladder you look, and it lives up to its reputation. Trainees are generally very supportive of each other though." -- Second year trainee
• "Friendly culture, partners are approachable and don’t leave you totally alone to get on with work without making sure you're okay, etc. ‘Open office’ culture so I feel I can ask other associates anything if I have questions. Trainees (by and large) are treated as equals. I think they get good work a lot of the time, as well as more administrative things. My trainee works through legal problems with me so isn’t just there to do photocopying. Things are a bit lacking socially. We have a few departmental parties a year and a firm dinner which is good. Outside that, there are not many pub trips (unless someone is leaving)." -- Junior solicitor, Corporate
• "The firm has a very collegiate atmosphere; there is no sense of colleagues competing with one another. I have always felt able to approach peers for advice on points of law/practical issues I am unsure of. That said, the firm retains an intensely hierarchical culture (though this is perhaps inherent in law firms generally). While solicitors within the form do socialise occasionally, there is never any obligation to spend time with colleagues outside of working hours. This is a big plus." -- Newly qualified solicitor, Banking
• "I generally find in my department that on a transaction, you will be working with a partner and senior associate. Both are readily available for any questions/queries. Again, in my department, solicitors do socialise together, but this is not necessarily so in other departments." -- Junior solicitor
• "There's a very simple hierarchy. Partners and everyone else. Solicitors do support each other. Decent atmosphere and most are genuinely willing to offer advice whenever. There’s limited socialising as you get more senior. I have noticed trainees and more junior associates socialising a lot more, inevitable though as you start to have a family." -- Mid-level solicitor, Property

Seats during the Training Contract

• "Typically, trainees sit in four seats, though I am doing six (one seat is split between tax and dispute resolution). Slaughter and May has a multi-specialist approach, which means there are no sub-divisions within the corporate groups. Groups are arranged around lead partners and named after their initials rather than around a particular practice area so it is not uncommon to find people from the same group on a small M&A and a huge IPO at the same time. There are a number of specialist groups: IP/IT, tax, DR, commercial real estate, employment/pensions, competition and financial regulation. Before you start your training contract, you are asked to rank your preferences and you find out your seats on your first day at work. This means that if you have landed with something you didn't want, or in the order you didn't want it, you can request a change. We have to do at least two corporate seats, and there's now a move to ensure that one of those seats is in financing. If one of your seats in your second year is a corporate/financing seat (CoCoFin as it is called), you can request a secondment. These are quite competitive but the network of best friend firms means that there are quite a few options to choose from – I know people who have gone to New York, Tokyo, Shanghai, Paris, Milan, Auckland, Stockholm and Sydney! But the secondments are really very competitive and you can't presume you'll get one. If you're sitting in competition, then you might be sent to Brussels for three months." -- First year trainee
• "Trainees do four to five seats – most seats are six months long but some departments allow three month seats, and in the case of tax you can only do a three month seat. At least two of your seats must be "Co/Co/Fin", i.e. corporate or finance. Choice is quite limited as several departments are incompatible with each other on the form so if you want to do a seat in Dept A then that means you can't do one in Dept B, and you must choose your seats whilst still on the LPC. However, requests for changes are entertained and accommodated where possible and preference/likely qualification options are taken into consideration. There is plenty of opportunity to go abroad for any third or fourth seat corporate or finance seat, or to Brussels in competition." -- Second year trainee
• "Four seats. Have to do at least a year in corporate/finance (6 months in each), and obviously one contentious seat, but other than that you have freedom of choice. Good choice (had to number the specialists seats in order of preference). Additionally, the way the firm is structured the corporate and finance seats offer a broader learning experience than at other firms." -- First year trainees

