Trainees get second sight on secondments
At Hammonds, we don't just second partners
and fee earners to clients. Clients appreciate
our trainees provide a valuable resource and
knowledge base for their in-house legal team.
In the first instance however, trainees are
required to have a good understanding of the
law, strong communication/drafting skills,
and broad commercial awareness.
Client's business needs are paramount. It isn't
just about meeting deadlines and providing
the best possible service or business solution.
It's also about relationship-building and
understanding a client's business and market
issues. This is where secondments score
highly: providing a valuable opportunity to
support client needs at a very different level.
Involvement and responsibility will be a given.
Integral to a secondment is an agreement
between firm and client. It's imperative to
understand a client's expectations for the
secondment period and match client need
with appropriate trainee resource. A trainee's
seat experience to date is key. As is a smooth
seat changeover for client, firm and trainee.
The firm will be supportive to a trainee
throughout the secondment period and meet
regularly with client and trainee. Client
feedback is valuable to the firm:
“We regularly have trainees seconded with us
supporting the UK and European businesses.
We are always pleased to have them as they
make a significant contribution – adding value
by being a fresh pair of eyes to a problem and
bringing analytical skills and common sense to
bear on a matter. It undoubtedly benefits
Hudson while being of material developmental
value to the secondee.”
Louise Marshall, General Counsel - Europe,
Hudson
So, what are the overall benefits of a client
secondment? Trainees re-join the firm with a
better understanding of the client's business
and issues. Without doubt, they are also more
confident in themselves, making the
transition to qualification easier. A good
working relationship will be formed with the
in-house legal team and an opportunity for
partners to further develop the client
relationship. Increased confidence and strong
personal development provides a solid
foundation for a career progression path and
partnership opportunities in the future. It is
also feasible trainees will work with the client
longer term, given knowledge and bond
forged during a four-month seat.
So, what are you waiting for? If you're
considering a training contract with
secondment opportunities, there's no need for
second thoughts – our trainees really value
the experience.
Anwen Jones, Graduate Support Manager,
Hammonds
“Clients want practical and commercial legal
advice tailored to their business needs. I was
given a considerable amount of responsibility
and learnt quickly how to deal with difficult
issues. On a regular basis, I held conference
calls, meetings and presentations – my skills
and confidence developed significantly and
the opportunity gave me a fantastic
grounding, post qualification.”
Phillippa Canavan – Lawyer, Human Capital
(Employment), London office
Hudson Global Recruitment Company
“Live Nation is the world's largest live music
company staging concerts, West End
spectaculars and summer festivals. No day is
ever the same – it's life at the sharp end –
intensive, responsible and with a big
commercial focus. You obtain a vital insight
into the business and also have a chance to
attend great events.”
Andrew Johnson, 2nd year trainee, London
office
Live Nation
“The Companies Act 2006 was crucial to the
future of their training and financial sections.
It was tough, complex work that went to the
heart of commercial trading – they needed a
firm grasp of the changes and the
implications. I got right inside the legislation
and interpreted it, with briefings, guidance
notes, even designing their website. I
developed my commercial skills and client
perspective. I also had first-rate support and
training from my firm.”
Rabia Ahmad, 2nd year trainee, Manchester
office
Co-operative Financial Services
“Google is one of the world's most innovative
companies, staffed by people who thrive on
tackling complex technical and business
challenges in a unique environment. The
legal team is no different – an integral part of
Google's business, it works closely with
clients – product managers, engineers,
partnership managers and other lawyers. I
dealt with cutting-edge legal issues
surrounding the launch of new products in
Europe. It has proved invaluable - equipping
me with skills and expertise used to advise
clients on my return to the firm.”
Tom O'Flynn, Lawyer, Commercial &
Dispute Resolution, London office
Google
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