We think that Watson, Farley & Williams is a distinctive and unique place to work.

A recent review carried out on our programme for trainee solicitors, The Law Society concluded that: "Training for trainee solicitors at Watson, Farley & Williams is taken very seriously. It is extremely well structured and is planned with great attention to detail. The partners and staff who have a role to play in the selection and training of trainees showed much interest and responsibility in fulfilling their respective roles. It was apparent that the trainees are not only appreciative of the way in which their training contracts are arranged but much enjoyed the training they receive. The way in which the training is organised in the firm is excellent and I should like to congratulate those concerned on the very high standards achieved in organising the training of trainee solicitors. A number of the partners and staff are former trainees, which clearly indicates that the firm is benefitting from its training system."

Induction

We run a two week induction at the commencement of the Training Contract. This includes a welcome from each of the Senior and Managing Partners and the Chief Executive, presentations by each of the core practice areas, IT training, office services training, an overview of the accounting process, an overview of the library, lunches with trainee solicitors and evening drinks with a cross-section of the firm.

Seat rotations

Following this, each trainee undertakes six, four-month, seats and we aim to seat trainees with a partner or a senior assistant from day one. Trainees can expect to have a four-month period in Finance, Corporate and Litigation and one seat abroad in Paris, Piraeus, Bangkok or Singapore. In addition, each trainee will have at least one seat in one of our more specialised areas such as Tax, Projects, Employment, EC Competition, or Property. In each seat you will be reporting to a supervisor who is responsible for overseeing your day to day work, ensuring you complete the necessary information in your training diary and who will be asked to appraise your performance at the end of your seat.

Training seats are planned individually, you will not necessarily rotate through the same seats as others participating in the training scheme. This allows you and us the flexibility to plan for business needs and your wishes.

Training and Development

Throughout your training contract you will be constantly learning new and developing existing skills. Most of your experience will be gained on the job, undertaking real work for clients whilst being supervised by a partner or a senior assistant.  In order to support your on-the-job development you will undertake the Professional Skills Course (a mandatory course for all trainees which has to be taken during the two-year period of the training contract) and receive a variety of training designed to increase your legal knowledge and skills as effectively as possible.

We are accredited by The Law Society to run the PSC and to keep your legal knowledge up to date you will be invited to regular in-house seminars given by partners, leading barristers and academics. Individual practice groups also hold induction programmes and workshops specifically designed for trainees. Naturally there is an emphasis on legal training but we do not forget that effective lawyers require a broad range of skills.  We provide training in commercial subjects, people skills, communication and presentation skills and IT.

Mentoring

For the duration of the training contract, you will be assigned a mentor. We have four mentoring partners and it is and their responsibility is to support you during your training contact. Mentors may provide knowledge relating to the legal market and the firm, as well as guidance on the values that are part of succeeding at WFW. We would expect
you to keep in regular contact with your mentor and would encourage both parties to meet up on regular occasions.

Qualification

At the end of the 2-year training contract you will be a fully qualified solicitor and be admitted to the role by The Law Society. Upon qualification we would look to place you into your preferred area of practice.

“Watson, Farley & Williams LLP or an affiliated undertaking has offices in each of the following cities: London, Piraeus, Paris, New York, Singapore, Bangkok, Rome, Hamburg.”