• "Trainees typically do around five seats, comprising of three six-month seats and two three-month seats, which are in the more specialist departments (for example, dispute resolution, tax, pensions and employment). However, most of these specialist departments also allow six-month seats. Trainees must do at least two corporate, commercial or financing seats. The rest can be done in specialist departments, which include (in addition to those mentioned above) financial regulation, competition and dispute resolution. Specialist seats can be requested, although there are some restrictions on combinations. Corporate, commercial and financing seats are allocated by HR, but this doesn't normally cause any problems as the groups are very diverse due to the multi-specialist approach and trainees will usually get a mix (i.e. they won't get two corporate seats and no financing seat). It is possible to do a seat abroad, although only around 15 trainees go at a time, so the opportunity is not as great as at other firms." -- First year trainee
• "Trainees typically do four six-month seats. However, there are a number of three month seats available as well, which means that you may end up doing six seats in total. In terms of departments, you can sit in corporate and finance (we have numerous groups for each), dispute resolution, competition, intellectual property, commercial real estate, pensions & employment, tax and financial regulation. There is a fair amount of choice. You have to spend 12 months in either corporate or finance, although six of these can be abroad or in financial regulation. You can then choose how to divide your remaining 12 months up. There are a wide range of opportunities for secondments abroad. Additionally, if you do a competition seat, there is a chance to spend three of the six months in Brussels." -- First year trainee
• "Every trainee will do six months in a corporate seat and most will do another six months in a finance seat and you choose before you start you training contract. You are allocated all your seats before you arrive, but these can be changed. You can do a seat abroad. There is a big choice. Seats abroad will be with one of the firm's best friend firms and there are three competition trainees at any one time in Brussels." -- First year trainee

Partner / Solicitor Relations

• "Obviously not the most open of firms when it comes to partnership decisions, but why should we be involved – it is not our house on the line. When it comes to work partners are generally approachable. If anyone says they are not, then they are either doing so for effect or because they have previously been too scared to try." -- Junior solicitor
• "It largely depends on the partner, but on a day-to-day basis in a transaction, I’ve had good experience so far. I don’t feel like we can contribute to firm-wide decisions much (although if I felt very strongly about something, I could approach a partner and feel it would make a difference.)." -- Junior solicitor, Corporate
• "We have a high level of responsibility and are consequently treated with respect and as important contributors to decisions." -- Newly qualified solicitor

• "The firm is not renowned for openness – this is a reputation that is both deserved and that the partnership seems disinterested in changing. The general impression is that non-partners do not contribute to firm-wide decisions in any way – though whether or not this is true is hard to tell, given the firm's opaque power structure." -- Newly qualified solicitor, Banking
• "We are not consulted on firm-wide decisions; however they are always announced clearly." -- Junior solicitor, Banking
• "There is generally a feeling that the partners do not keep associates well-informed of firm-wide decisions; however, I have never felt unfairly/unexpectedly out of the loop." -- Newly qualified solicitor, Corporate

Formal Training

• "There is a great deal of training, most of which is compulsory. The training is of a very high quality and supervisors ensure that trainees are mostly able to attend (unless there is some very urgent work). Training records are monitored closely and it is taken very seriously. Training covers legal topics as well as accounting, commercial awareness, communication skills and advocacy." -- First year trainee
• "The training programme here is seriously good; there is a lot of training and it is well thought out and extensive. In addition to training required by the SRA, the firm offers specialised department training for trainees in each seat, and there are regular outside speakers who generally offer updates in their specialist subject to anyone in the firm who is interested. I have been able to attend the majority of my scheduled training sessions." -- First year trainee
• "This is a real strength of the firm. It's taken seriously, we're treated like adults and it is top quality. A lot of our training is given by partners, which makes a difference. I've found I've had sufficient time to attend and where work commitments have been really pressing, I've just excused myself. The range of training and balance is probably just about right. There's a lot of legal stuff – core ‘Trainee in Practice Sessions’ covering takeovers, rights issues, commercial contracts, etc., specialist training from groups you're in and a bit of ‘soft skills’ stuff, like communication skills. The latter are particularly well handled (for someone who doesn't really enjoy presenting) – you're in small groups and they try to encourage you. In general, I've found the training to be relevant (e.g., they adapt the accounts training to the stuff lawyers do)." -- Second year trainee
• "Training programmes are v. well organised – they are taken seriously. If you are too busy to attend, they are recorded and you are able to watch online." -- Junior solicitor
• "Excellent, and support lawyer training programme has also recently been developed." -- Senior solicitor
• "Training is generally very good and held regularly. There is not enough emphasis on soft skills/business development training for junior lawyers." -- Newly qualified solicitor
• "Training is very thorough, very serious, frequent and well-prepared. It’s mostly legal, but with the occasional focus on soft-skills and usually discussion of how to relate information to/deal with clients." -- Newly qualified solicitor, Corporate

