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Trowers & Hamlins 
Sceptre Court 40 Tower Hill London EC3N 4DX
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? 'Strong Middle Eastern presence'; 'there isn't really another firm like Trowers: we're rather eclectic and different'; 'market-leading social housing practice'; 'as far as is practically and commercially possible, some degree of ethical responsibility'; 'construction practice'; 'diversity of clients and work'

How does your training compare with peers' at other firms? 'Great balance between getting a lot of responsibility but having a support network in place'; 'I've never been shouted at or treated in an unpleasant way'; 'I've never been asked to work beyond 10pm or on weekends'; 'attractive choice for those who wish to work abroad'

Best thing about the firm? 'Free breakfast before 8.30 - amazing bagels!'; 'middle Eastern emphasis'; 'non-corporate attitude, non-competitive trainees, no bitchiness'; 'pay vs hours ratio'; 'big enough to get decent work but small enough that everyone still knows each other'; 'in a very good position to adapt to the downturn in the market' 

Worst thing about the firm? 'Tower Hill HQ could really do with a make-over'; 'not all offices are equal'; 'the seat rotation system is opaque and inflexible'; 'the offices are a bit drab'; 'the afternoon sweetie/cake trolley... all too easy to convince yourself you're having a bad day and indulge!'; 'not many social events for current trainees to socialise together'

Best moment? 'Seats in Bahrain/Oman/Abu Dhabi'; 'six months working with private client department'; 'when the client/my supervisor says thanks, knowing that my hard work is appreciated!'; 'being taken to Taipei for a client meeting where I had to give a presentation'; 'responsibility for own files'; 'leading the completion of a high-value deal'

Worst moment? 'Locking an entire consortia out of an online data room because I entered the wrong password'; 'compiling tender documentation over and over again throughout seat in projects and construction'; 'poor supervisor in first seat which knocked confidence'; 'staying until 4am on a completion meeting'; 'working late on Christmas Eve'



The Lex 100 verdict

The firm

Trowers & Hamlins is known for its Middle East practice (in projects and M&A in particular), and leverages off an extensive network of offices in the region including Abu Dhabi and Dubai. It also enjoys an excellent public sector reputation plus its market share of social housing work remains extensive. The ten-partner corporate practice worked on 28 deals in 2008 averaging approximately £50m.


The star performers

Administrative and public law; Agriculture and estates; Charities and not-for-profit; Commercial property; Construction; Employment; Healthcare; Islamic finance; Local government; M&A: lower mid market, £50m-£250m; Personal tax, trusts and probate; Private Finance Initiative; Project finance; Social housing.

The deals

Advised Family Mosaic Housing on Stonegrove Estate's regeneration and on a £725m refinancing; instruction from Abu Dhabi Ports Company PJSC on the establishment of the $10bn Khalifa Port and Industrial Zone; advised Tunbridge Wells Borough Council on creating a local asset backed vehicle to regenerate sites; advised the RNIB regarding construction its new Vision School and Children's Home.

The clients

Cancer Partners UK; Care UK; Genesis Housing Group; Golden Lane; Lloyds TSB; National Bank of Bahrain BSC; Network Housing Group; Newham Council; Southern Cross.

The money

(from Legal Business magazine)

Turnover in 2008: £77.6m (+14% from 2007) Profits per equity partner: £479,000 (-10%)

Highly commended CSR programme of the year, helping people from deprived areas of London prepare for the workplace.


The Lex 100 verdict

'There isn't really another firm like Trowers, we are rather eclectic and different' is how one current trainee sums up the appeal of this long-established firm. Trainees are attracted by the 'mixture of public/private sector work', the 'exemplary social housing' practice, whilst others singled out the 'non-corporate feel of the firm' which has 'some degree of ethical responsibility' without 'murderous billing targets'. Several had positive experiences on the vac scheme - 'impressed by how friendly (and dare I say 'normal') the people were' - and, on joining, one commented 'I've never been shouted at or treated in an unpleasant way; the partners are very friendly and approachable'. Clearly the chance to do an overseas seat in the Middle East is also a big pull, with experiences in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Bahrain ranking amongst current trainees' best moments ('so happy I've had this amazing opportunity'). On the work front, expect a mixed bag, but wherever you are, early responsibility is the order of the day - 'I definitely get 'let loose' on things far more than friends at other firms. Daunting at first, but rewarding, and hopefully will make the transition to NQ that bit easier'. The seat rotation process comes in for a fair bit of criticism, in particular not getting choices or 'few seats in certain popular departments', but trainees agree that work/life balance is pretty good. More trainee social events would be appreciated and the offices also come in for some flak, but for a great mix of private/public sector work with a dash of Eastern promise, Trowers can't be faulted.

A day in the life of.....

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About the firm

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