Careers

Joined: As trainee September 2010
Education: Biology, Nottingham
Seats: Corporate and M&A, litigation and dispute resolution, banking and finance

Q. How was your first week?

A. The first week involved a very relaxed and welcoming introduction to the firm. The great thing about starting at Macfarlanes is that, due to the firm-specific LPC, you know all of your fellow trainees before your first day at the firm which makes for a far less intimidating and enjoyable start to your Macfarlanes career.
 
Q. How would you describe the culture at Macfarlanes?

A. The culture is collegiate through and through. The partners and assistants genuinely care about the future of the firm and, therefore, your development as a trainee. Such a culture is partly down to the size of the firm - I know the majority of the partners relatively well in the groups in which I have sat so far, so they are more than willing to answer any questions I throw at them.
 
Q. What's the most interesting deal you've worked on?

A. Acting for a large investment bank in its role as an underwriter of an equity raise (involving a rights issue and a warrants issue) carried out by a large technology investment company. The structure of the equity raise was complex but was fully explained to me by my supervisor and the lead partner on the transaction so that I understood every step of the process. The deal also involved my first "all-nighter" - breakfast has never tasted so good!
 
Q. What international work have you been exposed to?

A. Over half of the work that I have undertaken has involved an international element. The most high-profile piece of international work has been to act for Trafigura in relation to an environmental claim in the Ivory Coast. The claim itself settled in 2009. I have also been involved in the subsequent costs claim.
 
Q. What's the best way to learn?

A. The best way to learn is undoubtedly by experiencing as many different pieces of work as you can lay your hands on. On top of this, don't be afraid to ask questions. Partners and assistants alike are more than happy to impart their wisdom on you - and if you don't ask, you'll never know!

Q. What are your highlights so far?

A. There have been two major highlights so far. The first, perversely, was completing my first all-nighter acting on the equity raise transaction described above - a right of passage, it seems, for any budding M&A lawyer. The second was to experience a three-day Court of Appeal hearing in relation to a costs claim. To be able to sit in the Master of the Rolls' Court (the second most senior judge in England and Wales) as a trainee is a rarity and is an experience that I will remember.
 
Q. How much partner involvement/exposure is there?

A. My current supervisor, Simon Nurney, is a partner in the litigation and dispute resolution group, so practically all of my work comes directly from him. This is a good thing! It is the reason why I have been involved in some high-profile work and listening to his advice and the way he speaks to clients will stand me in good stead.
 
Q. What support do you get?

A. Lots. As well as sharing an office with your supervisor, you are also assigned a "principal" who you can chew the fat with at any time during your training contract. Moreover, there is a genuine open door policy and I am yet to come across a partner or assistant who hasn't been happy to speak to me.
 
Q. Do you get much client contact/opportunity to work with clients?

A. More than you would think. I have been surprised by just how much client contact I have had so early on in my traineeship. This is daunting at first but, as I have said above and as seems to be the policy adopted by the firm, experience is the best way to learn.
 
Q. It's not all work is it?

A. There is a lot more to Macfarlanes than work. In addition to the numerous team and firm outings, there are plenty of extra-curricular activities to get your teeth into. In terms of sport, there's football, cricket, hockey and tennis teams (to name but a few), and I have been involved in the mixed touch rugby team this season which has been very enjoyable, although losing to a team called "The Honey Badgers" was a humbling experience! On top of all of that there is the annual firm Cabaret which takes place at Koko in Camden. This venue has seen names such as Lily Allen, Katy Perry and Bombay Bicycle Club grace its stage - the standard of our cabaret doesn't quite match the levels that Koko is perhaps accustomed to, but is great fun all the same.