• "There are various streams of training; some are for trainees only, and some are for the whole department. There are PSC sessions which are deemed compulsory by the SRA but the firm also runs a very extensive training programme tailored to the seat in which you are currently sitting, i.e. for your six months in corporate you will attend various training sessions specifically on corporate issues, which enhances the experience and capitalises on your time in the department because you are learning much more quickly. Most departments organise a programme of presentations given by trainees so that by the time you qualify you feel comfortable speaking and expressing your opinions amongst those more senior than you, which facilitates better team work on a transaction. There are also various other training sessions organised such as presentational skills, communication skills and negotiating. Firm-wide there are regular industry update sessions, firm-wide training sessions on topical issues and lunchtime cultural talks. Almost all trainee training sessions are led by partners so as trainees we are taught by the people actually doing the deals day-to-day and benefit from their years of experience and expertise. Departmental training sessions are led by both partners and associates." -- Second year trainee
• "The training sessions here are excellent; I constantly refer to them during my seat and find them useful in my day-to-day work. There is also a lot of training to cover most aspects of the work carried out, so that trainees can be exposed to tricky concepts and familiarise themselves with it in their own time, making working life that little bit easier I would say." -- First year trainee
• "Very good legal training opportunities if you want them. On the non-legal side, language lessons are available." -- Mid-level solicitor
• "Training programmes are very good – comprehensive programme on a firm-wide basis, and also within groups. Different levels of associates also have specific training. Some is specifically allotted times and is compulsory. Other training is optional and can be tricky to fit in." -- Mid-level solicitor, Property
• "Lip service is paid to legal and non-legal training but it is not always easy to get away to training sessions. There is good range of outside and internal speakers on legal topics and on non-legal topics when solicitors are involved in particular non-legal training programmes." -- Mid-level solicitor, Litigation
• "Training is one aspect that the firm excels at." -- Newly qualified solicitor, Banking

Informal Training & Mentoring

• "I would not say that one is mentored; one is supervised – but not much. Feedback is not easy to come by as this is usually only dispensed at the end of each six month seat." -- Second year trainee
• "It is commonly the role of supervisors to give training and mentoring. Most supervisors are happy to do so on an informal basis as and when you need it, but we also have 'mid-seat reviews' and 'end of seat reviews' when you can get more guidance and advice. We also get allocated a 'diary monitor', a partner who checks on your work experience on a monthly basis. I find that it is easy to approach people for advice no matter what rank they hold." -- Second year trainee
• "I believe you can go and ask the training department for extra training but I never have! In terms of accessibility of people, it just depends on the person. That said, all my supervisors (and, I think, supervisors in general) seemed to take an interest in my personal development and I wouldn't have any problems going back and asking their advice (including very senior partners). There's no ‘mentoring’ scheme (I know other firms do that sort of thing) but I think you probably get more of that sort of thing once you've qualified. You learn different things from sitting with a partner compared to sitting with an associate and I think I've learnt a lot from just watching how supervisors work." -- Second year trainee
• "In my department, they have a good mentoring programme. Partners are generally accessible, but you will often have to approach them should you want to discuss something." -- Junior solicitor
• "Good mentoring system, up to the solicitor to engage and learn, informal training provided on the job, i.e. learning from interaction." -- Junior solicitor, Corporate
• "The partner you work with on a deal gives you feedback which is good. How much you get depends on the partner. It varies from very detailed to hardly anything." -- Junior solicitor, Corporate
• "The partners are not as accessible as they could be, but when new issues arise on a transaction they are very good at passing on relevant experience and giving decisive views or advice." -- Junior solicitor, Banking
• "It varies between partners. Younger partners are much more accessible. More senior ones are unlikely to care too much about that role. Senior associates provide by far the best mentors. They are all incredibly skilled operators though and most is learnt by watching. Email style and when to step-in is most impressive. Meetings and negotiation technique also. Often less seems to be more. Though easier to do when you are a partner and not trying to coordinate and manoeuvre the entire deal." -- Mid-level solicitor, Property

