{"id":13434,"date":"2025-10-02T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-10-02T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/?post_type=profiles&#038;p=13434"},"modified":"2025-10-02T10:09:31","modified_gmt":"2025-10-02T10:09:31","slug":"covington-burling","status":"publish","type":"profiles","link":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/profiles\/covington-burling\/","title":{"rendered":"Covington &amp; Burling"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"featured_media":0,"template":"","jurisdictions":[],"countries":[],"cities":[],"firms_companies":[],"universities_colleges":[],"lex_survey_questions":[],"publications":[798],"tc_location":[],"class_list":["post-13434","profiles","type-profiles","status-publish","hentry","publications-future-lawyers-2025-26"],"acf":[],"featured_image_urls":{},"appp_media":null,"appp":{"post_list":{"below_title":"<div class=\"lex-profile-list-intro\"><div class=\"letterhead\">\n            \n\t\t\t<h1 class=\"styled\">Covington &amp; Burling<\/h1>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t<img class=\"firm-logo\" height=\"200\" width=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2019\/09\/Covington-Burling.gif\" alt=\"Covington &amp; Burling law firm logo\" \/>\n\t<meta class=\"swiftype\" name=\"image\" data-type=\"enum\" content=\"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2019\/09\/Covington-Burling.gif\" \/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"contact-box\">\n<div class=\"address contact\"><i class=\"fa fa-building\"><\/i> 22 Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4BQ<\/div><div class=\"web contact\"><i class=\"fa fa-globe\"><\/i> <a class=\"firm-website\" target=\"_blank\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.cov.com\/en\">Visit website<\/a><\/div><div class=\"email contact\"><i class=\"fa fa-envelope\"><\/i> <a class=\"firm-email\" href=\"mailto: graduate@cov.com?subject=Enquiry via lex100.com\">E-mail firm<\/a><\/div><div class=\"phone contact\"><i class=\"fa fa-phone\"><\/i> 0207 067 2000<\/div><div class=\"linkedin contact\"><i class=\"fa fa-linkedin\"><\/i> <a class=\"firm-linkedin\" target=\"_blank\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/07\/LinkedIn-logo.png\">LinkedIn<\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"badges\"><i class='fa fa-trophy' aria-hidden='true'><\/i> Covington &amp; Burling is a The Legal 500 Future Lawyers Winner in 2 categories: <a href='\/future-lawyers\/survey\/future-lawyers-winners\/how-would-you-rate-the-quality-of-work-you-are-given\/' target='_blank'> Quality of work<\/a>,<a href='\/future-lawyers\/survey\/future-lawyers-winners\/how-would-you-rate-the-international-secondment-opportunities-available\/' target='_blank'> International secondments<\/a><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"apply-buttons\">\n<div class=\"grad_web\"><button class=\"grad-rec\" style=\"position:relative; height: 56px;\"><a style=\"padding-top: 15px; position: absolute; top: 0; right: 0; bottom: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; color: #fff;\" class=\"firm-grad-site\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cov.com\/en\/careers\/lawyers\/london\">Visit Graduate Recruitment Site<\/a><\/button><\/div><div class=\"apply_link\"><button class=\"apply-now\" style=\"position:relative; height: 56px;\"><a style=\"padding-top: 15px; position: absolute; top: 0; right: 0; bottom: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; color: #fff;\" class=\"firm-apply-link\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/cov.grad.allhires.com\/\">Apply Now<\/a><\/button><\/div><\/div>\n\n                    \n        <\/div><span class=\"profile-link\">View Profile<\/span><\/div>"},"post_detail":{"below_title":"<div class=\"letterhead\"><div class=\"letterhead\">\n            \n\t\t\t<h1 class=\"styled\">Covington &amp; Burling<\/h1>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t<img class=\"firm-logo\" height=\"200\" width=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2019\/09\/Covington-Burling.gif\" alt=\"Covington &amp; Burling law firm logo\" \/>\n\t<meta class=\"swiftype\" name=\"image\" data-type=\"enum\" content=\"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2019\/09\/Covington-Burling.gif\" \/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"contact-box\">\n<div class=\"address contact\"><i class=\"fa fa-building\"><\/i> 22 Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4BQ<\/div><div class=\"web contact\"><i class=\"fa fa-globe\"><\/i> <a class=\"firm-website\" target=\"_blank\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.cov.com\/en\">Visit website<\/a><\/div><div class=\"email contact\"><i class=\"fa fa-envelope\"><\/i> <a class=\"firm-email\" href=\"mailto: graduate@cov.com?subject=Enquiry via lex100.com\">E-mail firm<\/a><\/div><div class=\"phone contact\"><i class=\"fa fa-phone\"><\/i> 0207 067 2000<\/div><div class=\"linkedin contact\"><i class=\"fa fa-linkedin\"><\/i> <a class=\"firm-linkedin\" target=\"_blank\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/07\/LinkedIn-logo.png\">LinkedIn<\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"badges\"><i class='fa fa-trophy' aria-hidden='true'><\/i> Covington &amp; Burling is a The Legal 500 Future Lawyers Winner in 2 categories: <a