Progress with Purpose

autumn 2017 A Norton Rose Fulbright publication PROGRESS WITH PURPOSE

BEST FOOT FORWARD First impressions of our office

LET’S DISCOVER SYDNEY Half a year on secondment

LEARNING THE ROPES TOGETHER Sailing the Solent

CLOSING A DEAL The rush of a first deal

2 | nortonrosefulbrightgraduates.com autumn 2017

PROGRESS WITH PURPOSE

nortonrosefulbrightgraduates.com WHAT’S INSIDE...

First steps Back to Salary and open days school and benefits 10 26 34 Legal A view Practice At first from the Course Walking glance bridge (LPC) Making the walk tagliatelle 06 14 from 30 40 scratch 20

12 32 36 Becoming a Getting the Hear it university ball rolling... first-hand: 05 manager 24 Ania Welcome Training contracts 08 18 28 42 Best foot Vacation Graduate Your forward schemes Diploma in first seat Law (GDL) Firsts for the Your Dates for future development your diary 53 66 76

Making new connections Taking my Learning first taxi 60 the ropes home together 46 70

54 62 68 Let’s Hear it Finding a discover first-hand: sounding 44 Sydney Ilian board 78 Closing What’s a deal next? for the first time 48 74 Secondments Qualification and beyond

THE CONTRIBUTORS

SARAH MARLEY CLAUDIA ILIAN JILL DAN GREENWOOD ALI CULLEY PETROV KAVANAGH METCALFE First-seat First-seat Second-seat Second-seat First-seat Trainee trainee trainee trainee trainee trainee recruitment partner

JENS OSCAR CAITLIN ANIA JOE KIRSTY NESSOW KO FORSYTH SOLEIMANI BAMFORD HICK First-seat First-seat Second-seat Second-seat Fourth-seat Partner, trainee trainee trainee trainee trainee insurance

RIA MEG CLAUDIA MATTHEW ALASTAIR NISHANT PATEL YAMAMOTO DORBEZ BARBATO MAVOR SINGH Fourth-seat First-seat Second-seat University Fourth-seat First-seat trainee trainee trainee manager trainee trainee

INDIA ISABELLA THOMAS LAURA OLIVIA GABRIELLA FURSE MARTINEZ- WIDDOWS SINOPLU VED DENLEW Third-seat SISTAC First-seat University University Fourth-seat trainee Vacation trainee manager manager trainee schemer

ALSO FEATURING:

EMMY ISAAC KAI SOPHIA JONATHAN CLODE FRECKLETON KEHEMBE MAUDSLAY HAWKINS Third-seat University University Third-seat First-seat trainee manager manager trainee trainee

chose Norton Rose Fulbright for my own training contract for a number of reasons. Quality. Culture. Shared values. Now, as a partner, all that still holds true for me. I wouldn’t change the decision I made, Iand if I were looking to join as a trainee today, I’d make the same choice. It’s a fantastic place to work. DAN METCALFE But fourteen years on, looking at this brochure, I’m reminded of how I’ve marked my own progress here. The truth is, you’re always learning, even when you don’t realise it. So how can you tell how far you’ve come? It’s all about the firsts. First day. First client. First deal closed. First mistake and how you handled it.

TRAINEE RECRUITMENT PARTNER Every step with us is a mark along your road to success, so here’s your first one: the moment you first learn about who we are. This brochure is here to provide you, in a very transparent way, with just a taster of that. I would encourage you to investigate far beyond these pages and, if possible, come and meet us. We’ll see you then.

COVER IMAGE:

Walking across the concourse of our More London office, June 2017. Photography by Ivan Maslarov

nortonrosefulbrightgraduates.comnortonrosefulbrightgraduates.com || 5

STATS AROUND THE WORLD 1794 6 33 58 FOUNDED CONTINENTS COUNTRIES CITIES WORLDWIDE 1200+ PARTNERS CANADA

EUROPE UNITED STATES + MIDDLE 4000 EAST LEGAL STAFF LATIN AMERICA AFRICA ASIA PACIFIC 7000+ PEOPLE

KEY INDUSTRY SECTORS OUR PRACTICE AREAS

ANTITRUST AND COMPETITION FINANCIAL TRANSPORT INSTITUTIONS BANKING AND FINANCE CORPORATE, M&A AND SECURITIES

TECHNOLOGY DISPUTE RESOLUTION ENERGY AND INNOVATION AND LITIGATION EMPLOYMENT AND LABOUR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY REAL ESTATE INFRASTRUCTURE, LIFE SCIENCES MINING AND AND HEALTHCARE REGULATION AND COMMODITIES INVESTIGATIONS RISK ADVISORY TAX 6 | nortonrosefulbrightgraduates.com

CURRENT TRAINEES AROUND THE FIRM OFFICE FEATURES

43% LIBRARY MALE 54% 32% MUSIC ROOM % COLLEAGUES COLLEAGUES RESTAURANT 57 WENT TO ARE FIRST FEMALE UK STATE GENERATION SCHOOLS UNIVERSITY BAR STUDENTS PRO BONO PROGRAMME DELI

LAW CENTRES TOGETHER FOR SPORT POP-UP SHOPS LIBERTY ADVICE LINE RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE AT GUY’S AND LAWWORKS ST. THOMAS’ HOSPITAL SECURE BIKE STORAGE BARRETSTOWN HELPING HANDS CLUB

You’ll make a lot of progress with us, but first things first: it’s time we told you about ourselves.

A FEW KEY OUR NETWORKS CLIENTS

PRIDE FAMILY MATTERS AIG (LGBT AND ALLIES) (WORKING PARENTS BMW AND CARERS) BNP PARIBAS WIN BP (WOMEN IN SHINE NORTON ROSE (DISABILITY AND CITI FULBRIGHT) CARERS NETWORK) DEUTSCHE BANK

GLAXOSMITHKLINE COMPASS ORIGINS (MUSLIM (BLACK AND HSBC EMPLOYEES ETHNIC MINORITY RIO TINTO GROUP AND CLIENTS) NETWORK)

nortonrosefulbrightgraduates.com | 7 BEST FOOT FORWARD

WHETHER IT’S AN OPEN DAY OR AN INTERVIEW, EVERYONE REMEMBERS THEIR FIRST VISIT TO OUR LONDON OFFICE.

8 | nortonrosefulbrightgraduates.com You go up to the ninth floor and you’re just floored by this great view.”

CAITLIN SECOND-SEAT TRAINEE

I was chatting with the receptionists before my interview, and I said to them, you know, the view, does it ever get old? And they said never. It was a good start.”

ILIAN, SECOND-SEAT TRAINEE

I remember waiting for my vacation scheme to start, and we waited on the ninth floor, right where clients would usually wait. The atmosphere was so striking.”

OSCAR FIRST-SEAT TRAINEE First memories: I was so distracted en ninth floor, client route to the building, reception. We went up to I stepped right in the stream the balcony area, and they outside. My interviewer came to gave you little muffins, and greet me, and all I could think smoothies in a shot glass.” about was that my foot was soaking wet.” JONATHAN FIRST-SEAT TRAINEE MARLEY FIRST-SEAT TRAINEE

The first time I saw the firm, it was the night before my university manager interview. The central atrium and the lift were lit up in green to support an environmental cause, and you could see it from the bank of the river.”

JOE, FOURTH-SEAT TRAINEE

nortonrosefulbrightgraduates.com | 9 10 | nortonrosefulbrightgraduates.com First steps open &days When it comes to memorable moments, there’s nothing like walking through the doors of what might be your future firm. OurFirst step programme and our open days – both in London – are where you’ll do that.

