London Trainees: What It's Really Like

Many law firms, including Arnold & Porter, have a definite style of practice and work environment. We think ours is spirited, open, welcoming, and collegial. We encourage our lawyers to be themselves.  Intelligence, originality, initiative, and independent judgment are highly respected. All lawyers, regardless of their experience, are expected to express their views on substantive firm matters.

The London office reflects the environment of the firm generally with its collegial and informal atmosphere, regular informal social gatherings, smart business-casual dress policy, team based assignment policies and a leading pro bono programme.

When you join Arnold & Porter you will be introduced to the firm through our induction programme. This includes information about the firm’s practices and procedures and training in the use of our IT systems, library, and online data sources. You will attend the “fast track” Professional Skills Course which is provided externally for the firm.

During your training contract you will have the opportunity to spend six months working within four of our practice groups―FDA and Healthcare, Intellectual Property, Corporate and Securities, and Telecoms/Competition. Arnold & Porter encourages individuals to work across specialisms, so you may well find that whilst you are working in one group, you undertake work in a variety of different areas and for a variety of partners and fee-earners throughout the firm. You may also have an opportunity to work in our Brussels office.

The training programme in our London office includes in-house as well as external training sessions, providing professional development training that is linked to a competencies framework.

Visit the profiles of some London associates and hear first hand about the firm from Jackie Vincenti and Ben Kieft.