Ben Witherall, Jones Day

Ben Witherall is a trainee at Jones Day. He graduated from the University of Sheffield in 2007, with a degree in European, international and comparative law.

A graduate job in corporate law

Since starting my training contract in 2008, I have been responsible for co-ordinating a due diligence exercise in a corporate transaction and for the day-to-day running of two litigation claims – both of which have involved a great deal of client contact. The non-rotational system here means that we can work across different practice areas simultaneously and work can come onto your desk from any department.

Typical trainee solicitor tasks

Usually I will speak with the clients who I am working with on litigation matters and I will draft correspondence to the other side’s solicitors. On a corporate transaction I will update the data room and will liaise with the relevant specialists within the law firm to obtain their latest comments for the due diligence report.

The City culture for graduates working in law

While I am able to get away at 5.30 pm when I am less busy, I sometimes have to work evenings and, occasionally, weekends. Anyone thinking of applying to a City law firm should be prepared to work hard and put in long hours. There is definitely a work-hard, play-hard mentality in the City and the pub is always busy on a Friday afternoon.

My advice would be to ask questions you want to know the answers to, not questions that you think sound good and, most importantly, be yourself.