Meet Roy

• Graduate’s name:Roy Kiruri
• Graduate’s job title: Trainee Associate
• Name of graduate scheme: Training Contract
• University attended: University of Bristol, Queen Mary University of London, BPP Law School
• Degree qualification and year of graduation: LLB Law (2020), LLM Banking and Finance Law (2022), LLM Legal Practice (Solicitor) (2025)

What is your role and when did you join the firm?

I am a second-year trainee associate in Weil’s London office, having joined the firm in September 2025. I have completed seats in our Private Equity/M&A and Finance practices; and have just started my third seat in the Restructuring team.

What inspired you to apply to Weil?

I was drawn to Weil’s standing in private equity, finance and restructuring – three practices that thrive in different parts of the economic cycle, which promised interesting work however the market was performing. Just as importantly, every conversation with the firm’s lawyers during the application process emphasised the small trainee intake and lean deal teams. That promise of real responsibility, from day one was exactly what I wanted – and it has proven true. Having studied in Kenya, South Africa and the UK, the firm’s international, “one firm” culture also resonated with me. Equally, pro bono here is approached with the same rigour as billable work.

What does a typical work day look like?

There is thankfully no ‘typical day’, which appealed greatly to me. In Finance, a day might involve updating a conditions precedent checklist first thing, preparing drafts of security documents or corporate authorisations, running a signing process, making Companies House filings and joining calls with clients or counterparties’ counsel – often across multiple jurisdictions. Trainees sit at the centre of a deal’s mechanics, so you quickly develop a real understanding of how a transaction fits together. I also contributed to the firm’s internal AI initiatives during this rotation, helping to build and test tools that streamline transactional workflows. 

What are your working hours like?

They fluctuate with each stage of a deal/matter: in the run-up to a signing, closing or hearing, days tend to be longer; while quieter periods leave more scope for training, know-how projects and pro bono work. However, even in busy stretches, we are able to communicate openly about capacity, and everyone looks out for one another.

What is the best piece of work you have been involved in?

Two deals stand out. The first was working on a financing from the start of a bid process through to signing of the commitment papers – seeing a deal come together end-to-end was invaluable. The second was a pro bono matter, helping to put in place a working capital facility for a social enterprise. I drafted the loan and security documents, helped amend the primary financing documents, prepared security filings and liaised with the client, the lender’s counsel, an account bank and a security trustee. Being trusted to run so much of the matter, with proper supervision, accelerated my development – and it was great seeing my work leave an impact.

What is the single most important thing you have learned so far?

That communication is such a crucial skill. Early on, I assumed the best response to being busy was to work harder and faster. I have since learned that sending a short holding email, providing a realistic estimate of when something will be done, or speaking up early when you can see a pinch point coming, are all part of delivering excellent service. Managing expectations well builds far more confidence than silence followed by a perfect answer. A related lesson is to understand the purpose, not just the process: asking what commercial outcome a task is driving at helps you spot issues early and propose solutions rather than simply raising questions.

Are you involved with any of the firm’s networks?

Yes – I am an active member of BLAST (Black Lawyers Achieving Success Together), one of the firm’s affinity networks, and I regularly volunteer at Early Careers events, from insight days to CV workshops and mock interviews. Beyond that, I have taken part in the London Legal Walk, a charity football tournament, a cycling fundraiser and the firm’s Social Mobility Week sessions with school students. The firm makes real space for this alongside billable work, and giving back is one of the most rewarding parts of my week.

What are your top tips for someone applying to Weil?

First, understand what makes the firm distinctive – its private equity-centred platform and lean teams – and explain why that model suits how you want to train. Second, use events and networking opportunities to speak to the firm’s professionals; those conversations shaped my application far more than anything I read online. Third, do not overlook experiences beyond law firms: studying across countries, student leadership, part-time jobs and commercial / negotiation competitions all demonstrate adaptability, teamwork and resilience. Finally, be yourself. With a small intake, the firm is recruiting people, not just accolades on a CV. Make sure to convey you are well rounded and have a genuine interest in the commercial world, willingness to learn, proactive spirit and dedication to become a phenomenal lawyer.