FIRST STEP is open to first-year Our OPEN DAYS are open to undergraduates, running for a week undergraduates, graduates and in April. If you’re not sure whether career changers, with all degree law is right for you, or you don’t subjects welcome. These visits are know which firm to aim for, this is one day only, but they’re a wise where it all becomes clear. move. In fact, they might just be the most beneficial thing you do Over the course of the week, you’ll before applying. sit in one of our practice areas and see the high profile, rewarding work You won’t be a bystander on one of that goes on there. You’ll breathe in our open days: you’ll participate in our culture as you attend social workshops, question our lawyers events and workshops. And, if you over lunch and explore the firm on say yes to everything that comes our office tour. Senior partners will your way, you’ll create an experience dedicate time to talk to you. You’ll to remember. even benefit from interview and application advice – putting you a step ahead.

nortonrosefulbrightgraduates.com | 11 In October, we organised What made my first event a drinks reception. memorable was the firm’s High attendance was key to help generosity afterwards. The team reach as many degree subjects invited me for dinner and drinks, as possible. We certainly got it: an including a visit to an old favourite almost overwhelming 150 students haunt of the trainees (Crisis, for any came along!” Nottingham readers).”

MATTHEW LAURA UNIVERSITY MANAGER UNIVERSITY MANAGER UNIVERSITY UNIVERSITY OF OF BRISTOL NOTTINGHAM

The atmosphere around the stand was incredible; loads of students asking questions. So many people came up to me around the law school to pass on their thanks afterwards.

KAI UNIVERSITY MANAGER, UNIVERSITY OF SHEFFIELD

The first big event I was My favourite experience part of as university was helping to host a manager was the UCLU Law for meal with the Norton Rose Fulbright All vs. UCL Law Society Diversity team during Michaelmas term at Debate. It taught me that no matter the Varsity Hotel. It was a perfect how much planning you do, you opportunity for students to meet can never plan for everything!” Norton Rose Fulbright lawyers at various stages of their careers.” OLIVIA UNIVERSITY MANAGER ISAAC UCL UNIVERSITY MANAGER UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE

12 | nortonrosefulbrightgraduates.com BECOMING A UNIVERSITY MANAGER

Some of our future But how does that role benefit you? Well, it’s the start of getting to know applicants join our us. Over the year, you’ll work closely team even before with our recruitment team – the same team who will consider your they’ve left university. future application – and you’ll gain Their first memories insight into how we work as a firm. with us are as Then, you’ll use that insight to university managers, help others connect with us too. You’ll plan and run campus events, promoting our firm research sponsorship ideas and on campus. build links to university societies. And you’ll pick up plenty of valuable workplace skills as you go.

nortonrosefulbrightgraduates.com | 13 14 | nortonrosefulbrightgraduates.com A view from THE BRIDGE Situated on the river London is a city to give your heart to. Whether it’s the theatrical at the southern end of West End, the historic architecture of Tower Bridge, nestled Westminster, or the pop-up vibrancy of areas like Shoreditch and Camden, side by side with City you’ll find new cultures round every Hall, the Norton Rose corner; different treasures that make our city unique for each traveller. Fulbright London office is a stunning spot for But whether it’s culture or business you’re after, history or modernity, both client meetings we can guarantee there’s a little bit of and tourist photos. everything at the foot of Tower Bridge. Time to breathe it in for the first time.

nortonrosefulbrightgraduates.com | 15 “And every day there passes by my side, Up to its western reach, the London tide — The spring tides of the term. My front looks down On all the pride and business of the town.”

Abraham Cowley, ‘On the Queen’s Repairing Somerset House’, 1668 H Find quiet time or lunch outside in Potters Fields, directly behind our building. H Outdoor amphitheatre The Scoop is on our doorstep, regularly hosting events and pop-up stands.

16 | nortonrosefulbrightgraduates.com Enjoy freshly made foods H from all over the world at nearby Borough Market.

The More London precinct is home to a host of handy H shops and restaurants.

Within a stone’s throw of our offices, you’ll find so much that makes our city what it is. Borough Market to the west, with the bustle of traders, buyers, and midday snackers. The Tower of London across the river; its Ceremony of the Keys a nightly tradition for 700 years. The Globe, the National Theatre, the Tate Modern within walking distance. And of course the Thames For us, there’s nowhere else we’d itself, running straight through rather be – so it’s fortunate that the heart of the city – and right it’s easy to get here. By bus or by past our front door. tube, on foot or on wheels, the More London precinct is ideally placed.

But however you arrive, however you leave, our ninth-floor view of the skyline is waiting there for you. Spanning from Canary Wharf to the City of London, it means you’ll see so much of what this remarkable city has to offer. And believe us – it’s a lot to take in.

nortonrosefulbrightgraduates.com | 17 Everyone introduced themselves and honestly I was too overwhelmed to remember anyone’s names. But now that I’m at the end of one week, I feel at home. I know all the trainees, I know my supervisor well, and they’ve all been really good to me.” SUMMER 2017 VACATION SCHEMER

H Take a trip down to our garage and you’ll find our classic Norton motorbikes on display.

18 | nortonrosefulbrightgraduates.com SCHEME SUPPORT

£350 PER WEEK

Vacation schemes

The moment it dawns We run two separate opportunities Next, you’ll start the scheme here: the summer scheme for itself – but you won’t be alone. on you; that moment penultimate-year law students, With a current trainee as a buddy when you know and the winter scheme for final beside you, you’ll be ready to face year and graduate applicants of all everything the programme has to you’ve found the disciplines. But whichever is right offer. Group projects. Research for place that’s right for for you, we’ll pack a lot into your clients. Helping out on live work time here. After all, picking your firm and vital contracts. There’s a first you: that’s the insight is one of your first big decisions in time for everything and never a you’ll get on one of a career in law and we want you to dull moment. know you’re making the right choice. our vacation schemes. That’s because, when you’re not We’ll start with a confidence boost. working, you’ll be getting to know Our pre-vacation scheme day is our team. You’ll network with where our successful applicants get colleagues at every level. You’ll assessment feedback. You’ll also get make new connections – and ones advice from trainees and you’ll use that might well define your career our seat fair to see where you might if you stay on for your training like to be placed. contract with us. In short, you’ll make progress at every turn.

nortonrosefulbrightgraduates.com | 19 FEATURE: My first cookery school

20 | nortonrosefulbrightgraduates.com FEATURE: My first cookery school

MAKING

FROM SCRATCH

he cookery school stands out for me as a moment when my vacation scheme started to feel Tcomfortable, familiar. It was a social halfway through the week, when we were starting to get to know people a bit more, to feel Culinary adventures relaxed around them. on the vacation We made fresh pasta first of all. You make the dough with flour, scheme with Caitlin, eggs and salt, rolling it out really second-seat trainee thin; then you put it through a pasta machine to make tagliatelle strands. These are hung out to dry on little stands, and you make the sauce in the meantime.

nortonrosefulbrightgraduates.com | 21 FEATURE: My first cookery school

When you’re doing something active, Everyone makes their own pasta with their own dough; when your hands are then it all gets mixed up at the end. Still, you could occupied that way, definitely tell whose was whose, especially if you’d made a bit of a mess of it. It was great though – and you can just chat and you eat what you cook, so it feels really rewarding. you don’t feel self- When you’re doing something active, when your conscious. We talked hands are occupied that way, you can just chat and you don’t feel self-conscious. We talked together about together about the the universities we went to, what we studied, generally universities we went got to know each other. to, what we studied, It’s just something good to do together. You make generally got to know these friends who you’ll then see as you go onto your training contract. You’ll see them on the GDL or the each other.” LPC, and you might even end up at the same firm together. I’m helping this year’s vacation schemers with their cookery school next week. Can’t wait. H Left: Dough is fed into the pasta maker, as fresh-made efforts hang to dry above.

22 | nortonrosefulbrightgraduates.com FEATURE: My first cookery school H Left: Isabella cuts tagliatelle, while Soo fillets a fish. TAGLIATELLE AL FUNGHI

Serves 4

Cooking time: 1 hour

INGREDIENTS

DOUGH: GARNISH: 200g pasta flour 125g unsalted butter 2 medium eggs 85g fresh Large pinch parmesan, grated of salt Cracked black pepper 200g mixed mushrooms, thinly sliced Splash of olive oil 4 tbsp torn mint leaves

TO MAKE

Put your flour in a bowl, and use your thumbs to make a hollow in the flour. Crack your eggs into it with a pinch of salt, and beat with a fork. Gradually work the flour in to make dough.

Pass the dough a handful of times through a pasta machine on a high setting. Repeat this step, lowering the setting each time, until your dough becomes thin and silky. Now cut and shape your pasta, then boil for four minutes.

