quality work and life in perfect balance

Transcription

1 quality work and life in perfect balance

2 contents who we are 1 what makes us different? 3 the trainee experience 7 what our trainees say about us 11 what others say about us 21 the selection process 27 Blake Lapthorn

3 who we are We are the south east s premier law firm also in the heart of London, with over 800 staff working from offices in key locations. Outside of the UK, the firm is a founding member of euroit council and a member of TAGLaw, a worldwide network of independent law firms selected for their ability to deliver exceptional legal services for all aspects of corporate and commercial work, both contentious and non-contentious. We act for a wide range of clients, from UK and multi-national organisations - among them many well-known consumer brands, local authorities, government agencies, financial and not-for-profit organisations - to private individuals and their families. Our client teams are carefully chosen to match their individual needs. Blake Lapthorn - who we are 1

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5 what makes us different? There are four key aspects of our service culture, which helps to set us apart from other law firms: client focus quality commitment to innovation reputation Blake Lapthorn - what makes us different? 3

6 client focus We develop close working relationships with our clients in order to understand and respond to their needs with practical and effective solutions. With our corporate clients we invest time in getting to know the company, its objectives and the business environment in which it operates, so that we can contribute at a strategic, as well as operational, level. quality Quality in any law firm is synonymous with accuracy of advice and high levels of client service. At Blake Lapthorn this goes much further so that quality underpins every aspect of our service delivery, the recruitment, training and development of our staff. Our solicitors are all specialists, and many of our partners are nationally recognised as experts in their fields. All our staff are focused on providing a fast, efficient and responsive service without losing sight of the quality of advice they need to give. commitment to innovation We are committed to embracing IT to aid service delivery, whether it be investment in advanced case and document management systems, or extranet capabilities for some of our key clients. The firm has also demonstrated that it is prepared to challenge existing business models, having relocated from high street office locations on both the south coast and Oxford into larger, custom-designed premises out of town; a move which has enabled us to improve the working environment for staff and visiting clients alike and to continue to extend the range of quality of service provision across the board. reputation We will continue to build on the strong reputation we have established in many work areas across a broad geographic region. We are well known for our expertise in the core areas of company commercial, litigation and dispute resolution, real estate and private clients services. 4 Blake Lapthorn - what makes us different?

7 We aspire to be a leading top 50 law firm with offices in London and the regions, delivering excellent client service through committed people our core values our clients... We are in business to meet and exceed the needs of our clients. our image We need to reflect our core values in all that we do. each other... Our work style is open and approachable and we foster a team spirit. integrity to our clients and others... We will always act in a professional, honest and trustworthy manner towards our clients and colleagues. our firm... The interests of the firm will always be best served by consensus and teamwork. Blake Lapthorn - what makes us different? 5

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9 the trainee experience Each year we recruit a minimum of 17 trainees. The range of work we undertake provides opportunities to meet the preferences and objectives of almost every trainee. Fitting in here is not about fitting the mould. It is about ability, enthusiasm and contribution in the widest sense Blake Lapthorn - the trainee experience 7

10 The more competence you demonstrate, the more responsibility we will give you working environment Professionalism and service are central to our core values. Our growth has been largely organic and there is a consistent tradition based on these principles. Although a large practice, we are still small enough to retain a sense of community and for you to know every member of staff. We value diversity. Our partners and solicitors have very different backgrounds, skills and personalities; for many, the law was a second career. That diversity brings a breadth to our collective experience, provides insight and encourages innovation. Fitting in here is not about fitting the mould. It is about ability, enthusiasm and contribution in the widest sense. Our standards are high and to maintain the excellence we aim for we need high calibre people. There are many ways of measuring this but we would like you to demonstrate significant success not only academically but also in other areas. We work hard; not just at the law, but at personal and business development. All senior staff are expected to play an active role in the management and growth of the practice. Evidence of leadership, organisational and social skills will therefore be important. training Training is carefully structured and designed to provide variety, responsibility and intellectual challenge. Normally you will have a series of placements lasting six months in a range of departments. Working with a partner or senior solicitor the aim is to give you experience of a wide range of clients and work in both the private and commercial areas. 8 Blake Lapthorn - the trainee experience

