Lex 100 - Clarke Wilmott

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Clarke Wilmott

1 Georges Square Bath Street Bristol BS1 6BA

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The trainee verdict

The lowdown (in their own words...)

Why did you choose this firm over any others? 'Opportunities for training'; 'it is an ambitious firm that offers high-quality work '; 'had a keen interest in property'; 'had a desire to remain in the South West'; 'firm covers all areas of law'; 'work/life balance'; 'high-quality clients'; 'I was already a paralegal at the firm'; 'good choice of sectors'; 'for its top- ranked property litigation team'

How does your training compare with peers' at other firms? 'Friendlier environment'; 'shorter hours'; 'better work/ life balance'; 'better variety of work'; 'I've been given lots of opportunities to attend training sessions'; 'we are encouraged to ask questions'; 'greater contact with clients'; 'more responsibility with files'

Best thing about the firm? 'The support of members of the firm'; 'everyone seems to muck in and get things done'; 'quality of work given to me'; 'the variety of work'; 'colleagues are friendly, helpful and always have time for you'

Worst thing about the firm? 'Can sometimes be more internal paperwork than external'; 'stress of the job'; 'the firm in general is very Bristol-centric'; 'we sometimes find out a little late about the seat changes'; 'Taunton lacks proper rest space'; 'the canteen'; 'they don't always take into consideration what departments you would actually like to experience'

Best moment? 'Attending a mediation'; 'running a file and achieving a good result for the client'; 'Christmas party with a free bar!'; 'obtaining full reimbursement for an elderly couple who had been swindled by a time-share company'; 'having the opportunity to observe a case in London where the identity of the Stig from Top Gear was to be revealed'

Worst moment? 'Being overloaded with work '; 'doing a relatively quiet seat'; 'being left to deal with all enquiries from the public on top of my full workload'; 'sending an incorrect defence into court'; 'working until 8pm to an extremely tight deadline'

The Lex 100 verdict

The firm

With offices in Bristol, Taunton, Birmingham, Southampton and London, Clarke Willmott has more than doubled in size and turnover since 2000. Contributing to the firm's success is strength across its chosen sectors of real estate, retail, sport, renewable energy, education and agriculture. Clients value the firm's 'superb residential development team'.

The star performers

Agriculture and estates; Commercial litigation; Commercial property; Debt recovery; Family; Personal injury; Personal tax, trusts and probate; Planning; Property litigation; Sport.

The deals

Advised South West of England RDA on the 55-acre Bristol and Bath Science Park regeneration scheme; acted for a housebuilder consortium regarding the Cranbrook development scheme; acted for the owner of Bristol City FC in relation to plans for a new stadium; assisted the Department for Transport on the recovery of monies due under the Bus Service Operators Grant.

The clients

Bath Science Park regeneration scheme; Barratt Homes; Bovis Homes; CapitalGroup; Castle Hotel; The Crown Estate; Devonshire Homes; Delta South West; The Jockey Club; M3 Venture Mapeley; Neutrahealth; Stroud District Council.

The money

(from Legal Business magazine)

Turnover in 2009: £40.8m (-13% from 2009). Profits per equity partner: £161,000 (-14%)

The Verdict

With a 'friendlier environment and shorter hours' than some competitors, South West-based firm Clarke Willmott also offers 'high-quality work' and 'high-quality clients' making it a top choice for those wanting to train at a firm that is well known for its property expertise. Current trainees noted that they are given 'a good variety of work' as well as 'more responsibility and greater contact with clients' than some of their peers at other firms and the range of work carried out here makes the firm an attractive option. It scores well for work/life balance but there are a couple of things to note. The 'stress of the job' causes concern to some trainees, as does the occasional 'lack of organisation regarding seat planning'. Trainees also have to 'deal with all enquiries from the public on top of a full workload' which may not necessarily appeal but does tick the box for client contact. There is consistently positive feedback about the 'opportunities to attend training sessions and update seminars' as well as the fact that you regularly 'get feedback on work done'. Trainees also do not 'feel fazed by anyone's status within the firm' and like that 'everyone seems to 'muck in' and get things done'. So if you are looking for a no-nonsense, determined firm, which has an impressive range of commercial and private clients then this could be a good choice for you.