FAQs

Q: What is it like to work at Michelmores?

When we ask our staff what makes us a great place to work, time and time again our people talk about the great people they work with, the quality of work and the culture of the firm.

We believe that we have a unique culture, which is what makes Michelmores an exceptional place to work. The culture is friendly, approachable, supportive and collegiate whilst at the same time as being ambitious and driven.

With ambition comes hard work, but we do not have a 'presenteeism' culture; if the work needs to be done, you stay and do it, if not, you can go home, to the beach or catch up with friends. There are no prizes for people being late in the office unnecessarily.  

There are plenty of opportunities to become involved in life at Michelmores, whether it's being part of the social committee, representing your fellow trainees on the Staff Forum or joining one of the many sports teams.

But don't just take our word for it - see what our trainees have to say about working at Michelmores.

Q: What type of trainees are Michelmores looking for?

There is no typical type of Michelmores trainee. We embrace people's differences; it's what makes our culture so special.

What we look for in our trainees is for people who are academically strong, logical thinkers, practical problem solvers who are flexible in their approach to life. We want team players, who relish responsibility and challenges and are as passionate about the success of the firm as we are and want to be involved in that success from day one.

Ideally we are looking for people who are going to achieve a 2:1 at degree level or equivalent, although we realise that there may be genuine reasons why you don't. We are looking for fully rounded individuals who are able to show that they have drive and enthusiasm.

When recruiting trainees we are looking for our future lawyers who want to live in the South West and become part of the culture here. We want you to stick around, spot the potential in this part of the world and contribute to its realisation.

Q: How much involvement do I have in selecting my seats?

Each trainee is given the opportunity to put forward their "wish list" for each seat and we work with each trainee on an individual basis to ensure they get a varied and challenging training contract. Our approach to the seat rotation is to be fair and collegiate whilst balancing this with the needs of the business.

Whilst we encourage our trainees to spend time in each of our different departments, we recognise people's personal preferences and treat each trainee as an individual.

Q: Which law fairs are you attending this year?

If you want to find out more about us or talk to our trainees and a member of the HR team in person, we will be attending the following law fairs:

University of Nottingham  -  Wednesday 19 October
Cardiff University  -  Tuesday 1 November
University of Bristol  -  Wednesday 9 November
University of Birmingham  -  Wednesday 16 November
University of Exeter  -  Thursday 24 November

Please don`t be shy, come over and have a chat. We very much look forward to meeting you!

Q: Do you hold Open Days?

We do not hold a formal open day but we do hold a open evening each year. The open evening for 2012 will be held on Wednesday 15 February. The evening is structured for you to find out more about Michelmores and meet trainees, Partners and lawyers over an informal drink and have a tour of the office.
Please look out for more details on our website nearer the time or email claire.kearns@michelmores.com to register your interest.

Q: Can I apply for the vacation placement scheme?

The scheme is open to candidates who are able to start their training contacts in two years time, typically those who are in their second year of a law degree or their third year of a non law degree. 

Q: How do I apply?

You need to complete an online application form which can be found here. We are unable to accept CVs as a form of application for our vacation placement or training contracts.

Q: When do I need to apply?

The deadlines for applications are:
Vacation placement: 28 February 2012
Training Contract: 1 July 2012
We are not able to consider any applications made after those dates.

Q: I do not have a 2:1 degree or equivalent. Can I still apply?

Ideally we are looking for people who have or are going to achieve at least a 2:1 degree or equivalent, although we realise that there may be genuine reasons why you don't.

The majority of applications we receive have at least 3 Bs at A-level (not including AS or General Studies) and at least a 2:1 at degree level or equivalent.
If you did not achieve these results but you feel that you can offer something that will make your application stand out, then please apply and we will, of course, consider your application. You should be aware however, that competition is extremely fierce.

Q: Do you offer training contracts or vacation placement schemes in London?

Our training contracts are based in Exeter with the opportunity to spend 6 months in our London office. We do not have any current vacancies for training contacts in our London office.

Our vacation placement is based in our Exeter office; we unfortunately do not offer a vacation placement scheme in London.

Q: Do you mind where I study for my GDL/LPC??

No, we understand that candidates often have reasons for choosing a particular institution and we are happy for our future trainees to study wherever suits them best. It is worth noting, however, that the Law Society rates all LPC institutions and some are rated more highly than others. It is worth considering this when you make your decision to ensure that you receive the best training possible.

Q: What will my chargeable hours target be?

A: Michelmores generally works to a 1200 hour annual chargeable time target, although some streams of work may require more. Trainees are not expected to reach these levels.

Q: How is my billing target calculated?

A: For those expected to record 1200 hours, the billing target is calculated at achieving the recovery of at least 1,000 hours.

Q: What would my holiday entitlement be?

A: Legal staff start at 25 days p.a., plus the 8 annual Bank Holidays, together with an extra day at Christmas each year when the firm remains closed.

Q: What resources are available for research?

A: We have a full-time Librarian, together with Professional Support Lawyers in Private Client, Property and our Business departments. We subscribe to online services such as PLC, Westlaw and Lexis Nexus Butterworths. There is a central library, as well as departmental sections, and our intranet has a comprehensive knowledge management section.

