Walker Morris

Leeds-based firm Walker Morris is one of the few top 100 UK law firms that remains centred on a single site, and their performance shows that this strategy works for them.

Walker Morris’ key practice areas are litigation, property and corporate/commercial, but it advises its client base in all manner of matters and there has been a high level of growth in the firm’s planning and environment group. Chief among the client base are major corporations – many of which are based outside Yorkshire, with many international clients such as Caterpillar and Starbucks. The firm also has an unusual niche in waste recycling and energy.

Walker Morris is known for its close knit culture and transparency. Its lawyers cite work that is “varied and challenging” with the safety blanket of an open door policy and partners who are more than happy to take time to advise and help you out with any questions. Walker Morris certainly isn’t a pompous, cut throat City practice, a culture that the firm is keen to maintain.

Unlike most firms, Walker Morris operates a six-seat training programme allowing trainees to experience a larger number of seats for four months each. However, while it may recruit to retain – and many do stay – the door to equity partnership is reportedly hard to get through.

In philanthropic terms, Walker Morris keenly maintains involvement in local causes, with a programme of sponsorship for the arts. Through the firm’s corporate social responsibility programme, solicitors at Walker Morris undertake pro bono work for a number of charities, including Martin House Hospice, Marie Curie, the NSPCC and Breast Cancer Haven.

Practice numerical tests and verbal tests used by actual employers.

Trainees at Walker Morris have a reputation for being outgoing and confident. The firm looks for motivated candidates who are interested in both Leeds and the firm, so don’t bother applying unless you are committed to the locale for the long haul. While strong academics are a prerequisite, candidates should have ‘something about them’ and are advised to make their personality shine through in their application forms.

The interview process is fairly long, with an assessment half day followed by a face-to-face interview that is said to be very informal. Another possible way to boost your chances is the Walker Morris vacation scheme; with many a trainee earning a contract on successful completion of the programme.

Walker Morris Graduate Recruitment Info

Contact:
Graduate Recruitment Team
Email: hellograduates@walkermorris.co.uk
Tel: 0113 283 2500

Application Deadlines:
Training Contracts: 31st July 2013

Stats

No. of employees firm-wide: 500
Partners: 46
Solicitors: 120
Trainee intake: 18
Trainees retained: 85% (2012), 80% (2011)

WALKER MORRIS: 2013 LAW RANKINGS

# 2 (Tie) in Informal Training & Mentoring (8.78/10)
# 6 (Tie) in Satisfaction with Work (8.17/10)
# 11 in Selectivity (8.30/10)
# 12 in Culture (8.30/10)

Salary

Leeds 2012
1st year trainee: £24,000
2nd year trainee: £26,000
Newly qualified: £37,000
1 year PQE: £39,000
2 year PQE: £41,000
3 year PQE: £44,000

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Departments

Banking
Banking Litigation
Chemicals & Life Science
China Trade Practice Group
Commercial
Commercial Dispute Resolution
Construction & Engineering
Corporate
Employment
Employment & Human Resources
Environment
Finance - Banking
Finance - Restructuring & Insolvency
Insolvency/Restructuring
Intellectual Property
Liquor, Betting & Gaming
Litigation
Pensions
Property
Property Litigation
Regulatory
Sport
Tax
Town & Country Planning
WM Claims