Insider reports from employees
Recruiters who advertise throughout targetjobs.co.uk ask their employees to submit reports on the recruitment process they went through, plus their inductions and training, career development, working life, salaries and benefits. Use these Insider Reports to help search for your chosen employer and research your applications.
I had heard really good things about MBR&M from friends who had done work experience and paralegalling there, and it was nice to hear positive feedback from people who didn't have any incentive to praise the firm. I also liked the size of the firm and the number of trainees they recruit. The larger firms didn't appeal to me as I didn't want to be one of hundreds of nameless trainees that nobody knew. At MBR&M people knew my name and my face within a couple of weeks but there are enough other trainees for us to feel part of a large social group.
I finally decided I really wanted to work for MBR&M when I saw their offices - I could just envisage myself there as the atmosphere seemed quite friendly and relaxed compared to other firms I had seen.
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Through studying under professors at Utrecht University, the approachability and clarity of explanations of the part-time professors who also worked for the firm's Amsterdam Office made me decide to apply.
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When I decided to be a solicitor, I wanted to be trained at a firm that offers the best training and international opportunities. Clifford Chance fits my requirements perfectly, mainly because it is the biggest law firm in the world with an unparalleled international reputation. When I did my vacation scheme here, the people I met were extremely diverse and there was no old boys' network stuffiness compared to other firms I did an internship with. What surprised me the most was that for a corporate law firm, the pro bono opportunities were second to none and they really do encourage everyone to take part in pro bono activities. In addition to the first class cash, support, training and work, there is that famous swimming pool that overlooks Canary Wharf and the City.
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I chose to apply to my firm due to its friendly work/play ethos. The training at the firm is also well reguarded and I wanted to work for a firm that is expanding daily. The clients that the firm has are market leaders not market followers, which is a great advantage.
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The firm were not too large and never billed themselves as a large firm trying to compete with the big boys, but rather a smaller firm that is compact enough for you to get to know most people there over a couple of years, but is large enough to attract high quality work and clients. I was particularly attracted by the international outlook and client base, and the opportunity for overseas secondments.
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Marketing material - brochure; people I met at law fair seemed friendly and open; competitive salary.
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Career development and training prospects were excellent. The chance to work in different overseas offices as a trainee was a big draw-card.
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excellent vacation scheme which gave a really good insight into the firm. Excellent reputation. Lots of friends here.
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Quality of training was said to be very good, as well as the obvious market-leading work and high salaries.
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They are a top law firm (arguably the best!). They have a brilliant recruitment process because it is very streamlined and you know the results the same or next day.
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I did a 2 week summer placement at BLP and thoroughly enjoyed it. Everyone I met was friendly and approachable. There was a relaxed atmosphere within the office and I did not feel like I was being judged. The work I was given was interesting and at times challenging and all the trainees I spoke to seemed to be genuinely enjoying their training contracts. Aside from that BLP had an excellent reputation without the hours-culture of magic circle firms.
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They gave a very good presentation at my university. It was well received, the people were very friendly and the atmosphere at the event was good. The graduate trainees who attended seemed very relaxed.
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I first found out about Walker Morris whilst researching large commercial/corporate firms which had offices in the north of England. I was particularly attracted to the firm for its strong commitment to remaining in Leeds and working on a national and international scale from the north. The training contract is structured to allow for more variation in the two years' training.
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Breadth of work offered; quality of clients; and reports of friendly work environment and good training structure.
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Linklaters are renowned as being one of the best law firms in the world, working on the most complex and high profile deals. I wanted to be involved in that, and having done an internship there whilst at University I really liked the people I met.
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They had a highly persuasive and attractive marketing campaign (it used lovely bright and energetic colours and media). The graduate team were really friendly, lively and charismatic team of recruiters. They managed to convince me that law could be fun (a tall order!) and in particular that the environment at Lovells was different from those of its competitors. Their sales technique was second-to-none. Within the legal field most of the top firms provide similar benefit packages and therefore the team had to rely on the people and the vibe they gave out in order to attract trainees.
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Allen & Overy LLP take the time to visit university campuses in the UK and Ireland in order to present to students. These presentations gave me the chance to speak to current trainees and associates and to ask relevant questions prior to filling out my application form. Allen & Overy representatives were always very helpful and welcoming. They were down to earth and friendly.
I also chose to apply to A&O due to its fantastic reputation and the scope of work. A&O is involved in advising famous clients on deals that regularly appear in the FT.
A&O is also a global firm and offers trainees the opportunity to travel abroad and partake in secondments.
