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? 'Friendliness and atmosphere within the firm on the assessment days and interview'; 'the initiatives to improve every area of the firm'; 'I'd heard good things about the managing partner and his strategy'; 'I met some of the trainees who I found truly enjoyed their jobs and I was impressed at their quality of work'
How does your training compare with peers' at other firms? 'BLP is exceptionally focused on its trainees – I've para-legaled in a few firms and seen how trainees are treated and this place is really dedicated and hands-on'; 'they take real care in placing you in seats you've chosen'; 'demanding work, fantastic client contact and friendly atmosphere'
Best thing about the firm? 'Incentives such as £500 to the winning suggestion in a staff-related/client-related question of the month'; 'an authorised day off for charitable/pro bono activity'; 'the BLP London to Paris Bike Ride'; 'various department ski-trips and the great location on the river'; 'the quality of people and the ambition shown by all staff'
Worst thing about the firm? 'Lack of overseas secondments'; 'sometimes a bit hierarchical'; 'being in two buildings (although next door to each other)'; 'hours can be comparable to the Magic Circle'; 'when qualification time rolls around there's a lack of organisation and empathy for candidates'; 'the logo!'; 'St Magnus House is not as fancy as Adelaide House'
Best moment? 'Finding the original docs I thought I'd lost!'; 'running the last week of a deal and the whole completion process with a senior partner'; 'helping out on the largest ever cartel damages case'; 'client meetings by myself'; 'being given tickets for a client's box at the Emirates'; 'completion celebration – racing cars in Spain'; 'closing £60m deal on my own'
Worst moment? 'Sending an email in error to a client'; 'swamped with work and associates lacking understanding of other deadlines, but supervisors are usually pretty helpful at sorting things out'; 'barely leaving the office in the weeks around Christmas'; 'getting grilled by one of the firm's big hitters'; 'stressful deal involving a lot of paper shuffling'