Wedlake Bell

The Legal 500 Future Lawyers verdict on Wedlake Bell

Wedlake Bell appeals to trainees for its approachable culture, strong work-life balance, and quality of training. Trainees highlight “approachability and work-life balance,” “a positive and human approach to recruitment,” and “the smaller trainee intake which means each trainee is treated as an individual and not a number.” The firm’s full-service offering and niche strengths, particularly in private client work and areas such as art, luxury, and IP, also attract candidates. Training is described as supportive and hands-on. “Partners at my firm are more approachable and it is less hierarchical,” and “great access to good quality work, given more responsibility from day one.” Responsibility and ownership are encouraged, with trainees contributing to the strategy and conduct of matters rather than just performing isolated tasks. Colleagues and the social culture are frequently praised: “the people,” and “the firm has a great social life (ski trips and monthly terrace drinks).” Trainees appreciate approachable partners and supportive colleagues, which enhances learning and development. Challenges mainly relate to remuneration and office expectations: “NQ salary is starting to fall behind the market,” and hybrid working is limited, with trainees generally expected in the office five days a week. Some trainees experience differences in approach across the firm: “For trainees, it is left to individual teams… this results in inconsistencies between departments.” Work highlights include taking ownership of matters and working on high-profile transactions: “Presenting advice directly to an overseas client based on my own research” and “getting very involved in a large corporate transaction.” Difficult moments stem from heavy workloads or unsupportive supervisors. Pro bono and CSR opportunities exist but are limited: “CSR is taken seriously… there is not a focus on pro bono,” though fundraising and charity events are available for engagement. For those seeking hands-on work, supportive colleagues, and a strong work-life balance, Wedlake Bell fits the bill.

A day in the life of... Alice Anderson, trainee solicitor, Wedlake Bell LLP

Departments to date: Commercial property (core); Private client (offshore); Pensions and employee benefits (current)

University: University of Birmingham

Degree: History and American & Canadian Studies (1st Class)

7.00am: I wake up and get myself ready for the day, enjoying a cup of tea before leaving the house just before 8am to catch the tube to work. If you fancy cycling or running in, there’s a bike shed and lockers downstairs in the building, complete with showers, towels, and shampoo etc.

8.45am: I arrive at the office and grab a bowl of porridge, which the firm kindly provides each day. On Mondays and Fridays, there’s the added treat of a full English or continental breakfast in exchange for a 50p donation to the firm’s charity of the year. It’s a great way to start the day and catch up with colleagues in the kitchen before settling at my desk.

9.00am: I begin by reviewing any emails that have come in overnight, which helps me shape my to-do list for the day.

9.30am: One of today’s tasks is helping to draft an article for our department’s publication, Pension Compass. It’s a great opportunity to research a new area of law and practise article writing—something that’s valuable across many departments. There’s a strong research element in the pensions team, which I really enjoy. Most trainees don’t have prior experience in pensions law, so tasks like this are a great way to learn on the job.

11.45am: I’m asked to review the trust deed and rules of a pension scheme. The client wants to understand their powers around suspending contributions, as the defined benefit scheme is currently in surplus. I carefully check the relevant document and make notes of the key provisions.

12.30pm: I pop upstairs for some soup, which the firm provides in return for a donation (there’s also a salad bar on offer, which I love in summer). I catch up with some of the other trainees, and we then pop out for a short walk. Being so close to the Thames, there are lovely walks along the river—or if the sun is out, we love to sit outside St Paul’s Cathedral.

1.30pm: After lunch, I finish reviewing the scheme documents. Although I have already checked the trust deed and rules, I go through the last ten years of various deeds to ensure no amendments have been implemented that change the relevant provisions I’ve highlighted. Thankfully, the amendments don’t affect the issue at hand. Attention to detail is absolutely key in this kind of work. I then prepare a summary email to the partner, referencing the key rules and legislation that the client would need to consider.

