Our culture
People often talk of the sense of belonging at Slaughter and May and, while it is hard to pinpoint exactly where this comes from, one enduring characteristic of the firm is that the people here just do not let each other down.
Our culture is built on collaboration, trust and diversity of experience and thought, creating an inclusive environment in which our people achieve excellence through collective effort and shared expertise.
For trainees and apprentices, this means that from the start, you are part of a firm where colleagues willingly share their time and expertise. Without billing or time targets, our lawyers are encouraged to focus on delivering the best outcomes for clients and supporting each other's development, fostering a strong sense of belonging and teamwork.
You will also build your career somewhere people stay and grow. Of the partners in London, a large proportion joined as trainees, others worked as associates here before being elected to our partnership. There have been just two lateral partner hires in London – generally we do not elect anyone from outside the firm directly into partnership. This in itself fosters unity. It is a lockstep partnership: we have never merged with another firm, and we grow together by working for our mutual benefit.
We also support each other by respecting autonomy through trust. For us, the quality of the work takes precedence over how long it takes - we place our emphasis less on how work is done and more on the fact that it is done - on time and to the highest standard. For trainees and apprentices, this means that you will be encouraged to take responsibility, think independently and focus on delivering work to the highest standard, with the support and guidance needed to develop your confidence and judgement.
We encourage all of our people to take personal responsibility to help us achieve our responsible business objectives and commitments, and many of our lawyers are involved in our pro bono opportunities to use their legal skills to make a positive social impact.
Our social side
Once you join us, there are plenty of activities to get involved with – with the trainee and apprentice group, your legal group and the rest of the firm.
Our Trainee Solicitors' Committee is a group run by trainees across all intakes that represents the trainee body to the firm. It also organises activities at various venues in London throughout the year, including a welcome event for new trainees.
We have a variety of networks and clubs, including football, netball, rugby, gardening, art and a book club, which are open to everyone. The firm also holds an annual dinner dance.
A network of networks
The firm has eleven employee networks, which are open to everyone. Collectively, they form a Network of Networks that work collaboratively with each other and the firm to create a more open-minded and inclusive working environment:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
