Michelmores announces 100% trainee retention rate

As one of the seven trainees qualifying at Michelmores, it is great to see that all of our intake will be pursuing careers at the Firm. It is particularly encouraging to see the spread of disciplines and offices – each of Michelmores’ three departments (Business, Private Client and Real Estate) will have newly qualified solicitors joining in September.

Michelmores were delighted to recently be awarded “Best Recruiter – Medium Regional Firm” at the LawCareers.Net Training & Recruitment Awards which demonstrates the Firm’s investment in the development of its trainees.

The trainees qualifying at Michelmores this September include:

Bristol

Seema Nauna – Agricultural Property Litigation

London

Jo Cowen – Employment

Why qualify at Michelmores?

There are many reasons why I was excited to accept a position at Michelmores, but I have highlighted the main ones below:

1. High levels of responsibility (with equal measures of support). Trainees at Michelmores are given a lot of responsibility (for example I have independently conducted meetings with clients and Counsel, fielded new client/ initial advice calls and attended various marketing events). I imagine this will only continue, or get better, on qualification!
2. The people. As cliché as it sounds, Michelmores has a great culture and is a fun place to work. Everyone from PAs to Partners is friendly and approachable and the Firm host various events throughout the year to get the three offices together.
3. Opportunities for career progression. Michelmores recruit to retain. There is a clear (and realistic) path for progression at all stages and it is particularly incentivising to see a number of former trainees be promoted to Partner.
4. Direction of the Firm. Over the past 10 years Michelmores has gone from strength to strength. It continues to move up the Top 100 and has expanded rapidly – it is exciting to be part of such an ambitious and progressive Firm.

The Qualification Process

The process itself was surprisingly smooth. HR were keen to start talking to us early about our preferences so that they could establish whether there was a business need for a newly qualified in that area. I think that I speak on behalf of all trainees in my intake in saying that it is comforting to know how hard HR and Team Leaders work to ensure there is a position in your chosen department and location. Once we had indicated our preferences, HR released a list of NQ jobs and we then had around a month to apply for up to two roles (by way of CV and covering letter). We were informed of our job offers around a week later and the signed the contract two weeks after that!

The prospect of qualifying in September is as exciting as it is nerve-wracking, but I’m looking forward to continuing my career at Michelmores after such a varied, fun and challenging training contract.