UK Trainee Recruitment

1) What does ”international law firm” mean in practice?
We serve our international client base through our offices in London, New York, Paris, Hamburg, Munich, Rome, Milan, Athens, Piraeus, Singapore and Bangkok. We are able to advise on English, Russian, Italian, French, German, Thai, New York and US Federal laws.

2) Is there an opportunity to work overseas?
At present, all trainees are guaranteed a four month seat overseas. We currently send trainees to Paris, Piraeus, Singapore or Bangkok.

3) Why is WFW different to other firms?
We are a well-respected, medium-sized firm with strong international connections. We believe that we compete favourably with the larger City firms in terms of quality of work undertaken and training provided. Trainees can expect “hands on” experience, early responsibility, opportunities to work overseas post-qualification, as well as an open-door policy in a non-hierarchical environment.

4) For which intake of trainees are you currently accepting applications?
We are currently looking to recruit trainees to join us in September 2011.

5) How many training contracts do you offer each year?
12 to 14.

6) What is the closing date for applications?
For training contracts commencing September 2011 the closing date is 31 July 2009. For vacation scheme applications it is 22 February 2009.will the Autumn

7) What type of person are you looking for?
Individuals who possess a good academic background and are enthusiastic, motivated, resourceful, innovative and practical.

8) What is the selection procedure for Training Contracts?
There are three stages for training contract recruitment:
Stage 1 = Online Application Form
Stage 2 = Assessment Centre
Stage 3 = Interview.

9) What is the selection procedure for Vacation Schemes?
There are two stages for training contract recruitment:
Stage 1 = Online Application Form
Stage 2 = Mini Assessment Centre

10) Does the firm provide funding?
We pay full fees for both CPE/GDL and LPC, plus a maintenance grant for both CPE/GDL and LPC. Maintenance is currently £6,500 for those studying in London and £5,500 for those studying outside London. Maintenance is paid directly into your bank account in ten monthly instalments.

11) Are these monies repayable?
If a trainee fails to join the firm for any reason whatsoever, then repayment in full of any law school fees paid by the firm is demanded.

12) Do you have a March intake of trainee solicitors?
Not currently.

13) Do you run an induction programme for trainees?
Yes, we run a two week induction at the commencement of the Training Contract. This includes a welcome from the Managing Partner and group heads, presentations by each of the core practice areas, IT training, office services training, an overview of the accounting process, an overview of the library, lunches with trainee solicitors and evening drinks with a cross-section of the firm. Various elements of the Professional Skills Course will also be undertaken during the induction course.

14) What percentage of your trainees do you employ as assistants on qualification?
Our approach is to invest in trainees as future partners of the firm. We therefore aim to retain as many as possible upon qualification. On average this equates to an 80% retention rate.

15) Do you offer continuing education and training?
Yes. We are accredited by the SRA to run the Professional Skills Course in-house (a mandatory course for all trainees which has to be taken during the two-year period of the training contract). We also hold a series of in-house lectures, with many of the speakers from leading sets of chambers, universities with whom we have links, and by partners and senior assistants. We also focus on skills development throughout your career to enable you to fulfil your potential.

16) I’m a first year law student can I apply for a vacation scheme?
It’s a little early at this stage to apply for a vacation scheme. We recommend you contact us about attending an open day to gain an overview of the firm before applying during your second year of your degree.

17) I’m studying for a non law degree, am I able to apply?
We consider applicants from all degree disciplines and around 50% of trainees we hire come from a non law background. We believe this brings a breadth of skills into the firm.

18) Do you seek candidates with foreign language skills?
Whilst we don’t recruit with specific language criteria in mind, we do have an international client base. This means that candidates who are able to speak a foreign language are very useful to our business. That said, where required we do offer language tuition.