Q: What social activities are there?

A: Lots! These are split between client/contact focused events which staff have an opportunity to be involved with and wholly internal events for staff. The former include the four largest and most successful corporate events in the South West - a charity run, a yacht race, a set of prestigious property awards and a breakfast club. The latter include regular informal drinks in the conservatory, a massive Christmas party, garden parties, annual quiz, treasure hunt etc. Additionally, all departments have an annual training and team building day out of the office.

Q: When is my salary reviewed?

A: Salaries are reviewed in March/April each year, with any changes to salary to take effect from 1 May.  The main exception to this is for our Trainees, who are reviewed when they embark on their second year of training and on admission.

Q: How is the firm organised?

A: Internally, the firm is split into three departments: Business, Property and Private Client.  These are supplemented by several areas of economic specialism, such as Licenced Leisure, Residential Developers, Distribution trades etc.

Q: How would I become a Partner?

A: The firm operates an excellent Associate Development Programme which is designed to help lawyers develop skills and expertise in a wide range of areas, such as management and leadership, business development etc. Successful completion of the programme will certainly enhance your chances of reaching partnership level, provided that the area in which you work is able to develop a suitable business case. We are very keen to develop as many of our own Partners as possible.

Q: What are your pension arrangements?

A: We offer an occupational pension scheme which you are eligible to join upon successful completion of your probationary period.

Q: Do you have a bonus scheme?

A: There is no formal bonus scheme below Fixed-Share Partner level but other staff can receive ad hoc bonuses for exceptional performance.

Q: How much travelling is involved?

A: This will depend entirely upon the area in which you work and the clients you become involved with. Several staff regularly visit our London office from Exeter and vice versa in order to service clients effectively. Lawyers working on some Projects and Public Sector work may need to travel to various sites around the country. There is occasional need for international travel but this is rare.

Q: Do I get a laptop and Blackberry?

A: If the role and its method of working requires it - yes.

Q: Is there a relocation allowance?

A: Not as a matter of course but this can form part of a negotiated deal for certain individuals.

Q: Do you have a car scheme?

A: No

Q: Do you have a crèche or arrangements with a nursery?

A: We do not have a crèche but we do run a Childcare Voucher scheme. Please click here for details

Q: Do you pay travel expenses for interviewees?

A: No

Q: How do you organise CPD and Training?

A: Each department has a specialist available to help design and fulfil individual training plans. We organise in-house events where appropriate and encourage lawyers to undertake wider training than solely law-related. Our Associate Development Programme will attract CPD hours and we also encourage article writing and seminar development and delivery as valuable routes to CPD hours. When the time is right, we also offer a specialist business development training course.

Q: Will I be required to make presentations?

A: This will depend upon the area in which you work but it is possible, If it is, training and practice will be offered. All applicants for the Associate Development programme will have to make a presentation to the Selection Panel as part of the assessment process.

Q: How much client contact will I have?

A: Our general aim is for all our lawyers, whether Trainees or very experienced, to have plenty of client contact. Much will depend upon the area of law in which you work.

Q: How do you organise cross-selling?

A: There are two main ways. The first is that lawyers attend the departmental meetings of other disciplines in order to raise awareness of the work undertaken in other parts of the office and to help colleagues identify suitable opportunities to cross-sell and, therefore, meet the needs of our clients more fully. Additionally, our focus on economic specialisms, such as licenced leisure and residential developers is driving a much wider approach to clients and targets, ensuring that all the services we offer are discussed rather than just the area of law undertaken by the lawyer making the contact/visit.

Q: What benefits will I receive?

A: Click here to go to the Benefits page

Q: How much holiday entitlement will I get?

A: Support staff entitlement starts at 22 days (plus etc) and rises by 1 extra day per year after twelve months' service for each of the next 5 years which means that support staff reach the maximum entitlement of 25 days (plus etc) after 3 years service. (Pro rata from anniversary date to end of holiday year, which is 31st December)

Once staff reach a basic entitlement of 25 days they have an option to buy or sell up to 5 days holiday every year.

Q: What social activities are there?

A: Lots! These are split between client/contact focused events which staff have an opportunity to be involved with and wholly internal events for staff. The former include the four largest and most successful corporate events in the South West - a charity run, a yacht race, a set of prestigious property awards and a breakfast club. The latter include regular informal drinks in the conservatory, a massive Christmas party, garden parties, annual quiz, treasure hunt etc. Additionally, all departments have an annual training and team building day out of the office.

Q: What benefits will I receive?

A: Click here to go to the Benefits page

Q: When is my salary reviewed?

A: Salaries are reviewed in March/April each year, with any changes to salary to take effect from 1 May.

Q: What are your pension arrangements?

A: We offer an occupational pension scheme which you are eligible to join upon successful completion of your probationary period.

Q: Do you have a bonus scheme?

A: There is no formal bonus scheme below Fixed-Share Partner level but other staff can receive ad hoc bonuses for exceptional performance.

Q: Do you have a créche or arrangements with a nursery?

A: We do not have a crèche but we do run a Childcare Voucher scheme. Please click here for details.

Q: Do you pay travel expenses for interviewees?

A: No