{"id":14558,"date":"2026-08-19T10:21:03","date_gmt":"2026-08-19T10:21:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/?post_type=profiles&#038;p=14558"},"modified":"2026-09-23T09:46:36","modified_gmt":"2026-09-23T09:46:36","slug":"akin-gump-strauss-hauer-feld","status":"publish","type":"profiles","link":"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/profiles\/akin-gump-strauss-hauer-feld\/","title":{"rendered":"Akin Gump Strauss Hauer &amp; Feld"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"featured_media":0,"template":"","jurisdictions":[],"countries":[],"cities":[],"firms_companies":[],"universities_colleges":[],"lex_survey_questions":[],"publications":[828],"tc_location":[],"class_list":["post-14558","profiles","type-profiles","status-publish","hentry","publications-future-lawyers-2026-27"],"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\">Akin Gump Strauss Hauer &amp; Feld<\/h1>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t<img class=\"firm-logo\" height=\"200\" width=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/09\/akin-picture.jpg\" alt=\"Akin Gump Strauss Hauer &amp; Feld law firm logo\" \/>\n\t<meta class=\"swiftype\" name=\"image\" data-type=\"enum\" content=\"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/09\/akin-picture.jpg\" \/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"contact-box\">\n<div class=\"address contact\"><i class=\"fa fa-building\"><\/i> Ten Bishops Square, Eighth Floor, London E1 6EG<\/div><div class=\"web contact\"><i class=\"fa fa-globe\"><\/i> <a class=\"firm-website\" target=\"_blank\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.akingump.com\/\">Visit website<\/a><\/div><div class=\"email contact\"><i class=\"fa fa-envelope\"><\/i> <a class=\"firm-email\" href=\"mailto: graduaterecruitment@akingump.com?subject=Enquiry via lex100.com\">E-mail firm<\/a><\/div><div class=\"phone contact\"><i class=\"fa fa-phone\"><\/i> 020 7012 9600<\/div><div class=\"twitter contact\"><i class=\"fa fa-twitter\"><\/i> <a class=\"firm-twitter\" target=\"_blank\"  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/akin_gump\">Twitter<\/a><\/div><div class=\"linkedin contact\"><i class=\"fa fa-linkedin\"><\/i> <a class=\"firm-linkedin\" target=\"_blank\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/akin-gump-strauss-hauer-&amp;-feld-llp\/\">LinkedIn<\/a><\/div><div class=\"instagram contact\"><i class=\"fa fa-instagram\"><\/i> <a class=\"firm-instagram\" target=\"_blank\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/lifeatakin\/\">Instagram<\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"badges\"><i class='fa fa-trophy' aria-hidden='true'><\/i> Akin Gump Strauss Hauer &amp; Feld is a The Legal 500 Future Lawyers Winner in 11 categories: <a href='\/future-lawyers\/survey\/future-lawyers-winners\/you-are-happy-at-your-law-firm\/' target='_blank'> Happiness<\/a>,<a href='\/future-lawyers\/survey\/future-lawyers-winners\/you-would-you-recommend-your-firm-as-an-employer\/' target='_blank'> Good employer<\/a>,<a href='\/future-lawyers\/survey\/future-lawyers-winners\/the-firm-honours-your-preferred-seat-allocations\/' target='_blank'> Seat allocation<\/a>,<a href='\/future-lawyers\/survey\/future-lawyers-winners\/you-are-given-good-quality-work\/' target='_blank'> Work quality<\/a>,<a href='\/future-lawyers\/survey\/future-lawyers-winners\/you-think-highly-of-the-senior-leadership-at-the-firm\/' target='_blank'> Leadership<\/a>,<a href='\/future-lawyers\/survey\/future-lawyers-winners\/the-firm-has-good-camaraderie-and-a-supportive-culture\/' target='_blank'> Culture<\/a>,<a href='\/future-lawyers\/survey\/future-lawyers-winners\/when-you-need-support-your-supervisors-are-approachable\/' target='_blank'> Approachability<\/a>,<a href='\/future-lawyers\/survey\/future-lawyers-winners\/the-salary-benefits-and-reward-package-is-good\/' target='_blank'> Salary<\/a>,<a href='\/future-lawyers\/survey\/future-lawyers-winners\/my-experience-with-pro-bono-and-or-csr-opportunities-at-the-firm-has-been-valuable\/' target='_blank'> Pro bono<\/a>,<a href='\/future-lawyers\/survey\/future-lawyers-winners\/your-firm-is-committed-to-creating-a-diverse-and-inclusive-workplace\/' target='_blank'> Inclusiveness<\/a>,<a href='\/future-lawyers\/survey\/future-lawyers-winners\/if-you-did-the-vac-scheme-at-your-firm-would-you-recommend-it\/' target='_blank'> Vac scheme<\/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.akingump.com\/uk-students\">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:\/\/www.apply4law.com\/akingump\/\">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\">Akin Gump Strauss Hauer &amp; Feld<\/h1>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t<img