Good at problem solving? Then you may be the lawyer for us…

360° legal thinking

One firm, 380 talented individuals Michelmores is a leading national law firm, with 380 staff, 60 partners and a turnover in excess of £22m. We provide Business, Real Estate and Private Client expertise to a wide range of national and international clients.

Client insight and understandingWe put ourselves in our clients’ shoes and look at the world from their perspective. We are committed to achieving the best possible outcome for our clients.

Success as a teamHeadquartered in Exeter, with London and Bristol offices:

• Top 100 law firm

• Ranked as ‘Leading Firm’ by Chambers & Partners UK and ‘Top Tier Firm’ by Legal 500

• Winners of ‘Regional Law Firm of the Year 2013’ at Citywealth Magic Circle Awards

• Awarded One star status in the Sunday Times ‘Best Companies to Work For’ employee survey 2013

• Winners of ‘Corporate Law Firm of the Year 2012’ at Business Insider Dealmakers Awards

• Winners of ‘UK & Ireland Regional Team of the Year 2013/14’ at STEP Private Client Awards

WinnerUK and Ireland Regional Legal Team of the Year

So what are we really like…

Our brand is beautiful because it engages seamlessly with our work.. and our brand ethos works for our clients as much as it works for us.

We have four simple key brand messages for all of our people to embody.

WE ARE MORE THAN JUST LAWYERS…

Clients’ ShoesAt some point you will have said: “put yourself in my shoes.”

You will have said it because you want others to understand why you did something. You want them to see things from your perspective.

We believe this is a powerful way of adding value, strengthening relationships, improving service, and maximising business potential. And becoming a trusted adviser.

1 firm, 3 offices, 380 talented individuals.

We all know the value of teamwork, but we don’t always recognise who is in the team.

We encourage a culture where everyone can be relied upon by their colleagues, where we talk to each other and share and celebrate success.

Success asa Team

Rising fuel costsA return to work hazard

Competition from Eastern EuropeNew EU legislation

Providing innovative solutions to complex problems. 360° legal thinking.

3D thinking is about being analytical and breaking down assumptions. Our lawyers will look at a dairy farm and see a health & safety issue; at an ice cream factory and see a renewable energy opportunity; at a school and see commercial property potential; and at a successful business owner and see a father. We look at a work process and see an opportunity for a new idea.

We encourage everyone to imagine what they are not seeing and start thinking in 3D.

3D Thinking

Putting people together. Seeing the opportunities. Spotting the gaps. Developing business.

Our aspiration is to be at the forefront of people’s minds. We want them to think lawyers: think Michelmores.

To do this we need to build individual reputations, create networks, make introductions, recommend colleagues and develop new relationships.

We need to act quickly, clearly and with courtesy. Be relevant. Be enthusiastic. Stay connected.

Forging Opportunities

Trainee Development Programme

As a trainee with the firm, you will be encouraged to be yourself and shape your training within a high quality and supervised environment.

We believe that the commitment and investment in the development of our trainees is vital to the continuing success and growth of the firm. Our development programme will build your skills and knowledge across a range of areas, including:

• learning from internal experts as part of your ‘on the job’ training and technical skills development;

• a tailor-made personal development programme aligned to your specific skill set;

• coaching and support on a one-to-one basis in relation to seat options;

• attending external conferences, seminars and workshops; and

• a structured programme of internal and external workshops to ensure you become a fully rounded professional.

Working closely with a designated supervisor on a day-to-day basis, you will be given early responsibility, client exposure and very quickly become an integral member of the team. The training contract consists of four placements, each of six months duration. Whilst you will be involved in choosing your seats, we are keen to ensure you gain exposure across all aspects of our business. We also offer trainees the opportunity to spend part of their training contract in our London and Bristol offices.

International Capability: We act for UK and international clients undertaking cross border and international investment activities worldwide.