href='\/future-lawyers\/survey\/future-lawyers-winners\/how-would-you-rate-the-quality-of-work-you-are-given\/' target='_blank'> Quality of work<\/a>,<a href='\/future-lawyers\/survey\/future-lawyers-winners\/how-would-you-rate-the-international-secondment-opportunities-available\/' target='_blank'> International secondments<\/a><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"apply-buttons\">\n<div class=\"grad_web\"><button class=\"grad-rec\" style=\"position:relative; height: 56px;\"><a style=\"padding-top: 15px; position: absolute; top: 0; right: 0; bottom: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; color: #fff;\" class=\"firm-grad-site\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cov.com\/en\/careers\/lawyers\/london\">Visit Graduate Recruitment Site<\/a><\/button><\/div><div class=\"apply_link\"><button class=\"apply-now\" style=\"position:relative; height: 56px;\"><a style=\"padding-top: 15px; position: absolute; top: 0; right: 0; bottom: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; color: #fff;\" class=\"firm-apply-link\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/cov.grad.allhires.com\/\">Apply Now<\/a><\/button><\/div><\/div>\n\n                    \n        <\/div><\/div><div class=\"survey-scores\"><h2 style=\"color: #111;\">Trainee Feedback<\/h2>\r\n<ul style=\"list-type:none; color: #111;\">\r\n<li style=\"width:83.1%\">83.1<span class=\"score-title\">Satisfaction<\/span><\/li><li style=\"width:86.7%\">86.7<span class=\"score-title\">Work quality<\/span><\/li><li style=\"width:83.1%\">83.1<span class=\"score-title\">Client contact<\/span><\/li><li style=\"width:78.6%\">78.6<span class=\"score-title\">Quality of client contact<\/span><\/li><li style=\"width:51.8%\">51.8<span class=\"score-title\">Client secondments<\/span><\/li><li style=\"width:61.6%\">61.6<span class=\"score-title\">Work\/life<\/span><\/li><li style=\"width:49.1%\">49.1<span class=\"score-title\">Social life<\/span><\/li><li style=\"width:%\">82.6<span class=\"score-title\">Vac. Scheme<\/span><\/li><li style=\"width:67%\">67<span class=\"score-title\">Confidence<\/span><\/li><li style=\"width:75%\">75<span class=\"score-title\">Remuneration<\/span><\/li><li style=\"width:72.4%\">72.4<span class=\"score-title\">Inclusiveness<\/span><\/li><li style=\"width:57.2%\">57.2<span class=\"score-title\">International<\/span><\/li><li style=\"width:84.9%\">84.9<span class=\"score-title\">Approachability<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul><\/div><div class=\"profile-content-1\"> \n<article id=\"post-13434\" class=\"post-13434 profiles type-profiles status-publish hentry publications-future-lawyers-2025-26\">\n\t\n\t<header class=\"entry-header\">\n\t\t\n\t<\/header><!-- .entry-header -->\n\n\t<div class=\"entry-content\">\n\n<div class=\"survey-results tab-listing\">  \n   \n        \n<h2>Survey Results - Trainee feedback on <span class=\"highlight-firm\">Covington &amp; Burling<\/span><\/h2>\n\n           <style>\n#chartdiv {\n  width: 100%;\n  height: 800px;\n}\n\n<\/style>\n            \n  <!-- Resources -->\n<script src=\"https:\/\/www.amcharts.com\/lib\/4\/core.js\"><\/script>\n<script src=\"https:\/\/www.amcharts.com\/lib\/4\/charts.js\"><\/script>\n<script src=\"https:\/\/www.amcharts.com\/lib\/4\/themes\/animated.js\"><\/script>\n            \n<!-- HTML -->\n<div id=\"chartdiv\"><\/div>\n        \n<!-- Chart code -->\n<script>\n\/\/ Themes begin\nam4core.useTheme(am4themes_animated);\n\/\/ Themes end\n\n\/\/ Create chart instance\nvar chart = am4core.create(\"chartdiv\", am4charts.XYChart3D);\n\n\/\/ Add data\nchart.data = [{\n  \"question\": \"Satisfaction\",\n  \"result\": \"83.1\",\n  \"explanation\": \"How would you rate your overall job satisfaction?\" \n},{\n  \"question\": \"Expectations\",\n  \"result\": \"\",\n  \"explanation\": \"How far has the firm lived up to your expectations?\" \n},{\n  \"question\": \"Work quality\",\n  \"result\": \"86.7\",\n  \"explanation\": \"How would you rate the quality of work you are given?\" \n},{\n  \"question\": \"Client contact\",\n  \"result\": \"83.1\",\n  \"explanation\": \"How would you rate your amount of client contact?\" \n},{\n  \"question\": \"Work\/life\",\n  \"result\": \"61.6\",\n  \"explanation\": \"How happy are you with your work\/life balance?\" \n},{\n  \"question\": \"Social life\",\n  \"result\": \"49.1\",\n  \"explanation\": \"How good is your firm\u2019s social life?\" \n},\n\n\n\n{\n  \"question\": \"Vac. Scheme\",\n  \"result\": \"82.6\",\n  \"explanation\": \"If you did a vacation scheme with your firm, how would you rate it?\" \n},\n\n\n\n{\n  \"question\": \"Confidence\",\n  \"result\": \"67\",\n  \"explanation\": \"How confident are you that you will be kept on at the end of your training contract?\" \n},{\n  \"question\": \"Remuneration\",\n  \"result\": \"75\",\n  \"explanation\": \"How satisfied are you with your financial remuneration?\" \n},{\n  \"question\": \"Inclusiveness\",\n  \"result\": \"72.4\",\n  \"explanation\": \"How would you rate the inclusiveness of your workplace environment?\" \n},\n\n\n{\n  \"question\": \"International\",\n  \"result\": \"57.2\",\n  \"explanation\": \"How would you rate the international secondment opportunities available?\" \n},\n\n\n{\n  \"question\": \"Approachability\",\n  \"result\": \"84.9\",\n  \"explanation\": \"How approachable are your supervisors?