MY JOURNEY TO THE FIRM

I first joined the firm for a six-week internship in HR through the 10,000 Black Interns Foundation. During this time, I was able to experience different areas of HR, such as Advisory and Early Careers Development. The internship gave me valuable insight into what working in a corporate environment and in HR would be like - something to which I had had zero prior experience or exposure. I also learned a lot about the legal sector and how the firm operates.

HR is not typically a career you hear about growing up, but when I reflected on my interests, which include a combination of qualitative and quantitative work along with the people focused nature of the role, I realised it aligned well. Just as my internship was ending, a HR administrator role opened up - I applied and was offered the position. 

Having already worked with the HR team during my internship made the transition into my permanent role much less daunting. As an intern, the focus was on learning, which eased the pressure and helped me build confidence. The induction was informative and welcoming - learning about the firm’s values and networks was inspiring. From day one, I felt genuinely supported and encouraged to grow.

One of the most interesting aspects of the role is that no two days are the same and you’re constantly learning. It’s a fast-paced environment, but that’s part of what makes it so engaging.

MY DAY-TO-DAY

My role focuses on the three key areas within the employee lifecycle: onboarding, advisory and offboarding,  and I provide administrative support and manage employee data and processes through our HR system. I also support on projects contributing to wider HR initiatives aligned with the firm’s people priorities.

Before starting my internship, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect and I didn’t anticipate the level of warmth and welcome I experienced. Working at Slaughter and May, particularly within the HR team, has been an incredible experience. Everyone is genuinely friendly, supportive, and encouraging. Not only is the team approachable, but there’s also a strong commitment to excellence. Everyone is highly skilled and always looking for ways to improve processes and systems to make work more efficient. There’s a real willingness to help, and colleagues are genuinely invested in your development.

One of the most interesting aspects of the role is that no two days are the same and you’re constantly learning. This can be demanding - with so much going on, prioritising tasks effectively was a challenge at first. It’s a fast-paced environment, but that’s part of what makes it so engaging.

STEPPING OUTSIDE MY COMFORT ZONE

Near the end of my internship, I had the opportunity to speak in front of the entire HR team (around 50 people) about my journey to the firm. Although I was nervous and had never done anything like it before, I challenged myself to go ahead and stepped outside my comfort zone. It was a powerful moment to speak in front of so many people. The feedback was very positive - people said I seemed confident and even funny!

MY ADVICE TO CANDIDATES

If you’re considering applying to Slaughter and May, my biggest piece of advice is to do your research. Take time to understand the firm’s culture and values, and make sure it feels like the right fit for you. And be yourself - authenticity really matters, so let your passion shine through.