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Lovells have a thoroughly professional Graduate recruitment team. The firm was very much present on Campus and I learned a lot about the type of training offered at Lovells and the future career opportunities available before even making my application. The firm's brochures and website are well designed and very much assisted my decision making. In particular, I was drawn to the breadth of practice, international scope of the work (including secondment opportunities - I am currently in Paris), collaborative atmosphere and excellence yet down to earth attitudes of the people.
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I applied to five law firms for jobs. I did not want to work for a magic circle firm, but Lovells had a good reputation for interesting work without the 'every employee is a number' attitude that I sensed at presentations given by other law firms when I was at university. I was impressed by the people I met at the interviews here; both other applicants and current employees.
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I wanted to pursue a career in law and was particularly attracted to Clifford Chance by its expertise across a range of legal areas. It provides plenty of opportunity to work at the forefront of legal development and on multi-transactional deals. I enjoy the challenge set by this type of work and having the chance to improve my skills within such an innovative atmosphere. The culture of the firm is also very friendly and supportive.
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The location. I was brought up in this area and wanted to return here to live and work. I did not want to work in the city as I wanted a good work/life balance, and having undertaken work experience in the city I did not believe that it was the place for me. I chose my firm for it's local reputation, areas of expertise, wide choice of practice areas, and location.
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Having done a summer placement at the firm I was immediately struck by its laid-back attitude. I felt I could have an impact in the relatively small teams, yet would still be working on global deals alongside magic circle firms.
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Loads of marketing at university- library sponsorship, free stationary/umbrellas etc dinners, workshops and talks combined with a friendly reputation.
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Personal contact with the firm's employees at Graduate Recruitment events and at events they sponsored at my university. The quality of the work, and the calibre of the people, on paper, made the firm stand out. On a personal level, meeting people and doing a vacation scheme placement at the firm swung it for me - the people are outstanding, really friendly and a great team, the work is fantastic, and always challenging.
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High quality work, pleasant offices, good atmosphere, friendly people
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The people were fantastic, as was the recruitment process. They put me in touch with people of a similar background as I was an atypical candidate. They went to great lengths to explain to me how my background could be leveraged.
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I was looking for a major international firm at the forefront of their field. This is true of Linklaters, but not only was the firm highly visible at uni, the lawyers there were also very approachable and willing to answer any question.
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International opportunities; strong training programme; career development path; wide variety of practice areas
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Nice people, great presentation at university, friend going there. Six four-months placements rather than four six-month placements.
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I was initially attracted by the atmosphere I picked up by talking to employees and visitng the offices. I then joined the firm as a paralegal and remained there for 3 years before taking a graduate internship.
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Perfect choice for my experience and where I wanted to go with my career.
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I visited their stand at a law fair at my university. At the time, I had little work experience and they were one of the few firms to offer work experience placements at Christmas as well as in the summer. I wanted to do a Christmas placement so applied and got onto the scheme. We were looked after extremely well on the scheme and I was made to feel very welcome. As such, I applied for a training contract knowing that I would readily accept if offered the job.
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The work the firm does is of very high quality and the training is excellent. I was particularly attracted to the strength of the property department. Furthermore, when I visited at interview everyone was very friendly and approachable.
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The promotional literature provided by my firm initially attracted me, as it portrayed a friendly, non-stuffy modern international law firm. I was also attracted to the relatively small number of trainees it takes on each year, as this means trainees will be treated as people rather than simply numbers. I then took part in a two week vacation scheme and found the people I worked with to be friendly and approachable, which was the most important factor that attracted me to the firm.
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All those that I met at interview and different recruitment events really engaged with me as a potential trainee and showed a real interest in me and what I could bring to the firm. Whilst A&O operate very effective marketing and campus recruitment campaigns it was the people at A&O that really made a difference. On attending the offices I gained a real feeling that this was somewhere I could spend my training contract working. I am pleased to say that all my hopes have been borne out.
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I first became interested in Lovells when attending a lunch the firm had arranged for students at my university. From talking to partners and trainees, I formed the impression that Lovells had a non-hierarchical, supportive culture with a strong focus on training. Partners and trainees seemed genuinely interested in answering my questions and were approachable and friendly. Once I began researching the firm further, I was attracted by the breadth of practice areas on offer. I felt that Lovells stood out from other firms by offering specialist departments in areas such as tax and competition which were strong practice areas in their own right rather than just corporate support departments. I liked the number of personal experiences provided on the website and in recruitment materials.