\" \n}];\n\n\/\/ Create axes\nvar categoryAxis = chart.yAxes.push(new am4charts.CategoryAxis());\ncategoryAxis.dataFields.category = \"question\";\ncategoryAxis.numberFormatter.numberFormat = \"#\";\ncategoryAxis.renderer.inversed = true;\n\nvar valueAxis = chart.xAxes.push(new am4charts.ValueAxis()); \n\nvalueAxis.title.text = \"Survey Score (\/100)\";\nvalueAxis.min = 0;\nvalueAxis.max = 100;\n\n\/\/ Create series\nvar series = chart.series.push(new am4charts.ColumnSeries3D());\nseries.dataFields.valueX = \"result\";\nseries.dataFields.categoryY = \"question\";\nseries.name = \"Income\";\nseries.columns.template.propertyFields.fill = \"color\";\nseries.columns.template.tooltipText = \"{explanation} {valueX}\";\nseries.columns.template.column3D.stroke = am4core.color(\"#fff\");\nseries.columns.template.column3D.strokeOpacity = 0.2;\n<\/script>\n\n\n<\/div>        \n        \n           \n\t\t\n\t\t    <h2 class=\"tab-listing\">The lowdown - Trainees (in their own words) on <span class=\"highlight-firm\">Covington &amp; Burling<\/span><\/h2>\n        <p><p><strong>Why did you choose this firm over any others?<\/strong> \u2018For its regulatory practices and the smaller trainee intake, which allows you to work directly with partners\u2019, \u2018the people are generally incredibly hard-working and kind\u2019, \u2018excellent reputation for practice groups that were important to me. Friendly culture. Work-life balance is reasonable for U.S. law firm. Senior lawyers seem invested in development. Home grown talent is promoted\u2019, \u2018for the strong life sciences practice&#8217;<\/p>\n<p><strong>Best thing about the firm?<\/strong> \u2018The willingness to listen to your ideas and to support you with a vision, for example, hosting an internal event\u2019, \u2018people, culture\u2019, \u2018the quality of work available across the spectrum &#8211; juniors are given very good exposure\u2019, \u2018international client base\u2019, \u2018the culture and the responsibility\u2019, \u2018the culture. Senior lawyers invested in my development. Access to great institutional clients and interesting work\u2019<\/p>\n<p><strong>Worst thing about the firm?<\/strong> \u2018Retention effort\u2019, \u2018hours are very unpredictable, some unpleasant individuals, remuneration\u2019, \u2018the lack of transparency in communications\u2019, \u2018sometimes you do feel a little unsupported\u2019, \u2018the pace at which it moves in line with the market (particularly US) for e.g., lack of qualification leave, trainee compensation, etc.\u2019, \u2018there could be more secondment opportunities\u2019<\/p>\n<p><strong>Best moment?<\/strong> \u2018Hosting an event on &#8220;Women and Neurodivergence&#8221;\u2019, \u2018meeting Amal Clooney at a firm event\u2019, \u2018successfully managing the closing of a deal\u2019, \u2018numerous conversations with partners outside of working hours who seem genuinely invested in my development.\u00a0 Being given various networking opportunities at conferences usually reserved for senior associates\u2019, \u2018working alongside partners and senior lawyers on a regular basis\u2019<\/p>\n<p><strong>Worst moment?<\/strong> \u2018Having to pull an all nighter on a BD task, on my birthday\u2019, \u2018betting a piece of feedback that did not accurately reflect what had happened\u2019, \u2018being under pressure to complete a lengthy task in a short time window\u2019, \u2018hours\u2019, \u2018a couple of periods of very late nights\/early mornings\u2019<\/p>\n<\/p>\n                \n               \n      <h2 class=\"tab-listing\" id=\"verdict\">The Lex 100 verdict on <span class=\"highlight-firm\">Covington &amp; Burling<\/span><\/h2>\n       \n        \n      \n             \n        <p>    \n\t<p>Trainees were attracted to Covington for its \u201cunique culture,\u201d \u201csmaller intake,\u201d and \u201cexcellent reputation in regulated industries\u201d, all of which contribute to a training experience with \u201chigh-responsibility work\u201d and strong development opportunities. Trainees described the people as \u201cgenerally incredibly hard-working and kind,\u201d and several mentioned the \u201cfriendly culture\u201d and \u201chome-grown talent being promoted.\u201d Others highlighted the \u201cexcellent reputation for practice groups that were important to me,\u201d and praised the \u201creasonable work-life balance for a US law firm.\u201d On training, there\u2019s an expectation of independence: \u201cTraining is informal\u201d; some pointed out that \u201cother firms\u2019 trainees get a little more handholding,\u201d whilst they had to \u201crely on informal sources of support.\u201d But for many, that was a plus: \u201cThere are high levels of responsibility and streamlined teams,\u201d said one, adding that \u201cthere is much more exposure to high quality work and learning from partners through osmosis.\u201d Best moments included \u201chosting an event on Women and Neurodivergence,\u201d \u201cmeeting Amal Clooney at a firm event,\u201d and \u201csuccessfully managing the closing of a deal.\u201d There were also shout-outs for \u201cworking alongside partners and senior lawyers on a regular basis,\u201d and \u201cnumerous conversations with partners outside of working hours who seem genuinely invested in my development.\u201d International and client secondments were particularly well regarded: \u201cGoing to our Dubai office reaffirmed that Covington&#8217;s culture is across the board,\u201d said one trainee, while another reflected, \u201cI learnt a lot that couldn\u2019t have been learnt in private practice.