Cadwalader attorneys are bright, highly motivated individuals with the talent and drive to take on new responsibilities and handle stimulating and sophisticated work while contributing to a tradition of innovation, and responsive, unwavering client dedication.
How many trainees does the London office recruit each year? Are you only looking for law graduates? Do you consider applicants seeking a complete career change? What are your minimum selection criteria? What are you looking for in trainees? What is the selection process? Does it matter where I undertake the GDL/LPC? What happens if I do not achieve a 2.1 or better and/or I fail the GDL/LPC? What areas of law will I be exposed to as a trainee? Will I be able to spend a seat in the New York office? Am I assessed during my training contract? Will I receive any formal training during my training contract? What benefits and rewards do you offer? What percentage of your trainees do you retain upon qualification?
How many trainees does the London office recruit each year? We recruit up to six trainees each year, with contracts commencing in September and March.
Are you only looking for law graduates? No, approximately half of our trainees come from a non-law background.
Do you consider applicants seeking a complete career change? Yes, many of our trainees join us after having had a successful career in other areas. Given the nature of our practice, candidates with a financial background are especially of interest.
What are your minimum selection criteria? You must have achieved at least two A's and a B at A-level (or equivalent) and have achieved, or be on course for, a 2.1 degree (in either law or non-law). Due to the large number of applications we receive, we are unable to interview applicants with a 2.2 degree or lower. If you have already completed either the GDL and/or the LPC, you must have passed all papers at the first attempt.
What are you looking for in trainees? We seek individuals who are innovators and problem-solvers. Equally important is the ability to communicate clearly, to use your initiative and work as part of a team, and demonstrate a genuine interest in learning about the business of the firm and of our clients. We seek trainees who not only are academically bright but who have sound judgment.
What is the selection process? Initial interviews are with a member of the HR & Training team. If successful at this stage, you will be invited to attend a second interview with our lawyers.
Does it matter where I undertake the GDL/LPC? We are flexible about where you study both courses although the majority of our trainees have attended either BPP Law School or the College of Law. We do ask, however, that you study the corporate options on the LPC.
What happens if I do not achieve a 2.1 or better and/or I fail the GDL/LPC?Unfortunately, we will withdraw our offer of a training contract.
What areas of law will I be exposed to as a trainee? You will be able to gain experience in at least three of the following areas:
- Capital Markets
- Corporate/Mergers and Acquisitions
- Financial Restructuring
- Financial Services
- Litigation
- Tax
Will I be able to spend a seat in the New York office? We do not second trainees to any other Cadwalader office.
Am I assessed during my training contract? Yes, you are assigned a supervisor with whom you share an office who will be responsible for overseeing your day-to-day work (although you may work for a number of different lawyers). The HR & Training team will also work with you to ensure that you receive all the formal training required. In addition, your supervisor will meet with you for a formal performance review every three months.
Will I receive any formal training during my training contract? You will complete all the Professional Skills Course core elements which includes training on drafting, effective writing and research, before undertaking a detailed induction. As a trainee, you will also undertake focused business skills training, including presentation and negotiation skills. Training continues beyond your training contract and, once you have qualified, Cadwalader remains committed to your continuing development.
What benefits and rewards do you offer? Currently, first year trainees earn £37,000 per annum and second year trainees earn £40,000 per annum. We also offer a comprehensive benefits package including 24 days holiday (increasing to 25 days during the 2nd year of your training contract), private healthcare and dental insurance, pension, cycle to work scheme, life assurance, season ticket loans and bonus scheme.
What percentage of your trainees do you retain? We invest a great deal of time and energy into your training - and expect you to do the same. If you successfully complete your training contract and would like to continue your career with Cadwalader, we will make every effort to accommodate your needs upon qualification.
If you would like to apply for a training contract, please submit a detailed CV and covering letter, including a breakdown of individual subject grades for your undergraduate degree, to the HR Officer at:
Email: hrdept@cwt.com Address: HR Officer Dashwood House 69 Old Broad Street London EC2M 1QS
Fax: 020 7170 8610 Tel: 020 7170 8700
Please note that the applications deadline for our 2014 trainee intake is 31 July 2012.
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