Canada

Brazil

Mauritius

MozambiqueSouth Africa

Pakistan

France

Angola

Ivory Coast

TanzaniaKenya

Uganda

ChinaBangladesh

Nigeria

Denmark

ChileVanuatu

Norway

Sierra Leone

DRC

Iraq

Ghana

Cameroon

Italy

Israel

Zimbabwe

TurkeySpainUSA

Argentina

Australia

Zambia

Hong Kong

Malawi

CambodiaYemen

Germany Russia

Japan

Switzerland

India

Madagascar

Indonesia

Mongolia

Finland

Client Type of deal Value Details Overseas element

Disposal £610mDisposal of City Inns Limited trading as Mint Hotels

US buyer

Raising Finance £80m Refinancing of Kew Green Hotel Group

Acquisition £57.2mAcquisition of Motorola’s PTP broadband division

US buyer, US seller, 24 countries

Raising Finance £40m £40m syndicated unsecured loan facility

MBO £28m Management buyout of EMCAS

Group Reorganisation

£26.5m Global reorganisation of US food group US reorganisation

Disposal £26mDisposal of DAD Holdings Limited and subsidiaries

US buyer

Disposal £25mSale of Manor Farm (Solar Power Generation Limited) to Lightsource Limited

Acquisition £24mAcquisition of majority interest in Golden Lay Limited and provision of mezzanine finance

Africa, Sweden, Finland

Aquisition £undisclosed Acquisition of Calflex US seller

Top 10 business deals in the last yearOur clients include…

“ You get to work within a fantastic team providing a first-class service, and your input will always be valued. Apply for a Vacation Scheme and come and see for yourself!”

Join us as a trainee and you’ll be embarking on a career with exceptional potential that will make you more than just a lawyer.

“”

Exeter Office

Our purpose-built out of town HQ is convenient for the M5 and Exeter International Airport. The open plan working environment encourages team work and helps us to deliver a more joined-up service to our clients.

Photograph by Endika Llano

Newly Qualified Solicitor

I studied for a law degree at the University of the West of England, Bristol and later completed my LPC at the University of Plymouth. I have recently completed my training contract with Michelmores and I have started a newly qualified position in the Planning Team.

My training contract experience at Michelmores has been an excellent grounding for the transition into my career as a solicitor with the firm. The ‘hands on’ supervision combined with the high degree of responsibility I was given whilst a trainee has equipped me with a great toolkit for the new challenges ahead in my career.

In my two years training, the firm has seen significant growth, most notably through its London Chancery Lane office and the creation of a Bristol office. It is fantastic to work for a firm that is ambitious and continues to strive forwards, through what have been difficult economic times for many in the legal sector. I’ve been impressed that throughout this growth the firm has managed to maintain a strong culture and ethos of being friendly and approachable, therefore offering a fantastic environment in which to work.

Throughout my training I worked closely with partners and associates gaining first-class experience from their wealth of legal knowledge and expertise. Training with Michelmores is about more than just knowing the law and covering the basics: I attended client meetings, conference calls and court hearings, as well as a large number of the firm’s marketing events.

Post qualification, I am already involved in some exciting matters and I am looking forward to building on the knowledge I already have, and continuing to progress. The foundations of a fantastic training contract and working in a firm with ambition have prepared me in the best way to enable me to become a successful, motivated and forward thinking lawyer.

Michelle PerringNewly Qualified Solicitor

Partner and Trainee Supervisor

I studied law at Lancaster University and then completed my LPC at The College of Law in Chester. I then moved back to the West Country and undertook my training contract with Stephen Scown Solicitors, joining Michelmores in August 2007. I was made a partner in May 2009, and at that time was the youngest partner in the firm.

Trainees at Michelmores have an important role to play in our business. As a firm we are dedicated to their successful development, and are committed to ensuring that they learn key skills to become highly effective solicitors on qualification.