Fry your mushrooms and mint in the olive oil, then toss pasta into the pan. Serve, and garnish with pepper, parmesan, and a dab of butter.

nortonrosefulbrightgraduates.com | 23 We sing carols in the atrium in December, and people you know will walk past (and probably laugh). It’s great.”

INDIA THIRD-SEAT TRAINEE

24 | nortonrosefulbrightgraduates.com YOUR SALARY

£44K £48K FIRST YEAR SECOND YEAR

Training contracts

You’ll go from trainee to Your training contract is the qualification over the course of two years and when you look back, most important element of you’ll remember all the progress your progress with us. You’ll you’ve made with us. The first seat. The first step off the plane on hit plenty of landmarks here; secondment. The first deal you some of them pretty major. closed – and the next, and the next, and the next. You’ll find your feet, find your passions and find your way to a career with purpose. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Before you start your training contract, we’ll pay for you to take on The training contract is two years, the LPC (and if you’re a non-law student, the GDL). broken down into four six-month You’ll find out more about those on pp.29-31. seats. Three will be in our core areas – banking, corporate and disputes Next, you’ll start your seats – and start training – and you’ll complete one on as a lawyer for real. Over the course of your four seats, secondment, either to a client or to you’ll have our support to explore our sectors and one of our offices located anywhere get to know what you’re interested in. We’ll base across six continents. your seat choices both on your ambitions and on what’s needed across the business.

Finally, at the end of the two years, you’ll qualify with us – and, chances are, you’ll stay with us to take on a permanent role in one of the areas you’ve worked in. Next step? Aiming for associate – and beyond.

nortonrosefulbrightgraduates.com | 25 Back to SCHOOL

At law school, you’ll meet the trainees you’ll spend the next few years with. Here’s how it went for some of our current intake.

26 | nortonrosefulbrightgraduates.com THE FULL HOUSE My first memory is of the whole course THE – people from lots of firms – all there in one REUNION room. On the first day of the GDL, there were “After opening a locker packed hundreds of us packed with textbooks, it was nice to into our first lecture. meet my cohort and see some It was great getting to my familiar faces. People you’d done first tutorial and meeting your vacation scheme with and my new classmates.” everyone you’d met at the pre-LPC day. You get to know everyone MEG fairly well that way.” FIRST-SEAT TRAINEE

JOE FOURTH-SEAT TRAINEE

THE THE NEWCOMER FRIEND I actually missed our pre-LPC day and the first two days of the LPC, because I was travelling in FOR Peru. I joined my tutorial group and I think they must have thought, you know, who is this guy? But they were LIFE so welcoming, they made it easy to make friends.” On the first ILIAN, SECOND-SEAT TRAINEE day of the GDL, I met another girl going to Norton Rose Fulbright, and we ended up in the same group, then we travelled together after the THE GDL, came back to do the LPC together, and then MAKEOVER started at the firm “My abiding memory is actually together. All the way when we all reconvened after the through, and she was LPC for our first official day at the literally the first person firm. I think, without exception, I met on the first day.” everyone had a new haircut. After a year of studying, we suddenly CLAUDIA SECOND-SEAT TRAINEE all looked really smart.” JILL, FIRST-SEAT TRAINEE

nortonrosefulbrightgraduates.com | 27 28 | nortonrosefulbrightgraduates.com Graduate Diploma in Law

For non-law students, the first step of your training contract is the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL). But what does that look like?

The GDL is an essential first step on The GDL assumes you have no legal the path to becoming a lawyer. To experience at all, so it starts at the achieve it, you’ll spend 12 months beginning and gives you full support. studying at BPP University. This Over the course of the year, you’ll take well-respected law school provides on a variety of modules that introduce legal training to non-law students on you to the English legal system. It’s a behalf of more than 60 of the UK’s big first for you, and you’ll be guided leading law firms. in this by eminent academics and legal professionals. Your course fees are fully paid by us and you’ll receive an £8000 You’ll still be close to us all the way. maintenance grant. In fact, you’ll Networking events and training days even study for the GDL in a city of will see you stay in touch with our your choice: there are BPP branches firm. More than that, you’ll have your in London, Birmingham, Bristol, fellow future trainees at your side Cambridge, Leeds, Liverpool and every day. Manchester.

Note: Because of decisions made this year by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, the route to qualification (GDL, LPC and training contract) will change soon, probably in 2020. With this switch happening at every firm in England and Wales, flexibility will be key for you, but our support and your prospects won’t change. At the time of going to print, this is the course you’ll study.

nortonrosefulbrightgraduates.com | 29 The LPC – it’s five different law firms in one place, so it’s your intake plus trainees from other firms. You make great connections.” JOE, FOURTH-SEAT TRAINEE

30 | nortonrosefulbrightgraduates.com SCHEME SUPPORT

Legal Practice Course

THE BEGINNINGS OF A TEAM: BEFORE STARTING ur pre-LPC day is your first big landmark here. All our future trainees meet in London YOUR TRAINING to learn skills you’ll need for the course. CONTRACT, ALL Executive skills. Presentation skills. OThe core abilities that will help you on your way. LAW AND NON-LAW STUDENTS COME Again, all your fees are paid by us. You’ll receive a maintenance grant of £7000: all our trainees move TOGETHER TO to London to study the LPC at BPP University.

STUDY THE LEGAL Now it begins. Over seven months, you’ll cover a range PRACTICE COURSE. of core legal topics, including preparation for corporate and banking work. You’ll find that, with a programme that includes academic study, practical experience and pro bono projects, the LPC equips you to jump straight into life at our firm.

You’ll be taught and mentored by qualified lawyers, but you’ll also be supported by us. Networking events and training days will play a vital role in keeping you connected, with practice area fairs to help you explore your interests, too.

nortonrosefulbrightgraduates.com | 31 FEATURE: My first sports team

That was definitely a first – giving a yellow card to a senior associate…

32 | nortonrosefulbrightgraduates.com FEATURE: My first sports team

GETTING Your LPC can be a place for some THE unexpected firsts, as first-seat trainees BALL Sarah and Marley discovered. ROLLING...

This all started when Marley and I were on And that was fine. It was really nice. the LPC together. Marley had been a paralegal There was pizza on the sidelines, and we before his training contract, so he’d got to were watching the next match. Marley knew know our corporate teams quite well. I was a qualified referee, so just as I grabbed a slice of pizza… They were looking for female players for the mixed staff football tournament and Sarah I might have suggested Sarah should happened to mention to me that she played. referee the next game.

I think he proceeded to tell them that I was Right as I was about to enjoy a well-earned some kind of star athlete – that I’d played break. So I say that’s fine. But the referee at a really serious level back in Canada. experience with colleagues is really different. I didn’t know many people at the firm, and And to your credit, you actually are there I was having to give yellow cards. really good! That was definitely a first – giving a yellow card to a senior associate… So we both ended up playing for the corporate team in the middle of our LPC. I’d only been And you probably wanted to give one to there for a vacation scheme so far, so I’d not me for volunteering you, I think. met a lot of the people who were there. I’ll get you next year, Marley. It’s always So people would talk to us, introduce going to be one of those things I look forward themselves for the first time, and we’d say to now though. And the way we move around we were on the LPC and tell them about seats, you never know which team you’ll how our exams were going. play for next year.

nortonrosefulbrightgraduates.com | 33 Your salary FIRST Here’s another big milestone: bringing home £ K your first pay cheque. Our salary and benefits are there to support and reward your achievements, 44YEAR reflecting your growing expertise along the way.

SECOND £ K 48YEAR £ WHEN K QUALIFIED75

Your benefits

EMPLOYEE PRIVATE 25 ANNUAL ASSISTANCE HEALTHCARE DAYS’ HOLIDAY PROGRAMME

PERSONAL PRIVATE CAR SCHEME PENSION PLAN GP SERVICE

INCOME INTEREST FREE MORTGAGE PROTECTION SEASON TICKET LOAN ADVISORY SERVICE

LIFE CHILDCARE ASSURANCE SCHEMES

34 | nortonrosefulbrightgraduates.com Our in-house canteen offers healthy, balanced options

H for all kinds of tastes. H Timothy Wood, associate in project finance, is also a GB team bronze medallist in the 2017 European Aquathlon Championships.

