A recent newly qualified associate, tells us how to get through the interview process and what to expect when you get here have the potential to be a great trainee solicitor at Eversheds Sutherland.
What is your name?
Shehan Kamal
What is your role at Eversheds Sutherland?
Associate.
Which department and office do you work in?
I work in the Commercial team and I’m based in Manchester. What made you decide to pursue a career in law? I wanted to work in an industry where I’d be constantly learning academically while also being heavily people focused. Law was a perfect blend of the two for me and I have found out that I also really enjoy talking to businesses and helping them anticipate and navigate potential issues before they arise.
What was your route into Eversheds Sutherland?
I joined Eversheds Sutherland after completing a summer vacation scheme.
Competition for places on our training contracts is fierce. What tips would you give applicants to help them stand out?
Recruitment is definitely a two way process so I would suggest to not forget to find your motivation as to why you want to train at Eversheds Sutherland, and then find out what it is about you that makes you a person that Eversheds Sutherland would want to train! It sounds simple but it’s a lot of research into the firm (including its clients, its sectors and its work) and also a fair amount of focusing inwards to see what it is about you that makes you an ideal candidate. Underpinning the both of them is a recognition that law firms are in the business of providing services and a commitment to service excellence whether to your colleagues or clients will help you stand out.
What seats did you complete during your training contract?
I rotated through Real Estate, Banking and Restructuring, Commercial, and Insurance.
Did you complete a secondment during your training contract? If so, tell us about it…
Despite the pandemic, I undertook two short secondments to two of our clients (Legal & General and Lockton) during my seat in Insurance. Although the experience was virtual due to the pandemic, the work itself was incredibly interesting and it was quite different working within a client’s legal team when compared to working within a law firm. I gained first-hand experience in understanding what our clients care about when utilising external lawyers and how they approach managing risk within their own businesses. It also helped build relationships with clients which is always excellent experience to get at an early stage of your career.
What sort of interaction do you have with Eversheds Sutherland partners?
Interaction with partners across both the UK and our international offices is on a daily basis and includes working with them on live matters, being mentored and catching up socially. The partners at Eversheds Sutherland are all friendly and approachable and importantly willing to take time to teach you and help you grow. They are also excellent law practitioners and working alongside them is a constant learning process.
What about clients? How do you interact with them?
Clients are at the heart of what we do and I interact with them on a regular basis through emails, video calls, over the phone, and when the opportunity presents, in person as well. Eversheds Sutherland has a strong client focus and junior lawyers are encouraged to build relationships with clients and are given the support and guidance to feel comfortable doing so.
Do you get the opportunity to do any pro bono work?
Yes, our pro bono work is quite varied and the firm does encourage everyone to get involved. Opportunities vary from helping local not for profit businesses to assisting at the courts.
What is the level of support/supervision like during your training contract?
Support is always available and my experience has been that everyone in the firm is keen to help you learn and deliver an excellent service. Supervision is steady without being stifling and partners and senior lawyers are keen to help you stand on your own two feet as a lawyer while also providing a safety net and being an excellent resource when you’re embarking on something that you may not be that comfortable with.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
Easily the most rewarding part of the job is earning client’s trusts by advising them on legal risks and ways that they can deliver their business objectives. Seeing long and complex deals/projects to completion is also extremely satisfying.
What do you enjoy most about working at Eversheds Sutherland?
The quality of the work that comes in at Eversheds Sutherland is really interesting and engaging. It’s never a dull moment and our clients approach us asking for advice to some of their most complex issues.
In what ways have you found it to be a friendly and inclusive place to work?
Across the firm I’ve found that there is a strong focus on friendly collaboration, and that has been my personal experience of the people that work at Eversheds Sutherland as well. On a more systemic level, we have various networks within each office which are represented to the board. Eversheds Sutherland has also invested in training around unconscious biases as well as around different communication and work styles which helps us all realise our blind spots.
Have you found there to be much of a social scene at Eversheds Sutherland?
Absolutely! There’s always something on that you’ll be able to get involved in from the junior lawyers groups, team socials, industry events to the many people you’ll work alongside who are likely to want to get to know you on a personal level too.
What has most surprised you about your time with us?
I was most surprised by the level of support and resources available at Eversheds Sutherland, the people are so helpful and the firm invests a lot in training and updates so while it’s challenging at times, it’s never insurmountable.
What have you learned about what a career as a lawyer is like?
I don’t think there’s one answer to this and it’s ultimately going to depend on what you want out of your career. Generally though, it’s a rewarding and fulfilling career.
How did you find the process of applying for an NQ role?
Applying for NQ positions was relatively straightforward, the roles are circulated by team and location and application is by way of a cover letter, CV, and your training records.
What are your ambitions for the rest of your career?
It’s to keep growing, keep developing and bring other people along on that journey