Why did you choose Ropes & Gray to start your legal career? 

Ropes & Gray stood out to me due to its market-leading transactional practice areas, international presence, and track record of complex multi-jurisdictional work. Combined with a small trainee intake and supportive training structure, I felt a career at Ropes & Gray would accelerate my development as I could gain early responsibility and learn from lawyers at the top of their fields.

What made Ropes & Gray my top choice was the approachability and friendliness of people at all levels of the firm. I believed Ropes & Gray had a culture in which I could thrive, and I could see myself working well with the people there. 

How did you find the recruitment and selection process?

Ropes & Gray had the most thorough recruitment process of the firms I applied to. I was tested on a range of skills through several exercises, including a team-based negotiation and due diligence task. Whilst challenging, I appreciated how these assessments gave me a lot of opportunities to showcase my strengths. 

I enjoyed my vacation scheme at Ropes & Gray. We received presentations on a number of topics, from the work of different practice areas to life as a trainee at the firm, and I was involved in real work. By the end of the scheme, I had an overview of the culture at Ropes & Gray, an understanding of what the firm was looking for in their trainees, and experience in commercial law.

The recruitment professionals at Ropes & Gray were helpful throughout the selection process, always answering my questions promptly, keeping me informed about my application, and adapting to the uncertainty created by Covid-19. I always felt accommodated and understood the expectations. 

How would you describe the firm’s culture?

The firm has a collegial, supportive, and friendly culture. All my interactions with colleagues have been very positive, and I feel the firm has fostered an environment where questions are encouraged, and help is at hand. Lawyers at the firm are genuinely interested in your development, and I am entrusted to carry out the work. 

Tell us about a memorable matter you’ve worked on.

In my private equity real estate seat, I worked on transaction where a client purchased a company with a portfolio of schools and financed the transaction through a sale and leaseback. The matter was memorable for three reasons. First, I gained a unique understanding of real estate considerations on the buy-side of a private equity transaction and sell-side in the sale and leaseback; and was involved in several areas such as planning, real estate due diligence, and title insurance. Second, I was exposed to the lifecycle of a deal, having been staffed towards the beginning of the transaction and leaving my seat towards the end of it. Third, I was a key point of contact for external advisers and lawyers, such as in creating and managing the data room in the sale and leaseback. Being the only trainee in the team, I was encouraged to take ownership of tasks, which made my contributions feel valuable.

In my data seat, I acted for a company which had suffered a personal data breach. When a company becomes aware of a data breach, there is a short deadline to notify relevant authorities. I found it fascinating sitting in client calls related to crisis management and gaining an understanding of how lawyers reassure and map out a clear legal path for the client. I also had the opportunity to work with the client’s head of compliance to research and finalise a Financial Conduct Authority notification, and with the team to determine the accuracy of our Information Commissioner’s Office notification. The urgent nature of the work, engaging subject matter, and clear value-add our team made this matter particularly memorable to me. 

Tell us about a pro bono matter you’ve worked on.

I worked on a project which aimed to increase the availability of housing for people facing homelessness. Our team acted for a charity granting a long lease of a property to another charity, which had obtained funding from the government to redevelop the property and increase the provision of emergency accommodation for people who have become homeless. This project has been fulfilling as I have seen firsthand the difference and the impact the project could have in the local area, and I was entrusted to provide advice to the charity. I also was provided the opportunity to have a first cut at the main legal documents, such as the agreement for lease and lease. This experience has led me to appreciate the contribution I can make through pro bono work, and I have learnt how I can use my knowledge and experiences in law to help local communities and charitable organisations.

What tips would you give a potential applicant?

I recommend attending firm's in-person events. This will allow you to understand what distinguishes Ropes & Gray from other firms, be it the culture, practice area specialisms, or approach to training and feedback. It will also help you decide if Ropes & Gray is the right fit for you and help you to substantiate your interests in the firm during the recruitment process.

Ensure your motivations align with the firm's core practice areas. Ropes & Gray is not a full-service law firm and offers seats in predominantly transactional practice areas. A seat in private equity is mandatory for trainees.

Lastly, be confident in yourself. Law firm events, interviews, and vacation schemes can be daunting experiences, and you may be pushed outside your comfort zone. Think about how you can add value to the firm and recognise that applying for a training contract is a two-way process. You should view the recruitment process as an opportunity to show your strengths and ask questions about the firm.