Lex 100 - Birketts LLP

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Birketts LLP

24-26 Museum Street Ipswich IP1 1HZ

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The trainee verdict

The lowdown (in their own words...)

Why did you choose this firm over any others? 'Excellent regional firm'; 'reputation'; 'very ambitious firm in terms of growth'; 'without a doubt one of the fastest-growing firms in the country'; 'good location'; 'excellent atmosphere and extremely friendly staff'; 'wide range of legal areas to choose from'

How does your training compare with peers' at other firms? 'More client contact and closer supervision'; 'given greater responsibility'; 'the firm has offered a number of in-house courses'; 'not treated like a cog in a corporate wheel'; 'bigger deals and clients than most regional firms'; 'similar experience'

Best thing about the firm? 'The people at Birketts are great'; 'there is a very inclusive ethos'; 'high levels of client contact'; 'growth strategy'; 'it doesn't take long to settle in and find your feet'; 'variety of work'; 'friendliness of staff'; 'supportive atmosphere'

Worst thing about the firm? 'Rotation around the offices is a pain'; 'perceived lack of cohesion between the four offices'; 'IT systems leave a lot to be desired'; 'lack of communication regarding next seats '; 'the pay '; 'non-existent trainee social life'

Best moment? 'Handling a client file from start to finish'; 'working directly with clients'; 'getting my first nod from my supervising partner for a drafted advice'; 'attending a hearing at the RCJ'; 'winning employment tribunals'; 'attending court'

Worst moment? 'Probably my first day but only because of usual first-day nerves'; 'some of the work can be a bit dull such as scheduling deeds'; 'commuting'; 'sitting in the office on my own after 10pm photocopying'

The Lex 100 verdict

The firm

Already dominant in Ipswich, Birketts LLP continued its drive for expansion in 2010 thanks to its merger with Wollastons. WIth a large team in Cambridge and new offices in Norwich, this was a significant step. The firm has strong corporate, finance, litigation and property practices, as well as a flourishing shipping team. Clients say that the firm is 'excellent'.

The star performers

Agriculture and estates; Banking and finance; Charities; Commercial litigation; Commercial property; Corporate and commercial; Debt recovery; Employment; Family; Health; Health and safety; Licensing; Personal injury: claimant; Personal tax, trusts and probate; Property litigation; Social housing; Transport.

The deals

Advised on a multi-party professional negligence claim; acts for high-net-worth individuals and families; advised on the drafting of a £5m pre-nuptial agreement; handled the administration of a £5m estate; advised on regional office acquisitions for an insurance company; handled the refinancing of a portfolio of seven care homes for a national bank.

The clients

Air Livery; Baker Tilly; Benefit Cosmetics; Colchester United FC; Essex County Cricket Club; Ioxin Holding; ValidSoft.

The Verdict

The upwardly mobile East Anglian firm Birketts has seen significant expansion over the last couple of years, merging with local firm Wollastons in 2010, which has attracted many trainees; 'I wanted to be part of its development' said one. It also invests in its trainees, who gain 'essential skills' from the in-house training run from the outset. There is a wide range of practice areas to get involved in, from corporate to private client, as well as a niche shipping law practice. Variety also comes in the form of colleagues, with there being 'lots of characters at the firm, they don't seem to recruit a certain â€œtypeâ€'. One theme that does run through all of the different personalities though is a friendly and supportive attitude - so it 'doesn't take long to settle in and find your feet'. The firm scores well for client contact and quality of work, and you will be 'expected to pull your weight' with trainees certainly feeling they are 'tested'. However, there are no reports of excess stress, as although responsibility is high, the hours are manageable and it is normal to 'get to leave at 6pm most nights'. While the firm is certainly progressive in its growth, trainees say it 'does appear to hold onto some of its former high-street characteristics', singling out the trainee salary, lack of LPC support and glitch-prone IT systems as examples. But with all the positive things on offer, one trainee found it hard to single out one particular winning characteristic here, listing 'its high levels of client contact, friendly colleagues, growth strategy, excellent one-to-one partner supervision, open door policy, ... the list goes on'. Why not take a trip to East Anglia to see for yourself?