Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP |

Why did you choose Weil?

I was initially drawn to Weil because of the firm’s reputation as a global elite player in Private Equity, Finance and Restructuring. I knew I was interested in working in corporate law and felt that Weil would be the perfect place to explore this type of work, in addition to practice areas such as Antitrust, Disputes and Tax.

After participating in a first-year scheme in 2021 and a Vacation Scheme in 2022, I knew that Weil was the firm for me. I really appreciated being given real-life work and being encouraged to engage with lawyers and business services teams across the firm. I found that everyone in the firm was friendly and there was a true open-door policy: even the busiest people would make time to meet for coffee and answer any questions I had.

What is a typical day at Weil like?

My first seat has been in Antitrust and there is honestly no ‘typical day’. I am working on a variety of very complex and sophisticated matters at any one time, which gives me exposure to a range of clients, industries and workstreams. It also gives me the opportunity to work with teams across the firm. Some more common trainee tasks in my team include research, liaising with local counsel, taking notes of calls with various transaction parties and drafting documents.

Trainees are encouraged to get involved in the wider firm and community through activities such as pro-bono work, volunteering, diversity networks and Early Careers events. I really appreciate the opportunity to give back to the community and, in particular, to help charities and individuals to access legal advice. This was something I engaged with during university, so I was keen to find a firm that shared these values. Every day here is different, and I love that.

What have you enjoyed the most so far?

During my training contract so far, I have most enjoyed seeing myself develop and grow in confidence. Trainees are given a lot of responsibility here, which helps us to learn at pace. I have learned so much since joining, and I am looking forward to how much more I develop over the course of the training contract.

One of my proudest and most enjoyable moments so far was submitting my first notification under the National Security and Investment Act 2021. These are submitted where the subject matter of a transaction is sensitive, allowing the government to review it for national security purposes. I had previously worked on structure charts and drafted other elements of notifications, but being trusted to write the entire first draft and annexes to this notification (and to hit the big green “submit” button at the end) was something that, although a little daunting, felt amazing.

What is training like at Weil?

Weil offers a range of formal training alongside on-the-job training in our day-to-day work. In Antitrust, we have team-wide weekly training for the Brussels and London offices, in addition to monthly global meetings. These trainings have included updates on current matters and learnings taken from these, training on new legislation or practice and training on software or systems. We have also had seminars from local counsel on jurisdiction-specific considerations. As a trainee, you also get specific training in the firm generally, as well as in relation to specific tasks you might undertake in your seat.

Additionally, as our deal teams are deliberately leaner, I can easily observe others and learn from their skillsets. This could include anything from best practice in emails and file management to drafting documents, negotiating with the other side and handling client communication sensitively. I find learning on the job suits me most as I can learn through trial and error and ask questions throughout the process.

What makes Weil a great place to work?

Weil is a great place to work because of its huge variety of interesting and challenging work, training and professional development opportunities at all levels, and seemingly boundless opportunities in terms of networking, volunteering and pro bono work. There are many good firms in the city, but I do feel that Weil is truly great.

This is a place where people can bring their whole self to work and a place where difference is celebrated. Despite everyone’s different background, skills and experiences, I would describe people at Weil as team players who are passionate about delivering incredible work and excited to embrace a challenge.

What your role includes e.g. typical activities and key responsibilities?

As a trainee associate in the private equity department at Weil, I have been given the opportunity to take on meaningful responsibilities right from the start, which has been both exciting and challenging. Some typical tasks that I am involved in include conducting due diligence on group structures and commercial contracts, coordinating with specialist teams and local counsels, preparing draft ancillary documents, assisting with Companies House filings, and managing the execution of legal documents. Looking back on my first three months at Weil, one of the things I have come to appreciate about is the encouragement for trainees to take on more responsibility and rise to new challenges. For example, in one of the deals I am working on, I was trusted to draft a section of a due diligence report and produce responses to queries from the private equity client and its portfolio company. Although this entailed a huge step outside my comfort zone, I felt well supported every step of the way as the associates on the deal team have always been available to offer helpful guidance and advice. This sense of support has given me the confidence to keep pushing myself and develop new skills.

What training you have received?

At the start of my seat, I participated in an engaging induction programme consisting of fundamental topics, including corporate basics and professional communication. What I appreciated most was how interactive and collaborative these sessions were, and trainees were actively encouraged to ask questions to deepen our understanding. These sessions also gave trainees an early chance to connect with the people we would be working alongside, making the transition into the seat feel seamless and welcoming. Beyond the formal induction, the knowledge team at Weil across various departments and offices also works closely to organise regular training sessions on topical issues in the market. These sessions ensure that everyone is kept up to date with commercial developments, enabling us to provide high-quality client service.

The best pieces of your job

One of the most rewarding things about working at Weil is the opportunity to collaborate with individuals who are not only exceptionally intelligent and skilled in their fields, but who are genuinely friendly, approachable, and supportive. It’s motivating to work alongside colleagues who are always willing to share their experiences and offer help. This is especially vital at this early stage of my career, when I am still learning the ropes and need to frequently seek clarity on various aspects of my work.

While the role does occasionally demand long hours to meet deadlines or address urgent matters, the people here truly make all the difference. The relatively small trainee intake at Weil creates a tight-knit community where mutual support is the norm. This peer-to-peer support extends beyond professional collaboration and we all genuinely look out for each other and check in on our wellbeing. This may be through offering encouragement during a challenging project or taking a moment to check in on how things are going personally. This collaborative and supportive environment makes the experience of working here both fulfilling and enjoyable.

Any networks you are involved in

Weil’s commitment to recruiting the best talent, irrespective of background, is exemplified through its close collaboration with external organisations such as SEO London. During my application journey, I had the privilege of attending application workshops and networking events hosted by Weil as an SEO London candidate. These events not only enabled me to learn about the firm from the firsthand experience of Weil’s lawyers but also receive invaluable guidance on how to stand out during the application process.

At Weil, this dedication to diversity and inclusion is reflected in its affinity groups, which empowers employees from diverse backgrounds to thrive and excel. A particularly memorable experience for me was attending a client networking event organised by one of the firm’s affinity groups in October this year. The event allowed me to connect with key stakeholders who shared similar experiences and backgrounds to me, providing meaningful opportunities for me to expand my professional network.