Case study

Mayowa Osadiya — Trainee solicitor

Employer
Slaughter And May

Mayowa studied law at University College London (UCL) and is currently in the first seat of her training contract at Slaughter and May

Why did you apply to Slaughter and May?

I applied to Slaughter and May as the firm distinguishes itself through its multi-specialist approach. All lawyers are trained to develop expertise across a range of legal disciplines. As a trainee, this structure is appealing, as it provides exposure to a variety of work across departments. This will help me to make a well-informed decision about which area I want to qualify in, in the future.

Another reason I applied was that a large proportion of the firm’s work has an international dimension. This global aspect is not limited to transactional matters but also extends to the firm’s disputes and advisory practices.

My interactions with the firm were consistently positive and encouraging. I engaged with Slaughter and May through their Virtual Insight Programme on Forage, a first-year open day and a summer work experience scheme. I found the people I encountered to be approachable, professional and genuinely enthusiastic about their work.

These interactions left a lasting impression and played a large role in my decision to apply for a training contract with the firm.

How did you find the application process?

The application process was clear and well-structured. For the summer work experience scheme, it involved submitting a CV and cover letter. The training contract application followed a similar format.

For the interview process, I was interviewed by two partners and also completed a written exercise, alongside an interview with a member of the early careers recruitment team.

The interviewers showed a genuine interest in getting to know me on a personal level. In addition to the standard questions around my motivation for pursuing a career in law, they asked about my favourite subjects at school and my interests outside of academics.

We also discussed an article that I was given around 20 minutes before the interview. I really enjoyed this part of the conversation, as it allowed me to share my own perspective. The interviewers were not only assessing my analytical skills but were also genuinely interested in my views and what I had to say.

What is a typical day like as a trainee solicitor in your current seat?

I am currently a first-seat trainee in the pensions, employment, and incentives (PEI) department. All trainees at Slaughter and May have to complete two six-month seats in:

  • corporate and mergers and acquisitions (M&A)
  • financing.

I will be moving to these next. After those, I will move into sustainability for three months, followed by disputes and investigations for another three months.

My day typically begins with reviewing my emails and my calendar to prioritise tasks and commitments. Every other morning, I attend sub-group catch-up meetings, where team members to update each other on their ongoing projects.

The remainder of my day is dedicated to attending client or internal meetings and participating in training sessions.

My typical working hours have averaged from 9am to 7pm, with most weekends remaining free. At particularly busy times, such as the lead-up to a deal signing, we might have to work extended hours and at weekends. Associates are very supportive during these times, and there is a strong sense of camaraderie as you are all working towards the signing together.

What aspect of your role do you enjoy the most?

I am always acquiring new knowledge and skills. While working on tasks in unfamiliar areas of law can sometimes feel challenging, there is a real sense of accomplishment in overcoming difficulties and progressing further in my development and career.

What has been a highlight of your experience so far during your training contract?

Participating in recruitment events is always rewarding.

For instance, I recently acted as a trainee buddy for the firm’s Spring Forward programme, where I had the opportunity to engage with students interested in pursuing a career in law.

This was a valuable experience, given that I was in a similar position only a few years prior. I enjoyed helping the students and answering any questions they had.

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