class=\"firm-logo\" height=\"200\" width=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/09\/akin-picture.jpg\" alt=\"Akin Gump Strauss Hauer &amp; Feld law firm logo\" \/>\n\t<meta class=\"swiftype\" name=\"image\" data-type=\"enum\" content=\"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/09\/akin-picture.jpg\" \/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"contact-box\">\n<div class=\"address contact\"><i class=\"fa fa-building\"><\/i> Ten Bishops Square, Eighth Floor, London E1 6EG<\/div><div class=\"web contact\"><i class=\"fa fa-globe\"><\/i> <a class=\"firm-website\" target=\"_blank\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.akingump.com\/\">Visit website<\/a><\/div><div class=\"email contact\"><i class=\"fa fa-envelope\"><\/i> <a class=\"firm-email\" href=\"mailto: graduaterecruitment@akingump.com?subject=Enquiry via lex100.com\">E-mail firm<\/a><\/div><div class=\"phone contact\"><i class=\"fa fa-phone\"><\/i> 020 7012 9600<\/div><div class=\"twitter contact\"><i class=\"fa fa-twitter\"><\/i> <a class=\"firm-twitter\" target=\"_blank\"  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/akin_gump\">Twitter<\/a><\/div><div class=\"linkedin contact\"><i class=\"fa fa-linkedin\"><\/i> <a class=\"firm-linkedin\" target=\"_blank\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/akin-gump-strauss-hauer-&amp;-feld-llp\/\">LinkedIn<\/a><\/div><div class=\"instagram contact\"><i class=\"fa fa-instagram\"><\/i> <a class=\"firm-instagram\" target=\"_blank\"  href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/lifeatakin\/\">Instagram<\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"badges\"><i class='fa fa-trophy' aria-hidden='true'><\/i> Akin Gump Strauss Hauer &amp; Feld is a The Legal 500 Future Lawyers Winner in 11 categories: <a href='\/future-lawyers\/survey\/future-lawyers-winners\/you-are-happy-at-your-law-firm\/' target='_blank'> Happiness<\/a>,<a href='\/future-lawyers\/survey\/future-lawyers-winners\/you-would-you-recommend-your-firm-as-an-employer\/' target='_blank'> Good employer<\/a>,<a href='\/future-lawyers\/survey\/future-lawyers-winners\/the-firm-honours-your-preferred-seat-allocations\/' target='_blank'> Seat allocation<\/a>,<a href='\/future-lawyers\/survey\/future-lawyers-winners\/you-are-given-good-quality-work\/' target='_blank'> Work quality<\/a>,<a href='\/future-lawyers\/survey\/future-lawyers-winners\/you-think-highly-of-the-senior-leadership-at-the-firm\/' target='_blank'> Leadership<\/a>,<a href='\/future-lawyers\/survey\/future-lawyers-winners\/the-firm-has-good-camaraderie-and-a-supportive-culture\/' target='_blank'> Culture<\/a>,<a href='\/future-lawyers\/survey\/future-lawyers-winners\/when-you-need-support-your-supervisors-are-approachable\/' target='_blank'> Approachability<\/a>,<a href='\/future-lawyers\/survey\/future-lawyers-winners\/the-salary-benefits-and-reward-package-is-good\/' target='_blank'> Salary<\/a>,<a href='\/future-lawyers\/survey\/future-lawyers-winners\/my-experience-with-pro-bono-and-or-csr-opportunities-at-the-firm-has-been-valuable\/' target='_blank'> Pro bono<\/a>,<a href='\/future-lawyers\/survey\/future-lawyers-winners\/your-firm-is-committed-to-creating-a-diverse-and-inclusive-workplace\/' target='_blank'> Inclusiveness<\/a>,<a href='\/future-lawyers\/survey\/future-lawyers-winners\/if-you-did-the-vac-scheme-at-your-firm-would-you-recommend-it\/' target='_blank'> Vac scheme<\/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.akingump.com\/uk-students\">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:\/\/www.apply4law.com\/akingump\/\">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:86.3%\">86.3<span class=\"score-title\">Work quality<\/span><\/li><li style=\"width:82.7%\">82.7<span class=\"score-title\">Client contact<\/span><\/li><li style=\"width:%\">90.0<span class=\"score-title\">Vac. Scheme<\/span><\/li><li style=\"width:88.7%\">88.7<span class=\"score-title\">Inclusiveness<\/span><\/li><li style=\"width:97.2%\">97.2<span class=\"score-title\">Approachability<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul><\/div><div class=\"profile-content-1\"> \n<article id=\"post-14558\" class=\"post-14558 profiles type-profiles status-publish hentry publications-future-lawyers-2026-27\">\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\">Akin Gump Strauss Hauer &amp; Feld<\/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\": \"\",\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\": \"86.3\",\n  \"explanation\": \"How would you rate the quality of work you are given?\" \n},{\n  \"question\": \"Client contact\",\n  \"result\": \"82.7\",\n  \"explanation\": \"How would you rate your amount of client contact?