Meet Evan, a Trainee Associate

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.