11 Many of our current partners, senior solicitors and team leaders are former trainees Within each placement, your supervising partner or senior solicitor will involve you directly in work so you learn from personal experience as well as observation and instruction. The more competence you demonstrate, the more responsibility we will give you. We provide a wide range of in-house courses to supplement your professional education. You will have an appraisal every three months with your seat supervisor. There are regular review meetings with the trainee principal to review your progress and plan your training to meet the business and your needs. career development We promote from within wherever we can and our preference for organic growth generates a steady stream of opportunities. Many of our current partners, senior solicitors and team leaders are former trainees. Progress is based on merit and we have formal criteria for promotion to solicitor and senior solicitor. We are always thinking about future partners and at all stages of your career we will be looking for evidence that you have the breadth of ability one day to take that step. We offer no guarantees of success - only opportunities to succeed. Blake Lapthorn - the trainee experience 9

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13 what our trainees say about us Of course, no-one is better placed to tell you about the trainee experience at Blake Lapthorn than the trainees themselves. Here four trainees based across four different offices share their thoughts about their time to-date with the firm and provide a genuine insight into what you might expect. Blake Lapthorn - what our trainees say about us 11

14 Lara Robson I have very much enjoyed the varied experiences I have had at Blake Lapthorn, in my first year and the start of my second year, as a trainee. In my first year I did six months in Private Law and six months on secondment with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), I am currently in Commercial Litigation. In each seat I have been able to get involved in the whole range of work done by the team and have had an early opportunity to take responsibility for running my own small matters (under supervision of course) as well as working as part of a team on larger matters. 12 Blake Lapthorn - what our trainees say about us

15 One of the things which attracted me... is the balance of the opportunity to do high quality interesting and challenging work in a large dynamic firm and the time to have a life outside work as well At the NMC I had the chance to do some advocacy at interim hearings and coordinated a series of applications to the High Court - this was a new procedure for the NMC and I developed, and trained the rest of the team on, a set of internal procedures and precedents to manage this type of case. A few of the things I have been doing in my first few weeks in Commercial Litigation are: advising on construction disputes; drafting contracts for Oxford College developments; assisting with disclosure requirements on warranty disputes on the sale of a company; managing a squatter action; attending a trial for a landlord and tenant dispute; and getting involved with an application for a freezing injunction to deal with VAT fraud. One of the things which attracted me to Blake Lapthorn in the first place, and which I have appreciated while being here, is the balance of the opportunity to do high quality interesting and challenging work in a large dynamic firm and the time to have a life outside work as well. Blake Lapthorn - what our trainees say about us 13

16 Jonny White With six months in each of the Pensions, Commercial Property, Finance Technology and Projects and now Commercial Litigation teams I feel that Blake Lapthorn has given me a good chance to gain experience that will be useful on qualification. The training has been varied and there is always a sense that the firm views trainees as an investment I am more than a photocopier jockey! Some of the highlights have been the opportunity to do some chambers advocacy, delivering internal and external presentations, navigating the sale of property belonging to a nonincorporated charity and conducting defence of a negligence claim from taking instructions, through drafting a defence to preparing witness statements. 14 Blake Lapthorn - what our trainees say about us

