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? 'International, London-based, focus on contract and tort law'; 'I enjoyed my vac scheme and the people were friendly'; 'top marks in shipping and insurance!'; 'I wanted to do litigation and Ince seemed to have a different ethos to the average City firm'; 'allows trainees to get fully involved in cases'
How does your training compare with peers' at other firms? 'I'm swamped with work and responsibility – my peers in corporate/property seats are going home at 5pm'; 'less dull, more freedom, more variety'; 'more responsibility – this is particularly true on small disputes'; 'less client contact but a greater range of work'; 'the majority of work is contentious'
Best thing about the firm? 'The collegiate atmosphere – inclusive in its general approach'; 'partners are generally very approachable, one is given much responsibility and treated as an equal'; 'the (non-departmental) training structure – it's great being able to act on such a wide range of cases from beginning to end and work for a variety of partners and assistants'
Worst thing about the firm? 'Working for any fee-earner in the firm sometimes means it's difficult to manage the workload'; 'no vending machine for mid-afternoon cravings!';'the fact that we don't have specific seats can make it tricky sometimes for people to find work'; 'lack of a proper canteen'
Best moment? 'Finishing a trial and winning part of it – oh and the lovely meal that we had to celebrate!'; 'attending the enforcement of a writ of execution'; 'being a key intermediary and draftsperson for an important and complex reinsurance exercise'; 'responsibility for producing, maintaining, and updating hearing bundles and then getting to see them used in court'
Worst moment? 'Working all night to meet deadlines'; 'stress of effectively running a case and dealing with the client whilst both the partner and associate on the case were away'; 'trial bundles – good experience and necessary part of the job but can be a nightmare!'; 'any moment involving pagination'; 'cancelling social engagements to do a disclosure exercise'