Meet Jack - Trainee

Jack studied Law at LSE and started his training contract in March 2025. 

Why did you apply to Slaughter and May? 

While applying to various firms during university, what set Slaughter and May apart for me was its distinctive multi-specialist approach. Through previous legal internships, I came to appreciate the value of gaining exposure to a wide range of practice areas, rather than limiting myself to a single specialism early on. This flexibility was especially appealing, as I had not yet decided which area of law I wanted to pursue. I believed that Slaughter and May’s model would provide the ideal environment to develop a broad and adaptable legal foundation.

Applying to law firms can be stressful, but I appreciated how streamlined the process was at Slaughter and May. I applied through the direct training contract route, which required you to submit a CV and cover letter prior to being invited to interview.

What are typical trainee tasks in your current seat? 

No two days are ever the same. I’m currently sitting in the Disputes and Investigations team, where most of my work has been focused on a major international arbitration. It has been particularly rewarding to observe how the matter has progressed throughout the course of my seat. For the most part, I’ve been able to manage my workload, however there was a two-week period during which the team worked late nights to meet a key submission deadline. I was given plenty of notice, so it didn’t come as a surprise, and I also felt very supported by the team throughout.

Typical trainee responsibilities I’ve undertaken include the following: legal research, preparing call notes, proofreading, bundling, document review, and drafting. In addition, I am currently responsible for sending weekly updates to the client, which requires me to maintain a comprehensive understanding of all aspects of the matter.

What aspect of your role do you enjoy the most? 

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed engaging with colleagues across the firm. Everyone I’ve encountered has been approachable and generous with their time and consistently willing to explain complex matters. This supportive environment has made me feel welcomed and included from the very beginning.

Additionally, I enjoy volunteering to meet with work experience scheme attendees whenever possible. Having recently been in their position myself, I’m always happy to offer guidance and share insights based on my own experiences.