• "Solicitors and partners here are generally very responsive to requests for information and training, but this may vary by group. Trainees should not feel reticent about asking questions – I have learnt a range of time management, legal and communication skills from observation and from asking questions. In addition, the firm has an established (or perhaps recommended) method for almost every aspect of work – supervisors are quick to show trainees the ropes." -- First year trainee
• "Each month a partner will review your training diary – some more thoroughly than others – but they are willing to answer any questions you have. Your supervisor will normally be very happy to discuss things like foreign secondments, office etiquette and personal development." -- First year trainee
• "I have had excellent supervision from both my direct supervisors and from the other associates and partners I have worked for. At times there are time pressures, but as a rule people are happy to explain the background to matters, give feedback and advice. It helps to be proactive; people rarely say no if asked for advice or feedback but don't always volunteer it. The most difficult things to pick up are the social niceties of working here. There are ways of going about your work that aren't always obvious but are quite important; I was very lucky to have a supervisor in my first seat who spelt things out... ‘when partners ask THIS they mean THAT’ and so on!" -- First year trainee
• "I have been lucky to have been supervised by people who are true teachers and have taken a lot of time out to genuinely supervise, teach and guide me. There are mentoring programmes within the firm however their effectiveness is hampered by a lack of structure. New trainees are assigned a ‘parent’ when they join (a current trainee) who is to be their main point of contact for any queries or concerns, however beyond an initial lunch, show round and coffee, there are few structured events and it is left to the individual to contact their parent should they need to." -- Second year trainee
• "Some groups have a mentoring programme; mine nominally does but I have never had a ‘mentoring’ session. However, certain associates are very good at informally mentoring and advising their less-experienced colleagues and I feel able to go to a variety of associates and partners with questions." -- Newly qualified solicitor, Corporate
• "We now have a pilot mentoring programme, which is extremely pleasing because it is difficult otherwise to obtain quality career advice." -- Newly qualified solicitor
• "There is very little informal training or feedback. Partners are generally accessible for discussions on particular matters but there is no culture of mentoring." -- Mid-level solicitor, Litigation

Career Progression

• "There is only one rank for solicitors then you are up or out. No one tells you if you are on the way up or out, or what criteria decide who is up and who is out so I have no idea what it takes to make it to the top." -- Mid-level solicitor, Litigation
• "It works just like any other law firm with a lockstep. You then either leave of your own accord, or because you get told you are not working well enough." -- Junior solicitor
• "Promotion is notoriously hard and unpredictable." -- Mid-level solicitor
• "It’s a long road to partnership. People that don’t want to be made up usually leave of their own accord beforehand." -- Junior solicitor, Corporate

• "Hard. Process is entirely opaque. Sometimes I think it's just about who can hang on longest..." -- Mid-level solicitor
• "Honestly – God alone knows." -- Newly qualified solicitor
• "It is very difficult to make partner and the process is not at all transparent. It seems to involve working with as many partners and departments as possible, running training sessions and getting involved in client pitches, etc. It is also probably a bit of a case of ‘last man standing’ – if you are still able to take the pace after 6 years, you have a good chance of succeeding as so few people stay longer than 2 or 3 years PQE." -- Newly qualified solicitor, Corporate

Pro Bono

• "I volunteer at the CAB office in the Royal Courts of Justice. There are quite a few legal and non-legal pro bono options. There is no quota, but we don't have billable targets either." -- Mid-level solicitor, Litigation
• "Not a huge importance. Not easy to do it as it doesn't count to billable and, as an associate you are expected to do your hours on top (informal targets). Mostly trainees and non fee earners. There are opportunities, but when it's not part of your billable work it's hard to fit in. I did some advice on pro bono matters as a trainee. None since then (shocking to write that down actually)." -- Mid-level solicitor, Property

• "We don't have billing targets, so it's not a question of whether it ‘counts’ or not. If you want to do it, the opportunities are there, if you don't, no-one's going to make you. I work at a legal advice centre, and have previously taught Citizenship at secondary schools and read with primary school children." -- Mid-level solicitor
• "We don't have a billable hours’ target. However, notice is taken of pro bono work and it is encouraged, particularly in certain departments. Several partners have said that it should be treated with the same consideration as any other client work." -- Newly qualified solicitor, Corporate

Diversity (women, minorities & LGBT)