\u201d But there are pain points. \u201cHours are very unpredictable,\u201d said one trainee, while another admitted to pulling \u201can all-nighter on a BD task, on my birthday.\u201d Others mentioned \u201cremuneration,\u201d \u201ca lack of transparency in communications,\u201d and \u201csometimes you do feel a little unsupported.\u201d Several noted that the firm\u2019s pace of change can feel sluggish: \u201cParticularly US-wise \u2014 for example, lack of qualification leave, trainee compensation, etc.\u201d Hybrid working has recently shifted to four days a week in-office, a change that hasn\u2019t been universally welcomed. \u201cIt is now changing to four days a week in the office. Not happy.\u201d Others echoed this, with comments like \u201cmost people would have preferred Monday to stay hybrid\u201d and \u201cit\u2019s unclear why we are moving back.\u201d Still, a few were more resigned: \u201cMarket average\u201d so \u201cnothing to complain about.\u201d Pro bono gets glowing reviews across the board. Trainees described the offering as \u201cexceptional,\u201d \u201cexcellent,\u201d and \u201cvery good.\u201d The firm is \u201cvery committed to allowing its trainees and associates to do pro bono of their choosing,\u201d and all pro bono hours \u201ccount towards billable targets.\u201d The variety of work and level of encouragement make here are \u201ca real draw to the firm.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n        \n             \n                \n        \t\t<p>        \n              \n\n\n           \n        \n         \t\t \n\t\t <h2 id=\"ditl\">Reflections on the transition from a trainee to a newly qualified solicitor - A journey of challenges and milestones Alessandro Angelico, Associate<\/h2>\n\t\t <p><img height=\"200\" width=\"200\" alt=\"Alessandro Angelico, Covington &amp; Burling\" class=\"ditl-photo\" src=\"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/10\/Untitled-1-2-e1758714877503.gif\"\/>\t\t <p><strong>Departments to date:<\/strong> Dispute Resolution<\/p>         \n\t\t \t\t <p><strong>University: <\/strong>\n\t\t \t\t BPP Law School (Holborn)\t\t \t\t The Paris Institute of Political Studies\t\t \t\t <\/p>\n\t\t         \n\t\t <p><strong>Degree:<\/strong> Economic Major and LLB<\/p>    <\/p>  \n\t\t <p><p>A training contract is definitely a highlight in a solicitor\u2019s career. This is the time when you constantly meet new people, learn and develop new skills. One day you are in court listening to a KC explain the subtleties of competition law, the day after you are drafting a construction contract for a solar power plant in Oman. One week you are sharing the office with a partner who is head of her practice, the week after you are in the Brussels office sharing with another trainee. After two years of swapping seats every six months, when faced with the prospect of becoming an associate, it may seem daunting to reset your mental biannual clock and realise that, for the foreseeable future, you will sit in one department only, you will specialise in your sector of choice, and you will share an office with someone else for more than six months (what if they don\u2019t share your same air-conditioning preferences or do not like the smell of coffee?).<\/p>\n<p>In short, becoming an associate is a bit like graduating, or moving out of your parents\u2019 home; while intimidating at first, it is an extremely fulfilling step. The age of innocence is over, and it is now time to leave a mark at your firm and in your field. While a training contract is about, well, training and learning, once you become an associate you will start to train others and have an impact on people. You will begin to manage other lawyers, as well as workstreams. Partners will take you more seriously and you will start to advise clients and influence their strategic decision-making. However, with great power comes great responsibility. Remember that time that you messed up as a trainee, and the associate took the blame? Well, you are now that associate. This is the beauty of progressing in your career; you will be challenged more, you will be the one briefing clients on matters, you will be the one speaking at conferences, and with more challenges come more rewards as well. I am tremendously excited about my new position as an associate in the dispute resolution practice and I hope I will see you around at Covington, for a vacation scheme or an insight day.<\/p>\n<p>A day in the life of a Trainee<\/p>\n<p>9.00am:\u202fMy first task every morning is to grab a coffee, check my emails<br \/>\nand update my to-do list. Working at an international firm means I receive emails at any time of the day and night from colleagues, clients and local counsel from all over the world.<\/p>\n<p>9.15am:\u202fAfter dealing with the urgent emails, I turn to my first task of the<br \/>\nday. We are working with a client who closed a multibillion-dollar acquisition in the media sector a few years ago. Despite clearing competition regulations in dozens of jurisdictions, a few are still outstanding. I spend time reviewing board minutes to source evidence to help support our argument.