Jasmine - Trainee solicitor

Why did you apply to Slaughter and May?

During my second year at university, I attended the ‘A world of difference’ presentation and networking event. The presentation explained the firm’s multi-specialist approach which was something that really appealed to me. At school and university, I always preferred studying a range of subjects (I did the IB for this reason) and I knew I wanted a job that would be extremely varied. Everyone I spoke to at the networking event was approachable and friendly, and I met a lot of people from non-law backgrounds, which made me feel that I wouldn’t be at a disadvantage in that regard.

How did you find the application process?

Refreshingly straightforward – the application process here consists of submitting your CV and cover letter, followed by an interview. I felt the cover letter allowed me to express more naturally why I was interested in the training contract here, compared to the more rigid application forms with specific questions at other firms. I did a summer work experience scheme in 2020 and interviewed for the training contract afterwards.

What’s a typical day like as a trainee solicitor in your current seat?

I generally get to the office around 9am and grab a coffee before going through my emails to see what I need to do that day. I am currently sat in the Competition team as my second seat, so no day is the same and the tasks are very matter dependent. I am working on a merger investigation at the moment, so tasks can involve assisting with RFI [Request for Information] responses, researching our client’s products to help with other submissions to the regulator or researching relevant case law. On a different matter, I have been researching the merger control regimes in various countries to assess whether we would need to notify there. Other typical trainee tasks which you might do in any seat include document review, proofreading and admin tasks like updating and circulating trackers.

On average, I probably log off around 7pm but the hours can vary. There is flexibility to relocate home so I usually use that as an opportunity to make some dinner and continue working afterwards if necessary. There have been busy periods where I have had to work long hours; in Competition this is usually because there is a tight deadline for an RFI response or similar. However, after that is submitted, you tend to get a bit of time before the next deadline, so the busy periods balance out. I sat in our Corporate team as my first seat, and similarly I found that the busy periods were always balanced out by quieter periods, and there was no pressure to stay late in the office if you didn’t have to be there.

What part of your job do you enjoy the most?

I really enjoy how social the job is in the sense that you are constantly working with and meeting different people. So far, I have sat with two partners and a senior counsel, and I feel incredibly privileged to be able to learn from people at the very top of their game. By sharing an office with someone so experienced you learn a lot about how to handle different scenarios with clients or the other side. Everyone I have met so far has been approachable and willing to make time to explain concepts to me, no matter how busy they are.

What has been a highlight of your training contract so far?

As I am currently sitting in the Competition team, I have had the chance to go on a three-month secondment to our Brussels office. It has been great experiencing a different office culture; the Brussels office is smaller than the London office, so the atmosphere is different. Brussels is also a great base for travelling around Europe, so I am very grateful to have had the chance to spend the summer there.