Edwards Wildman Palmer LLP

About us

On 1 October 2011, the partnerships of Edwards Angell Palmer & Dodge LLP and Wildman, Harrold, Allen & Dixon will merge. The new firm will be known as Edwards Wildman Palmer LLP. We are an international commercial law firm combining the expertise of over 650 lawyers in 30 practice groups across the US, UK and Hong Kong. We offer legal services to clients worldwide ranging from the largest corporates, governments and financial institutions, to high-profile individuals. Our work in London is expanding but currently includes: Asset Recovery; Banking & Finance; Commercial Litigation; Competition; Corporate; Employment; Energy & Offshore Engineering; Insurance & Reinsurance; IP; International Arbitration; International Law; Private Equity & Venture Capital; Product Liability and Restructuring & Insolvency.

Opportunities

London recruits up to eight trainees each year meaning we can offer challenging international work (much of it emanating from the US, Bermuda, Africa, Hong Kong and Europe), lots of responsibility and client contact. You will have all the excitement and challenge of working on high-value, complex transactions and disputes, but in the supportive and collegiate working environment of a smaller, established City firm. We’re fiercely proud of our reputation for being a truly friendly firm. Our size in London and small intake means you are a highly visible and important part of our working teams.

Work placements and open days

We offer up to 8 summer placements each year where you’ll have the opportunity to experience the firm, the work it does and the skills we value, first hand. In addition there are a number of open days throughout the year.

Training

We believe you learn best by doing, getting involved in real work from the start but with the right support. A comprehensive induction is followed by six months in four of the firm’s practice areas. Our tailored training programme develops the skills needed for those areas. You will have significant input in the choice of your seats, and secondment opportunities to major clients, or one of our international offices, will give you the chance to build on and maximise the knowledge and skills gained. Regular feedback, reviews and a multi-level support network of partners, mentors and a buddy system ensures you have the right level of guidance and support. The trainee committee enables discussion on new ideas and any areas of concern. We have a reputation for providing a great training ground for our new lawyers. We view them as the partners of the future.

What we look for

Academic excellence is important, but we also value candidates who have drive, business sense, commitment, great analytical skills and the ability to communicate well with others. In addition you need to understand teamwork and show evidence of having taken on responsibilities. We look for people with interesting achievements and those who’ve made the most of their other non-academic opportunities. Candidates should be adaptable, capable of thinking on their feet and problem solvers. A range of work/life experiences demonstrating these skills and qualities is key.

Funding

GDL/LPC funding plus maintenance per annum of £7,000 in London, £6,500 outside London.