Degree: University College, London
LPC: Oxford
While I was doing my LPC, I had the benefit of work placements at both City and regional firms. It meant that by the time I came to apply for training contracts, I had a good idea of what I wanted.
I was looking for excellent reputation, good client base and a range of legal services, but I also wanted a firm with a genuine interest in training where I could feel an important part of its long term growth. Henmans seemed to fit the bill. It had all the advantages of a regional firm and additionally, had managed to achieve national recognition for several of its practice areas. I noticed that some of the firm's lawyers were published in their specialist areas which was also attractive; it's good to know you'll be working for people who are at the top end of their industry.
I started my training contract in September 2005 and am thoroughly enjoying it. I'm currently working in the professional negligence and commercial litigation team, where I've joined at an especially busy time. I was told on my first day that the department was keen for me to have as broad an experience as possible. I'm involved in several cases for which I have been drafting letters and court orders, amending witness statements and conducting research on various points of law. I'm due to assist counsel in a directions hearing soon which is also exciting.
There is great variety in the work and you get very quickly integrated into the team. It's a steep learning curve, but you learn fast by osmosis. I've found people to be extremely willing to take the time out to explain something more than once - regardless of their level of qualification.
Standard of supervision is also high. Each trainee has their own supervisor to whom they may address any problems and that person will also monitor your workload to ensure you're not swamped. Trainees are appraised mid and end of seat and there are also regular meetings to chat about progress and assess what opportunities there are for future development. The first seat is chosen by the firm, but trainees negotiate the next three. With only six trainees, the graduate recruitment team can do a proper job of finding out what we want and accommodate us all fairly. There is also a regular opportunity to meet with the training partner to discuss the training programme; it's definitely a firm that's open to new ideas.
There are some fantastic legal minds at Henmans and people do work hard. But the ever sought after 'work/life balance' is excellent. You really do have the time to take advantage of living in a city like Oxford. Extra-curricularly, the firm provides the opportunity to attend in-house training courses, there are frequent drinks and social evenings, either with clients or internally, and a Henmans tennis tournament to participate in every year! (Being good at tennis is not a pre-requisite).
As with a trainee at any firm, I would say that you must be willing to stand on your own two feet and deal with jobs that may seem initially daunting. Once you've done that at Henmans, there is a strong support network to help you develop your skills set and take you through to your professional life as a qualified lawyer. To anyone applying for a training contract, I'd recommend this as an excellent choice.
Shree has now qualified and is working in Henmans's property team.