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Clarke Wilmott 
1 Georges Square Bath Street Bristol BS1 6BA
Lex 100 winner
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The trainee verdict

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The lowdown (in their own words...)


Why did you choose this firm over any others? 'Reputation in the sectors I was interested in and the locality'; 'opportunity to develop with the ambitious growth plans of the firm'; 'chance to do good quality work without moving to London'; 'worked here as paralegal - really enjoyed the work and culture'; 'friendly and good work/life balance'

How does your training compare with peers' at other firms? 'Seems much better here: hours aren't ridiculous and it's all about constructively learning the job'; 'compared to other mid-size commercial firms CW trainees have a really easy life!'; 'greater client exposure, initially less responsibility but this does increase gradually'

Best thing about the firm? 'Most people from partner down are accessible and approachable'; 'free bar at the Christmas and summer parties'; 'commitment to continuing development - the firm looks after its staff'; 'relaxed atmosphere'; 'the fact that I leave at 5.30pm most days'; 'diverse range of seats - something to suit anyone' 

Worst thing about the firm? 'The potential lack of retention due to economy'; 'the redundancies that recently hit the firm'; 'some fee earners see trainees as being there to do the 'dull' jobs rather than to be trained'; 'lack of social life - there are no events organised for trainees. No funding for sports teams'; 'amount of notice given to trainees re. seat change/jobs etc'

Best moment? 'Playing a major role in the completion of some high-profile commercial contracts and receiving thanks'; 'issuing proceedings at RCJ and serving parties on limitation day'; 'positive appraisals and a rare piece of praise from a notoriously hard-to-please partner'; 'winning an employment tribunal case'; 'when a deal which had been in doubt finally went through'

Worst moment? 'The first time I had to try and understand the CSA rules'; 'when a partner made comments during an appraisal with no factual basis but 'just a feeling they had''; 'not being invited to team meetings'; 'not being given any work despite repeated requests'; 'working till the early hours for weeks on end during a corporate deal'; 'when my first principal left'



The Lex 100 verdict

The firm

Clarke Willmott's roots are in the South West (Bristol and Taunton), but it has been rapidly making its mark in Birmingham, Southampton and London. In fact since 2000 it has more than doubled in size and turnover. Contributing to the firm's success is strength across its chosen sectors of real estate, retail, sport, renewable energy, education and agriculture. Clients appreciate the firm's 'very commercial approach to work'.


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

Acted for The ReThink Group on its AIM listing; advised on the disposal of Organix Brands; advising Trane (UK) on construction disputes; advising Good Energies (UK) LLP on the sale of wind turbines to a Czech company; advised Ashton Gate Holdings on Bristol City's new football stadium; acted for Lombard Group in a £1m dilapidation claim.

The clients

Alfred McAlpine Construction; Alliance & Leicester; Allianz; Barclays Bank; Bank of Scotland; Claire's Accessories; easyGroup; Henry Boot Developments; HM Revenue & Customs; Lidl UK; Lloyds TSB; NFU; West Bromwich Albion FC.

The money

(from Legal Business magazine)

Turnover in 2008: £53.3m (+18% from 2007) Profits per equity partner: £315,000 (+62%)

Highly Commended National/regional firm of the year and Private Client team of the year.


The Lex 100 verdict

It's quite something for a firm traditionally strong in one regional market (South West) to crack another (West Midlands) as quickly and successfully as Clarke Willmott has done. It's expanded dramatically over the last five years and been described in the legal press as the most ambitious of the next generation of national firms, which is clearly a major attraction for trainees. Their confidence has taken something of a knock with some firm-wide redundancies (CW is one of many firms in this edition who have reduced staffing levels), but for most the 'opportunity to develop with the ambitious growth plans of the firm' remains a strong pull. Clarke Willmott prides itself on its client-led, sector-focused approach. The high-profile sports practice is particularly popular among trainees; the firm represents around 19 professional football clubs, as well as rugby clubs, major racecourses and governing bodies. There's certainly a diverse range of seats - 'something to suit anyone' - including personal injury, agriculture, and energy, as well as highly regarded corporate, real estate and litigation teams. Private client, in particular wealth management, is another strength. Trainees say their amount of client contact is pretty good although levels of responsibility and autonomy seem to vary. Hours are fine - an 'easy life compared to other mid-size commercial firms!' - and work/life balance too - 'I leave at 5.30pm most days'. Colleagues are friendly and approachable resulting in an atmosphere conducive to trainees being able to 'constructively learn the job'. Better communication regarding seat changes would be appreciated as would more funding for trainee events but these gripes aside, trainees paint a positive picture of life here. A good choice for those seeking a driven national firm with plenty of ambition.

A day in the life of.....

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About the firm

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