\" \n},{\n  \"question\": \"Work\/life\",\n  \"result\": \"\",\n  \"explanation\": \"How happy are you with your work\/life balance?\" \n},{\n  \"question\": \"Social life\",\n  \"result\": \"\",\n  \"explanation\": \"How good is your firm\u2019s social life?\" \n},\n\n\n\n{\n  \"question\": \"Vac. Scheme\",\n  \"result\": \"90.0\",\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\": \"\",\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\": \"\",\n  \"explanation\": \"How satisfied are you with your financial remuneration?\" \n},{\n  \"question\": \"Inclusiveness\",\n  \"result\": \"88.7\",\n  \"explanation\": \"How would you rate the inclusiveness of your workplace environment?\" \n},\n\n\n{\n  \"question\": \"Approachability\",\n  \"result\": \"97.2\",\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\">Akin Gump Strauss Hauer &amp; Feld<\/span><\/h2>\n        <p><p><strong>Why did you choose to join this firm?\u00a0<\/strong>\u2018My experience on the vacation scheme showed me that the firm offered both a supportive culture and ample opportunity for individual responsibility\u2019, \u2018I was keen to work in a US firm that offered high-quality work opportunities, while still maintaining a positive and supportive learning environment\u2019, \u2018friendly firm culture, great benefits package and opportunity for responsibility early on\u2019, \u2018good quality work, lean teams and much higher levels of responsibility\u2019, \u2018the sector specialism and small cohort\u2019<\/p>\n<p><strong>What is the best thing about the firm?\u00a0<\/strong>\u2018The lawyers you work alongside\u2019, \u2018the on-the-job learning and training\u2019, \u2018the work is really interesting, and the people are supportive and engaged, which means they are great to learn from\u2019, \u2018the genuinely friendly culture &#8211; working hours can of course be long but, as a junior, this is definitely made easier when you&#8217;re working with seniors that are appreciative of your efforts and that are willing to teach\u2019<\/p>\n<p><strong>What could the firm do to improve?\u00a0<\/strong>\u2018Slightly more formal training sessions, and better-developed resources for internal knowledge, precedents, etc\u2019, \u2018communication around the training contract &#8211; e.g., seat rotation information is often released very close to the transition date\u2019, \u2018more firm-wide cross-pollination \u2019, \u2018transparency with the qualification process \u2019, \u2018clearer expectations of different PQE levels and trainees (i.e. this is what I would want to see etc.)\u2019<\/p>\n<p><strong>What has been the best moment of your training?\u00a0<\/strong>\u2018Working closely with my supervisor on an M&amp;A deal from start to finish\u2019, \u2018reviewing and creating a document (which took about six weeks) which defended a client&#8217;s positions on fees\u2019, \u2018going on international secondment\u2019, \u2018I drafted the full suite of documents approving a capital reduction and distribution set-off arrangement, which was super interesting and the drafts came back with very minimal comments\u2019<\/p>\n<p><strong>What has been the most challenging moment of your training?\u00a0<\/strong>\u2018Learning to organise various pre-closing responsibilities and manage various deadlines on the job\u2019, \u2018the transition between first and second seat can be challenging as you are not yet used to the rotation element of the training contract, and it comes just as you feel settled in your first seat!\u2019, \u2018creating first drafts for the team\u2019, \u2018closing three deals in three weeks, the back-to-back nature of the transactions and need to keep energy up\u2019<\/p>\n<\/p>\n                \n               \n      <h2 class=\"tab-listing\" id=\"verdict\">The Lex 100 verdict on <span class=\"highlight-firm\">Akin Gump Strauss Hauer &amp; Feld<\/span><\/h2>\n       \n        \n      \n             \n        <p>    \n\t<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Akin\u2019s appeal lies in its ability to combine the pace, platform and responsibility of a US firm with a London office that trainees describe as having \u2018critical mass\u2019 and a \u2018supportive culture\u2019. Recruits were drawn to the opportunity to do &#8216;high-quality international work in lean teams&#8217;, gain \u2018exposure to more senior-level work\u2019 early on, and specialise in areas such as funds and financial restructuring, without sacrificing a \u2018positive learning environment\u2019.