Each year The Lex 100 surveys thousands of trainees in the major UK law firms. This is an extract from their independent findings:
The lowdown (in their own words...)
Why did you choose this firm over any others? 'Commercial reputation, biggest firm in Hull'; 'good local reputation'; 'excellent standard of training'; 'a smaller firm offering good client contact and a sense that everyone's an individual and a key member of the workforce'; 'local to friends and family'; 'departments which are recognised regionally and nationally'
How does your training compare with peers' at other firms? 'Better client contact, more responsibility, more meaty commercial cases'; 'trainee contact partner scheme and buddy scheme are not present in some other firms'; 'get to see files through from start to finish, even if seat is finished'; 'my training is provided by senior lawyers'; 'salary lower than peers, however work/life balance is better'
Best thing about the firm? 'Client base'; 'open-door policy for trainees'; 'investment in training'; 'wide variety of departments'; 'willingness to make best use of its trainees which results in us getting a great deal of hands-on experience'; 'friendly but professional atmosphere'; 'almost everyone is down to earth'
Worst thing about the firm? 'Some photocopying but not mountains'; 'lack of social activities outside work'; 'remuneration – salary is Law Society minimum and no contribution to LPC fees'; 'building old and in need of modernising'; 'secrecy of senior management about the direction of the firm and likelihood of being kept on'
Best moment? 'The first time I attended a client on my own, it was good to feel the firm trusted I could do the job'; 'when I was noted by the managing partner as a good networker at my first ever corporate event'; 'receiving praise from clients and generally being valued and credited for good work I've done'; 'visiting an elderly client on my own'
Worst moment? 'Running to HM Land Registry to make an urgent application. It started to rain heavily and I arrived soaked to the skin only to have the application rejected'; 'being so busy at first and feeling overwhelmed'; 'sending original documents to the other side'; 'poor review at the end of one seat, although in retrospect it was the kick up the backside I needed'