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Market leading reputation in areas of law I am interested in. Reputation as a friendly and supportive firm.
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I was aware that Cameron McKenna was a highly respected international law firm with a strong Scottish presence. I felt that working in the Edinburgh office would allow me to experience the best of both worlds - working day to day in a smaller regional office but liaising with and having all the resources, clients, rewards and opportunities of an international law firm. It helped that everyone I met seemed really friendly. The opportunity to spend six months in our London office was also attractive so when I was offered a traineeship, I did not hesitate.
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It was and it is clearly a leader in the legal industry. I could not have gone higher. It was a great challenge for me to try to get a training contract. I was attracted by the wide career prospects in different areas of law, by the amazing resources, but most of all by the people - excelling in their job but also down-to-earth. I was impressed by the diversity and the cosmopolitan culture of the firm.
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I completed a vacation scheme with the firm and had the best week. Not only did I see and get involved in some fantastic work but I was able to totally be myself and enjoyed the 'work hard, play hard' ethic.
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I attended a graduate recruitment fair at my university (Bristol), at which I felt the Lovells reps (both graduate recruitment staff and trainee solicitors) were helpful, honest and approachable. Since the salaries at city law firms are all similar, it was this genuine and down to earth yet professional attitude that made Lovells stand out for me. I read the firm's literature, looked at the website and felt that the type of work and the values of the firm corresponded with what I wanted for my career. Completing a vacation scheme at the firm confirmed this conclusion, and I submitted a training contract application.
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I applied to many firms listed in Chambers, but once I came for the interview and met people, I realised that it would be a great place to work and that I would fit in better here than at any of the other firms I attended interviews at.
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Two great work experiences as a 16 year old, another great vacation internship whilst at university and the fact that everyone i met was nice and ''my kind of person''. Also competitive salary. Great offices, v friendly graduate HR staff and good career opportunities.
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The firm seemed a good fit being professional, ambitious yet friendly. It seemed to offer a good work-life balance.
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One of the largest law firms in the world, they have massive global reach and are market leaders in a vast number of sectors. The opportunities to travel, the training offered, the calibre of people that I would be working for were all big draws to working at Clifford Chance.
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Graduate vacation scheme, excellent reputation, friendly people
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I received a book voucher sponsored by Lovells whilst in 2nd year at university. They also sponsored our university law society. I chose to apply to them because I had recommendations from friends and acquaintances who all rated Lovells highly and also said it was a very friendly firm. I spoke to some trainees from the firm and was impressed by their commitment and their enthusiasm.
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I worked at a number of different law firms but never enjoyed the atmosphere and the people as much as I did here. There is a vibe that other law firms cannot compare with.
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The people I met on my interview and beforehand were interested in the work they did, in developing the firm and in me. The work is international, high quality and cutting edge, and the people are knowledgeable, friendly and helpful.
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One of the top law firms in the world, and I wanted to work for the best. I also had the impression that the firm treated junior employees very well, and was renowned for its training programme.
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International work; small trainee intake; overseas opportunity; high level of responsibility; good training; friendly firm and interview; I was impressed by the firm's strategy and expansion, and like the fact that it is a US firm; providing the best of both worlds in terms of work, and fewer trainees.
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I was attracted to my employer by their large scale and the high quality of work they attracted apparently in consequence; I applied for a full training contract having worked here for almost a year and experienced in addition to the above factors a fantastic atmosphere and strong work ethic.
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Open days, Law Fairs, vac scheme. Info/drinks sessions
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Size and quality/reputation of firm; areas of work; location; size of trainee intake; good experience on vacation scheme.
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Professional career path. Reputation of firm/calibre of work & clients. Comprehensive graduate recruitment programme. Prestige and marketability should I choose to leave firm at later date.
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I was looking for a global law firm because I wanted to be involved in the highest level of work possible, and because, as a linguist, I was looking for opportunities for international work. Linklaters also has a reputation for first rate training.
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I attended a presentation by my employer at Law School. This prompted further research into the firm and as I liked what I saw, I applied.
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Reputation, type of work, friendliness
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The type of work they specialise in combined with their progressive and dymanic attitude to the firm. All the people I met during the recruitment process were down to earth and genuinely enjoyed what they were doing.
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I was first attracted to the firm having read of its reputation and international presence, but was slightly concerned that the people would be somewhat aloof.This was dispelled upon my first contact with the firm at a drinks evening on campus. Not only was everybody down to earth and approchable, but I was also impressed with the range of people who came along (particularly impressive as my university was 200 miles outside of London!) from partners, to trainees to HR. Throughout the recruitment process the firm was eager for us to meet as many people as possible and when I went along to an open day in the firm's offices I was impressed that the senior partner came along to talk to us. I thought that this showed how highly the firm valued its trainees.