<\/p>\n<p>10.00am:\u202fEuropean competition law is currently in a state of flux. The EU is<br \/>\nlegislating on everything from digital markets to foreign subsidies and the energy market infrastructure. This is an exciting period to be a competition lawyer as clients turn to us to make sense of the evolving antitrust landscape.<\/p>\n<p>On this occasion, an of counsel asks me to check the status of a proposed EU regulation that will allow certain state subsidies into the renewable energy sector. I research the current political discussions, the proposed amendments from member states, and the potential impact on the client. I then help to draft an article on the proposed EU regulation that will be used as part of an upcoming client development trip to Dubai and New York.<\/p>\n<p>11.00am:\u202fEach Tuesday, we have a weekly competition team meeting. Every intern, trainee, associate and partner takes to the floor to discuss what they are working on. It is interesting to learn what the wider team are focusing on and discuss opportunities to gain exposure into areas I may be interested in working on later in my seat.<\/p>\n<p>12.00pm:\u202fAfter the meeting, I grab some lunch with the other trainees and associates; we eat together in the communal kitchen in the Brussels office and it is always a pleasure to catch up with colleagues on everything from work to holiday plans.<\/p>\n<p>1.00pm:\u202fI prepare questions ahead of a call with a pro bono client. We are applying for a visa on their behalf, as they are currently in hiding from the Taliban, following time as a public servant in Afghanistan.<\/p>\n<p>2.00pm:\u202fI dial in for a call relating to our Afghani client, alongside colleagues from our London and Brussels offices, an interpreter based in New York and our client. We receive clarity on our questions, which will help us complete the visa applications.<\/p>\n<p>3.00pm:\u202fI turn to a document review task ahead of a client call later today. As part of a competition class action against our client, I check original documents in French and Italian that were produced during the regulatory investigations. As a fluent French and Italian speaker, this is a great opportunity to take responsibility as the team will rely on the translations I prepare.<\/p>\n<p>4.00pm:\u202fWe have an internal meeting with partners and associates working on the matter, ahead of the client call. I discuss the findings from the document review, and suggest whether I believe these documents should be disclosed to the other side based on the court order\u2019s language. As the trainee on the call, I also take minutes of the meeting to keep an accurate record of our discussions.<\/p>\n<p>5.00pm:\u202fI dial in for the client call. Among other agenda items, we discuss the disclosure of the French and Italian documents, and I am available to answer any questions the client may have on these.<\/p>\n<p>6.00pm:\u202fEvery quarter, the social committee organises an evening of regional food and drink for all the lawyers and staff in the office. This month we have a South American theme and the trainees have prepared a pub quiz. It is always nice to see colleagues from other departments; we chat while having some drinks and looking at the Brussels skyline.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n\t\t \n        \n                <h2 id=\"about\">About the firm<\/h2>\n        <p><p><strong>Introductory paragraph about the firm:<\/strong> In an increasingly regulated world, we have an exceptional ability to help clients navigate their most complex business problems, deals and disputes. From our 14 international offices we practise as one firm, holding closely to core values that start with a deep commitment to our clients and the quality of our work.<\/p>\n<p>What sets us apart is our ability to combine the tremendous strength in our litigation, investigations and corporate practices with deep knowledge of policy and policymakers, and one of the world\u2019s leading regulatory practices.<\/p>\n<p>Our trainees tell us that they were attracted to Covington because we provide the responsibility and opportunity of a close-knit office, combined with the resources and prestige of a leading international firm. Above all, though, we recognise the importance of a great firm culture. At Covington you will find a firm with values of collegiality, high standards of lawyering, respect for others, a dedication to public service and a commitment to diversity, equality and inclusion. We have some of the best lawyers in the world because we understand that excellence in legal practice involves effective teamwork, clear and shared values, and generosity to colleagues and clients, as well as preeminent legal skills.<\/p>\n<p><strong>List of clients:<\/strong> Our clients include technology giants Microsoft and Meta, and we represent leaders in life sciences including AstraZeneca and Oxford Biomedica. We have advised pharmaceutical manufacturers in relation to the manufacture and supply of Covid-19 vaccines, acted for ACWA Power on the world\u2019s most ambitious regenerative tourism project in Saudi Arabia, and we engage in cutting-edge pro bono matters, such as representing Ukraine against the Russian Federation at the ICJ.<\/p>\n<p><strong>List of deals\/cases in which the firm has been recently involved<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>London office managing partner:<\/strong> James Halstead<\/p>\n<p><strong>Management committee chair:<\/strong>\u202fDoug Gibson<\/p>\n<p><strong>Other offices: <\/strong>Boston, Los Angeles, New York, Palo Alto, San Francisco, Washington, Brussels, Frankfurt, Dubai, Johannesburg, Beijing, Seoul, Shanghai.