Health and wellbeing You’ll grow in standing as a lawyer with us – but your career isn’t all we care about. We’re also invested in your wellbeing, with plenty of options to help you maintain a healthy work/life balance.

HEALTH AND SUBSIDISED SPORTS WELLBEING CLUB MEMBERSHIP WORKSHOPS

CYCLE-TO-WORK SUBSIDISED MUSIC SCHEME PROGRAMME

SUBSIDISED GYM IN-CHAIR MASSAGES MEMBERSHIP

nortonrosefulbrightgraduates.com | 35 36 | nortonrosefulbrightgraduates.com HEAR IT FIRST-HAND THE TRAINEE’S PERSPECTIVE

ANIA SOLEIMANI went backpacking for two I took a very textbook path months with my oldest friend otherwise. I did a three-year law IS A SECOND-SEAT immediately before I started my degree, took those six months out, TRAINEE, CURRENTLY training contract. I had my offer then went straight to the LPC and Ifrom Norton Rose Fulbright and I’d then to my first seat. I even did the WORKING IN DISPUTES. saved up some money working at a vacation scheme here in my second SHE PREVIOUSLY regional law firm back at home in year at university. Manchester. So it was just a sort of GAINED WORK last trip before it all started. I’d done work experience in EXPERIENCE WITH small firms in Manchester before I was travelling through South Asia coming here, but I definitely hadn’t SMALL LAW FIRMS when we first got our materials for the experienced anything on this scale BEFORE JOINING LPC. Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam. I before. There was lots of glass, was in Hoi An when I got my log-in lots of people. This area’s pretty NORTON ROSE details, so trying to do that on a tiny swish, if that’s a word anyone FULBRIGHT. phone screen was interesting. says anymore.

nortonrosefulbrightgraduates.com | 37 It’s nice to get to know people from across the firm too. All these people who have a similar desire to get involved and give back in whatever way they can.”

It was quite daunting. The first time, In project finance, I worked with it all feels very grown up. You’re in a senior associate on a client pitch. business wear, you’ve got a smart I didn’t think he’d remember me when bag. I’m very much a jumper and I started my training contract. Then he jeans kind of lady, and certainly came up to me three months in and when I came for my vacation said, “I worked with you, didn’t I?” scheme interview, I was definitely We worked together a lot just after more of a backpack kind of girl. that, so it was good to break the ice It was odd to adjust to that. – or re-break it, I suppose.

I’m in my second seat now, and both On my vacation scheme, I also got teams I’ve sat in are the same teams to sit in on a call with an insurance I sat in on my vacation scheme – partner, Ffion Flockhart. I’d already disputes and project finance. known about her because she made It’s funny how that’s worked out. partner so young and so quickly. It was great to listen to a woman I still remember when I was in who’d experienced that much disputes the first time round. success in her legal career, I was doing a bit of research and especially at that early stage. desperately trying to remember a case I’d read about before, when a What I love about law is how, senior colleague turned to me particularly in project finance, casually to ask if I’d found what I you can literally be helping develop was looking for. Suddenly, the case a country’s infrastructure. It’s really I’d been racking my brains for just interesting work that’s doing a bit blurted out of my mouth, exactly at of good too. They’re often quite the right moment. I still remember impressive projects as well. it: Shanklin Pier. 38 | nortonrosefulbrightgraduates.com I got to work on the largest private I think that whatever you can do, It’s nice to get to know people from sector project financing in Jamaica, you should. Even if it’s half an hour across the firm too. All these people for the largest power plant there, of my lunch break, it’s a chance to who have a similar desire to get which is in Old Harbour Bay. That give something back, so I’m going to involved and give back in whatever was my first big deal. They’d begun try and do it. Yesterday we had a way they can. I hope that with more negotiating it in the summer just cake stall for the Alzheimer’s seniority I’ll be able to do even more. before I joined, so I got to see the Society, where we got to ply people documentation through from start to in the foyer with donuts. My moment finish. They actually kept me on for of being a bit of a saleswoman. an extra week to help close it.

I was quite surprised by how heavily involved I was, considering I was in my first seat. I’d be leading parts of client calls on the Conditions Precedent process. It was terrifying because there were times when I’d be alone in the office and a client would ring from Japan or something – but I loved it. I love being busy and it was great to get that opportunity to be let loose and just do it.

Our New York office issued a legal opinion on a security document for that project and the Paris office was involved too – I actually knew the trainee on secondment. I had huge help from an associate in the Tokyo office as well. She was a lifesaver with all the documentation.

I’ve always been quite keen to give back. That’s something that’s been drilled into me from childhood. That’s why I joined the firm’s charity committee. At the moment, there are three trainees who attend and we take turns sending the minutes round. We get to see how the firm reacts to world events; how the team consider charity requests. It’s nuanced work and I’m really happy to be a part of it.

nortonrosefulbrightgraduates.com | 39 FEATURE: My first charity event

The London Legal Walk takes colleagues H across the legal sector on a walk down the Thames and through Hyde Park.

Walking the walk

First contributions to our charity work

40 | nortonrosefulbrightgraduates.com FEATURE: My first charity event H Trainees Santiago, Sabrina, Ilian and Caitlin celebrate crossing the

finish. H Enjoying the sun on the long walk down the Thames.

he London Legal Walk is one of many charity events T and corporate responsibility initiatives we get involved in year- round. It’s when law firms, clinics and individuals come together

to raise money for the pro bono ILIAN: Having said that, I do remember misjudging charities that provide legal advice the distance a little bit. I was just chatting, having a to people in need. Trainees Ania, good time for the first three kilometres, and I remember saying, ‘Oh no, we only have seven left?’. That feeling Caitlin and Ilian tell us more: definitely didn’t last…

CAITLIN: The last kilometre, nobody really spoke CAITLIN: We left at 4pm and it was a beautiful day – we were all just getting to the finish! – a really great opportunity to do something beneficial, and to take in the sights of London. ILIAN: The sun was so hot! I think that after the last stretch I was definitely glad to reach the balloon arch ANIA: When you’re on the walk, you get a sense of just at the end. It was so rewarding though. how many people are in the legal profession. There were so many of us involved, and you’d find yourself talking ANIA: It was such a great day and a great cause. to trainees from other firms – the familiar faces you’d I loved seeing how we give back. We’re in such a done your LPC with – so that was really nice. strong position to do that and it’s so important that we should. I’m always proud to be part of events like this, ILIAN: Agreed – it was such a pleasure walking and getting to know each other better is an added bonus. alongside my colleagues and friends across central London, and seeing all the other law firms and societies walk and show their support. It’s a brilliant atmosphere.

CAITLIN: Because there are so many of us, there are two routes. Ours took us along by the river, through Hyde Park and right back round to the Law Society building. It’s about 10K, so not that long.

nortonrosefulbrightgraduates.com | 41 Our in-house canteen and bar H are the perfect spots for colleagues across the firm to catch up, take a break, and celebrate.

42 | nortonrosefulbrightgraduates.com The first thing that struck me was how spacious it feels here, from the atrium to the canteen.”

ISABELLA SUMMER 2017 VACATION Your SCHEMER first seat

After your initial law Make no mistake – this might be your first seat, but you’ll be expected school training comes to work hard from the start. Your the start of your future work will be vital for clients and colleagues around the world. at our firm. This is it: the Proofreading, legal research and first big day on the job. document drafting are just a few of the responsibilities we’ll start You’ll start with an induction. you off with. That lasts just over two and a half weeks, preparing you for the jump At the same time, you’ll also be from study to practice. There’s a involved in pro bono work from this professional skills course, library point on. At local legal centres, you’ll training, pro bono work and seat advise members of the public. Our planning. Then there’s a handover trainees are there once a week, every from the trainee in the seat you’re week, so you and your cohort will about to start. rotate to take on this responsibility.

