Careers

Joined: As trainee March 2010
Education: English, Southampton
Seats: Real estate, corporate and M&A, private client, private client property

Q. How was your first week?

A. We had a very thorough induction programme that covered everything from IT training and an overview of library resources to a welcome chat with the Senior Partner. The entire department was very welcoming and took the time to introduce themselves during the course of the week. Almost immediately I was being introduced to existing clients and taking on new matters. It was exciting to get involved so quickly and I settled in straightaway.
 
Q. How would you describe the culture at Macfarlanes?

A. It is a friendly, focused and intellectually stimulating firm to train at. The majority of the partners trained at the firm and that in itself is an indication of how much is invested in your progression as a solicitor.
 
Q. What's the most interesting deal you've worked on?

A. In private client I worked on several matters for a number of high-profile clients. In particular we advised one UK resident client on the purchase of and security over a high-value property abroad. My role involved analysing the most appropriate structure for the transaction and discussing the potential tax and immigration implications with the client's overseas advisors before reporting back to the client. It was complex and at times prolonged but I learnt so much about project (and client) management from my supervisor and the client partner that the successful completion of the matter was very satisfying.
 
Q. What international work have you been exposed to?

A. In all of my seats a significant amount of the work I have undertaken has had an international element. There will often be overseas clients, assets located abroad or overseas legal advisors to work with and jurisdictional/cross-border issues to consider.

Q. What's the best way to learn?

A. The firm has a significant focus on training and education but for me exposure to a wide range of work to put theory into practice is the key to acquiring new skills. I have also had the benefit of sitting with very experienced solicitors which has increased my awareness of the practical and commercial implications of the work that I undertake.
 
Q. What are your highlights so far?

A. My first residential purchase was a real highlight as I was pretty much in charge for the whole transaction. It was very satisfying when that completed successfully - not least because the buyer was a partner! The first transaction completion in my corporate seat was also a highlight as talking the client through the final documents before they signed them (and celebrating with champagne) made all the hard work and tight deadlines worthwhile.
 
Q. How much partner involvement/exposure is there?

A. We work in small teams which mean that quite often as a trainee you will be working directly with and for a partner. This is invaluable because you have the opportunity to not only learn from them but to actively contribute to the progress and completion of the transaction.
 
Q. What support do you get?

A. Each trainee receives a partner as a mentor from the start of the training contract. When you change seats, your new supervisor is always a useful resource as are trainees in the same department who are further along in their training contract. The graduate recruitment team and the trainee solicitor committee also take a keen interest in our progress and to be honest most members of the firm are happy to answer questions and provide support as and when it is necessary. 
 
Q. Do you get much client contact/opportunity to work with clients?

A. From my first seat I have had a lot of client contact, from attending meetings and industry events to being the first port of call for clients on matters in which I take the lead. I think this has been one of the best things about training with Macfarlanes - the fact that you are acknowledged as part of the team from the beginning and actively encouraged to take responsibility for matters.

Q. It's not all work is it? Are there opportunities to get involved in CSR activities?

A. There are a broad range of CSR activities to get involved with. Each year the firm chooses a charity of the year to support and there are almost monthly fundraising events from social events and quizzes to sporting challenges and raffles. The Cabaret in February is the highlight!

The firm is also involved in a range of pro bono activities such as providing legal advice at a debt clinic in South London, mentoring GCSE and A-level students through their studies and providing advice on a range of firm wide pro bono matters. We also have a programme of speakers from human rights and civil liberties groups.