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Who we are: <\/strong>\u00a0From our offices in Beijing, Boston, Brussels, Dubai, Frankfurt, Johannesburg, London, Los Angeles, New York, Palo Alto, San Francisco, Seoul, Shanghai and Washington, we practise as one firm, holding closely to core values that start with a deep commitment to our clients and the quality of our work on their behalf, and that include an emphasis on teamwork among our lawyers and other professionals and a belief in the obligation of lawyers to make legal services available to all who need them.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What we do:<\/strong> Covington has an unusual combination of strengths in regulatory policy combined with high-end litigation and corporate practices. This breadth of capabilities offers unique opportunities to trainees to become involved in multi-dimensional matters across several practice areas.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What we&#8217;re looking for :<\/strong> There is no set mould for a Covington trainee; our trainees are enthusiastic about the law, hardworking and keen to be part of our collaborative culture.<\/p>\n<p>The candidates we choose are sharp, articulate and quick thinking. They have confidence and composure, but also honesty and humour. We look for candidates to be on track for a 2(1) degree with a strong academic record.<\/p>\n<p><strong>We also like to see:\u202f<\/strong>energy and enthusiasm;\u202fteam spirit;\u202fa range of interests outside the law (extra-curricular activities, voluntary or paid work);\u202findependent thought;\u202fcommunication and influencing skills;\u202fcommercial awareness;\u202fresolve and judgement;\u202fa creative approach to problem solving;\u202fand resilience under pressure.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What you\u2019ll do:<\/strong> As a trainee at Covington you will have early responsibility and exposure. Working within small teams and playing a significant role in complex substantive work, our trainees work closely with senior lawyers and partners, and have a chance to make a real impact.<\/p>\n<p>During your two years as a trainee solicitor you will spend time in a variety of practice areas (seats).<\/p>\n<p>To ensure you get the best experience from your time our professional development team will work closely with you to design a training programme which best suits your preferences (and the business needs).<\/p>\n<p>As a trainee you will also have the chance to apply for an international or client secondment, which is an excellent opportunity to develop an understanding of the global nature of our work and to experience working in a different cultural environment.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Perks <\/strong><strong>: <\/strong>Private medical insurance, fertility benefits, dental insurance, employee assistance programme, mental wellbeing platform, eye tests, flu vaccine, group income protection and life assurance schemes, season ticket loan.<\/p>\n<\/p>         \n              \n      <h2 class=\"tab-listing\" id=\"other\">Diversity and Inclusion<\/h2>\n\t  \n      <div id=\"diversity\"><h1><a name=\"_Toc200443092\"><\/a><strong>I.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><strong>Our Values<\/strong><\/h1>\n<p>At Covington, we recognize the differences among us as assets and a source of strength. Covington lawyers bring a wide variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and life experiences to our practice, and this contributes to the firm&#8217;s ability to provide excellence in the practice of law. By recruiting, retaining, developing, and promoting a widely diverse group of lawyers, we advance the interests of our clients, our practice, and our entire profession.<\/p>\n<p><a name=\"_Toc200443093\"><\/a><strong>II.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><strong>Billable Credit Hours<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>At Covington, we support and encourage all colleagues to participate in programming focused on advancing our values, including contributing to our efforts to be a diverse and inclusive firm. Associates and counsel may count up to 50 hours toward bonus eligibility for these activities.<\/p>\n<p><a name=\"_Toc200443094\"><\/a><strong>III.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><strong>Committees and Firm Resource Groups<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>At Covington, we support the personal and professional development of all lawyers and business professionals. Committees in each of our Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) and Asia offices are focused on local and regional efforts to foster inclusion among their colleagues.<\/p>\n<p>All colleagues are invited to join Covington\u2019s Firm Resource Groups, which support the personal and professional development of their members \u2013 lawyers and business\u00a0professionals \u2013 in the legal profession. These groups focus on enhancing the workplace experience of individuals who share common backgrounds, identities, or interests. They\u00a0facilitate community-building and member connections, promote firm education and awareness on the experiences of their members, and advance practices that enrich our inclusive culture.