Life as a trainee solicitor at Orrick — an honest overview

Being a trainee solicitor at Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe, the U.K. arm of a leading international, U.S.-based law firm, can be demanding both physically and mentally, but also very rewarding.

As a trainee, you will spend two years working in four separate departments (or "seats") for a period of six months each. At Orrick you have a choice of working in corporate, corporate finance, litigation and arbitration, real estate, employment or competition.

The workload and hours required vary between departments and can be long. For example if working on a significant corporate or finance deal, long days and weekend work can be required, but if there is no immediate deal pressure, the hours are more relaxed. In other departments with a more steady workflow, weekend working and late nights are seldom expected, but there is also little slack time.

As a trainee you will be expected to learn quickly, both from on-the-job training and more structured, formal training sessions, and apply what you have learned right away. You will be expected to build upon your legal knowledge in each seat and demonstrate clear progression in ability, knowledge and skills commensurate with time spent in that seat.

While being given every assistance to build both legal and "soft" skills, you will be expected to demonstrate a certain amount of self sufficiency and commitment to your own personal development from the beginning. For those unable to manage either their time or personal development, Orrick may not be for them.

The working environment of the firm is both professional and meritocratic. Teamwork, respect for colleagues and a determination to be the best are very much evident and actively encouraged, and a collegiate atmosphere genuinely permeates everyday working life.

In return for your commitment, dedication and time, you can expect to be paid City rates during your training contract, and, upon qualification, can expect a newly qualified salary based on New York pay rates, not London rates.