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As a starting point, I took the top 20 law firms and attended open days and law fairs to gather information. After spending weeks trawling through graduate recruitment brochures I ditched the “propaganda” in favour of talking to actual employees. It quickly became apparent which trainees were happy with their jobs and which ones were attending open days for the free lunch. The Cameron's package differed very little from what the other law firms were offering, but the atmosphere within the firm was truly unique. Everyone I met was friendly, bright and enthusiastic. I looked for the laboratory rats, but I didn’t see any. It seemed a genuinely good place to work so I went with what I can only describe as “gut instinct”.
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I had heard their name as the largest law firm with an amazing client list. Even though my university wasn't on the usual milkround trail, they came to visit the university. They accepted application forms at any time of the year and it was online. The daft questions were kept to a minimum and the interview was about trying to get me to show myself at my best, rather than battering me repeatedly with the same question.
As most of your training contract is run by HR it was really important to me to join a firm where I trusted my preferences would be respected. Clifford Chance are able to offer just about any department and country, it is very unlikely two people's experiences are going to be the same.
A good salary and an opportunity to travel the world helped.
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The firm provided a variety of work in a number of interesting practice areas. I chose to apply as I had heard good things about the firm and its culture.
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I had heard in the legal press that Beachcroft were a good employer in terms of culture and work/life balance. I had also decided that I wanted to live/work in Bristol and Beachcroft LLP are one of the major commercial law firms with an office in the city. I attended an open evening where I met the partner who headed up recruitment, the atmosphere and the people all seemed nice so I decided to apply then.
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A&O has a reputation of offering the best training of the magic circle firms. I was also impressed by A&O's pro bono portfolio.
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When I met A&O's representatives on their campus visit, I already knew about the firm's magic circle status and reputation for being at the top of their game, but I was not expecting such an open and friendly team of people, eager to answer my questions and find out about me. Rather than bombarding me with gimmicks and free stress balls, they listened to what I was interested in and responded to my specific questions, rather than reeling off a prepared script. This was combined with evidence of A&O being a great employer as well as a great law firm, such as the refusal to follow other law firms in getting rid of associates to maintain partner profits.
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Market leader in corporate and commercial law
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I chose Clifford Chance because of its reputation for excellence, in terms of clients and training, and because of its international presence.
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A&O is one of the world's best banking law firms so the work is intellectually challenging and international. A&O has excellent training and offers many opportunities for travel. The money is good too.
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Field Fisher is a medium sized firm and therefore more personal, but still has a great client base and good quality work. The hours didn't seem to be too terrible and the pay was competitive. When I came for interview, the partners I met were very friendly and seemed to want to get the best out of me.
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FFW is a medium sized firm with friendly staff and good working hours. I did a vacation scheme at FFW which gave me a good insight into the type of work the firm carries out.
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I was attracted to Clifford Chance because of its prestigious reputation and its global outlook. I had met many trainees and had participated on a vacation scheme at the firm. As such, I had a strong impression that I would enjoy working for them.
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I come from a science background so applied to specialist IP law firm. Not only did Bristows have an outstanding reputation in this field but it has a reputation for being a friendly and more relaxed firm.
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I did a graduate vacation scheme at the firm and really enjoyed my time so decided to apply for a training contract. The firm is made what it is by its people; approachable, non-hierachical, vibrant, excited about the profession and the work, professional and from a real variety of backgrounds. The hours can be long and as with any job there are some more routine aspects to the work, but this is by far made up for by the atmosphere - it is very pleasant to work for A&O.
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Having done a vacation scheme was very impressed. Also, have a very good reputation and provide a good training.
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Allen & Overy has an outstanding reputation for providing the best legal training available. A significant international presence and numerous opportunities to work abroad, give a unique breadth of training. The work is of the highest quality, with exposure to interesting and innovative transactions. The firm has an unrivalled pro bono programme and numerous sporting, social, cultural and musical events. Most importantly for me is the treatment of it's employees. In this field it stands head and shoulders above any other employer I have come into contact with. A supportive and enthusiastic culture, friendly and approachable staff and a general interest in the wellbeing and personal development of its employees are all qualities that have been consistently displayed by the firm.