<\/p>\n<p><a name=\"_Toc200443095\"><\/a><strong>IV.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><strong>Feedback Opportunities<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Our Management Committee hosts biannual Town Hall sessions for both lawyers and business professionals to share feedback on a range of topics affecting their experience at Covington. All colleagues are also invited to complete a Firm Experience Survey, which offers a standardized opportunity to anonymously share meaningful feedback on our workplace culture. Survey responses are analyzed and used to compose a summary of themes and priorities for review and actioning by firm leadership.<\/p>\n<p>Further, Covington\u2019s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion team facilitates Connection Sessions and Firm Resource Group meetings with members of the firm\u2019s Management Committee. During the Connection Sessions, our Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer provides an update on the firm\u2019s inclusion efforts, and attendees share feedback and suggestions.<\/p>\n<p><a name=\"_Toc200443096\"><\/a><strong>V.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><strong>Inclusive Leadership Program<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>We developed and implemented a leadership program to support senior leaders in addressing challenging topics more effectively within their teams. Session topics included providing feedback across differences, the importance of listening, and creating meaningful connections.<\/p>\n<p><a name=\"_Toc200443097\"><\/a><strong>VI.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><strong>Trainee Program<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Covington prioritizes the career development of its lawyers from the first day they join the firm. We offer a trainee program that provides an introduction to the firm, helping to prepare participants for success in their respective practice groups. The program includes a mix of skills programs, legal fundamentals, and resilience sessions, and offers the opportunity to work on complex projects for key clients and engage in cutting-edge pro bono matters.<\/p>\n<p><a name=\"_Toc200443098\"><\/a><strong>VII.\u00a0 <\/strong><strong>Awards &amp; Honors<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>We have been recognized for our efforts to foster a diverse and inclusive firm through the following <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cov.com\/en\/diversity-equity-and-inclusion\/leader-in-diversity\">awards, honors, and pledges<\/a>:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Ranked 1<sup>st <\/sup>among 20 firms on <em>com International<\/em>\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cov.com\/en\/news-and-insights\/news\/2024\/12\/covington-ranks-first--on-law-coms-uk-a-list\">UK A-List<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Signed the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.socialmobilitypledge.org\/about\">Social Mobility Pledge<\/a>, representing our commitment to providing outreach, access, and recruitment opportunities to promote equality of opportunity<\/li>\n<li>Covington\u2019s Frankfurt office signed the Charta der Vielfalt, affirming our commitment to fostering a working environment that is free of prejudice and where all our colleagues feel valued<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>We are a founding member of the Legal Diversity &amp; Inclusion Alliance (LDIA), a collective effort by several law firms in Belgium that supports creating a diverse and inclusive work environment by exchanging good practices on diversity and inclusion and raising awareness of non-discrimination and diversity issues<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n            \n      \n            \n                 \n            \n              \n       \n                 \n        \t<\/div><!-- .entry-content -->\n\n\t\n<\/article><!-- #post-## --><\/div><div class=\"profile-content-2\">   \r\n\r\n<div id=\"profile-contents\">\r\n\r\n<h2 class=\"widget-title\">Contents<\/h2>\r\n\r\n<ul class=\"contents\">\r\n<li><a href=\"#verdict\">The verdict<\/a><\/li> <li><a href=\"#ditl\">Reflections on the transition from a trainee to a newly qualified solicitor - A journey of challenges and milestones<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#about\">About us<\/a><\/li>  <li><a href=\"#diversity\">Diversity and Inclusion<\/a><\/li>          \r\n<li><a href=\"#facts\">Facts and figures<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\r\n        \r\n<\/div> \r\n\r\n\r\n<div id=\"application-process\">\r\n \r\n<h2 class=\"widget-title\">Application process for Covington &amp; Burling<\/h2>\r\n<p><strong>How: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/cov.grad.allhires.com\/\">Online application<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What\u2019s involved in application <\/strong><strong>:<\/strong> Online application; assessment centre comprising of an interview and group exercise; successful candidates are then invited to a vacation scheme. We recruit exclusively from our vacation schemes.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Person in charge of recruitment<\/strong> <strong>:<\/strong> The Graduate Recruitment Team.