Case study

Jack Johnson — Trainee solicitor

Employer
Slaughter And May

Jack studied law at London School of Economics (LSE) and started his training contract at Slaughter and May in March 2025

Why did you apply to Slaughter and May?

What set Slaughter and May apart for me was its multi-specialist approach. On prior legal internships, I came to appreciate the value of gaining exposure to a range of practice areas, rather than limiting myself to a single specialism early on.

This flexibility was appealing as I had not yet decided which area of law I wanted to pursue. I thought that Slaughter and May’s model would provide the ideal environment to develop a broad and adaptable legal foundation.

Applying to law firms can be stressful, but I appreciated how streamlined the process was at Slaughter and May. I applied through the direct training contract route, which required you to submit a CV and cover letter prior to being invited to interview.

What are typical trainee tasks in your current seat?

I’m currently sitting in the disputes and investigations team, where most of my work has been focused on a major international arbitration. It has been really rewarding to observe how the matter has progressed throughout the course of my seat.

I’ve been able to manage my workload, however there was a two-week period where the team worked late nights to meet a key submission deadline. I was given plenty of notice, so it didn’t come as a surprise, and I felt very supported by the team throughout.

Typical trainee responsibilities include:

  • bundling
  • document review
  • drafting
  • legal research
  • preparing call notes
  • proofreading.

I am also responsible for sending weekly updates to the client, which requires me to maintain a thorough understanding of all aspects of the matter.

What aspect of your role do you enjoy the most?

I’ve enjoyed engaging with colleagues across the firm. Everyone I’ve encountered has been approachable and generous with their time, and always willing to explain complex matters. This supportive environment has made me feel welcomed and included from the very beginning.

I also enjoy volunteering to meet with work experience scheme attendees whenever possible. Having recently been in their position myself, I’m always happy to offer guidance and share insights based on my own experiences.

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