• "Recruitment is very diverse and there is no obvious prejudice when it comes to retention or promotion. I have experienced no prejudice as a female in the working environment." -- First year trainee
• "There are ethnic minority, LGBT and parent groups which organise talks and provide information but the reality is that the fee earning side of the firm is not very diverse. The higher it gets in terms of the firm's structure, the less diverse it is." -- Second year trainee
• "The firm is striving to achieve a diverse workforce, and there is definitely a good representation of ethnic minorities in the firm." -- First year trainee
• "It's not the best, but I'm sure it's not the worst either. People are treated on their merits." -- Mid-level solicitor
• "Pretty decent. Ranked No.1 for % of female partners. Seems to be a varied ethnic mix too. Not sure what the formal policy is though. Realistically though, if you are a woman and have a child before being a partner, it seems impossible to become a partner after that. No flexibility on working hours but to be honest, it's hard to see how that would work in a transactional law firm. Most associates don't come back after maternity leave or move into a non fee earning role. There seem to be a lot of good roles in compliance, training, international relations, etc. which work well if you are a mother." -- Mid-level solicitor, Property

• "One of the problems is that one tends to think of only those firms which make a hoo-ha about it as being diversity friendly. The trainee and associate population here is very diverse – ethnically, nationally and linguistically. There's a new LGBT group which organises awareness events and socials. I recently found out that two of the partners I deal with are gay and out. It's very reassuring and I don't know of anyone who has ever found it a problem – I certainly haven't. I think the real test is that it really doesn't matter who you are or where you're from or what you like. No one asks and no one judges. There's no pressure." -- First year trainee
• "There is active diversity recruitment, diversity training during your trainee induction and an LGBT society that runs events, etc." -- Second year trainee
• "Lots of female associates and not so many partners, seems fairly typical of large firms." -- Newly qualified solicitor
• "It is not something that is shouted about (a formal LGBT/diversity committee was only recently established) but the firm is pretty evenly split gender-wise, and work is being done to redress the preponderance of male partners. The firm is very open to suggestions and will provide funds to ones that are approved." -- Newly qualified solicitor, Corporate

Offices & Dress Code

• "The dress code is very formal (no dress down Fridays) and ties are worn every day of the week. The working environment is very pleasant, clean and lots of natural light." -- First year trainee
• "Some offices are small and get crowded, particularly when sharing the space, but the general office space is quite large and comfortable. In terms of facilities, we have a subsidised canteen and discounted membership to a gym. The dress code is formal – men wear suits and ties and women can get away with a bit more informal clothing." -- Second year trainee
• "The office is really nice – location is convenient, though not in the heart of the City. The facilities are reasonable and the food is good. The dress code is basically suit and tie for the men. Women's dress code is a bit more relaxed – lots of wrap dresses, skirts and jumpers, etc. rather than suits." -- Second year trainee
• "Everyone is very smartly dressed but it's all based on common sense. We don't do dress down Fridays. But at my desk I usually take my jacket and tie off – I put them on if I'm going in for a meeting or to see a client." -- First year trainee
• "I think our offices are very nice, spacious and overall quite light. The location is very convenient – close to Liverpool St, Moorgate and Leadenhall Market while still being a little bit out of the noise and bustle of those areas. Dress code is very formal for men, slightly less formal for women (although female associates also tend to dress smartly)." -- Newly qualified solicitor, Corporate
• "Lots of office space. Nice location and good facilities. I wear a suit and tie. Most other guys do as well, unless they are scruffy." -- Junior solicitor
• "I feel like everyone at Slaughters dresses smarter than me! Again, it's a grown-up firm, so they trust you to wear something appropriate. Boys tend to wear suits (although ties are losing ground in the office) and girls wear a real mixture." -- Mid-level solicitor

