Meet Mayowa - Trainee

Mayowa studied Law at UCL and is currently in the first seat of her training contract at Slaughter and May. 

Why did you apply to Slaughter and May? 

Primarily, I applied to Slaughter and May as the firm distinguishes itself through its multi-specialist approach. All lawyers are trained to develop expertise across a broad range of legal disciplines. As a prospective trainee, this structure is particularly appealing, as it provides exposure to a diverse array of work within each department. This in turn would enable me to make a well-informed decision about the area in which I wish to qualify in the future.

Another reason I applied was that a significant proportion of the work undertaken by the firm has an international dimension. This global aspect is not limited to transactional matters but also extends to the firm’s contentious and advisory practices. 

My previous interactions with the firm also had been consistently positive and encouraging. I engaged with Slaughter and May through their Virtual Insight Programme on Forage, a first-year open day and a summer work experience scheme. Throughout these experiences, I found the people I encountered to be approachable, professional and genuinely enthusiastic about their work. These interactions left a lasting impression and played a significant role in my decision to apply for a training contract with the firm.

How did you find the application process? 

The application process was clear and well-structured. For the summer work experience scheme, it involved submitting a CV and cover letter. The training contract application followed a similar format and for the interview process, I was interviewed by two partners and also completed a written exercise, alongside an interview with a member of the Early Careers Recruitment team.

The interviewers demonstrated a genuine interest in getting to know me on a personal level. In addition to the standard questions around my motivation for pursuing a career in law, they asked about my favourite subjects at school and my interests outside of academics. We also discussed a topical article that I was given to read approximately 20 minutes before the interview. I particularly enjoyed this part of the conversation, as it allowed me to engage with current issues and share my perspectives. It was evident that the interviewers were not only assessing my analytical skills but were also genuinely interested in my views and what I had to say. 

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

I am currently a first-seat trainee in the Pensions, Employment, and Incentives (PEI) department. All trainees at Slaughter and May have to complete two six-month seats in our Corporate and M&A and Financing groups, so I will be moving to these next. In addition to these, I will also be moving into Sustainability for three months, followed by Disputes and Investigations for another three months.

My day typically begins with reviewing my emails and my calendar to prioritise tasks and commitments. Every other morning, I participate in sub-group catch-up meetings, which provide an opportunity for team members to update one another on their ongoing projects. The remainder of my day is dedicated to working on various matters, attending client or internal meetings, and participating in training sessions.

My typical working hours have averaged from 9 am to 7 pm, with most weekends usually remaining free. At particularly busy times, such as the lead-up to a deal signing, it is necessary to work extended hours and at weekends. Associates are very supportive during these times, and there is a strong sense of camaraderie as you are all working towards the signing together. 

What aspect of your role do you enjoy the most?

I am continuously acquiring new knowledge and skills. While undertaking tasks in unfamiliar areas of law can sometimes feel challenging, there is a strong sense of accomplishment in overcoming these difficulties and progressing further in my development and career. 

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

Participating in recruitment events is consistently rewarding. For instance, I recently acted as a trainee buddy for the firm’s Spring Forward programme, where I had the opportunity to engage with students interested in pursuing a career in law. I particularly valued this experience, given that I was in a similar position only a few years prior, and I enjoyed helping them and answering any questions they had.