Chambers Student Guide (sister publication of Chambers) has released its annual review of law firms who offer traineeships.
The publications are considered the bible for students and graduates seeking law firm training contracts. They offer an unbiased, independent advice on the type of training contract, culture and working environment.
The trainees take part in a survey and are guaranteed anonymity to give them confidence to speak frankly about the firm, ensuring the write ups are as accurate as possible.
We are delighted to share the highlights of our 2023 results with you.
The firm
Starting strong Chambers Student 2023 said: “You may think that competition in the legal market is less fierce in the Home Counties than in the capital, but we can assure you that there’s no shortage of firms vying to be top dog. Our interviewees placed Blaser Mills up there among the best of them”
Chambers UK went on to comment further about the firm: “Chambers UK praises Blaser Mills’ personal legal services work in particular at the moment: the firm gains rankings for its family, personal injury and crime expertise (the latter of which is rated in the top tier for the area). Chambers High Net Worth, meanwhile, gives kudos to Blaser Mills’ private wealth law know-how, which includes tax planning and Court of Protection work in the region. On the commercial side, it’s Blaser Mills’ real estate practice that currently shines the brightest”.
Trainee life
Our trainees have left us a glowing reference in particular highlighting what the culture is like at Blaser Mills Law: “Trainees told us that they “genuinely like each other!” … “we are just friends for real. We gather for lunch and we’re playing badminton tonight – we try and get new people to come along, too.” This is all part of the Blaser Mills experience of “learning to be a little family.” We heard that people are unanimously “very supportive and looking to help each other,” with trainees receiving mentorship from lawyers who are usually a few years post-qualification: “We can speak to them about anything and usually meet with them for a coffee once or twice during a seat to catch up.” Senior partners were rated for their support: “They’re brilliant. They come around to say hi. They always have an open door, and you can have a chat and a laugh with them. In the coffee room we can crack jokes and be open. It’s very welcoming and warm”.
Diversity & Inclusion
The outstanding work our Responsible Business Director, Tracy Jones, carries out has had some fantastic feedback: “developing the firm, making a lot of changes and going in the right direction.” An emphasis on diversity and inclusion is one of these changes – “it’s getting there. We’ve got a D&I forum and we’ve had talks with partners and people are receptive and proactive.” Overall, Blaser Mills was rated as boasting an “inclusive and comfortable environment.”
Female sources were also happy to report that: “there are many women in the partnership and senior roles, which is appealing.” Another interviewee added: “The firm is really good with its diversity and inclusion training, along with its mental health training.”
We would like to thank all of our trainees for taking part in the research and to Chambers Student for our write up.
You can read the full Chambers Student 2023 review here: https://www.chambersstudent.co.uk/blaser-mills-law/true-picture/6014/1