But what will that seat be, exactly? You’ll always be supported in Well, it’s your first six-month everything you do. From your first rotation and it will probably be in day to planning your next seat, banking, corporate or disputes – the your dedicated buddy, your partner three areas at the heart of our firm. mentor and the trainee development team will always be on hand.

nortonrosefulbrightgraduates.com | 43 FEATURE: My first deal

It was hectic, and I kept thinking it could go wrong any second, but miraculously, it didn’t. Everything held together. Everyone crowded into the corner conference room, dialled into the banks’ hedging desks, and held their breath.”

CLOSING A DEAL FOR THE FIRST TIME

44 | nortonrosefulbrightgraduates.com FEATURE: My first deal

This would be what’s called a physical close, where documents are signed in person. For me and the rest of the team, it would be the culmination of a good few months of work; the majority of my first seat, in fact. I had a signing matrix, a colour-coded poster, and reams of documents elaborately tabbed and ready to go. WHAT’S IT REALLY It was just as well. Each director had LIKE TO WRAP UP an impressive stack of documents to MONTHS OF WORK? sign, some of them needing eight or nine counterparts, and it all had to JILL, FIRST-SEAT happen before 2pm; our deadline for TRAINEE, TELLS ALL. agreeing all this with no less than four different banks.

It was hectic, and I kept thinking “When someone comes in to sign it could go wrong any second, but their documents, close the door miraculously, it didn’t. Everything behind them. Keep the room very held together. Everyone crowded quiet and calm.” That’s what I into the corner conference room, remember being told on my first dialled into the banks’ hedging deal, but the reality was a little desks, and held their breath. different. And then, silence. A room full of We were closing a project deal to fifty people, standing room only, help our clients develop an energy- all waiting as the banks read out from-waste power plant; a deal that their portions of the standard script. had gone on for more than a year They agreed their rates, the call so far. We had senior directors ended… and it was done. The client flying in from all over the world. was shaking our hands, everyone We had other law firms coming was celebrating, and I finally felt in. And on top of that, we had like I could breathe again. It was photographers there to capture the intense – really intense – but such moment for press releases. an education in my first seat.

nortonrosefulbrightgraduates.com | 45 FEATURE: My first taxi home

TAKING MY FIRST TAXI HOME THOMAS, FIRST-SEAT TRAINEE, REMEMBERS ONE MILESTONE YOU MIGHT NOT EXPECT.

46 | nortonrosefulbrightgraduates.com FEATURE: My first taxi home

By staying late you’ve often lightened someone else’s workload, and the appreciation By staying late you’ve often lightened you receive is rewarding in itself because you’ve made a difference. someone else’s workload, and the It’s a strange thing to realise, appreciation you receive is rewarding in but as your taxi winds through itself because you’ve made a difference.” the streets, you’re reminded that London is genuinely operational It’s probably about 8pm as you By the time you leave it will be 24 hours a day. I find it soothing step out of the lifts after dinner. completely silent. It’s a remarkable to watch from the back window; to Back to your floor and back to your contrast. It doesn’t seem long reflect that mine is one story among desk; preparing yourself for a few since sunlight poured through the millions of others in the city. For more hours of dedication to your the grand glass front, yet now a non-native Londoner, this is an work. The bubbling energy of the you look up and see the artificial opportunity to observe the beauty of daytime office has faded; a sense lights of late-night London thrown the capital and the diverse lifestyles of calm descending on the building. across the floors. The dusky of its inhabitants. It’s only a quick trip Only a few footsteps; murmurs stillness of your surroundings lends home, but it’s a chance to admire from the atrium. something altogether ethereal to the simple aspects of life that pass the experience. you by in a busy working day.

As you climb into the taxi and take a moment to exhale, it strikes you that you’ve made a real contribution to the legal process. It’s the sense that you’ve pulled your weight – and it doesn’t go unnoticed amongst colleagues.

nortonrosefulbrightgraduates.com | 47 Secondments

A change of scenery. Your secondment is a big step, and it’s one you’ll always remember – whether it’s six months abroad, or six months in the heart of a client’s business.

At some firms, secondments are This is a moment to build your something trainees compete for. confidence, but it’s also a leap For us, it’s an essential part of into the unfamiliar, so we’ll do everyone’s development. A milestone everything we can to make it easier. that makes you a better, more If you’re going abroad, we’ll arrange broadly experienced lawyer. your language lessons. Wherever you’re going, we’ll arrange flights, From as early as your second seat, insurance, accommodation and an we’ll encourage everyone to start expenses grant. applying for a secondment, either in one of our global offices or on a client You won’t have to send a postcard, placement. There’s a lot of choice either – we’ll make sure we stay in here, so our associates, partners and contact throughout your time away. second-year trainees will all be That way, we’ll always know how happy to answer your questions and you’re getting on and we’ll be there share their experiences. to help with anything you need.

48 | nortonrosefulbrightgraduates.com H The Duomo di Milano on the walk to work.

H Third-seat trainee Emmy enjoys the cuisine in the Cinque Terre, nearby. MILAN

nortonrosefulbrightgraduates.com | 49 H On a corporate seat in Moscow, fourth-seat trainee Gabriella takes in Red Square, sees Swan Lake, and even visits St Petersburg.

50 | nortonrosefulbrightgraduates.com After I arrived in Hong Kong, I signed up to the firm’s dragon boat team. It was wonderful to take part in the dragon boat race to celebrate the Tuen Ng Festival.”

H Third-seater Sophia discovers that Hong Kong offers some of the world’s best hiking trails, and shows us the spectacular view from her office.

nortonrosefulbrightgraduates.com | 51 The Kaffee Rosterei in Viktualienmarkt, ten minutes from our office, brews some of the best coffee I’ve ever tasted. I regularly go there for breakfast to read a book, soak up the atmosphere, and even practise a bit of

German with the locals.” OnH his fourth seat, Alastair explores the Bavarian Alps, and crosses the border to see the Italian Dolomites.

H The sun sets over Munich’s Nymphenburg Canal. 52 | nortonrosefulbrightgraduates.com FIRSTS FOR THE FUTURE:Our ambitions

Secondment. I want to go to Sydney next seat, so fingers crossed for September, but I know if you want a secondment, you’ll get one somewhere. Ilian, second-seat trainee. Try a banking seat and keep exploring which areas I like. Oscar, second-seat trainee. Go to Singapore for my secondment and meet the other trainees on holiday in Bali. Caitlin, second-seat trainee. I’ve worked abroad before as a paralegal, so I want to push on and qualify as soon as I can. The firm’s supporting me in that.Jill, first-seat trainee. I’m keeping an open mind – I just want to see different areas and find what I want to hold on to.Sarah, first-seat trainee. My first seat was in fraud investigations, so I haven’t done a deal yet – that’s something I want to try. Jens, first-seat trainee. I want to see whether I can fit into the culture of the firm, and whether that’s the kind of work I can see myself doing. Isabella, Summer 2017 vacation schemer. I’m part of the charity committee, so as I train, I’m hoping to play a bigger part in organising charity events. Ania, second-seat trainee. I’m aiming to qualify into the London office as soon as I come back from Sydney.Ria, fourth-seat trainee. I want to qualify into corporate in London, then come back out to Asia. I enjoy working in Hong Kong. Sophia, third-seat trainee.

nortonrosefulbrightgraduates.com | 53 FEATURE: My first secondment

LET’S DISC VER... SYDNEY

54 | nortonrosefulbrightgraduates.com FEATURE: My first secondment

33.8688° S 22.5hrs 151.2093° E flight time from the UK

Average temperature: 16C – 26C

Population: SYDNEY 5,000,000

3000 events a The world’s 3.5m 20+ languages year in Sydney deepest natural international in widespread Opera House harbour visitors per year daily usage

Ria gives us the Despite that, the area has a lot of history. Sydney Cove nearby is the inside track on her site of Australia’s first European first secondment settlement. I’m on a bit of a mission to find out more about that while – six months in I’m here, through the museums Sydney. and on walking tours.

’m actually living only a couple of minutes from our Sydney office, in a district called The Rocks, right by Circular Quay. IFrom both the office and the top of my apartment building, I’m looking straight toward Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge.

