Out of the comfort zone
The word globalization is thrown around a lot nowadays. And for good reason. As the events of the past few years have illustrated there is no escaping what is now a fully international business environment.
As business and finance become ever more globally integrated a new and specific breed of lawyer is needed, one with a clear understanding of how the requirements of their clients are changing in this increasingly international landscape. With a fully-integrated network of offices spread across 26 countries and five continents, Allen & Overy has established itself as one of the world’s few truly global law firms. An important part of the firm’s development has been ensuring its staff share the same global outlook.
With this in mind trainee solicitors are given the chance to apply to spend part of their second year of training working in an international office. This experience is an important milestone in giving trainees the international exposure needed to be able to perform in today’s multicultural business environment. Depending on their interests and language abilities, Allen & Overy trainees have an array of locations to choose from – Munich to Moscow, Shanghai to Singapore – the world really is their oyster.
And it’s not just overseas where trainees are able to expand their legal skills. Trainees can also apply to spend between three and six months in-house with a major client, usually based in London. It’s here that trainees gain a greater understanding of the demands of their clients and exposure to the products they use, experience which will later prove invaluable when crafting legal advice for them.
The training contract is arguably the most important time in a lawyer’s development. While no two experiences are the same – trainees have been sent as far afield as China while others have opted for London – secondments have had a significant role to play in allowing trainees to progress to associate and beyond. But what of the day-to-day challenges of a relatively inexperienced trainee thrown into the unknown of a far flung city or a major investment bank? What lies behind the glamour of soaring skyscrapers and bulging business districts, sushi lunches and siestas? Three trainees reflect on their experiences, and offer some hints and tips to future trainees following in their footsteps.
Milan