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Mentoring: <\/strong>6 November (apply by 15 October 2025)<\/p>\n<p>[<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cov.com\/en\/careers\/lawyers\/london\/our-opportunities\/mentoring-programme\">Mentoring Programme | Covington &amp; Burling LLP<\/a>]<\/p>\n<p>[<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cov.com\/en\/careers\/lawyers\/london\/our-opportunities\/covington-insight-series\">Covington Insight Series | Covington &amp; Burling LLP<\/a>]<\/p>\n<p>[<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cov.com\/en\/careers\/lawyers\/london\/our-opportunities\/vacation-schemes\">Vacation Schemes | Covington &amp; Burling LLP<\/a>]<\/p>\n<p>[<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cov.com\/en\/careers\/lawyers\/london\/our-opportunities\/covington-insight-series\">Covington Insight Series | Covington &amp; Burling LLP<\/a>]<\/p>\n<p>[<u><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cov.com\/en\/careers\/lawyers\/london\/our-opportunities\/covinsights\">CovInsights | Covington &amp; Burling LLP<\/a><\/u>]<\/p>\n<p>[<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cov.com\/en\/careers\/lawyers\/london\/our-opportunities\/legal-horizons\">Legal Horizons | Covington &amp; Burling LLP<\/a>]<\/p>\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n \r\n <div id=\"vacation-schemes\">\r\n  \r\n <h2 class=\"widget-title\">Vacation schemes at Covington &amp; Burling<\/h2>\r\n<p><strong>Winter:<\/strong> 8-19 December 2025  (apply by 24 October 2025)<\/p>\r\n  <p><strong>Summer:<\/strong> 29 June-10 July 2026  (apply by 16 January 2026)<\/p>\r\n  <p><strong>CovInsights:<\/strong> 15-16 April 2026  (apply by 13 March 2026)<\/p>\r\n  <p><strong>Legal Horizons:<\/strong> 20 October 2025  (apply by 10 October 2025)<\/p>\r\n  \r\n<\/div>\r\n \r\n    \r\n    \r\n<div id=\"salary\"> \r\n \r\n  <h2 class=\"widget-title\">Salary at Covington &amp; Burling<\/h2>\r\n  <p><strong>First year salary:<\/strong> \u00a360,000<\/p>  <p><strong>Second year salary:<\/strong> \u00a365,000<\/p>  <p><strong>Newly qualified salary:<\/strong> \u00a3165,000<\/p>\r\n\r\n\t\t<\/div>\r\n \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n <div id=\"facts-figures\">\r\n \r\n  <h2 id=\"facts\" class=\"widget-title\">Facts and figures<\/h2>\r\n  <p><p><strong>Total partners:<\/strong> 38<\/p>\n<p><strong>Associates:<\/strong> 72<\/p>\n<p><strong>Counsels:<\/strong> 37<\/p>\n<p><strong>Trainees:<\/strong> 16<\/p>\n<\/p>\r\n  \r\n<\/div>\r\n \r\n      \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<!--\t  \r\n\r\n    \r\n<h2 class=\"widget-title\">If  were a fictional character it would be\u2026<\/h2>\r\n        \t\t\r\n<br><\/br>\r\n<br><\/br> -->\r\n\r\n   \r\n\r\n<div id=\"videos\">\r\n\r\n       \r\n\r\n        \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<div style=\"position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%; overflow: hidden; margin-bottom: 20px;\"><iframe src=\"\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"auto\" width=\"100%\" height=\"100%\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\" style=\"position: absolute;\"><\/iframe><\/div>\r\n\r\n<div style=\"position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%; overflow: hidden; margin-bottom: 20px;\"><iframe src=\"\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"auto\" width=\"100%\" height=\"100%\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\" style=\"position: absolute;\"><\/iframe><\/div>\r\n\r\n<div style=\"position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%; overflow: hidden; margin-bottom: 20px;\"><iframe src=\"\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"auto\" width=\"100%\" height=\"100%\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\" style=\"position: absolute;\"><\/iframe><\/div>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n<!-- <div id=\"twitter-feed\">\r\n<a class=\"twitter-timeline\" data-height=\"550\" data-theme=\"light\" href=\"\"><\/a><script async src=\"\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\r\n<\/div>  -->\r\n\r\n\r\n  \r\n\r\n\t\r\n<\/div>"}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/profiles\/13434","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/profiles"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/profiles"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=13434"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"jurisdictions","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/jurisdictions?post=13434"},{"taxonomy":"countries","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/countries?post=13434"},{"taxonomy":"cities","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/cities?post=13434"},{"taxonomy":"firms_companies","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/firms_companies?post=13434"},{"taxonomy":"universities_colleges","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/universities_colleges?post=13434"},{"taxonomy":"lex_survey_questions","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/lex_survey_questions?post=13434"},{"taxonomy":"publications","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/publications?post=13434"},{"taxonomy":"tc_location","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tc_location?post=13434"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}