Libby studied Law at the University of Exeter and joined the firm as a trainee in March 2026.
Why did you apply to Slaughter and May?
I knew I wanted to train at a firm that worked on high-profile transactions, offered an international dimension, and had a genuinely collaborative culture. Slaughter and May stood out as a natural fit.
I first came across the firm through an insight event co-hosted with Legal Cheek and later completed both the Commercial Law virtual insight programme on Forage and the summer work experience scheme. Those experiences gave me a much clearer sense of the firm's work and its culture. In particular, what struck me most during my three weeks on the summer scheme was how approachable and enthusiastic everyone I met was. These positive experiences made me excited about the prospect of a career at Slaughter and May.
How did you find the application process?
I found the application process refreshingly straightforward. The CV and cover letter allowed me to explain my motivations for pursuing a legal career and why Slaughter and May appealed to me specifically.
I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed my training contract interview. The partners made a notable effort to get to know me, from my A-level choices through to my university degree, which put me at ease. Being asked to engage with and defend my views on a current affairs article led naturally into the kind of free-flowing, intellectually stimulating conversation that made the whole experience feel far less like a formal interview.
What’s a typical day like as a trainee solicitor in your current seat?
I am currently in my first seat in Corporate and M&A. While each day differs, my day usually starts around 9.30am with a review of my to-do list and typically finishes around 7pm. As a trainee, I have been involved with a variety of tasks so far, including due diligence reviews, managing data rooms, conducting research and drafting. During busier periods, including late evenings and the occasional weekend, I have been consistently impressed by how supportive and appreciative the team is.
I think Corporate M&A is an excellent first seat, and all trainees at the firm have to complete a seat here and in Financing during the two-year training contract. It places you at the heart of the firm, whilst providing meaningful insight into the other specialist areas across the firm. I have been trusted to have client contact from an early stage and have felt supported by my supervisor throughout.
What part of your job do you enjoy the most?
It may sound cliché, but the people are what stand out most! Fellow trainees, associates, and partners are all approachable and are generous with their time, whether explaining a complex problem or sharing broader insights. This creates a genuinely collaborative culture, and I think that is something you feel from the outset.
I also enjoy the variety of work you are exposed to. So far, I have already been involved with private acquisitions, corporate governance matters and a public takeover. The mix of subject matter and transaction types means no two weeks are quite the same.
What has been a highlight of your training contract so far?
A particular highlight for me has been acting as a buddy for a student on the Spring Forward programme. Having had a buddy myself during the summer work experience scheme, it was rewarding to be able to offer the same support and share my own experiences at the firm. It was a rewarding full-circle moment.
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