There’s an interesting dichotomy to the area for me. On the one hand, you’re on the edge of what’s known as the CBD – the Central Business H Ria snaps a shot of our District. It has beautiful harbour George Street offices in Sydney. views, but it’s obviously geared toward modern business with its high-rise towers and offices.

nortonrosefulbrightgraduates.com | 55 FEATURE: My first secondment

H Ria says hello from the Blue Mountain range.

H The route to Coogee Beach – one of many trails Ria found on secondment.

56 | nortonrosefulbrightgraduates.com FEATURE: My first secondment H The famous Bondi Beach: inset, Ria captures the shore’s striking blue waters.

You can stop along the way for a bit of

My biggest tip is probably the People tend to whale-watching coastal walks. I’ve done two so associate Australia far – the first from Bondi Beach to with every kind of on the cliffs.” Coogee Beach. The route takes dangerous species. But you along the water, through a little the reality of bush-walking bit of bush land, and on through isn’t like that: they give you a other smaller beaches. You can lot of tips to make sure you don’t even stop along the way for a bit have any encounters you don’t of whale-watching on the cliffs. want. We stomp sometimes as we It’s serene. Peaceful. And if you walk, because snakes avoid the live here, it’s not just a once-in-a- vibrations. It’s odd to have to think lifetime thing. You can just go there about things like that. of a weekend.

I took that route on my own, but I’ve also gone on walks in the Royal National Park with new friends. You’re properly walking in the bush there, so, while the paths are cleared and there are H The Royal National Park, boardwalks, they still recommend 29km south of central Sydney, you go as a group. taken by Ria.

nortonrosefulbrightgraduates.com | 57 FEATURE: My first secondment

When I first got here, my team were so welcoming. You really need that when you’ve moved halfway round the world. The associates made me a list of places to go and they took me round. I still go to them for recommendations.

Through them I found out about the Vivid Festival. For a couple of weeks, they light up the sights of the city every night. Harbour Bridge. The Opera House. The Botanic Gardens. They even put on light shows at Taronga Zoo for the kids.

H Ria catches the lights and spectacle of Sydney’s Vivid Festival 2017.

You’re surrounded by all the tourist spots – the firm’s location is so useful that way.”

58 | nortonrosefulbrightgraduates.com FEATURE: My first secondment H A few favourite spots, from blue skies at the Botanic Gardens to the sunset over Sydney Harbour. All photography on this page by Ria Patel.

Between the associates and the paralegals, I’m in my fourth seat, so I’ll finish my training I’ve built up a great social life. They’ve as soon as I’m back. I’ve had to make my treated me as an integral part of the team applications from Sydney, but the London from quite early on. It feels different here team made that easy. I’ve been able to build obviously, being a smaller office, but you up an idea of what I want to do, quickly get to know everyone. and they’ve helped along the way.

The smaller office also has advantages in I’ll be heading back to London to qualify but terms of the work you get to do – it’s very after my time here I’d never rule out going much all hands on deck from a trainee abroad again. That’s the joy of our being a perspective and I have been involved in a global firm; the chance to go and spend a greater variety of work and have had more couple of years somewhere is never off the exposure to different legal experiences than cards. And even if I don’t go back to Sydney, I perhaps otherwise would have had in a I’ve made some great contacts and will know more specialised seat in London. It has a friendly face to ring next time I have a deal definitely helped me develop my skills and involving anything Australian. gain confidence for post-qualification world, which is just around the corner.

nortonrosefulbrightgraduates.com | 59 FEATURE: My first network event

CLAUDIA

The sheer range of networking events is impressive. I’ve been to several really good ones, from breakfasts to yoga to talks by senior members of the firm. They describe their career paths and the challenges they’ve faced along the way, and you’re often surprised to learn that they had the same insecurities you do. That’s such an encouragement. You get to learn how they pushed through those difficulties, and see the amazing achievements they’ve made along the way. It’s inspiring in so many ways. MAKING

NEW CONNECTIONS

AN INTRODUCTION TO ONE OF OUR NETWORKS

Our firm’s culture is all about supporting progress OTHER NETWORKS: COMPASS for everyone, so there are plenty (Muslim employees and clients) of networks to join. Meg, Jill, FAMILY MATTERS Claudia and Caitlin tell us about (Working parents and carers) FLEX-ABILITY first experiences ofEarly WIN (Flexible working colleagues) (Women in Norton Rose ORIGINS Fulbright): (Black and Ethnic Minority Network) PRIDE (LGBT and allies) SHINE (Disablility and carers network)

60 | nortonrosefulbrightgraduates.com FEATURE: My first network event

JILL

The links you make are definitely useful. Through Early WIN, I joined a coffee and mentoring programme, where they’ll randomly pair you up with another woman in the firm. I was paired with a female partner in corporate, who took me for a nice coffee and a chat. It was great just to see all of a sudden how this door was open, and I could go and speak to her any time – even when it wasn’t work-related.

MEG

I recently joined the Early WIN committee: it started out as the Women’s Network, and this is the offshoot branch for young careers. But our firm is all about inclusivity, so actually, even where there are diversity networks, they want everyone to be a part of it. Whilst it’s called the Early Women in Norton Rose Fulbright group, what CAITLIN I’ve found is that it’s for people of all gender identities.

The lunch for International Women’s Day One of the events I remember stands out for me. We had a talk from going to was all about power, and a female colleague who’d just made how you assert it. It was a client partner, and she told us about how she’d event, and what stuck out was how got there, and how there was no one you’d end up networking with some path you had to follow. The networks quite senior people without really are really useful in that sense – just for realising it, until they introduced themselves. more connection to senior colleagues in the firm, to learn from them and what they know. We have sessions on public speaking too – we go along, and anyone who needs to can give a presentation, if they need to practise, and we’ll all listen and help them improve.

nortonrosefulbrightgraduates.com | 61 HEAR IT FIRST-HAND THE TRAINEE’S PERSPECTIVE

ILIAN PETROV IS A SECOND-SEAT TRAINEE, CURRENTLY WORKING IN TRADE FINANCE AND ISLAMIC FINANCE. OF BULGARIAN DESCENT, ILIAN GREW UP IN CANADA, AND HE JOINED US WITH A DEGREE IN POLITICAL SCIENCE FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO AND A DEGREE IN LAW FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHAMPTON.

62 | nortonrosefulbrightgraduates.com One of the networking events I went to was at Kaplan Law School. The career advisor there took a look at my CV and told me, Ilian, this is great and you’ve got good grades but what’s lacking here is your legal work experience. She recommended that I apply for some paralegal positions to fill that gap, so that’s hy I want to be a what I did, and that’s when I joined lawyer goes back to Norton Rose Fulbright. high school. Back then I was just trying When I was at university, I was just Wto figure out what I liked and what submitting applications to lots of I wanted to do in life. My aunt – a firms without knowing too much doctor and the only other person about them. I think a lot of people in the family from what you’d call a do. But when I started as a paralegal ‘traditional profession’ – was always here, I saw the culture of the firm. I telling me to focus on science. She saw how the trainees were treated wanted me to be either a dentist or a with respect and full support from doctor, but the required subjects just the associates and partners. It’s calm I saw how the trainees weren’t my forte. yet busy, monitored yet autonomous, were treated with and always personable. Then I had my first law class, respect and full support when I was maybe 16 or 17, back When it actually came down to at high school in Toronto. I really applying, I only made one training from the associates enjoyed the subject. For the first contract application – to this firm. and partners. It’s calm time I remember I felt engaged and Looking back now, it was obviously yet busy, monitored interested in learning. It was the one risky, but at the time, it just felt right. thing that stood out. At that point, I This is where I wanted to be. I couldn’t yet autonomous, and said to myself I would be a lawyer – picture myself anywhere else. always personable.” and the first in the family. I was a paralegal here for a little There are a number of ways you can over a year. I applied and got my get legal experience while you’re training contract six months in. studying, and vacation schemes are When it came time to apply, I had usually the best way to go about trainees, associates and even a it. I didn’t get any work experience partner proofreading my application while I was doing my degree though, and giving me advice. They were so when I graduated I started very, very supportive. going to networking events held by Aspiring Solicitors. They’re a great organisation aiming to increase diversity for underrepresented groups in the legal profession.

nortonrosefulbrightgraduates.com | 63 In every team that you go into, there’s new training. When I started in aviation finance we had training on the various documents that you would find – facility agreements, security documents, sale purchase agreements. I’ll have the same shortly for Islamic finance, which I started a couple of days ago.