17 The training has been varied and there is always a sense that the firm views trainees as an investment I am more than a photocopier jockey! I have worked in the three south coast offices (Portsmouth, Winchester and Southampton) allowing me to get to know people throughout the firm. I also enjoyed six months on secondment to NATS, the air traffic management specialists. This was good fun, and a good opportunity to see the firm from a client s perspective. I was responsible for advice on a wide range of issues from disability discrimination to structuring and incorporating a special purpose vehicle in the Middle East. I also had the opportunity to amend some major contracts, running meetings within NATS and negotiating with and coordinating external lawyers and customers. From talking to other friends from the LPC it is clear that Blake Lapthorn value their trainees and provide high quality work but at a scale where trainees can be involved and stretched. I was an Army Officer before converting to law and find that the firm value, and are interested in, trainees with a broad outlook. Blake Lapthorn allows for a life outside work giving me time to race on Thursday evenings with a yacht club in Southampton and to enjoy weekends. I have also found that the other trainees are like-minded souls and, although geographically spread, we try to get together regularly it s punting and Pimms in Oxford on Friday... Blake Lapthorn - what our trainees say about us 15

18 Deborah Poole I am currently in my first seat in the Commercial Property team. It is quite daunting to now put into practice the theory I learned on the LPC but my seat supervisor and all those in the team have really helped me to settle in quickly. I am only a few weeks into the seat but I am already dictating my own letters, reviewing plans, drafting documents and meeting clients (not on my own of course). For those who think property is boring (of which I was one) then think again, commercial property actually requires sound commercial judgment mixed with good technical ability. 16 Blake Lapthorn - what our trainees say about us

19 From what I have experienced so far the firm looks after its people and that is a very important quality to me. The firm values people s differences and isn t looking to churn out carbon copy lawyers So why do I like working for Blake Lapthorn? From what I have experienced so far the firm looks after its people and that is a very important quality to me. I had previously trained and worked as an engineer for 14 years and when I transitioned to law I was told that many firms would be resistant to a mature trainee. However my experience with Blake Lapthorn has been very positive. The firm values peoples differences and isn t looking to churn out carbon copy lawyers. I have been really encouraged by the diversity of backgrounds and the breadth of personal experiences that the firm looks for in its future lawyers. That s why I want to be a part of Blake Lapthorn. Blake Lapthorn - what our trainees say about us 17

20 Eric Eyo After having completed my first six-month seat in the Commercial Property team I am now sitting with the Litigation and Dispute Resolution department in the firm s London office. I was drawn towards Blake Lapthorn from the start because, whilst being a medium to large practice with a great deal of diversity, the firm retains a real sense of community where every member of staff is known and valued. My Commercial Property seat was a good seat to begin with. I remember it being very paper-intensive (especially during due diligence 18 Blake Lapthorn - what our trainees say about us

21 The team did not shy away from involving me fully in matters, in fact it was actively encouraged. Members of the team were friendly and supportive at all levels of seniority exercises). I found the work to be very varied - organisational skills and full concentration were brought to the fore. I participated in both residential and commercial property transactions from negotiating lease terms to obtaining defective title indemnity insurance quotations. The team did not shy away from involving me fully in matters, in fact it was actively encouraged. Knowhow is considered very important at the firm and I gave a presentation to the London Property team on the new CDM Regulations and also drafted various e-bulletins sent out to clients and contacts of the firm. Members of the team were friendly and supportive at all levels of seniority. My time in the Litigation and Dispute Resolution department has been very different. The work is generally of a faster pace and I have become reacquainted with the beloved White Book. The work continues to be varied and I have also attended hearings at court and engaged in numerous meetings and conference calls with clients. Lawyers at this firm work hard and play hard. I have been involved in masterminding firm-wide sporting events, as well as smaller social gatherings. Blake Lapthorn is a dynamic firm of which I am very happy to be a part. Blake Lapthorn - what our trainees say about us 19

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23 what others say about us If what we and our trainees say is not proof enough, here s what some of the leading independent guides say about us. Blake Lapthorn - what others say about us 21

