Lex 100 - Stephens Scown

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Stephens Scown

Curzon House Southernhay West Exeter EX1 1RS

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The trainee verdict

The lowdown (in their own words...)

Why did you choose this firm over any others? 'Its longstanding reputation as one of the best firms in the South West'; 'quality of training offered'; 'highly regarded standard of training'; 'a good track record of trainee retention'; 'firm is growing and has plans to expand and develop'; 'great links with other local professionals'; 'has the ability to attract high-profile clients'

How does your training compare with peers' at other firms? 'Less stress'; 'better hours but still good-quality work'; 'work is challenging, testing and hugely varied'; 'partners are approachable and supportive'; 'kept well informed about the firm's financial aspirations and targets'; 'work/life balance is great'; 'high level of responsibility but always with sufficient support'

Best thing about the firm? 'Having the best of both worlds'; 'firm is ambitious but the people are really friendly and down to earth'; 'the open-door policy is a great support to employees'; 'level of client contact'; 'great young vibe'; 'firm has a hugely active marketing scheme'; 'the opportunity to be involved in top-quality exciting work whilst living an active Cornish lifestyle'

Worst thing about the firm? 'Internal communication can at times be vague'; 'cross-office contact could be much better'; 'out-of-date technology'; 'no parking for employees'; 'not always clear when and where you will be moving seats'

Best moment? 'Managing my own file from start to finish'; 'seeing a property transaction through from start to finish'; 'going to court for my first-ever bankruptcy hearing'; 'Christmas parties!'; 'first time I put a bill in was really satisfying'; 'seeing my research and work being passed on to the client'

Worst moment? 'Photocopying a plan the size of a small house and having to try and tape it together'; 'spending hours poring through evidence for a trial'; 'witnessing a document about 400 times'; 'finishing at 7.45pm on a Friday after starting at 8am'

The Lex 100 verdict

The firm

With its head office in Exeter, two major offices in Truro and St Austell, and over 230 staff, Stephens Scown is one of the largest firms in the West Country. The full-service firm enjoys a national reputation for its mining practice, and has a thriving private client base too.

The star performers

Commercial litigation; Commercial property; Corporate and commercial; Employment; Family; Personal injury: claimant; Personal tax, trusts and probate.

The deals

Acted for Biagro Western on a BVI joint venture company to establish an international grouping; Viridor Waste Management instructs the team on disputes regarding EU waste disposal directive; acted for Sierra Windows on a claim against former business partners; acted in a family dispute involving companies worth £30m; advises large estates on mining and mineral rights.

The clients

Cornwall Mutual Assurance Company; Devon Doctors; Aggregate Industries; Brownfield Investments; Hastoe Housing Association.

The Verdict

A continued success at Lex towers, Stephens Scown continues to impress trainees with a notable tally of seven Lex 100 Winner accolades for job satisfaction, work/life balance, firm living up to expectations, friendliness, quality of work, stress levels and client contact. The Exeter-based firm, with offices in Cornwall, has a 'longstanding reputation as one of the best firms in the South West' and is very well regarded for the quality of its training. Attracting some 'high-profile' clients, you can expect plenty of 'exposure to varied and interesting matters' and will be 'kept well informed about the firm's financial aspirations and targets', which helps trainees feel 'like an integral part of the team'. Other comments highlight the staff at the firm who are 'very professional but also very friendly' and the strict open-door policy providing 'great support to employees'. Expect to be given plenty of responsibility 'going to court for bankruptcy hearings' or 'seeing a property transaction through from start to finish' and the level of client contact is described as 'frequent and consistent'. Some trainees feel that communication at the firm can on occasions be 'quite vague' and the air conditioning drives everybody mad. The technology is also a bit 'out-of-date' and more parking spaces would be appreciated. However, this firm has a 'young vibe' and offers those looking to put down roots in the area 'the best of both worlds' with 'the opportunity to be involved in top-quality exciting work whilst living an active Cornish lifestyle'. Sounds perfect to us!