SNR Denton
Formed in September 2010 – from the merger of US-based Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal and the UK’s Denton Wilde Sapte – SNR Denton has 33 locations in 18 different countries. With DWS’s well-established finance and corporate practices and Middle Eastern presence, and SNR’s heavyweight clients, the future looks bright for this firm.
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Cons
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Employee Reviews
Life on the Job
Culture
- "I have found the firm to be an extremely good place to work. The department I sat in in my first seat was very friendly and supportive and I never felt uncomfortable asking questions. Generally it is a really good bunch of trainees; there is almost always a group of trainees drinking in Corney & Barrow on a Friday night. Everyone is really friendly, helpful, and questions are often asked and answered across trainee email threads when anyone has a problem." -- First year trainee
"Each trainee sits with a supervisor in an office, which means there is always someone to ask if you have a query about something. All of the departments have an open door policy and I've always experienced very friendly people. There are generally several trainees in a department too, so you can always check something with your fellow trainees if you are in doubt! This firm has a good group of trainees and most people will go out of their way to help each other (even staying late if they have to). Socialising is good too. We have several trainee nights organised by our trainee committee and there are also many informal ‘let's go out for a drink’ nights after work.’ -- Second year trainee
"Trainees socialise with each other outside the office, not just in the Corney & Barrow that is attached. The social committee organises drinks about 3 – 4 times a year. Trainees are very supportive and often offer any spare capacity to other trainees who are being stretched." -- First year trainee
"The trainees in my intake have lunch together and support one another. Tend to only socialise at work events as a large group." -- First year trainee
"The trainees support each other and socialise a lot in and out of the office, this is not just within your own intake but across the intakes, everybody looks out for each other." -- First year trainee
"Trainees at our firm are a very sociable bunch, and we have lots of informal social events. The experience I have had has been that trainees are really supportive of each other, especially when you are working late together. I have made some lovely mates too." -- First year trainee
"Very friendly culture and quite a relaxed office atmosphere. The trainees by and large get on well, and the social scene is good, albeit informal and ad hoc rather than firm organised." -- Second year trainee
"The culture is generally very good. There are always exceptions to the rule, but the rule here is that people are friendly and approachable and there are regular opportunities to socialise. A lot of the time that involves being proactive and arranging things, even if it’s going for a drink after work on a Friday. A trainee rep team organises regular trainee events." -- Second year trainee
"The firm has pulled the budget on the trainee Christmas party. Due to a lack of NQ positions, there is a lot of competition amongst trainees, which makes it hard to develop friendships." -- Second year trainee
Hours, Pay & Perks
Hours
- "This depends on the department you sit in. Some have steady (and therefore shorter) work hours and others are more random. There will be times when you are required to work late (and you should expect this from any law firm) but this firm certainly doesn't have a ‘seen to be working late’ policy and if you have finished your work for the day then you should (and are encouraged) to go home." -- Second year trainee
"55 hours a week at the moment, which is very good compared to other departments. I am working as expected for the department I am in." -- First year trainee
"Working a lot more in the last department but currently my new department is perfect." -- First year trainee
"I am working more than I expected – probably through naivety rather than anything else – but the experience I have had so far is that if there is work to do, you stay, if there isn't, you go home. The hours do vary a lot across the firm depending on the departments too." -- First year trainee
"Work life balance here is very good. I have never come across face/time culture; I have stayed till 2am when necessary, and left at 5.30pm where possible." -- Second year trainee
"Average hours depend entirely on the department you are in and the level of work. Generally, banking seats will involve 50+ hour weeks and the occasional weekend (although many make it through without coming in at weekends at all). Other departments such as real estate can be slightly less demanding but this all depends on the volume of work at any one time. You have to be prepared to work hard when required." -- Second year trainee
"Very civilised working hours. About 9am to 7pm most days. Not many trainees have worked weekends." -- Second year trainee
Pay
- "As a graduate salary, trainees are one of the most highly paid groups. You are compensated well, but for this you shouldn't expect to be out of the office by 5.30 everyday." -- Second year trainee
"In line with many other firms but can be a little frustrating to see how much time you spend in the office and you get the same pay as a trainee who does half the amount of work." -- First year trainee
"I am ridiculously well paid for what I do." -- First year trainee
"My current compensation is adequate, but the pay scale further up the ranks leaves something to be desired..." -- Second year trainee
"Pay is in line with competitors, a wider range of benefits would be appreciated." -- First year trainee
"I take into account the payment for the LPC and maintenance grant; I couldn't have done it without my firm’s support." -- First year trainee
"Good pay, good perks from day one. Season ticket loans, help with gym membership, discounts across the City, free lunches and breakfasts if you attend training, free taxis to anywhere if working late, and free dinner if working late." -- First year trainee
"Salary is in line with other firms. Feels adequate for the work we are expected to do." -- Second year trainee
Interviews
Interviews & Assessments
- "The second interview consists of a business case presentation and questions, and then a short 'chat' about your other skills/CV. The questions are fairly general and you aren't asked any of the random questions that are sometimes quoted from training interview horror stories. In order to get a vac scheme you will also need to have an interview with graduate recruitment." -- Second year trainee
"An online application, HR interview, critical thinking test, and a partner interview (including case study and presentation, question and answer, and personal interview). Expect a grilling on your CV, competencies and why you want to work at SNR, etc." -- First year trainee
"Two rounds of interview and a psychometric test and business case exercise. One interview with HR, one with partners. The partner interview (especially business case) can be hard to predict and very challenging." -- Second year trainee
"Two rounds of interviews – one with someone from the HR department and one with two partners. The first interview was based on the application form, and included a reasoning test and 'personality' questions. The partner interview began with a case study presentation (by the candidate), then questions from the partners on the case study, and then questions on competencies, etc. No assessment day. Questions were along the lines of why I wanted to be a solicitor, and what I understood a City law firm to be." -- Second year trainee
"Several rounds: interview with HR, interview with, and impromptu presentation to, two partners and a Watson Glaser test. Interview will focus on your application, any weaknesses in it, and your desire to be a lawyer at the firm." -- Second year trainee
The Inside Buzz View
Training Contracts at SNR Denton
Fancy working for a mid-sized City firm with a strong banking practice and international seats? Then read on, as SNR Denton may well be the right choice for you.
