The magic circle member that has its own magic way of doing things.

The Firm

Slaughter and May is one of the most prestigious law firms in the world. Advising on high-profile and often landmark international transactions. Their highly varied client list ranges from governments to entrepreneurs, from retailers to entertainment companies and from conglomerates to Premier League football clubs. Lawyers are trained to be a multi-specialist equipped to advise on a broad range of legal matters, which at other firms would be handled by a number of different lawyers. Having built a reputation for delivering innovative solutions to difficult problems the firm seeks to broaden one’s training and experience in order to become a better lawyer. Nearly all of their work has an international element, with offices in London, Brussels, Hong Kong and Beijing. In other jurisdictions we prefer to remain agile by leading unified, hand-picked teams of lawyers from market-leading law firms.

Trainee Profile

Trainees come from a range of universities – it is the quality of the candidate, not the university, that is important. Slaughter and May likes people with: a sharp intellect, independent thought and curiosity, commercial awareness, commitment, judgement, energy and spark, the ability to relate to others, common sense, integrity, a range of interests outside of the law, an interesting take on things, resolve and the ability to show grit under pressure, a good sense of humour and a willingness to take on responsibility.

Training Programme

During the two-year training contract, trainees turn their hand to a broad range of work, taking an active role in between four, five or six legal groups while sharing an office with a partner or experienced associate. Most trainees spend at least two six-month seats in our market leading corporate, commercial and financing groups. Subject to gaining some contentious experience, they choose how to spend the remaining time. Our overseas offices and close working relationships with market-leading law firms in other jurisdictions mean there are opportunities for trainees to apply for a secondment in their second year.