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Michelmores LLP 
Woodwater House Pynes Hill Exeter EX2 5WR
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? 'Combination of high-quality work and the opportunity to work with top lawyers who have moved from big City firms'; 'the location, combined with the friendly and supportive atmosphere, and growth over the last few years'; 'progressive, long history and exciting vision for future'; 'friendly and informal interview, wide variety of practice areas, very high retention rates'

How does your training compare with peers' at other firms? 'More variety of experiences here than most firms would offer, having trained in both our large Exeter office and smaller London office'; 'I'm always out of the office by 6pm whereas some friends are working till past midnight'

Best thing about the firm? 'Relaxed atmosphere and team spirit, long-serving staff create family feel, good range of practice areas'; 'I completed my first seat in the London office and am about to return to Devon. The exposure to the London market is invaluable. I look forward to carrying on with regional work at a City standard now'; 'friendly but professional environment' 

Worst thing about the firm? 'Poor communication from HR - especially when it comes to seat changes'; 'entirely open-plan offices'; 'bombarded with requests from the marketing department to spend my evenings serving drinks and canapĆ©s for firm events'; 'trainee social life is a little poor. It's improved a lot since last year though'

Best moment? 'Being voted 'employment lawyer of the week'!'; 'working with and for some really good people'; 'the opportunity to spend six months in our London office, all expenses paid'; 'attending the Coroners Court on my own representing the firm. I loved the responsibility'; 'being the only instructing solicitor on a massive case'

Worst moment? 'At a client meeting for a new matter, my supervisor introduced me by the wrong name - I went by the other name for the entire two-hour meeting!'; 'having to go to fee earners and beg for work to do'; 'helping at events after work when you're not really needed, but I think this is being addressed'; 'feeling out of my depth in my tax seat'



The Lex 100 verdict

The firm

Michelmores is based in Exeter and also has an expanding London office which recently announced three significant lateral hires at partner level. Following the appointment of a new managing partner and ambitious plans to treble in size over the next five years, this firm is certainly one to watch. The corporate practice advised on more than 50 deals worth over £90m in 2008.


The star performers

Banking and finance; Charities; Clinical negligence (claimant); Commercial litigation; Commercial property; Corporate and commercial; Insolvency; Intellectual Property/Information Technology; Local government; Personal tax, trusts and probate; Planning; Private Finance Initiative.

The deals

Acted for the University of Exeter in its £165m unsecured borrowings from two major banks; advised Faith Shoes on restructuring its £64m debts; advising Weymouth and Portland Council in connection with preparations for 2012 Olympics; advised St Modwen Properties plc on the agreement concluded with Devon County Council to develop £210m Skypark in Exeter.

The clients

Barratt Homes; DVLA; Flybe; Giraffe Media Ltd; Human Race Ltd; London Borough of Islington; Metropolitan Police Service panel; Renewable Energy Foundation; SITA Cornwall Trust Ltd; Wiltshire County Council.

The money


The Lex 100 verdict

If you're looking for one of the fastest growing UK firms which can offer both regional and City training experiences take a close look at the quietly confident Michelmores. This quality outfit offers the combination of top-notch work and the opportunity to work with lawyers who have moved from big firms (most partners are City-trained). Current trainees have high praise for their supervisors ('partners who are actually interested in what you're doing and what you think') and like the balance between enough responsibility without too much pressure. 'Supportive but they push you as well' says one, so expect to be running small cases on your own, as well as working on bigger claims and deals. One trainee enjoyed 'being given documents to draft from scratch in my first seat with total support and patience - best way to learn and felt like I was really learning the law'. Trainees would appreciate more social events but not of the client variety - they find the demands of 'having to attend countless events to serve food and drink or be on car park duty' frustrating, but the firm is taking steps to address this. There's high praise for the experience of working in London (Exeter trainees can spend a seat in the firm's Mayfair office), 'the exposure to the London market is invaluable', and trainees find this makes them 'carry on with regional work at a City standard'. Which sums up one of the main reasons Michelmores is such a popular choice with its clients and trainees alike.

A day in the life of.....

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About the firm

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