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:278}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The work itself is a major selling point. Trainees praise the \u2018quality of work and calibre of\u00a0clients\u2019, adding that matters are often \u2018bespoke\u2019, complex and interesting. Responsibility comes quickly, whether through involvement in deals from start to finish, drafting documents with minimal comments, taking an international secondment or \u2018authoring an\u00a0article\u2019\u00a0with senior lawyers. This level of trust is demanding, but it is also central to the firm\u2019s training offer.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:278}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Akin&#8217;s culture helps make the intensity manageable. Respondents repeatedly point to \u2018friendly and warm\u2019 lawyers, \u2018supportive and engaged\u2019 colleagues and seniors who are \u2018appreciative of your efforts\u2019 and \u2018willing to teach\u2019. Trainees also value being given context before tasks, even in \u2018time-pressured situations\u2019, so they can understand how their work \u2018fits into the bigger picture\u2019.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Akin could still improve in some areas, though. Some trainees would welcome \u2018a more intentional system for allocating work\u2019, more formal training and stronger internal resources. Clearer communication around seat rotations, supervisor pairings, secondments and qualification would also be welcomed. A smaller cohort brings closeness and responsibility, but can mean that parts of the training contract feel \u2018less structured\u2019 than at some other firms.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:278}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The challenges are unsurprising for a high-end\u00a0US\u00a0firm: trainees mention long hours, managing pre-closing deadlines, creating first drafts and \u2018closing three deals in three\u00a0weeks\u2019\u00a0as some of the more difficult moments of their training contract.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:278}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">For those who want sophisticated work, close learning from senior lawyers and early responsibility in a personable US firm environment, Akin is an excellent training ground.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n        \n             \n                \n        \t\t<p>        \n              \n\n\n           \n        \n         \t\t \n\t\t <h2 id=\"ditl\">A Day in the Life of a Trainee at Akin Summer Ahmed  , Trainee<\/h2>\n\t\t <p><img height=\"200\" width=\"200\" alt=\"Summer Ahmed  , Akin Gump Strauss Hauer &amp; Feld\" class=\"ditl-photo\" src=\"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/10\/summer-ahmed.jpg\"\/>\t\t <p><strong>Departments to date:<\/strong> Corporate M&amp;A<\/p>         \n\t\t \t\t <p><strong>University: <\/strong>\n\t\t \t\t Durham University\t\t \t\t <\/p>\n\t\t         \n\t\t <p><strong>Degree:<\/strong> Law<\/p>    <\/p>  \n\t\t <p><p><strong>09:00<\/strong> &#8211; I arrive at the office and look over emails which have been sent overnight. These usually include updates on ongoing matters, market developments and internal communications. I also often check the virtual data rooms (VDR) for the deals I am working on for newly uploaded documents, so I can flag these to the wider team. I also take time to update signing and document trackers or VDR indices\u2014 keeping everything organised and up to date is key in a transactional seat, where members of the team often rely on trainees to provide status updates and keep track of email correspondence.<\/p>\n<p><strong>09:30<\/strong> \u2013 We have a monthly team meeting, where we discuss developments on current deals within the practice group, new trends in the market, as well as potential new projects, clients and business development updates. It is always interesting to see what other members of the team have been working on, and ask how I can be involved. I also have a catch-up with my supervisor, which is a great opportunity to discuss priorities for the day, current projects, any interesting market or firm news and managing my workload. I also use this as an opportunity to ask questions about work I have done throughout the week, which is a great learning opportunity. After this, I usually make a to do list to stay on top of my tasks throughout the day.<\/p>\n<p><strong>10:00<\/strong> \u2013 Throughout the morning, I usually send follow-up emails to clients and colleagues in relation to my different workstreams, update associates on any changes to trackers, and circulate dial-in details for any upcoming meetings. This is always good practice to ensure nothing is missed, and everyone has the appropriate holds in their calendars.