Degree: University College London
CPE and LPC: Anglia Law School
After university I joined the graduate management scheme of a leading retailer and worked in head office for several years before deciding on a change of direction. Consequently, I already had a good idea both of my strengths and the qualities I was looking for in the firm that would provide my training. In addition, I had also completed a number of vacation schemes at both City and regional firms beforehand, so I had a good idea of what I wanted – real responsibility and exposure to quality work and training from an early stage, but in a medium-sized environment where I would be a valued member of the firm with the opportunity to make an impact. I wanted to qualify as a well-rounded, hands-on lawyer, rather than having carried out primarily admin-type job for two years. I also wanted a good work-life balance.
Henmans provided me with just such an opportunity. The Oxfordshire area is very appealing in itself for obvious reasons and my research showed me that the firm is ranked in the top tier by the legal press in several key practice areas. I was also impressed by the new offices on the business park and the impression that in challenging economic times the firm had clear and ambitious plans for expansion. I wanted to be a part of this success and so wasted no time in accepting my offer of a training contract to commence September 2009.
I am currently in the Corporate department and am really enjoying it. The department is growing rapidly and is therefore very busy. However, the team are friendly and supportive, taking a real interest in my training and willing to spend time explaining complex points of law. The open-plan nature of the office is fantastic as it means that trainees can absorb a lot of information from fee-earners through osmosis, as well as the layout fostering more of a team ethos. Most pleasingly, I have had really good exposure to supporting senior fee-earners on a range of transactions, as well as taking attendance notes of client meetings, undertaking research and drafting documents which, depending on the feedback and any amendments given, can go out to clients. This seat also brings with it exposure to the firm’s specialist IP practice which has afforded me similarly positive client exposure and responsibility – for example, looking at allegations of copyright and trademark infringement; drafting agreements to protect a client’s IP interests; and advising a client on how to ensure their website is complaint with updates in legislation.
Notwithstanding the support available, trainees are expected to be able to stand on their own two feet and this early responsibility brings with it a degree of added pressure and presents a steep learning curve. However, I am confident that the experience will make me a better and more rounded lawyer on qualification. Crucially in this aspect, I have found the supervision to be first class, which ensures that the workload doesn’t become too much at any time. Feedback is given informally on an ongoing basis (and the open plan layout facilitates this further), and there is a more formal mid-seat review before the full review at the end of the seat. Regular in-house training sessions for trainees are run by senior fee-earners on subjects such as time-management, drafting, taking instructions and so on. Supervisors themselves all receive specialist training on how to get the best out of trainees and the Training Partner and HR team are always available to discuss how things are going. People at Henmans are expected to work hard and show commitment, but there is certainly a good work/life balance, which is important to the firm, and for which it has won an award as one of the top 30 law firms in the country.
In terms of extra-curricular activities, as a trainee I have been encouraged to get involved in the life of the firm. I run the firm’s 5-a-side team in a local league which has been a great way to meet people from other departments, and have attended a number of ping-pong marketing events (the tennis theme still runs strong here and there is also an annual tennis tournament, but being good at the sport isn’t a pre-requisite of being a trainee!). The staff cafe makes it easy to keep in touch with the other trainees and there is usually a group willing to go out for a drink on a Friday night.
In summary, I am confident that my training here will set me up solidly for my future career and I would seriously recommend Henmans to anyone looking for a firm with a national reputation for quality work and a great working environment.