4.00pm: Each week, my supervisor gives me a research task. As I’m still new to the seat, the topics are broad to help me get to grips with the area. This week, I’m looking into Virgin Media Ltd v NTL Pension Trustees II Ltd—a case with significant implications for defined benefit schemes. As the Pensions Scheme Bill 2025 is currently passing through Parliament, this case is key to certain new provisions coming in, and my supervisor recommends I take plenty of time to research it thoroughly. We’ll then sit down and discuss it in our weekly catch-up on Monday morning.

5.00pm: I sit down with the partner to discuss my review of the trust deed and rules. It’s a great opportunity to explain my thought process and ask any questions. We then collaboratively draft a response to the client. Working with senior lawyers is one of the best ways to learn—so much of being a trainee is about absorbing knowledge through osmosis.

5.30pm: The team packs up together as we’re heading to an event hosted by an actuarial firm we work with. It’s a launch event for their new brand and the event is held at the Magic Circle (the magicians, not the law firms!). As well as being able to watch talented magicians, it’s a great opportunity to meet others in the pensions sector. Networking and business development are key parts of life at a law firm, and it’s great that trainees are encouraged to get involved and are able to practise these skills.

On other evenings, I usually have plenty of time to make plans and see friends. The office is in a great location with plenty of pubs and restaurants nearby. I also play with the firm’s netball team on Tuesday evenings in a local league—we often head to the pub afterwards for a catch-up. There is also a football team and a running club, so lots to get involved in!

9.15pm: With my goody bag in hand, I leave the event and head home to wind down for the evening.

About the firm

The firm: Independent law firm Wedlake Bell is headquartered in London. The firm is renowned for its real estate and private client practice, as well as for its disputes and corporate work. Wedlake Bell advises clients ranging from FTSE 100 companies to owner-managed businesses and ultra-high-net-worth individuals.

The clients: Bank of Ireland; Countrywide; Honest Burgers; HSBC; Hugo Boss UK; Kuehne + Nagel; Lacoste; Millennium Hotels; Royal Academy of Arts; Tesco Stores.

Senior partner: Camilla Wallace

Managing partner: Martin Arnold

Who we are: We have strong expertise in real estate, private client, dispute resolution and business services. Our driving force is to empower our clients by providing quality legal advice, insight and intelligence that enables them to achieve their goals, whether personal or business. We are large enough to advise on the most complex matters, but small enough to ensure that our people and our work remain exceptional and dynamic.

What we do:  With 80 partners supported by almost 200 lawyers and support staff, we operate on a four practice group model: private client, business services, real estate and dispute resolution.

What we’re looking for in a trainee: We are looking for self-motivated trainees – individuals with potential who will thrive in a small, close-knit trainee intake. The key areas that we focus on are strong technical skills, enthusiasm and a strong work ethic.

What you’ll do: The training contract consists of four six-month seats in four different practice areas. Trainee solicitors are closely supervised but have client contact and responsibility from day one.

Trainees are allocated a trainee buddy and a mentor to help them settle into life at the firm. Alongside their day-to-day role, the trainees will also attend a bespoke learning and development curriculum which covers core skills to complement their learning.

Wedlake Bell runs firmwide events (such as firm socials and the annual walking trip) which trainees are encouraged to participate in.

Perks: Pension, health insurance, dental insurance, personal health and wellbeing support including virtual GP service, life assurance, season ticket loan, corporate gym membership, additional holiday scheme, give as you earn, cycle to work scheme, employee mortgage advice, birthday leave, subsidised firm-wide trips.

Sponsorship

PGDIP, SQE funding and maintenance grants available, subject to terms and conditions of any offer. Wedlake Bell works with the University of Law as our SQE preparation course provider. PGDIP/PGDL course sponsorship is only for those completing the SQE route who have not yet begun the course.

Seat options

Commercial property; banking; property litigation; construction; private client; residential property; art and luxury; commercial disputes; insolvency; IP and commercial; corporate; pensions and employee benefits; employment.

Tips from the recruiter

1. Be clear and concise with your writing style – make the most of the limited word count!
2. We want to get to know you in your application, be authentic!
3. Triple check your application for any spelling or grammar errors.

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