<\/p>\n<p><strong>10:30<\/strong> \u2013 I then move on to drafting any corporate ancillary documents which I have been assigned. This might include corporate authorisations such as board and shareholder resolutions, powers of attorney, or directors\u2019 resignation letters. These documents ensure transactions are properly authorised in accordance with UK company law and are a great way to properly understand the mechanics of any deals I am working on. Once I have finished drafting, I print out and review my work to ensure there are no errors.<\/p>\n<p><strong>12:30<\/strong> \u2013 I usually have lunch with the other trainees; we like to catch up on what everyone is working on, as well as having some time to socialise.<\/p>\n<p><strong>13:30<\/strong> \u2013 I return to my desk and begin some further drafting tasks, which can include updating documents with comments from the client and opposing counsel. For example, the main documents in the corporate team are due diligence reports, share purchase agreements (SPAs) and disclosure letters. To ensure any changes are correctly reflected in the documents, I also run comparisons of the original and modified document \u2013 I have found this to be a great way to review my work and pick up anything I have missed before I send work off.<\/p>\n<p><strong>15:15<\/strong> \u2013 I take some time to respond to emails from the team and clients, clarify any queries, file any new emails and update my to-do list. This helps me manage my workload and ensures I have time to complete all the work requested of me.<\/p>\n<p><strong>16:30<\/strong> \u2013 I join a call with the client and my supervisor, taking detailed notes to be circulated to the deal team afterwards. Important information for progressing documents and various workstreams is often shared on these calls, so it is always a good idea to keep a record of what has been discussed, and action tasks accordingly.<\/p>\n<p><strong>17:30<\/strong> &#8211; I send out any final emails for the day, respond to follow-ups and save down any documents that have been circulated. This helps me to stay organised and ensures I know the status of all the matters I am working on, so I can pick up accurately the next day. Before I log off for the day, I also have a quick debrief with my supervisor, file or address any new emails and complete any remaining admin tasks.<\/p>\n<p><strong>18:30<\/strong> \u2013 I leave the office, but keep an eye out for any emails or tasks that may need actioning over the course of the evening.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n\t\t \n        \n                <h2 id=\"about\">About the firm<\/h2>\n        <p><p>The firm: Akin is a global law firm with more than 1,100 lawyers and advisors who pride themselves on dedication to their clients and their communities. With 17 offices worldwide, they are renowned for numerous market-leading practices; their strengths are in complex private capital transactions, financings and restructurings, high-stakes litigation, and public policy and regulatory matters; and the unyielding pro bono commitment.<\/p>\n<p>Driven by a forward-thinking leadership, Akin has built a strong culture of innovation and collaboration as well as a talented workforce committed to the success of clients and each other. Fostering a workplace focused on opportunity &amp; inclusion, all employees are supported and given the tools to succeed. The organization is focused on recruiting and nurturing the next generation of exceptional legal talent and is proud that its recruitment and professional development efforts are recognized as among the best in the industry.<\/p>\n<p>The clients: Apollo, Carlyle, Coller Capital, Elliott, Endava, Ericsson, Francisco Partners, Helios, HPS, LetterOne, Nexperia, Oaktree, Taconic, VEON and Vitol.<\/p>\n<p>The deals: Advising Carlyle on its acquisition of Altera Infrastructure Group\u2019s FPSO business; advising Coller Capital as sole lead investor on \u00a3500m Pharmacy2U continuation fund; advising Energy Equation Partners and Stonepeak on the acquisition of Anwim S.A., one of Poland\u2019s fastest-growing fuel companies; advising Centrica on its long-term purchase of LNG from the first phase of the Delfin LNG project, the largest floating LNG project to date globally; advised Kennedy Lewis on its new \u20ac2 Billion+ strategic partnership with Bank of Ireland to support European mid\u2011market buyouts; advised Partisan Work Limited, operating as Fairgame, in connection with its sale to Tenpin Entertainment, a leading bowling and family entertainment center operator with 58 centers across the UK; advised Discover Exploration Limited, an upstream energy company backed by funds managed by Carlyle, on its $244m sale of a company with interests in the Gateway to the Ems1 project, located on the boundary of the Dutch and German sectors of the North Sea to Tenaz Energy.