Our Trainee Development Programme (TDP) is exceptional, and is carefully designed to provide both professional skills training and on-going knowledge development with internal and external training. During the TDP, trainees also learn business development and marketing skills: they will help with seminars and events, write legal updates and articles for the website and press, and be given many more opportunities to hone their marketing and business development skills in real life situations. They are given the guidance, space and encouragement to really develop, practise and refine these skills.

As a supervisor it is my role to ensure that trainees receive ‘hands-on experience’ to all the theory and are helped to achieve their personal aspirations. In the family seat this will typically involve attending client meetings, drafting documents, accompanying our lawyers to court and to conduct the advocacy at a hearing by themselves, if opportunity allows. The level of responsibility given to trainees is high and they have a great opportunity to prove themselves. This combined with focused, practical training means that they will qualify as skilled and well-rounded lawyers.

Zoe PorterPartner - Private Client

Our open culture is recognised as a strength both by clients and employees, resulting in a happy law firm with a positive work/life balance.

“”

Bristol Office

Our Bristol office is centrally located on Broad Quay, convenient for transport links to Bristol Temple Meads train station, the M5, M4 and Bristol International Airport.

Trainee Solicitor

I first arrived at Michelmores just over two years ago to begin a Vacation Scheme at the firm’s Exeter office, where I thoroughly enjoyed a week with the Employment Team. In addition to giving me an insight into the broad variety of work that Michelmores undertakes, the week gave me a real impression of the atmosphere at the firm. The other Vacation Scheme students and I were made to feel very welcome, and trainees, solicitors and partners alike were happy to discuss their work and share their experiences of Michelmores. The combination of exposure to interesting work during the week, the enthusiasm with which we had been welcomed and the dynamic impression I had been given of the firm meant that I was delighted to accept a training contract at Michelmores.

Future trainees are each given a ‘buddy’, an existing trainee who is a point of contact during the two years before starting. My buddy has always been happy to answer my questions and keep me informed about developments at the firm and it was lovely to meet for the first time in July this year.

In August, all the soon-to-be trainees arrived at the Exeter office for an induction afternoon, consisting of a chat with the trainees about their experiences, a presentation from the Training Partner and an office tour, finished off with a lovely dinner in the evening. It was a great opportunity to meet the other trainees in my intake, ask questions and get to know people.

I have just begun my training contract, with my first seat being in Agricultural Property Litigation at Michelmores’ Bristol office. I am really excited. The team is of national renown as it includes the leading experts in the field. They are also really friendly. I am already working on a wide variety of matters with a broad range of clients. Having had a great introduction to the firm over the past two years, I am now looking forward to what the next two years will bring!

Sarah SheppardTrainee Solicitor

Partner

I joined Michelmores in October 2012 when the firm opened its Bristol office. The attraction of Michelmores is that it combines a leading corporate, commercial and property practice with a strong private client focus. This was endorsed recently by the firm being awarded the Regional Law Firm of the Year 2013 by Citywealth and the STEP UK & Ireland Regional Legal Team of 2013/14.

I studied Jurisprudence at Oxford University and coming from a rural background, developed an interest in agricultural law during my training contract. Although based in Bristol, our Agricultural Property Litigation Team has a truly national practice with clients spread from Yorkshire, Lancashire and Cumbria down to Cornwall. One of the firm’s partners is the Editor and I am a contributor to the leading textbook in our area of practice, Scammell and Densham’s Law of Agricultural Holdings. Our case load involves work in the High Court and appeal courts, the First-Tier Tribunal and arbitration cases. We are leaders in our field in the UK and at the cutting edge of this practice area.

The Bristol office is growing rapidly. It was established with five partners, a team of lawyers and support staff and in the last ten months the team has grown to seven partners, one associate, five assistants, one trainee and a paralegal.

Our Exeter office already does a lot of work in Bristol and the establishment of a new office will bring exciting new opportunities. Although trainees based in our Exeter office currently have the opportunity to undertake one seat in Bristol, we are now also offering the opportunity for a trainee to be based full time in Bristol.