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I originally worked there on a temporary basis and saw them as a young and enthusiastic company with real growth potential. I got on well with all members of staff and was extremely pleased when I was offered a permenant position. The salary was competative and they actively encouraged me to take on a masters course in order to ultimately qualify as MRICS.
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The online advert provided details by the company outlined the background and what they expected from a graduate. I felt that applying to smaller companies would allow me to gain more experience quicker than at a larger firm and this was my main reason for choosing to apply. When I submitted my application to Nash Bond for the position I was very impressed with the speed at which they came back to me. I was also impressed with the graduate setup they had in place. Although it is a small company they had already put one graduate through the same process that I was embarking on and had systems in place for my structured training program. The interviews I went through were fairly relaxed but meant I met with my direct supervisors and we got along well.
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A&O has an excellent reputation across all areas of its practice and so I knew that I would have the opportunity to experience interesting work in whatever ares I chose to train in. In addition, it had a reputation for being a friendly place, with a good atmosphere.
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I wanted to work for a London based city firm. A&O stood out from the other magic circle firms as a firm with an excellent reputation, excellent training programme and excellent client base but who also employ normal, friendly and down-to-earth people and have a relaxed attitude despite being in the magic circle. They made an effort at graduate recruitment and this came across and gave the impression that it was important for them to recruit you rather than you having to persuade a firm that they should be interested in you, which was the impression i got from some of the other firms I looked at.
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Clifford Chance (CC) supported me throughout university – from providing a bursary to sponsoring events I organised. I received a lot of information from a knowledgeable, dedicated and inspiring HR team, who kept in regular contact. Clifford Chance took a great interest in me as an individual, and I did a month-long vacation scheme where I was made to feel welcome, had real work to do, and met talented and enthusiastic lawyers. Everyone was friendly and approachable. Having built up a strong relationship, applying for a training contract was the next natural step. I was attracted by their outstanding training programme, blue chip clients, and unrivaled international opportunities, as well as the superb working environment, facilities and location.
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I spent two weeks doing a vacation placement with my employer. This gave me an opportunity to experience work within the firm as well as the atmosphere and values of the firm. The scheme was extremely well organised, the people friendly and welcoming. I was also attracted by the broad base of the firm's practice and their reputation.
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Their reputation as one of the best IP firms in the UK.
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I was interested in moving into consulting after my Masters, and I spoke to a family friend who had worked at BCG 20 years ago and rated it very highly. Speaking to other people along the application process, both from BCG and from other firms, confirmed the idea that this was definitely a great place to work and a fantastic opportunity were I to be offered a job there.
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I became attracted to them initially because of their status in the legal world. They are highly respected as one of the magic circle firms and have a reputation of excellence but still managed to keep the reputation of being a friendly and open firm to work for.
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I choose them because they are market leaders in their field. The people are friendly and the work is excellent.
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Allen & Overy has a fantastic reputation for the quality of both its work and its training. As a law student keen on working for a major city firm, it was an obvious choice. I was particularly impressed by the fact that the Managing Partner attended the recruitment presentation at my univesity. They also seemed to offer the most comprehensive student work-placement programme.
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A&O is a market leader, and provides trainees with the opportunity to work on some of the best deals in the city, there is certainly a buzz from finding the deal that you are working on being reported on the front pages. During a training contract trainees will work in a wide variety of commercial practice areas which means that there is plenty of opportunity to find out what it is you will and will not like doing. The most attractive aspect though is the people that you work with. High level work is available at all the big city firms A&O is distinguished by its friendliness and its genuine emphasis on the importance of enjoying the work that you do.
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Good reputation, good international presence, high level of work, good impressions at interview.
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I became attracted to my employer because they are a magic circle law firm that work for the biggest blue chip clients and carry out the most interesting work. Their training has an excellent reputation and will increase my career prospects.
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I did a summer vacation scheme here and thought that it was a friendly place to work with good opportunities.
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Great grad recruitment team, had an informative yet fun time on a vacation placement, lots of awareness on campus (Lovells sponsor books schemes at uni/dinners etc), competitive salaries, and Atlantic House (the offices) are fantastic!
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Breadth of practice areas, great people and excellent support.
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I was impressed by Linklaters' graduate recruitment team and events. I did a vacation placement with Linklaters and thoroughly enjoyed it.
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They are the magic circle law firm with the best reputation for friendliness and respect for employees across the board. There are effective systems in place to implement this ethos. A great deal of time and resources are dedicated to employee welfare.
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I was attracted to their size, quality of clients and work and global scope, with the resulting opportunity to work on high calibre deals worldwide
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