T he LCN Awards have been a key fixture in the legal calendar for more than 15 years now. Recognising excellence in training and recruitment across the profession, from the City to the high street, they help prospective and current trainees to gauge the performance of firms and identify those that can provide them with the best possible start to their careers. This year’s bash was held at Merchant Taylor’s Hall in the City of London, where representatives from over 70 top firms convened to celebrate the achievements of those which go the extra mile in the time- honoured fashion of a formal awards ceremony followed by a decidedly less formal knees-up. LCN’s Matthew Broadbent got things underway by reflecting on the current pace of change in a profession which has long had a reputation for tradition and conservatism, but is now opening up more avenues to entry than ever before. Training contracts have been supplemented by the equivalent means route, which allows those with sufficient paralegal experience to qualify as a solicitor; while legal apprenticeships
– which free prospective lawyers from the expense of university altogether – are also on the rise. However, there is still considerable progress to be made in other areas – not least in terms of gender equality, where the radical idea of implementing quotas is gradually gaining traction as a practical way to redress the balance. All the more reason, then, to shine a spotlight on those progressive firms which are helping to advance the profession by shaping the next generation of lawyers. The LCN Awards are based on a comprehensive survey of over 2,000 trainees and newly qualified solicitors, who report back on everything from vacation schemes, assessment days and interviews to seats, supervisors and training principals. As Broadbent concluded: “The LCN Awards are a real proving ground, painting a really accurate picture of which firms do a great job in recruitment and training. All the nominees should be congratulated, as the competition across every category is fierce.” Mills & Co was the first winner of the night, as Best Recruiter in the
4
Best in Law 2016
LawCareers.Net
Made with FlippingBook - Online Brochure Maker