<\/p>\n<p>Managing partner: Ezra Zahabi<\/p>\n<p>Other offices: Abu Dhabi, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Dubai, Fort Worth, Geneva, Hong Kong, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, Philadelphia, Riyadh, San Antonio, San Francisco, Washington DC.<\/p>\n<p>Who we are: Our London office is the hub for the firm\u2019s international practice and its third largest office. The firm\u2019s strategy in London has always been to grow practices that complement its core strengths globally. The fully integrated nature of the office within the broader firm means that the firm\u2019s London lawyers work closely with their counterparts around the globe.<\/p>\n<p>What we do: Market-leading practices include financial restructuring, corporate transactions (including mergers and acquisitions and joint ventures), private equity, finance (including debt finance and project finance), energy including renewables, debt and equity capital markets, financial services regulatory, disputes, employment, international arbitration, investment funds (including hedge and private equity funds and secondaries transactions), international trade \u2013 including in relation to the new National Security &amp; Investment Act \u2013 as well as EU\/UK competition, intellectual property, share incentives, technology and tax.<\/p>\n<p>What we&#8217;re looking for: We seek team players who demonstrate enthusiasm and an interest in the commercial world, as well as intellectual curiosity and a focus on solutions. We recruit up to eight trainees every year, so you\u2019ll be integral to the team from day one. To succeed, you\u2019ll enjoy deep thinking in an immersive learning model and be keen to take on early responsibility within a fastpaced business law environment.<\/p>\n<p>What you\u2019ll do: You\u2019ll experience on-the-job experiential learning which will allow you to develop a keen commercial awareness and to take on responsibility and ownership of tasks for each practice area you work in. Examples of tasks you may be involved in during your training include, but are not restricted to, legal research, preparing client communications, attending client meetings, organising deal closing checklists and preparing trial bundles. You\u2019ll receive supportive supervision from England and Wales-qualified practitioners with valuable ongoing feedback and two substantive evaluations during each seat.<\/p>\n<p>There is no limit to your learning as an Akin trainee. You\u2019ll attend regular practice group and office-wide training sessions on relevant areas of law and practical skills. Additionally, you\u2019ll have the chance to hone your public speaking skills through our Trainee Education and Development (TED) Talk Series.<\/p>\n<p>During TED Talks, you\u2019ll present to your trainee cohort on a topic in which you\u2019ve become a subject matter expert &#8211; offering a great opportunity to share knowledge.<\/p>\n<p>Our Optimal Performance for Junior Lawyers programme is designed to help you build resilience and equip you with the tools needed to thrive at Akin. Delivered in person over six 1-hour sessions during the first year of your training programme, the course complements the existing legal and technical skills training schedule. Each session has been crafted to support you in developing sustainable performance habits and a confident mindset from day one!<\/p>\n<p>Throughout your two-year training programme and beyond, you\u2019ll also collaborate with our internal talent team and external consultants to support your professional growth. By working together, we\u2019ll make sure that your skills and knowledge are constantly growing.<\/p>\n<p>Akin prides itself on a friendly, approachable culture and a strong support network. When you arrive, you will have the continued support of our dedicated trainee development team, development partners, supervisors and peer mentors \u2013 to name just a few! As part of our commitment to support the positive mental health and wellbeing of our employees, we also have an in-house Be Well counselling service which offers unlimited one on one support, as well as regular group training sessions.<\/p>\n<p>Perks: Season ticket loan, health insurance, critical illness insurance, life insurance, travel insurance, dental insurance, pension, annual eye exam, employee assistance programme, onsite mental health services, Lexxic support, cycle scheme, discounted ClassPass, Peloton and gym rates, fitness &amp; wellbeing reimbursement programme, discounts platform, financial training sessions, corporate mortgage scheme, support for parents &amp; caregivers, virtual clinic service, fertility and family-building benefits and wellbeing rewards programme.