Whichever seat you’re in, you’ll get a lot of support from the people above you. You sit I was also fortunate to have a great supervisor with either a senior associate or a partner and and mentor. He saw the potential in me when you can always go to your supervisor with any he hired me and has continued to support me questions you might have. You can also rely on throughout my training contract. associates in the team, since they’re the people you’ll work with most often. As trainees, there are certain things that we all do, no matter the seat. You’ll amend When I come in every morning, I log on, documents, write first drafts, make and review I check any emails that have come through comments, and you’ll correspond with clients from the previous night, and then I go to the and opposing counsel. At first you might not kitchen with one of the other trainees to get a understand the wider picture, but that comes tea. We’ll always meet there for a few minutes with time. just to catch up before the day starts.

For me that understanding came with I’m quite a sociable person. I like to go around managing the Conditions Precedent process. and talk to the other trainees, associates and That’s where the companies involved have paralegals on my floor, to stretch my legs, offer to provide certain documents to complete help, ask for some. It gets you involved in some the transaction, and a big part of the trainee’s good work too, more so than an email would. job in a banking seat is to manage that process, corresponding between the A few people from my trainee intake go for client and the partner. lunch together around 12:30. We’ll inevitably meet other trainees in the canteen, and grab a big table so that others can tag on too. It’s inclusive, relaxed; we catch up on how all the teams are doing.

64 | nortonrosefulbrightgraduates.com My intake tends to go out together – especially on a sunny Friday. We’ll meet downstairs, wait for everyone else to finish, then we’ll go off somewhere near the office. We’re surrounded by bars and restaurants in the area, and the Scoop – the outdoor amphitheatre – has live entertainment on the river in the summer.

I do yoga on Wednesday evenings at 6pm. The instructor comes to the office, and we use a conference room. There’s about ten of us regularly – myself, a partner, and some people from compliance and from HR. You get to know everyone – not just your team.

I play softball for the firm sometimes too, either in Regent’s Park or on Primrose Hill. It’s very chilled. We meet at 6pm to leave the office, jump in a taxi, and the associate who runs the team has already ordered the pizzas by the time we get there.

My first game ever was the first match of the season, so the weather wasn’t the best. Foolishly I’d worn shorts, so there was a lot of running on the spot to keep warm. After that game, I can say that catching is definitely my strong suit, followed by batting, but my throwing… leaves much to be desired.

I’ve always kept an open mind about what kind of lawyer I want to be. I’m still figuring out exactly what I want to do, and moving through the training contract helps with that. You might not get all the seats you want, but you never know which ones will surprise you. I know I’ve been surprised. My intake tends You move through seats, but I think with to go out together – every step you take, with each transaction you’re involved in, you get more and more especially on a sunny comfortable. From the first deal to the second, Friday. We’ll meet you notice the difference. downstairs, wait for But then, you’ll always be learning. My first everyone else to finish, seat was in asset finance, in aviation, but at first I ended up working on a couple of sea then we’ll go off vessels. When I moved into working on planes, somewhere near it’s still technically the same process but the documents and the requirements are different. the office.” You think you’re comfortable, but then you have to start again. You keep learning.

nortonrosefulbrightgraduates.com | 65 H A view that never gets old: our terrace view spans from the City of London on the left to Canary Wharf on the far right.

That view. On the terrace, or even waiting in the foyer, you gain a strong sense of the firm looking outward and upward.”

MATTHEW UNIVERSITY MANAGER

66 | nortonrosefulbrightgraduates.com Your development

Two years. Four seats. The short answer is our whole you’ll always find someone happy team. But let’s start smaller. More to explain. You will also have access Plenty of challenges. personal. From your very first day, to a huge raft of legal and soft skills But who’ll be there you’ll have an individual mentor: an training to help fill any knowledge experienced partner you can always gaps or give you additional technical to see you through turn to for tailored guidance. skills and confidence in other those milestones and areas, like writing emails or giving Next, there’s your trainee buddy presentations. guide you in the right and the trainee development team. direction? They’ll keep you on track from day All you need to succeed is the to day, whatever you might need. right attitude. You can come from any background here, as long as Then there’s our training. At the you’ve got the grades. There’s even start of every seat, we’ll give you a blind recruitment process so that specific practice area training – all recruiters don’t look at academic the technical and practical insight history. That means every goal you you might need to know about your reach – every new career first – is area and the surrounding industry. on your own merit. With plenty of support from us, of course. Even early on, you’ll also pick up new skills from those around you. You’ll share offices with associates and partners, learning through observation – as well as by asking any questions you need to. It’s an open environment, so if you just ask,

nortonrosefulbrightgraduates.com | 67 FEATURE: My first mentor

FINDING A SOUNDING BOARD

68 | nortonrosefulbrightgraduates.com FEATURE: My first mentor

What I tend to do is meet with K the trainee at the beginning when they first join to gauge their interests; give them ideas in terms of which partners they could chat with to further those interests; and where they might want to head for seat preferences. When Nishant first met K From the start, Nishant’s been It was very useful for me. I’m N interested in how his Indian his partner mentor, interested in financial services background can relate to his legal Kirsty, her advice so that’s a seat I’d like to do next, and career and his work at the firm, so Kirsty told me who to get in touch I’m helping with that too. helped him settle into with; the partners in that team. N I’m hoping to stay on in London the firm in more ways I think your first meeting is also a K as a lawyer, but I want my work than one. Moving to the chance to get to know your to have some form of connection UK from New Delhi at trainee as a person. I remember with India as well. Kirsty agreed that particularly there were parts of was a good future plan to have. 18, Nishant is a first- Nishant’s CV that seemed interesting With the kind of global firm we to me – like his organising a Bollywood K seat trainee in project event at university. are, this is a great place for finance, while Kirsty Nishant to develop. I’m making sure That’s right. Kirsty spotted I’d N he’s in touch with relevant partners joined us four years ago run a Bollywood society when I involved in Indian matters, so that he as a lateral hire. was at Warwick, and she thought can develop that aspect. that was great. That’s when she To be honest, I feel very lucky. encouraged me to join the Origins N The partner mentor system – to committee, which is our network for The partner mentor system is N me it’s a relationship-building the BAME community. fantastic. It’s pro-active. Whether it’s system. It’s not just two people Kirsty or my day-to-day seat I think networking is something talking about work. You’re assigned K supervisor, the partners really take to a partner who isn’t from your I always try to help the trainees an interest in you. I know we’ll stay department. For me, it was Kirsty, with. From my own experience, I in touch throughout my seats. who’s an insurance partner. think you get more out of firm life if The partners who mentor you join committees or groups that K I think the role of the partner in pick up on your interests. You meet here; we’re all very interested in K the partner mentor system is to more people; make more contacts. helping new talent develop. Alongside advise the trainee on career and Nishant, I’ve got another couple of I was really keen to join Origins professional matters and give them a N trainees at the moment, plus another hand with seat preferences and – it seemed like a good channel couple who’ve qualified. You keep in qualification choices. But it’s also to organise something. Now I’m part touch; develop a relationship. helping them get used to a big firm. of the committee and planning our That can be quite a big deal. Diwali event in October. We’re all from different levels of seniority. The first time I met Kirsty was Partners. Paralegals. Associates. It’s N quite early on, when we met up a good chance to meet, discuss ideas, to see how things were going. Not just feel part of the firm. how I was finding the work but where I was staying, if I was making friends, how I was settling into things.

nortonrosefulbrightgraduates.com | 69 FEATURE: My first sailing competition

70 | nortonrosefulbrightgraduates.com FEATURE: My first sailing competition

LEARNING THE ROPES TOGETHER

Claudia, second-seat trainee, talks about her first Legal Cup sailing competition.

nortonrosefulbrightgraduates.com | 71

FEATURE: My first sailing competition H The sailing team relaxes at the Western-themed night back in Cowes.

“Our day-to-day roles at the firm never came into it: we were all there, shouting at each other to take the sail down, or winch harder, or whatever needed doing.”

