Lex 100 - Veale Wasbrough

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Veale Wasbrough

Orchard Court Orchard Lane Bristol BS1 5WS

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The trainee verdict

The lowdown (in their own words...)

Why did you choose this firm over any others? 'Friendly atmosphere'; 'quality of work'; 'location'; 'variety of departments'; 'excellence in the education sector'; 'the firm is constantly striving to expand'; 'it offers a nationally recognised education practice'; 'quality of work and training'; 'work/life balance'

How does your training compare with peers' at other firms? 'More varied work'; 'more client contact'; 'more involvement in the work of your team and supervisor'; 'better work/life balance'; 'more sociable'; 'more 'hands-on' work'; 'VWV appreciates that to get the best out of its staff it helps if people are happy, friendly and relaxed'

Best thing about the firm? 'The people'; 'collaborative approach between departments'; 'some very good clients'; 'early responsibility'; 'wide variety of work'; 'the training is exciting'; 'trainees may find themselves sitting next to and working alongside partners or associates'; 'level of training and support'

Worst thing about the firm? 'Targets and time recording'; 'secrecy regarding seat choices and NQ roles'; 'quite slow at making decisions'; 'some senior members of staff who do not give feedback on work done for them'; 'canteen is far too small'

Best moment? 'Going to trial'; 'attending the Court of Appeal for a hearing on a case I had been involved with'; 'dealing with own clients and queries'

Worst moment? 'Standing at the fax machine late at night to ensure court documents were sent off that day'; 'when I almost missed a court deadline'; 'a few days where it has been quiet until about four in the afternoon, and then a number of urgent issues all come in at once'; 'mis-reading a research question for quite an urgent teleconference'

The Lex 100 verdict

The firm

Bristol-based Veale Wasborough Vizards stormed into the top 100 law firms in the UK in 2010 as a result of its merger with Vizards Tweedie. Noted for its key expertise in the education sector, clients say that the firm is 'excellent on all fronts' providing 'pragmatic advice'.

The star performers

Banking and finance; Charities; Commercial litigation; Commercial property; Construction; Corporate and commercial; Corporate tax; Debt recovery; Education; Employment; Environment; Family; Health; Intellectual property and information technology; Personal injury: claimant; Personal tax, trusts and probate; Planning; Property litigation.

The deals

Advised the shareholders of Sula Systems on the sale of its issued share capital to Jacobs Engineering UK; acted for Altran Technologies on the acquisition of Xype Group; advised Santander on a £12m loan to Canford Healthcare Group; acted on a high-value horseriding accident case.

The clients

Bristol Old Vic; Britannia Building Society; the British Fashion Council; EDF Energy; Essilor International; HSBC; London Symphony Orchestra; Morgan Lloyd Administration; Peterstow Holdings; Quintain Estates & Development; University of Bath.

The money

(from Legal Business magazine)

Turnover in 2010: £20.5m (+25% from 2009) Profits per equity partner: £340,000 (+33%)

The winners

Legal Business Awards 2011

Highly commended National/Regional firm of the year.

The Verdict

Following its merger with Vizards Tweddie in 2010, Bristol firm Veale Wasborough Vizards has not only bulked up its private client base but has also raised its profile in the region. Candidates are drawn by the fact that the firm is 'constantly striving to expand' and like that it has a 'diverse range of sector specialisms meaning that there are some 'exciting and challenging work opportunities'. With a highly regarded education practice, VWV has some 'very good' clients who you will probably get to meet as there is a good amount of client contact at the firm. This, however, doesn't mean that you will be burning the midnight oil to please them, as the firm is a Lex 100 Winner for work/life balance so there is plenty of opportunity to have a life outside of the office. While you are in the office you will be sitting next to partners and senior associates - as one trainee puts it this is an 'invaluable and rewarding experience' allowing you to soak up information and experience. There is a 'wide variety of work' to get stuck into and attending court could become second nature - you may even get a chance to practise a bit of advocacy. Grumbles are generally about the frustrating 'secrecy regarding seat choices and NQ roles' and the targets and time recording can cause stress for some current trainees. However, if you are looking for an up-and-coming firm in the Bristol area where you will be encouraged to roll up your sleeves but it's also possible to have a good work/life balance then VWV could be a great choice.