<\/p>\n<p><strong>2027 Spring Vacation Scheme\u00a0 <\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Our preferred method of trainee hiring is via our yearly vacation scheme because it is the best opportunity for you to experience life at Akin, and for us to get to know you better.<\/p>\n<p>Our two-week spring vacation scheme provides an excellent opportunity to gain a first-hand understanding of the day-to-day work of trainees in an international law firm. Through training sessions, interactive workshops, mentoring and social activities, you will get to know our firm. Through working side by side with partners, associates and trainees on live deals, you will get to know our practices and clients.<\/p>\n<p>We welcome applications from penultimate-year law students, final-year students and graduates of any subject, looking to start a training path in two years\u2019 time. At the end of the scheme, participants will be offered the chance to interview for our two-year training programme commencing in Autumn 2029.<\/p>\n<p>Scheme participants are paid a \u00a31,200 salary with 50% paid on Day 1 of the scheme and an additional \u00a3300 Work-Ready Payment paid two weeks before the scheme begins to help cover any upfront costs. Whether it\u2019s buying a new work wardrobe or subscribing to resources to develop your commercial awareness, we want you to feel confident, prepared, and excited for your experience with us.<\/p>\n<p>Our 2027 spring vacation scheme will run from Monday 5 April \u2013 Friday 16 April 2027.<\/p>\n<p>Applications will open on Thursday 17 September 2026 and close at midnight on Sunday 13 December 2026.<\/p>\n<p><strong>In-person and virtual events <\/strong><\/p>\n<p>At our virtual and in-person events, you\u2019ll have the opportunity to meet our people, expand your network, learn more about our culture, and ask any questions you may have about life at Akin. Interested in meeting us? Visit the &#8216;Meet Us&#8217; page on the graduate recruitment website <a href=\"https:\/\/www.akingump.com\/en\/careers\/uk-students\">https:\/\/www.akingump.com\/en\/careers\/uk<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.akingump.com\/en\/careers\/uk-students\">&#8211;<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.akingump.com\/en\/careers\/uk-students\">students<\/a> to view our upcoming events.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Middle East Training Programme <\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Our two\u2011year Dubai-based training programme offers an immersive, hands\u2011on learning experience, providing comprehensive training leading to qualification as an England &amp; Wales solicitor.<\/p>\n<p>As part of a small trainee cohort, you will embark on a rigorous and rewarding two-year training programme that sets you on a strong career path at Akin. You will be an integral member of the Dubai office from the outset, working on fast-paced transactions for sophisticated clients. Our programme allows you to rotate through different practice areas, and between Middle East offices, offering you broad exposure to a range of legal disciplines.<\/p>\n<p>For more information about the programme, including eligibility requirements, the recruitment process and details on how to apply, please visit <a href=\"https:\/\/www.akingump.com\/en\/careers\/middle-east-early-careers\/uae-early-careers\">https:\/\/www.akingump.com\/en\/careers\/middle<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.akingump.com\/en\/careers\/middle-east-early-careers\/uae-early-careers\">east<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.akingump.com\/en\/careers\/middle-east-early-careers\/uae-early-careers\">&#8211;<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.akingump.com\/en\/careers\/middle-east-early-careers\/uae-early-careers\">early<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.akingump.com\/en\/careers\/middle-east-early-careers\/uae-early-careers\">&#8211;<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.akingump.com\/en\/careers\/middle-east-early-careers\/uae-early-careers\">careers\/uae<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.akingump.com\/en\/careers\/middle-east-early-careers\/uae-early-careers\">&#8211;<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.akingump.com\/en\/careers\/middle-east-early-careers\/uae-early-careers\">early<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.akingump.com\/en\/careers\/middle-east-early-careers\/uae-early-careers\">&#8211;<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.akingump.com\/en\/careers\/middle-east-early-careers\/uae-early-careers\">careers<\/a> <strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/p>         \n              \n      <h2 class=\"tab-listing\" id=\"other\">Diversity\/inclusion<\/h2>\n\t  \n      <div id=\"diversity\"><p>Akin was founded on the guiding principle that everyone should feel welcome and have the opportunity to thrive and do their best work. We believe that the various perspectives and experiences of our lawyers and professionals enable us to identify creative solutions for our clients and enrich all aspects of our firm and communities. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.akingump.com\/en\/responsible-business\/opportunity-and-inclusion\">https:\/\/www.akingump.com\/en\/responsible<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.akingump.com\/en\/responsible-business\/opportunity-and-inclusion\">&#8211;<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.akingump.com\/en\/responsible-business\/opportunity-and-inclusion\">business\/opportunity<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.akingump.com\/en\/responsible-business\/opportunity-and-inclusion\">&#8211;<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.akingump.com\/en\/responsible-business\/opportunity-and-inclusion\">and<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.akingump.com\/en\/responsible-business\/opportunity-and-inclusion\">&#8211;<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.akingump.com\/en\/responsible-business\/opportunity-and-inclusion\">inclusion<\/a><\/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\">A Day in the Life of a Trainee at Akin<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#about\">About us<\/a><\/li>  <li><a href=\"#diversity\">Diversity\/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 Akin Gump Strauss Hauer &amp; Feld<\/h2>\r\n<p>How: https:\/\/akingump.grad.allhires.com\/app\/<\/p>\n<p>What&#8217;s involved in application: Candidates will complete an online application form, an Akin bespoke strengths-based online assessment, a pre-recorded video interview, a telephone interview with a member of the Graduate Recruitment team, and an assessment centre in the London office.<\/p>\n<p>Person in charge of recruitment: Amy McCarthy \u2013 Senior Graduate Recruitment Manager (graduaterecruitment@akingump.com)<\/p>\n<p><strong>When:<\/strong> By 17 September 2026 Applications Open; 13 December 2026 Applications Close\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n    \r\n<div id=\"salary\"> \r\n \r\n  <h2 class=\"widget-title\">Salary at Akin Gump Strauss Hauer &amp; Feld<\/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> US$225,000 (associate salaries are paid in US$ at a fixed quarterly exchange rate) <\/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>Total partners: 46<\/p>\n<p>Other fee-earners: 95<\/p>\n<p>Total trainees: 14 (from September 2026)<\/p>\n<p>Trainee places available for 2029: Up to 8<\/p>\n<p>Applications received pa: 900+<\/p>\n<p>Percentage interviewed: Approx 15% make it through to telephone interview stage<\/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=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/akin_gump\"><\/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:\/\/www.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/profiles\/14558","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/profiles"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/profiles"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=14558"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"jurisdictions","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/jurisdictions?post=14558"},{"taxonomy":"countries","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/countries?post=14558"},{"taxonomy":"cities","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/cities?post=14558"},{"taxonomy":"firms_companies","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/firms_companies?post=14558"},{"taxonomy":"universities_colleges","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/universities_colleges?post=14558"},{"taxonomy":"lex_survey_questions","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/lex_survey_questions?post=14558"},{"taxonomy":"publications","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/publications?post=14558"},{"taxonomy":"tc_location","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legal500.com\/future-lawyers\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tc_location?post=14558"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}