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Shadbolt 
Chatham Court Lesbourne Road Reigate RH2 7LD
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? 'Size, profile and quality of work'; 'the people I met during my vacation scheme and during the interview stage were all very friendly'; 'excellent reputation in key practice areas'; 'opportunity to undertake part of my training within the City, yet without being one of a large number of anonymous trainees'; 'relaxed atmosphere - I knew I would be comfortable learning within this environment'

How does your training compare with peers' at other firms? 'Generally, the training seems to be more hands-on, and I seem to have more client contact than most'; 'from what I've heard, I seem to be training in one of the best firms out of all my peers. My work/life balance is very good and the work I am given is pitched at just the right level, with plenty of responsibility, client contact, and support'; 'it is first class'

Best thing about the firm? 'The autonomy and responsibility that a trainee is given. Working with some of the leading individuals in construction law'; 'all of the associates and most of the partners are very relaxed, approachable and helpful'; 'the friendly and relaxed atmosphere, and the quality of work'; 'the people' 

Worst thing about the firm? 'The Reigate office location'; 'the lack of inter-office social events'; 'the office down in Gatwick/Reigate'; 'lack of photocopying/support staff'; 'the Reigate location'

Best moment? 'Opportunity to work in-house for one of the firm's clients'; 'helping clients on a closing unassisted (and receiving positive feedback)'; 'none specific, it's all been good'; 'doing applications at court'; 'being given my own matters to run with'

Worst moment? 'Not getting things organised in time for another closing'; 'none'; 'staying up all night for a completion'; 'whenever I have to do photocopying'; 'just generally feeling everything is taking me longer than it should'



The Lex 100 verdict

The firm

Leading construction firm Shadbolt continues to expand beyond its original strengths in the building and projects industries. There is now a good level of expertise in areas such as corporate, property, IT, e-commerce, employment and property litigation. The firm is based in Reigate, but also has offices in London and Athens and associated offices in Paris and Dar es Salaam, ensuring a wide range of national and international work. The firm's clients include well-known names in the construction and engineering industries, and a number of rapidly expanding hi-tech companies.


The star performers

Commercial property; Construction; Corporate and commercial; Information and technology; Intellectual property; Private Finance Initiative (PFI).

The deals

Advising the Costain/Ferrovial Agroman JV on the second phase of the Bradford BSF project; recently acted on joint venture agreements relating to the £1.5bn PFI project to design, build, finance and operate the M25 motorway upgrade; advising on international power plant projects for new clients Doosan Babcock.

The clients

Accord; Atkins; Balfour Beatty; Galliford; Group 4 Security; Nestor Healthcare Group; Paperchase; Straberg; Wates; Watson.

The money


The Lex 100 verdict

Shadbolt continues to attract trainees who are keen to gain experience in a regional office, but also undertake some of their training 'in the City without being one of a large number of anonymous trainees in a huge firm'. The firm has a strong reputation, particularly in construction, projects work and IT, but there is also a good variety of training in a number of different seats. Trainees here believe the work they are given is 'pitched at just the right level with plenty of responsibility, client contact and support'. They have good client exposure and one comments - 'from what I've heard I seem to be training in one of the best firms out of all my peers - I like the autonomy, but you are never left without support'. There is a friendly and relaxed atmosphere, which candidates liked from the vacation scheme - 'I knew I would be comfortable learning within this environment'. They also appreciate working with 'real leaders in their field' - especially in construction. After all this praise, it is no surprise that Shadbolt is a Lex 100 Winner in the all-important 'job satisfaction' category. As we said last year, mature students and those with atypical backgrounds are very welcome at Shadbolt - where experience and individuality are as important as a good academic track record. On the downside, trainees aren't too keen on the location of the Reigate/Gatwick office and would like to see more organised inter-office social events. No other real complaints though, and for a well-rounded, commercial firm with a down-to-earth yet ambitious, international outlook, Shadbolt is certainly worth considering.

A day in the life of.....

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About the firm

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