Lex 100 - Walker Morris

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Walker Morris

Kings Court 12 King Street Leeds LS1 2HL

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The trainee verdict

The lowdown (in their own words...)

Why did you choose this firm over any others? 'Appeared to have a good work/life ethos'; 'national reputation'; 'the people I met were friendly whilst still driven'; 'big deals and clients'; 'the training'; 'single site'; 'type of work'; 'location'; 'six seats rather than the usual four'; 'renowned for its high quality of work and professionalism'

How does your training compare with peers' at other firms? 'Much more exposure to clients at an earlier stage'; 'greater responsibility'; 'training appears less structured than at other firms'; 'less information given to us on the progress of the firm'; 'colleagues are always willing to share their knowledge and help trainees progress'

Best thing about the firm? 'One of the largest firms in Leeds so everyone in Yorkshire knows its name'; 'hands-on experience'; 'everybody is extremely friendly'; 'social life is very good'; 'work is exciting and you get good responsibility if you look for it'; 'scope for you to impress the top people'; 'no billing targets as trainee'

Worst thing about the firm? 'Lack of a London office'; 'some outdated attitudes'; 'no canteen'; 'website needs updating'; 'support services'

Best moment? 'Working alongside a partner on a sale and leaseback transaction'; 'holding a client meeting on my own away from the office'; 'having the opportunity to take clients out for dinner on my own'; 'going on secondment'; 'handling matters'; 'completing a deal on Christmas Eve after a week of working through the night'; 'helping a NQ on a massive PFI deal'

Worst moment? 'The morning after a big night out'; 'a distressing court visit'; 'not receiving enough work from a supervisor'; 'starting each new seat is always terrifying'

The Lex 100 verdict

The firm

Walker Morris is one of Yorkshire's largest firms and it is widely admired for its presence in the local, national and international markets, while sticking firmly to its single-site strategy in Leeds. The firm is particularly well-regarded for its private equity, public company and M&A advice. Its full-service offering also includes notable strengths in property and litigation, and it has a solid offering in IP/IT and sports law.

The star performers

Banking and finance; Banking litigation; Commercial litigation; Commercial property; Construction; Corporate tax; EU/competition; Education; Employment; Information technology; Intellectual property; Insolvency and corporate recovery; Licensing; Local government; Planning; Private Finance Initiative (PFI); Property litigation; Sport.

The deals

Acted for the syndicate of banks in connection with the £52m debt-for-equity swap and debt restructuring of Dyson; acted on the major £778m takeover of Netto by Asda; acting for Montpellier Estates in a deceit claim against Leeds City Council arising from a competition undertaken by Leeds to procure a new £70m arena for the city.

The clients

CrÃ©dit Agricole Commercial Finance; Drax; Evans Property; Footlocker; GHD; Leeds Building Society; Lloyds Banking Group; National Australia Group; Netto; Ocean Money.

The money

(from Legal Business magazine)

Turnover in 2010: £42.6m (-4% from 2009) Profits per equity partner: £535,000 (+10%)

The Verdict

A titan of the North, Walker Morris is very well known in Leeds and throughout the region. Despite only having one office, the firm attracts work on a national and international level. The 'friendly and driven' people, as well as the fact that they are encouraged to get involved with 'big deals and clients' impress current trainees. Training at the firm is done over six seats allowing a 'better insight' into more areas of the firm and is described positively as 'less structured'. One trainee comments that this flexible approach promotes 'faster progression, personal growth and soft skills', whilst another feels that they are able to make a 'more informed decision' about where to qualify at the end of the two years. Prepare to be 'helping an NQ on a massive PFI deal' or 'holding a client meeting alone, away from the office', and you can enjoy all of these experiences without having the pressure of billing targets. There are a few murmurs about some perceived 'outdated ideas' floating around the firm and current trainees feel that both the office and website are in need of an overhaul, but otherwise few major irritations. Walker Morris is a great choice for those wanting to settle in Leeds at a firm with a super reputation, an active social life and plenty of quality training on offer.