The Legal 500

See the latest survey results from the 2012/13 edition of The Lex 100 - a student guide designed to show what working in a law firm is really like. For more information on the methodology of this survey please click here.

1. Survey results
2. The Lex 100 verdict
3. A Day in the life of
4. About the Firm
5. Facts & figures
6. APPLY NOW

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Web:  www.nortonrosegraduates.com 

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Survey results

The lowdown (in their own words...)

The Verdict

Trainees at Norton Rose are attracted by the firm's outstanding reputation and 'excellent' vacation scheme. With an 'international focus', 'breadth of departments' and a 'friendly and supportive environment', the City firm also encourages trainee development and provides 'regular and helpful' training courses. Additionally the supervision provided by partners and associates is of a 'high standard'. Current trainees also feel that the six-seat seat rotation allows them 'to make a better decision when it comes to qualification'. The firm also boasts market-leading finance, energy and insurance practices and has specialisms in areas such as Islamic finance. There is a 'get your hands dirty' culture, so expect a reasonable amount of responsibility from the off and the firm scores well for client contact ('the numerous client events I have been to provide a great opportunity to network and better understand the business of your clients'). A guaranteed seat abroad could see you going to any one of the firm's numerous international offices and there is also ample opportunity to do client secondments. However, while there is 'more flexibility in applying for each seat', some feel that the decisions regarding allocations can at times seem 'random'. There is also a natural variation between departments, meaning that you can find yourself working long hours in the bigger teams and this can have a knock-on effect on work/life balance. If you 'thrive on responsibility' and want the chance to work on big-ticket-deals for high-profile clients in a truly international environment then definitely consider Norton Rose.

 A day in the life of...

Victoria Walker second-year trainee, Norton Rose LLP 
Departments to date:  Asset finance (London and Singapore), corporate (London), aviation finance (Paris)
University: Exeter 
Degree: History 

I was offered the opportunity to spend four months on secondment in Singapore. I worked in the shipping finance team, which is part of the asset finance department. A typical day would be as follows:

7.45am:  Whilst in Singapore I was offered the opportunity to spend the next seat rotation in the Paris office. This was a chance that was too good to be missed but it also meant that I had to brush up my very limited French skills. I arrive at work early so that I can fit in a French lesson before everyone else arrives.

10.00am:  I check my to-do list and read the emails that I have received overnight. With a couple of deals on the go, I prioritise the tasks that are required urgently and make a note of the other tasks that need to be completed.

10.30am:  My supervisor calls me into a meeting so that I can be briefed on a new deal. The client informs us that they want to see a first draft of the documents as soon as possible. All other tasks are put on hold as I prepare first drafts of the security documents. This is great experience that allows me to obtain a better understanding of the elements involved in the transaction.

1.00pm:  I pop out for lunch with a couple of the trainees from Norton Rose and we meet the trainees from some other firms. There is a large trainee network in Singapore and we frequently arrange to meet for lunch and dinner as well as organising weekend trips abroad. Today we discuss last-minute preparations for our upcoming trip to Bali.

1.45pm:  I return to the office and give the first drafts of the documents to the associate that I am working with. Once they have been checked I will amend them as necessary before passing them on to my supervisor.

2.00pm:  I have received quite a few emails on a deal that I have been working on for a month or so. The client has requested some information that needs to be obtained from the borrower. I call the lawyers who are acting for the borrower and request the documents. I then respond to the client, informing them that the documents will be passed on to them once we have received them.

2.30pm:  One of the deals that I am working on is due to close in a few days. Before this can take place I need to check that all of the documents have been received and update the condition precedent checklist. Once I have updated the checklist, I circulate it via email to all the parties involved in the transaction. I also ensure that hard copies of all the necessary documents have been filed.

4.00pm:  I pop round to see the associate and she goes through a couple of changes that need to be made to the documents. I make the changes and then leave the documents for my supervisor to look at.

5.00pm:  One of our clients has requested a phone call regarding the status of the documentation and conditions precedent. It is my responsibility to run through the checklist and request the outstanding items from the relevant party. Throughout the call I make a note of what has been said with regards to the outstanding items. My supervisor is away next week so I need to ensure that I understand exactly what is going on and know the status of each stage of the transaction.

6.00pm:  A client based in London has just emailed with some comments on a legal opinion that I had drafted. I check the comments, discuss the changes with the associate and send the client a revised draft.

7.30pm:  I check my 'to-do' list and note the tasks that I need to complete tomorrow.

8.00pm:  I email the other trainees about meeting for dinner and then leave the office.