Wedlake Bell

That being said, the firm does have a bit of something for everyone. The trainees we spoke to claimed they were at the “frontline of matters” when it came to “core decision-making and strategy” in any seat. We’re told there is “inevitably some more administrative work at junior level”, but recruits say they are “consistently given more complex and higher-level tasks (including ownership over workstreams where appropriate).” Trainees are also encouraged to delegate admin to support teams.

Trainees commend the quality of training, support and involvement they receive throughout their first years at the firm. Rookies enjoy “lots of responsibility to project manage and run small matters” and can gain exposure to real “lawyering” early on. One rookie told us that the training style can depend on team size, with larger teams offering “more structure and higher quality training”, while smaller teams are more likely to encourage trainees to learn by doing.

That investment in junior development appears to be paying off. Wedlake Bell consistently scores strong trainee retention scores, reflecting what the firm describes as its long-term commitment to nurturing talent from within. The culture of growth is also evident more broadly across the business. Alongside a series of internal partner promotions, the firm has continued to bolster its partnership through a string of strategic lateral hires, signalling ambitions for further growth.

Despite expanding, Wedlake Bell’s size remains pretty manageable. Newbies report a “culture of approachability” which “doesn’t feel hierarchical”. The firm itself says there’s “room to be noticed”, which isn’t necessarily the case in firms with dozens, or even hundreds, of trainees. The same rings true at trainee level: there is apparently “no sense that trainees are in competition with each other”, and we’re told the “recruitment process is on a really human level to ensure that trainees who can continue that collegiate culture are recruited.”

And there are definitely some big boots to fill, because the social life at Wedlake Bell is said to be positively pumping, for a law firm. “Organised social events are frequent, both firmwide and in teams, and these are well-attended and good fun.” Highlights include “monthly firm drinks”, a “ski trip in winter and walking trip in summer” and “the odd theatre trip”. What’s more, the firm is reportedly “generous at these events”, with one junior concluding that they are “seen as important by management”. The only grumble among the recruits we spoke to was that they couldn’t spend even more time with their peers, with the firm’s impromptu Thursday night social scene lacking somewhat.

On the whole, supervisors were rated as approachable and encouraging and, most importantly, they’re said to “respect the contribution and input of juniors and trainees”. “This is one of the most supportive work environments I’ve ever worked in,” one trainee explained. “I did not expect a City firm to be so warm. People care about people here as well as the law.” Another trainee added that “as in any firm, some individuals have working styles which are not naturally aligned with mine, but learning how to work through that is an important skill to develop.” Wise words indeed!

As far as office space goes, Wedlakers are sitting pretty on the 8th floor of their “very conveniently located” hub just off Cannon Street. One current recruit gives this room tour: “The client floor is smart and the terrace overlooking St Paul’s is great. The office is open plan but there are separators and cubbies around each desk (like a cubicle), so you have plenty of space and it doesn’t feel overcrowded. All trainees get a permanent assigned desk for each seat. Part of the office was refurbished in the last couple of years and is nicer than the rest; it would be good if those improvements could be replicated in the rest of the office.”

The firm has also upgraded from the occasional lunch table to a daily soup and salad bar, which trainees get for free in exchange for a 50p charitable donation! “Gets a bit repetitive but can’t complain when the price is so good,” said one thrifty recruit. Insiders inform us “there is also cooked breakfast twice a week (porridge on the other days) and self-service toast is available all day, along with machine coffee. Most teams also host sit-down team lunches in the office, prepared by the firm’s kitchen, about once a month. In the summer you can sit outside on the roof terrace with a great view of St Paul’s. If nitpicking, it would be good to have the option of nicer coffee; the machines are not so great!”

This is especially a problem for caffeine fiends, as new recruits are expected in the office five days a week. That being said, there is some flexibility depending on your team, and trainees get a “full IT equipment set up” for the odd chance they get to stay in the home office.

Unfortunately, there’s an even slimmer chance of jet-setting. Although WB does have a network of independent law firms it works with, alongside an international employment law subsidiary, iGlobal Law, there are currently no international secondment options on offer.

That’s all right: you’ll be too busy painting the City red to worry about overseas excursions. This is where the work-life balance comes into its own. “I appreciate being able to finish at 6pm on most days, definitely a rarity across the City!” beamed one insider. Another added that “boundaries are respected and it is not expected that trainees are available absolutely all of the time.” While leaving times vary, Wedlakers can almost always bank on finishing by about 7pm and there’s said to be no culture of presenteeism. That means being able to plan evening and weekend activities, something trainees don’t appreciate until they’re stuck in the Magic Circle with no plans or hobbies for years on end. The trade-off is time versus money: a newly qualified (NQ) solicitor salary of £85,000 is no match for a Magic Circle NQ.

The perks are decent too. As one current trainee divulged: “We have the usual private medical and dental insurances (with a generous level of cover) and the typical selection of other wellbeing/lifestyle benefits. One benefit that’s been introduced recently is access to the firm’s corporate travel agent for personal trips. They apparently have great deals on flights which I’m planning to take advantage of this summer!” There’s also a day off on your birthday, but at least one rookie feels that “the rooftop terrace is the best perk we have.”

Legal tech receives mixed but improving reviews in our latest survey. There are still some lingering complaints about the “middling” tech offering at WB, but the direction of travel appears positive, with the firm’s careful roll-out of responsible AI now well underway. Trainees have also been upgraded to new iPhones and laptops, meaning recruits are no longer “let down by the dreaded Surface Pros”. Meanwhile, the firm scores well for its environmental performance, particularly in its drive towards net-zero emissions, and has partnered with Carbon Partner Auditel to measure and reduce its carbon footprint over time.