24 Recently merged Blake Lapthorn [Tarlo Lyons] has always sold itself as a firm which can offer top-flight work without the need to be in central London. As one trainee comments: I felt the pull of City-quality work without City hours was hugely attractive. Now there is a key London office it remains to be seen whether the firm can maintain the relatively stress-free, happy work/life balance for which it has been renowned... The firm still has good scores for job satisfaction and work/life balance and an improved score for quality of work. Current trainees praise the dynamic feel of the firm, the diverse training opportunities and the interesting and challenging work. The view expressed by one trainee: nothing my peers have said would make me chose a different firm if I had my time again is repeated by several others, and a great recommendation for the firm... It appears that Blake Lapthorn [Tarlo Lyons] is keeping its trainees pretty happy. LEX 100 Student Guide 2007/8 22 Blake Lapthorn - what others say about us

25 nothing my peers have said would make me chose a different firm if I had my time again Blake Lapthorn s ratings out of 10 Satisfied with your job? 7.9 Good quality of work? 8.0 Stress-free 6.8 Great social life? 7.1 Good client contact? 7.1 Firm living up to expectations? 7.9 Happy work/life balance? 8.0 Friendly firm? 8.5 LEX 100 Student Guide 2007/8 Blake Lapthorn - what others say about us 23

26 I was immediately made to feel part of the team and encouraged to get involved. My opinions were valued... I was not on a conveyor belt, not anonymous Overall, the trainees reports on their seats were positive. You get a good level of responsibility and a good level of exposure to work if you show enthusiasm said one... All agreed with the trainee who told us: I was immediately made to feel part of the team and encouraged to get involved. My opinions were valued... I was not on a conveyor belt, not anonymous. Chambers Student Guide Blake Lapthorn - what others say about us

27 Blake Lapthorn s rankings - where we are ranked first (Chambers directory 2006/7) Banking and Finance Charities Clinical Negligence Commercial Litigation Commercial Property Debt Recovery Employment Law Environment Information Technology Insolvency Intellectual Property Licensing Personal Injury Private Client Property Litigation Chambers UK, A Client s Guide to the Legal Profession Blake Lapthorn - what others say about us 25

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29 the selection process At Blake Lapthorn we look to recruit trainees who we see have a long-term future with the firm; we recruit to retain. It is an opportunity for you to find out as much about us as we find out about you. We would encourage you to apply early as assessment days are run at various times throughout the year. Blake Lapthorn - the selection process 27

30 to apply... The selection process consists of four stages: stage one It all starts with an initial review of applications. Those applications showing evidence of thorough research, awareness of Blake Lapthorn and distinctive personal achievement are more likely to succeed. From this review, between 45 to 60 candidates will be selected to attend an assessment day. Applications are reviewed throughout the year and therefore we would recommend early completion. 28 Blake Lapthorn - the selection process

31 stage two Those invited along to our assessment days will undergo a series of psychometric tests and will be interviewed by a partner of the firm. A final short list of between 20 to 30 candidates will be drawn up, taking into consideration a number of factors, including previous commercial work experience, your application, interview and test results. stage three Short-listed candidates will be invited along to a second interview panel comprising of the trainee principal, a partner and a senior manager. At this interview you will be asked to do a short presentation. stage four The final stage is that of offers and reserves. Candidates are told whether they are successful the week following the interviews. If the number of successful candidates exceeds the number of places available, some candidates may be offered a place on the reserve list. If a place then becomes available, it will be offered to a reserve. Blake Lapthorn - the selection process 29

32 or what about work experience? We offer a limited number of work experience places throughout the firm. If you would like to apply for one of these places then please complete the training contract form by the end of March each year, indicating that you are also interested in the work experience scheme. Each placement lasts three days and includes one central day where you will learn more about the firm and have the opportunity to complete assessment day exercises. The other two days will be spent with one of our legal teams. 30 Blake Lapthorn - the selection process

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34 S O U T H A M P TO N T: F: W I N C H E S T E R T: F: O X F O R D T: F: P O RT S M O U T H T: F: L O N D O N T: F: E: graduateinfo@bllaw.co.uk Designed and Produced by Designline Graphics Ltd Copyright Blake Lapthorn 2008