Michelmores

Somewhat uniquely for a regional firm with big ambitions, Michelmores isn’t the product of a series of mergers. It was founded in Exeter by a chap called, you guessed it, Michelmore in 1887 and, until a few years ago, still had a member of the Michelmore family within its ranks. But it is far from a family affair, as the firm has grown organically to close to 600 staff. Around eight trainees come through the door each year, with those in Bristol and Exeter netting £37,500 and £39,000 in their trainee years and £61,500 upon qualification. This figure rises to £78,000 if qualifying in London.

The training is pretty solid too. “Brilliant training and support from all colleagues at the firm including supervisors, HR contacts and the training principal” is the lowdown from one insider. Formal training sessions are supplemented by a “trainee bible”, produced by previous trainees in each seat to help smooth the seat transition process. There’s also a “fairly robust onboarding process” and “almost daily knowledge sessions” hosted by different teams and groups across the firm, so you can get an understanding of all areas of the business. Rookies do report of “occasions where you are left to complete a task without a lot of guidance” but, generally, supervisors are “approachable and willing to take time to provide you with feedback and high quality learning experiences”, including letting trainees take the first crack at drafting some important documents. Particular praise is given to the availability of a client secondment, which trainees are actively encouraged to get involved with.

Beyond praise for the training, rookies also have lots to say about the culture at Michelmores. “I have worked in three offices,” says one trainee, “and everyone has always been approachable and friendly. The open plan offices really help with that because the partner and senior team members are sat at the next desk.” Others speak of “an enormous support network”, where a buddy system works alongside dedicated principals and HR supporters to keep each junior happy and developing. “People are responsive and approachable meaning that you can get assistance when needed. The collaborative approach between teams means that you can benefit from a very broad range of expertise when new issues come up,” added one happy trainee. The small trainee intake is also said to create a particularly close-knit atmosphere, with one rookie telling us: “Small trainee cohort means we are really close. All colleagues are approachable and friendly.” In brief, “the people are what make Michelmores!”

Regular team, trainee and office socials are available alongside regular networking and charity events. From cycling clubs to property development groups, Michelmores’ social scene has something for everyone. In London, Thursday socials, pub quizzes and networking events like Michelmores Next Gen give the office a buzz, whilst Exeter hosts an annual charity 5km. This year, the office will be raising money for domestic abuse charity FearFree. On top of all that, “there’s also office parties in the summer and winter and an annual firm-wide ball which is hosted in Exeter at Winslade Manor.”

Partners and higher-ups are also rated “very approachable and willing to answer questions and take time to provide feedback or help when you’re stuck.” It’s not uncommon to be on a case alone with a partner or to find yourself chatting around the coffee machine with senior management. “The collaborative approach of the firm means that junior and senior staff interact frequently and as equals, rather than hierarchically,” according to one smitten recruit.

One reason for this endless positivity must be the sociable hours. On average, rookies work between 9am and 6pm, with one happy associate boasting that “working at the Exeter HQ means that in the summer months you are home in time to catch an evening surf or run along the quayside or coastal paths.” Sounds idyllic, and a far cry from the typical no-weekday-plan hours in the City. Even in London, the work-life balance is said to be “very good”, especially compared to competitors, even if there is “slightly more of an expectation to work longer hours”. Facetime culture and weekend work are myths at Michelmores, as the firm is said to “pride itself on giving you access to quality work with a decent salary, while allowing you to retain a good work life balance”.

That said, associates do make a compelling case for staying in the office beyond working hours, especially in Bristol where the firm has settled into a newly and completely refurbished space. With over 11,000 sq ft of conference, collaboration and breakout space, cycle storage and shower facilities all specifically tailored to the firm’s needs, it’s no surprise that “excellent” was the definitive verdict from trainees there. The “very swanky” London office at 100 Liverpool Street also receives plaudits for being a “great and modern space to work”, helped by having “the buzz of Broadgate Circle on its doorstep”, whilst the Exeter HQ earned this high praise: “Don’t think I have ever worked in an office so impressive. Very contemporary, comfortable and the layout has been designed to be conducive to productivity.” The gym, table tennis and subsidised canteen probably help, too.

Other firmwide perks include large bonuses, an array of social events, inter-office travel, and standard health and dental care, in addition to funding for the PGDL and SQE.

The quality of work also draws consistent praise. “I have been exposed to a huge variety of work in my first seat, which has kept the job interesting. I honestly don’t know where the time goes at Michelmores. It flies by, which is a sign that you enjoy your job!” noted one recruit. While the trainee rite of passage of mundane administrative work does exist at Michelmores as elsewhere, these tasks are said to be few and far between. The firm offers a “good balance of work and access to high profile exciting work for clients”, and the agriculture team in particular is praised for “encouraging its juniors to play an active role in case strategy management”, leading to “a highly stimulating experience”.

Another recruit offered this personal experience: “The work is generally interesting and trainees are given plenty of responsibility from the off, as much as you want or can handle within reason. You are client facing, attend meetings, mediations, hearings and so on, and are given a broad range of proper client work to get stuck into, including drafting. As with any trainee role, there is a bit of admin involved, including the usual tasks of bundle preparation, due diligence exercises and disclosure review, but they happen far less than you might expect.”

The firm’s technology offering is also on the up, with trainees citing an impressive array for a mid-sized firm, alongside plans for future expansion. On AI, Michelmores operates basic coding packages for various work streams but relies on third parties for more detailed scripts, such as disclosure review platforms. The “very active and engaged” IT and cyber security team is continually investing in tech and has several projects on the horizon.

When out of the office, support continues for the lucky intake, with the firm providing a “full kit to work from home, from monitor to mouse to keyboard and a proper desk chair.” Unlike at many similar firms, flexible working is encouraged for both trainees and associates, with office attendance decided on a team-by-team basis.

The cherry on top is the firm’s environmental credentials. As one trainee noted, “the firm is independently verified for environmental progress by Planet Mark and has made really good progress on a number of ESG matters. The clients they have and the work they do, particularly in the agriculture and natural capital spaces, often have an environmental slant or focus to it.”

There is a clear sense that Michelmores is in growth mode. The firm’s turnover has increased by 32% in the last two years, alongside major investment into its offices and infrastructure, including a full refurbishment of its Exeter HQ, significant headcount growth in Bristol, the launch of its Cambridge office and a steady stream of lateral partner hires across its locations. For trainees, it all points towards a firm with ambitious plans and plenty of opportunity to grow alongside it.