Bristol combines a strong and competitive commercial centre which generates high quality work, with the fact that it is an enjoyable place to live and work. It is a vibrant city with a diverse cultural place, and speaking from my own experience, is a great place to pursue a training contract.Vivienne Williams

Partner - Agriculture

London Office

Our location in Chancery Lane, in the heart of the legal district, allows us to service both our national and international clients.

It was a real eye opener for me when I realised that I didn’t have to train and qualify in London to be exposed to interesting and high profile work.

“”

Associate

I studied law at Exeter University, and it was a real eye opener for me when I realised that I didn’t have to train and qualify in London to be exposed to interesting and high profile work, both at a national and international level.

I qualified into the Corporate Team at Michelmores in 2008. As a team we are involved in transactions locally, nationally and internationally, giving me access to a fantastically wide range of work. Recently I have been involved in deals in Cambodia, Zambia, Malawi, London and the South West: there really is a huge spread of work on offer. Last year we were awarded ‘Corporate Law Firm of the Year 2012’ at the SW Business Insider Dealmaker Awards, and this year were shortlisted again. It makes me really proud to feel that I contributed to this.

From the beginning of my training contract I was given a large degree of responsibility, but always felt I had the support of my supervisors when I needed it. That’s one of the things about Michelmores – you always feel you are able to approach someone to ask questions. During all of my seats as a trainee I had a great deal of day-to-day contact with clients. But the feeling of responsibility goes further than this – for example, as a trainee you are expected and encouraged to attend marketing and business development events from the moment you start. This is such an important part of being a lawyer, and it is great to know that your supervisors have the confidence to allow you to do this from such an early stage.

My training contract at Michelmores gave me a really solid basis upon which to continue to develop myself, both as a lawyer and as a professional. I have always felt that the firm is committed to developing home-grown talent and this is demonstrated by the Associate Academy that it runs, which I joined last year. As an associate, as well as having an increased level of responsibility within the firm, I also have access to a fantastic range of learning and development opportunities.

Henry TaylorAssociate - Corporate

Trainee Solicitor

I read law at the University of Sussex and graduated with First Class Honours. Having grown up in the South West, I was familiar with Michelmores and I felt that it was the type of firm that I wanted to work for.

Once I had submitted my application for a training contract, I was invited to an assessment day, along with half a dozen or so other candidates, where we were asked to complete psychometric tests and group tasks. I then met trainees, solicitors and partners over lunch before being interviewed by a member of the HR team and a partner from the Real Estate Team. The friendly atmosphere during the assessment day confirmed to me that Michelmores was where I wanted to work, so I was delighted when I was offered a training contract.

I completed the LPC, travelled to India for six months and then joined the Banking, Restructuring & Insolvency Team in Exeter for my first seat. My second seat was in the Commercial Litigation Team in London, and I am now back in Exeter for my third seat in the Corporate Team.

In my short time at the firm, I’ve already been exposed to a fantastic range of work, from the complex, high-value restructuring of a support services company to the sale of a regional airport. In particular, I feel fortunate to have been heavily involved with the litigation arising out of the liquidation of Rangers FC. My time in the London office has even given me a chance to have a go at some advocacy in front of Masters in both the Queen’s Bench and Chancery Divisions of the High Court.

The level of responsibility I’ve been given from an early stage has meant that there’s been a steep learning curve but, the experience I’ve gained so far has been invaluable. That, and the collegiate ethos, is what sets Michelmores apart.

Jack IsaacsTrainee Solicitor

“ I’ve already been exposed to a fantastic range of work, from the complex, high-value restructuring of a support services company to the sale of a regional airport. ”

More than just lawyersCharity 5K Run Summer Party

Summer PartyTopsham to Turf Swim

Find out more and apply online at www.michelmores.com/why