• "The office is great to work in. It’s kept in top condition, very clean and respected, top facilities. The canteen provides excellent food on a subsidised basis. The dress code seems to be quite formal but not too restrictive and there doesn't seem to be a formal policy – I've never had a talk on how to dress." -- First year trainee
• "The office is spacious, well-equipped and well located. Dress is smart (suit and ties), but a bit of eccentricity is encouraged." -- First year trainee
• "The office space is very corporate, although the location is great, right next to the Barbican and a great food market on Whitecross Street. The dress code is also very corporate. Strangely, boys seem to be able to get away with less than girls, although I think everyone gradually smartens up the longer they spend at the firm. I think there is a bit of understanding that trainees don't necessarily arrive with a wardrobe full of suits and so some wear clothes that are a little less formal than more senior lawyers." -- First year trainee
• "Offices are nice, lots of windows, light and plants, friendly layout and colour scheme. Dress code is much more laid back than I expected. Formal suits are not expected every day – lots of the women wear dresses/skirts and cardigans. Rather informal but obviously shirt/suit required for client facing meetings." -- Second year trainee
• "Very smart office, excellent location, dress code is smart – as it should be. No dress-down Fridays for us." -- Newly qualified solicitor, Banking
• "Office space is excellent. Most associates have their own office or share with one other or a trainee. Dress code is smart and fairly conservative, but sets a good tone." -- Mid-level solicitor, Property
• "Formal dress code, facilities are good and office is also fine. It makes a big difference that internal offices also have plenty of natural light so there is really no downside to being in an internal office." -- Newly qualified solicitor

Green Initiatives

• "Nothing from the office goes to landfill, which is an incredible achievement. I feel very strongly about environmental issues and I was impressed. The electricity consumption has been monitored and brought down considerably in the past few years. There is no food waste – all the wasted food from the staff restaurant is anaerobically digested and converted to electricity or feed for pigs in an organic farm. There are more initiatives to bring the carbon footprint down even more in the coming years." -- First year trainee
• "There are loads of initiatives, I think we try to recycle pretty much everything and minimise energy use. That said the priority is always on producing the best work, so there's no hint of trying to go paperless in the work context, although any paper you do use will be recycled." -- Second year trainee
• "We have recycling bins in every coffee pod, and I think there are big plans afoot to reduce our footprint by x% in x years – but clearly I don't know the details!" -- Mid-level solicitor
• "Lots of recycle bins everywhere. Hopefully we are not going paperless otherwise I will have nothing to write on." -- Junior solicitor
• "I believe we have the best ‘green rating’, for want of a better word, in the City." -- Second year trainee

• "The firm takes environmental matters extremely seriously. I believe that over 90% of our waste is recycled and the firm is involved in many other green initiatives. In fact, a sedentary lawyer is likely to find that the lights go out from time to time and that the coffee machines don't operate on weekends, should you be unfortunate enough to have to come in." -- First year trainee
• "Lots of things like discouraging the use of paper cups, recycling coffee as fertiliser, re-useable bags and recycling paper, etc." -- Second year trainee
• "There are recycling bins everywhere, reminders to recycle and a whole section on the intranet devoted to how the firm is reaching its targets. Everything appears to be run very efficiently and the firm is very aware of its responsibilities." -- First year trainee
• "There is green week once a year and there has been an increased push for recycling and reduced energy use." -- Mid-level solicitor, Litigation
• "This is of increasing importance. Very little is thrown away and all food waste, and all plastics, tins, etc. that are put in the recycling bins (at least four on every floor) are sent for recycling. There are frequent emails asking us to be more environmentally aware and making suggestions on the same." -- Newly qualified solicitor, Corporate

Where do you see yourself over the course of the next 5-10 years?

• "I would hope that I would still be here. I think that I could find a position in practically any other career, particularly in the business/corporate sphere. However, colleagues have gone into a wide variety of second careers after leaving here." -- Newly qualified solicitor, Corporate

• "Hopefully a partner somewhere. More doors opened if you choose a corporate group admittedly. Worth considering other careers." -- Mid-level solicitor, Property

What doors has a career in law opened for you?

• "Politics. The opportunity to find work in several jurisdictions. High remuneration levels." -- Newly qualified solicitor

• "Many. I think working here makes you very employable." -- Junior solicitor, Corporate

How prepared do you feel to practise law upon qualification?

• "I feel prepared but it's still a big jump." -- First year trainee
• "We're very well protected as trainees so I think it will be a big step up (but I'm sure we'll be fine)." -- Second year trainee
• "The training sessions really help to get a grasp of the relevant law, and trainees get given responsibility early on." -- First year trainee
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• "There is a large gap between training and qualification and most people experience a steep learning curve upon qualification." -- First year trainee
• "Very well prepared." -- First year trainee
• "Seriously nervous! I am not sure how prepared I am." -- Second year trainee
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