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Olswang

90 HIGH HOLBORN, LONDON, WC1V 6XX
Tel:
Work 020 7067 3000
Fax:
Fax 020 7067 3999
DX:
37972 KINGSWAY
Web:
www.olswang.com
Email:
Reading, London, Brussels, Berlin

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? 'Wanted to work in a mid-market firm in the areas Olswang practises in and I was attracted to the branding and image of the firm'; 'in Sunday Times 100 Best Companies to Work for'; 'it was the only firm that jumped out as combining size and power with a relaxed and friendly atmosphere'; 'reputation for top-drawer media commercial work, coupled with outgoing and entrepreneurial approach to the law'

How does your training compare with peers' at other firms? 'More relaxed. Treated like normal people. People are happy for you to do what you like as long as you get your work done'; 'more client contact and responsibility from the very first day'; 'compares well. Seems more meritocratic'; 'I would not swap working at Olswang with a single one of my friends'

Best thing about the firm? 'The people. Almost everyone is friendly and informal but still very good at what they do'; 'the office is fantastic. Really well equipped, spacious and with large breakout areas in the centre of each floor'; 'the quality of its clients/the quality of the people at the firm (socially and from a learning perspective)'; 'open, friendly culture' 

Worst thing about the firm? 'High expectations of trainees, and everyone wants to do media!'; 'the quality of the cookies seems to be deteriorating, the lack of seats abroad'; 'despite its sexiness, it's still essentially a law firm (and not a beach in Acapulco)'; 'some departments are quite 'cliquey''; 'trainees rarely get all of their preferred seats'

Best moment? 'Hearing that a senior partner had mentioned about being impressed with my work on a particular deal'; 'winning two unlikely cases and knowing that my work had contributed'; 'being part of a team working on a film transaction'; 'pro bono work - especially Whitechapel mission'

Worst moment? 'Proof reading for three days straight'; 'sending a client's documents to the wrong law firm and spending the night thinking I'd walk in the next morning to my P45'; 'being stuck working ridiculously long hours day after day'


Source: The Lex 100 - the student guide to UK law firms 2009/2010

Further information: Students and trainees can find full information on working for this firm here.

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