Claudia at work on the jib sheet.H

72 | nortonrosefulbrightgraduates.com FEATURE: My first sailing competition

H One of our trainees, Jack, is one of many colleagues working hard to learn the task at hand over the weekend.

e left the office at 6:30am on a Saturday morning, heading for the Isle of Wight and the Legal Cup. It’s a sailing weekend in Cowes with about ten or twelve Wdifferent law firms, who each bring their own boat. I’d gone sailing when I was little, but nothing like that weekend. These were proper 40-foot yachts racing around the Solent. I had nothing to compare it to. But sign-up was very much open to anyone: even if you didn’t have experience, you could go along and they’d train you.

The skipper was incredible. When we’d made our way onto the boat, he set us up with individual jobs right away. Then we pottered around the harbour for a while, just making sure everyone knew what they were doing.

I was in charge of the jib sheet. If you’re looking at the front of the yacht, there’s one big sail, the main sail, and the little sail in front. That’s the jib, which gives the We’d probably been out there for H yacht its speed, and you control it with the jib sheets. about an hour and a half, when All aboard: the suddenly they told us the race was team hops onto I wasn’t strong enough to do all the winches – starting in five minutes. Out of their yacht; those are the cranks that help you pull the ropes nowhere, there were maybe twelve a model that measures 40 feet, taut – so I had a senior associate as my winchman. boats all speeding alongside us and used in racing Our day-to-day roles at the firm never came into it: we had to manoeuvre our way to the we were all there, shouting at each other to take the competitions start together. across the globe. sail down, or winch harder, or whatever needed doing. I know I yelled about the winches a lot. With everyone there in their caps and shirts, and with the firm’s name emblazoned on the side of the boat, you feel pretty proud. I’d do it again in a heartbeat. If ever you get the chance to do it, you should.

nortonrosefulbrightgraduates.com | 73 I rehearse here with the choir every Thursday morning. You don’t have to audition and we do some great stuff – like the big charity music gala last summer.”

INDIA THIRD-SEAT TRAINEE

There’s a lot to take pride in here, H and plenty of ways you’ll develop as a person. Above, our team wins Office Choir of the Year.

74 | nortonrosefulbrightgraduates.com Qualification &beyond

You’ll make a lot of New experiences are a constant part of life at our firm. By the time you qualify, you’ll have found your career firsts with us – niche, moving into one of the areas from your seats. and those don’t stop But that doesn’t mean you’re finished with learning. Far from it, in fact. when you qualify. First day as an All our colleagues receive ongoing formal training, including international academies, executive coaching, associate. Senior and bespoke sessions with our in-house learning and associate. Partner. development team. And we’ll support You’ll be encouraged to take the initiative and try things you might not be used to. Researching new business every step of your initiatives, for instance, and exploring cutting-edge progress. areas of the law you specialise in. And in all that, you’ll still have supervising partners to help you grow.

nortonrosefulbrightgraduates.com | 75 DATES FOR YOUR You’ll always remember your first steps with us – but make sure you remember DIARY the deadlines too. Whichever programme you’re interested in, you’ll find the dates here. Find the one that’s right for you, do your research, then get to our website and apply as soon as you can. We’ll see you soon.

Don’t come to us; we’ll come to you.

H Students all over the UK will meet us for the first time at our campus events. To find out when we’ll be near you, just visit our website for more details.

76 | nortonrosefulbrightgraduates.com WINTER VACATION SCHEME 2017

Scheme dates: 11 December – 19 December 2017

FIRST STEP Applications: SCHEME 1 October – 29 October 2017 Scheme dates: 9 April – 13 April 2018 Who can apply: Final-year students Applications: and graduates of all UNIVERSITY 1 October 2017 – TRAINING disciplines 31 January 2018 MANAGERS CONTRACT 2018/2019 Who can apply: 2020 SUMMER First-year VACATION Date: undergraduates Applications: July 2018 – July 2019 1 October 2017 – SCHEME 15 July 2018 2018 Applications: OPEN 1 March – 30 March 2018 DAYS Who can apply: Scheme 1 dates: Finalists and graduates 18 June – 29 June 2018 Who can apply: should apply between Dates: First-year undergraduates October and March. Scheme 2 dates: Visit our website at Birmingham, Bristol, Penultimate-year law 2 July – 13 July 2018 for details Cambridge, Durham, students should apply Exeter, King’s College after receiving second Applications: Applications: London, LSE, Manchester, year grades. 1 October 2017 – 1 October 2017 – Nottingham, Oxford, 31 January 2018 Sheffield, UCL and 16 March 2018 Warwick Who can apply: Who can apply: Penultimate-year All law students

nortonrosefulbrightgraduates.com | 77 78 | nortonrosefulbrightgraduates.com That’s it – your first experience of Norton Rose Fulbright. Your first encounter with all the trainees, associates and partners who came together to make this brochure possible. Who knows – it may even be the first glimpse of your future career: NOW the moment you found the right firm to help you progress with purpose.

Ready to get to know us better? Find out more and apply at: nortonrosefulbrightgraduates.com WHAT’S NEXT? WHAT’S

nortonrosefulbrightgraduates.com | 79 CONTRIBUTORS AWARDS

Sarah Greenwood Matthew Barbato First-seat trainee University manager Marley Ali Laura Sinoplu First-seat trainee University manager Claudia Culley Kai Kehembe Second-seat trainee University manager Ilian Petrov Isaac Freckleton Second-seat trainee University manager Jill Kavanagh Nishant Singh First-seat trainee First-seat trainee GET IN TOUCH Jens Nessow Kirsty Hick First-seat trainee Partner, insurance Norton Rose Fulbright Graduates UK Oscar Ko Dan Metcalfe First-seat trainee Trainee recruitment partner Caitlin Forsyth NLawGrad Second-seat trainee Ivan Maslarov Photographer Ania Soleimani Norton Rose Fulbright Second-seat trainee Thomas Widdows First-seat trainee Joe Bamford youtube.com/nortonrosefulbright Fourth-seat trainee India Furse Third-seat trainee Ria Patel Fourth-seat trainee Emmy Clode @nortonrosefulbright Third-seat trainee Meg Yamamoto First-seat trainee Alastair Mavor nortonrosefulbrightgraduates.com Fourth-seat trainee Claudia Dorbez Second-seat trainee Gabriella Denlew Fourth-seat trainee [email protected] Isabella Martinez-Sistac Vacation schemer Jonathan Hawkins First-seat trainee Sophia Maudslay +44 20 7444 2113 Third-seat trainee Olivia Ved University manager

Norton Rose Fulbright is a global law firm. We provide the world’s preeminent Norton Rose Fulbright Verein, a Swiss verein, helps coordinate the activities of corporations and financial institutions with a full business law service. We Norton Rose Fulbright members but does not itself provide legal services to have more than 4000 lawyers and other legal staff based in Europe, the United clients. Norton Rose Fulbright has offices in more than 50 cities worldwide, States, Canada, Latin America, Asia, Australia, Africa and the Middle East. including London, Houston, New York, Toronto, Mexico City, Hong Kong, Recognized for our industry focus, we are strong across all the key industry Sydney and Johannesburg. For more information, see nortonrosefulbright. sectors: financial institutions; energy; infrastructure, mining and com/legal-notices. commodities; transport; technology and innovation; and life sciences and The purpose of this communication is to provide information as to healthcare. Through our global risk advisory group, we leverage our industry developments in the law. It does not contain a full analysis of the law nor does experience with our knowledge of legal, regulatory, compliance and it constitute an opinion of any Norton Rose Fulbright entity on the points of governance issues to provide our clients with practical solutions to the legal law discussed. You must take specific legal advice on any particular matter and regulatory risks facing their businesses. which concerns you. If you require any advice or further information, please Wherever we are, we operate in accordance with our global business speak to your usual contact at Norton Rose Fulbright. principles of quality, unity and integrity. We aim to provide the highest © Norton Rose Fulbright LLP 09/17 (UK) Extracts may be copied provided possible standard of legal service in each of our offices and to maintain that their source is acknowledged. level of quality at every point of contact.

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