SNR Denton is particularly interested in hearing from ‘well-rounded candidates who haven't just spent time studying. The firm wants people with a personality.’ Although a strong academic background is a must, the firm hires from a wide range of universities and doesn’t target any particular types. However, word has it that ‘you need to show that you can think on your feet and are able to pick things up quickly’. Social skills and team spirit are also highly valued, as is commercial awareness and confidence. Due to the firm’s international presence, language skills certainly help you stand out from the crowd. But ultimately, the firm wants candidates who are enthusiastic, friendly and willing to work during stressful periods. Trainees also recommend you try your best to take part in the firm’s vac scheme, as this puts you in a better position at the interview for a training contract.
So how do you apply? Simply submit your online application, ensuring you emphasise your extracurricular activities to distinguish yourself from the hordes of other applicants. Those who make the cut will have to master two rounds of interviews. Though before the first interview, you will be asked to complete an online questionnaire, focussing on your preferences and style of work. The first interview will be conducted by HR and involves competency-based questions, a review of your skills and anything else you put on your application form. Also, you best prepare for a Watson Glaser test too.
>> Practice Numerical and Verbal Tests used by employers
>> Practice In-tray / e-tray simulation tests
>> Improve your performance at Assessment Centres and Group Exercises
The second interview is held by partners. Before the interview begins, you will be given some information on a business case. Using this information, you will have a short time to prepare a presentation to give during your interview. In addition, your interviewers will test your business awareness and determine whether you have the necessary interpersonal and communication skills to interact well with clients. The ‘partner interview can be hard to predict and very challenging’ so ‘expect a grilling on your CV, competencies and why you want to work at SNR’. Intimidating as this may sound, the interview is described as relaxed by many candidates, and you are made to feel very welcome. Current trainees advise candidates to ‘prepare for an interview like you would for an exam – with the main topics being you and the firm’. And remember ‘to always back up opinions with arguments and logic. The key is not necessarily the content of your answer, but your manner and method of articulating it.’
Make the final cut, and you can expect to complete one of your four six-month seats in the banking department or one of its sub-groups. Other departments on offer include real estate, dispute resolution, corporate, technology, media and telecommunications, energy, infrastructure, employment, pensions, and competition – so you really are spoilt for choice. Trainees also get a chance to ‘spend a seat seconded to a client’ or even in one of the SNR’s offices abroad (Paris, Dubai, and Muscat are the current options).
Vacation Schemes
One trainee tells us that ‘if you are able to get on a vacation scheme then you will be in a better position when interviewing for a training contract’. You should make up your mind of as to where you’d like to do a vac scheme – London or Milton Keynes – and send off your application in good time. Both offices run a week-long placement during the summer, and the London office also offers winter open days.
As a summer student, you’ll most likely shadow one of the firm’s current trainees. There will also be some social events to keep you busy, but keep in mind that the London office only accepts applications from law grads/students in their penultimate or final year. Non-law students shouldn’t feel left out though, as the Milton Keynes summer placement (for those of you interested in a potential training contract opportunity in Milton Keynes) and London’s winter open day offers candidates from non-law disciplines a taste of what it’s like to work for SNR Denton.
