Though I only joined Michelmores’ Restructuring and Insolvency Team just over a month ago I have already gained a fascinating insight into the firm’s work in this area.
Under the guidance of Sacha Pickering, my supervisor and a partner in the Team, I have so far advised on issues including unlawful financial assistance, illegal dividends, wrongful trading and retention of title clauses. I’ve also attended client meetings, drafted a range of different documents and been asked to research a complex question on proprietary remedies.
The breadth of subjects on which the team advises has meant that I’ve had plenty to keep me entertained. Nevertheless, an afternoon spent with undergraduates from Exeter University’s Tremough Campus was a welcome change to my routine.
The first year trainees had been invited to attend a panel discussion to give our tips on vacation scheme and training contract applications and, in particular, to explain the benefits of working at a large regional firm like Michelmores.
We’d all had recent experience of how challenging the recruitment process can seem and it was great to be able to offer some advice on application forms, placements and interviews.
The panel was asked about the hardest question we had faced during training contract interviews. I explained that, in my experience, the most difficult questions to answer had been in relation to the competencies trainees are expected to demonstrate and that interview practice was therefore invaluable.
The students were keen to find out the truth about life as a trainee and it was really satisfying to be able to tell them about the firm’s friendly atmosphere, high quality of work and commitment to a positive work/life balance.
Having grown up in Exeter it was fantastic to see the improvements which have been made to the University’s beautiful campus. The only negative was that I was crushingly reminded that I’m not a student anymore. I’m suddenly starting to feel a bit old.
