AKIN GUMP STRAUSS HAUER & FELD
much work, and evolve their training based on that feedback.” Rachel describes how she eased in to life as a trainee: “You come in for the first week and then go off on the Professional Skills Course; it’s like dipping your toes in, having a break and coming back fully prepared. We then have monthly meetings with Vicky and regular formal and informal meetings with our supervisors, all to check on our progress and that we’re OK.” Vance confirms that the firm keeps a close eye on trainees’ wellbeing and progress: “You do need to be more self-starting than at some other firms, but it’s not as if we throw them to the wolves – we’re very conscious of the fact that they’re trainees, not zero-year associates! They are treated and protected accordingly. We give them the chance to take on responsibility, but of the right type and level, especially in the first seat.” Once fully embedded, the emphasis is on hands-on experience, as Vicky explains: “We favour a practical approach, so from the outset trainees sit with their supervisors, who are senior lawyers and partners, so that they are exposed to the complexity of legal work and different ways to approach things. They learn through practical examples and actual matters – we don’t run loads of generic lunchtime sessions.” Another example of that practicality is the model that sees trainees impart what they have learnt: “As part of their ongoing development, we get them to teach a subject back to their peers, which is a great way of reinforcing the learning model.” Rachel confirms that compared to the experiences of some of her contemporaries, the responsibility she has been given surpasses those at a similar level elsewhere: “You can take on as much responsibility as you can handle. I get the sense that in other firms where there are a greater number of trainees, they may get stuck with more mundane tasks. Here you operate more like an associate,
and I for one really appreciate the independence and freedom that comes from being able to do that.” She describes a recent work highlight as an example: “I was involved on all aspects of a recent restructuring deal. I know that at other firms trainees may only be involved in isolated elements, but that’s not the case here – you get stuck in, learn all about it and get to know the clients and the commercial background.” Working closely with supervisors is key to the trainee experience. “I sat with Vance in my first seat and got great insight into his work as a partner,” reports Rachel. “I think that’s a sign of the almost total lack of hierarchy here – all the partners are very friendly and approachable. One of the things I was keen to do was take on a manageable amount of responsibility at an early stage. Because we work closely with our supervisors, you’re able to talk to them and actively seek work that challenges you. If they see you putting the effort in, they will thank you, and it all helps to make you feel valued and supported.” Trainees also rely on one another: “The fact that we are a small intake – there are only three
others in my year – means that you get to know each other very quickly and can lean on each other.” Size is also something that Vance cites as a bonus: “Our trainees appreciate being part of a smaller group; they have to be independently minded and self-confident, but it also means that we have enough seats to give them a large number of options. We can even split seats if that makes sense – some trainees appreciate being able to do more practice areas over the same period of time.” Vicky muses on the secrets of the scheme’s success: “I think that we invest the right amount of time and energy into our programme. Our firm is all about superior client service and I consider the lawyers and trainees my internal clients. Most US firms have a similar drive and innovation to us, but I think that we are particularly keen on ensuring that our trainees get a personalised and tailored training experience.” While the office is obviously part of a much bigger global operation with a significant presence in the United States, because graduate recruitment is so different Stateside, US involvement in the training contract programme is
We’re looking for people with intellectual curiosity who are solutions-focused, who enjoy immersive learning and are after complex work
12
Best in Law 2016
LawCareers.Net
Made with FlippingBook - Online Brochure Maker