SNR Denton Graduate Recruitment Info
Contact:
Hemlata Shamji
Tel: +44 (0)20 7320 6775
Email: hemlata.shamji@snrdenton.com
Application Deadlines:
Training Contracts: 31st July 2012 (Law students/grads), 30th March 2012 (Non-law students/grads)
Vacation Schemes (summer): Applications close 31st January 2012
Winter open day: Applications close 18th Nov 2011
How to apply: graduates.snrdenton.com
SNR Denton Profile & Stats
SNR Denton is the result of an amalgamation of US-based Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal LLP (SNR) and the UK’s Denton Wilde Sapte LLP (DWS). When the combination became effective in September 2010, the new firm boasted 1,400 employees across 18 countries, with 33 locations over four continents.
Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal LLP was founded in Chicago in 1906, and built a reputation for serving the needs of many of the world’s best known businesses, non-profits and individuals. At the time of the merger with DWS, SNR had 11 offices across the States and additional outposts in Brussels and Zurich.
SNR was known as a leader in providing innovative legal services across a number of practices, most notably: financial institutions and services, insurance, manufacturing and industrials, healthcare and life sciences, technology, media and telecommunications, real estate, and energy and utilities. SNR’s impressive inventory of clients included names from the acme of industry – from Citibank to The Boeing Company, and General Electric Company to McDonald’s Corporation.
DWS was formed in 2000 by the merger of the then strongest mid-market law firms in the UK. The attempt was to combine the corporate division of Denton Hall with the strong banking practice of Wilde Sapte. The result: a firm that steadily built a reputation in finance, media, energy and real estate with an expertise in the Middle East. DWS’s ancestry can be followed back to Sam Denton – who established his firm in 1788 and Thomas Wilde, who founded what was to become Wilde Sapte with partner Samuel Archer Hussey in 1785.
DWS had a firm foothold in the emerging markets of the Middle East and Africa since the ‘60s, and also built a strong presence in Central Asia – becoming the largest international law firm operating in the region. To complement its international offices, DWS had a series of associate firms forming its notable African network, as well as alliances with St Petersburg firm Duvernoix Legal in Russia, and AK Counsel in the key energy market of Turkmenistan. DWS’s finance practice had a strong reputation in banking circles and it was one of the first ports of call for insolvency and asset management advice. The firm’s corporate practice included both major and marquee clients, such as the FA Premier League, Shell, Sainsbury’s and Virgin.
The new entity, SNR Denton, unites the complementary practices of the two consolidated firms, with a focus on meeting evolving client needs in eight key industry sectors – financial institutions and funds; energy, transport and infrastructure; insurance; real estate, retail and hotels; technology, media and telecommunications; health and life sciences; manufacturing; and government.
SNR Denton provides in-depth legal expertise in numerous practice areas, including: litigation, disputes, internal investigations and international arbitration; corporate/M&A; venture capital/private equity; securities; finance; structured finance; tax; policy, regulation and public policy; restructuring and insolvency; intellectual property; outsourcing; employment and pensions; competition; trusts and estates.
SNR Denton is committed to pro bono work and the firm’s involvement in this area includes anything from representing death-row inmates to working on asylum matters and civil rights. The firm has also been a supporter of groups such as UNICEF, the International HIV/AIDS Alliance and Human Rights Watch. In the UK, the SNR Denton UK Charitable Trust is dedicated to funding various charities, particularly those with a London or Milton Keynes link.
The Company’s Take
Jobs
Training Contract: As part of SNR Denton, you will be given all the responsibility you can handle. You will learn on the job by running parts of real cases, meeting with real clients and taking your place in the fast-paced and increasingly global world of business. After all, it is this type of experience that makes great lawyers and readies you for the daily pressures of your professional career. At SNR Denton you will get it almost from day one. If commercial law is your ambition, beginning your career with us will give you the fulfillment you are looking for. You'll be welcomed into a team internationally renowned for its expertise. We will help you develop your skills and knowledge in an open and supportive environment.
When to Apply: Training Contract (non-law applicants) deadline: 30 March 2012. Training Contract (law applicants) deadline: 31 July 2012
Salary: Our current starting salary for trainee solicitors is £37,000/£25,500 (London/Milton Keynes), rising to £40,000/£27,500 in the second year of training.
Vacancies: We recruit between 20 and 25 trainee solicitors.
Apply Now
Vacation Placements: Want to get a feel for what a law career with us is really like? By shadowing our trainees, hearing about the work we do and asking lots of questions, you will find out for yourself about the type of firm we are, and whether we are right for you. Our Summer Scheme offers a week of challenging experiences with us. You will meet and shadow our current trainees. You will advance your presentation and negotiation skills. You will also take part in fun exercises and social events. The scheme is open to second, penultimate and final year law students and those who have completed a law degree. Final year non-law students and graduates can taste the experience too, on our December Winter Open Days. You will shadow two of our trainees, attend talks and take part in a negotiation exercise.
When to Apply: Check our website for details.
Salary: The summer scheme remuneration is competitive.
Vacancies: Each year, we offer between 20 and 25 summer vacation placements across our London and Milton Keynes offices.
Apply Now
