Travers Smith

Formal Training

8.1 / 10
34 reviews
How would you describe the training programmes offered at your firm? What skills have you picked up as a result of this training?
2013 Reviews

  • Structured training sessions for each department as you rotate seats and global training for a couple of days at the start.

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  • There is a general induction programme at the start and then each department runs its own specialised series of workshops.

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  • You work closely with senior associates and partners and learn a huge amount through the room system, in which teams all share a single office space (i.e. learning by osmosis).

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  • The fact that you are encouraged to get stuck into transactions is the best form of training in my opinion. It has meant that I have learnt a huge amount in my first six months as a trainee. Client contact allows you to develop your people skills from an early stage.

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  • Very detailed training program covering a vast array of arrears, not just relating to law.

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  • Lots of training on soft skills as well as on law and commercial awareness e.g. listening, presentation, networking, etc.

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  • I would say that formal training takes more of a back-seat in comparison to on the job training.

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2012 Reviews

  • Lots of lunchtime seminars.

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  • The best thing about the training is that standards throughout the firm are high. Which means you learn to do everything well.

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  • Extensive and wide ranging; all 'legal' bases covered as well as presentation skills, networking, etc.

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  • The training is given in your seat and is pretty extensive.

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  • We have lots of lunchtime sessions at which senior solicitors give introductory talks to areas of practice in the seat you are in.

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  • The partners/associates conduct a series of thorough training seminars for the trainees at the beginning of every new seat. The firm also runs other soft-skills training sessions for trainees throughout the training contract.

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  • A variety of useful seminars and talks, together with regular 'on the job' training from associates and partners lends itself to an extensive, well-rounded learning experience both as a lawyer and as an employee in any service industry.

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  • Training in all departments has been comprehensive. Good materials, interesting speakers. Soft skills (negotiation, etc.) have also been taught.

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2011 Reviews

  • The induction talks are formal and are conducted by a number of different fee earners. Departmental induction/training seems to vary from department to department but is equally well structured. Both are taken seriously and trainees are told in advance when such sessions are due to take place. Legal training: CPs, know your client, company searches, due diligence. Non-legal training: organisational skills, and IT.

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  • Training is taken seriously at the firm. Each department has dedicated PSL(s) who develop and run the training programmes for trainees and other fee earners. Training is highly prioritised and is always well tailored to meet the demands of the department. Training sessions usually run throughout your seat. They provide a great opportunity to learn about the legal issues of the relevant area but also the practical issues of how to utilise know-how best, drafting techniques, and general information on the department and how it works.

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  • Training is mainly on an informal basis, as you always sit with a partner and an associate who will comment on any work you produce for them. There are also formal training sessions (the sandwiches provided have a deserved reputation for being abysmal). They are taken seriously by those who give them, and are focussed on giving you practical hints and tips on your seat, as well as providing legal know-how.

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  • Training is taken seriously but is a very open forum in which questions can be asked and views aired. There is always time to attend and you would only not attend if there was a very pressing matter where your colleagues absolutely could not do without you. Training programmes are organised by the department PSLs and generally take place in the first few weeks/months of each seat. You pick up a range of skills, e.g. Drafting, but also an overview of the process for the matters each department generally deals with, and an understanding of how the firm operates.

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  • Each department runs their own training schedules so each department varies. The training often comes too late in that you've already had to do the task before you are trained on how to do it!

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  • Training is taken very seriously and organised well. This has been one of the big plus points of my training contract.

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  • We have fortnightly departmental meetings along with more in-depth monthly sessions. We also have a programme of lunchtime sessions with other departments that we often work closely with (e.g. Employment, banking) and these are very useful, not just for adding to the general legal knowledge but for getting to know colleagues in other departments.

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  • There is no formal training programme in place once you qualify. Ad hoc departmental lunch training sessions are held to provide updates on recent legal developments.

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  • There are fortnightly departmental meetings which cover major legal developments and any work-related points of interest which have arisen. Associates have weekly lunchtime training on a specific area of law. Additionally, external speakers attend regularly and we periodically get sent on training courses (e.g. Accounts, management skills, etc.).

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  • The firm does not have a particularly formal training programme. You very much learn on the job. Sitting with extremely capable senior lawyers who are highly experienced and watching how they manage their caseload (as well as asking for their advice on how you should manage yours) means that you learn very quickly.

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