8 BEDFORD ROW, LONDON, WC1R 4BX
- Tel:
- Work 020 8789 9111
- Fax:
- Fax 020 7831 2565
- DX:
- 112 CHANCERY LANE
- Web:
- www.russell-cooke.co.uk
- Email:
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? 'The work/life balance, varied location of offices, wide range of departments'; 'Commitment to publicly-funded work, lack of jargon on website and application form, reputation, straightforward and intelligent impression at interview, location'; 'Wide range of practice areas and level of responsibility'; 'Down-to-earth people'
How does your training compare with peers' at other firms? 'It varies by seat. At the moment, the training I am receiving is excellent and far beyond what other trainees have told me about their firms'; 'We have a great deal of responsibility and manage our own caseload'; 'Less stressful and more sociable hours, and fewer administrative tasks and more genuine fee-earner work'; 'Better colleagues'
Best thing about the firm? 'Range of departments and up until now, relatively relaxed attitude towards time targets'; 'Its civilised culture and ethos of trusting all fee earners to run their own files'; 'Its excellent not-for-profit and legally aided departments – without these the firm would be much less distinctive from its competitors'
Worst thing about the firm? 'Attitudes and approaches vary across the firm, so it's hard to get used to this every six months'; 'Level of IT equipment and resources'; 'The departments are not particularly well integrated with each other, and you tend only to socialise with members of your department on a day to day basis'; 'Sometimes procedures can be opaque'
Best moment? 'Doing the advocacy in a hearing to set aside a default judgment'; 'Receiving positive feedback from clients who appreciated the care I put into advising them'; 'Having articles I've written posted on the firm's website'
Worst moment? 'Working over the weekend to prepare for a hearing on the Monday'; 'Nothing stands out!'; 'Feeling swamped with files in a property seat, uncertainty about whether I'll be kept on as the firm tightens its belt'; 'Arranging case conferences is a bit of a nightmare!'