Trainee Eddie, who studied Law with German Law at the University of Nottingham previously completed a vacation scheme and started his training contract in September 2021. Here, Eddie reflects on what he did on the scheme and provides helpful tips for candidates looking to apply to Weil…

Weil, for me, is collegiate, supportive, and meritocratic.

I was attracted to Weil because of the Firm’s well-balanced practice portfolio across the board. While the Firm is well-recognised in certain areas, such as Private Equity and Restructuring, Weil also stands out as market-leading across all its practice areas. From a cultural perspective, I was attracted by the small trainee intake. Early hands-on responsibility was very important to me, and I liked the fact that this created a collegiate feeling within the Firm. Everybody knows each other on a first-name basis, and from day one you feel like part of the team. 

The vacation scheme gave me the certainty that whichever department I was placed in during my training contract, I would be involved in pioneering work advising on the most high-profile transactions within the industry. I saw that my career would be well supported working alongside partners who are considered the best in the business.

I completed a two-week vacation scheme, sitting in the Banking & Finance department. I was invited to the team's weekly training events and attended a client meeting. This introduction to Weil’s staff and exposure to some of the Firm’s key clients made me feel that I was a valued member of the team. In addition to completing tasks for my supervisor, I undertook a research task for one of Weil’s pro bono clients. It was rewarding to experience Weil’s pro bono work first-hand and see how seriously the Firm takes this work.  The vacation scheme demonstrated the responsibility that lawyers are given at Weil, even at the very earliest stages of their careers.

During both the vacation scheme and the LPC, the support I have received from the Firm has been exceptional.

Weil provided me with a supervisor and trainee buddy during the vacation scheme. My trainee buddy took me out for lunch and answered all my questions – I felt I could ask them anything. It was great to be able to chat with someone who had also completed a vacation scheme at the Firm and to learn from their experiences. 

Throughout my time as a future trainee, I remained in regular contact with my vacation scheme supervisor and the Early Careers team. Before commencing the LPC, the Firm arranged a session for future trainees to hear from current trainees who shared insights into the LPC and recommended exam strategies. This proved extremely helpful for revision purposes. The Firm also organised several future trainee socials. This support, along with my vacation scheme experience, enabled me to feel excited and confident about commencing my training contract at the Firm after my LPC. 

My top tips for applicants:

• My main piece of advice for the application process is to ensure that you research Weil in depth. Candidates need to understand the type of work that Weil advises on and the sort of clients the Firm works with. This research will help you to understand how Weil differentiates itself from other firms. Weil has lots of useful resources on its website as well as the early careers page which regularly discusses the type of work Weil is advising on - these are key pieces of reading in preparation for your application or interview.

Want to develop your legal knowledge?

Enrol in our virtual experience programme, and gain hands-on experience of the type of tasks a trainee would get involved in while working in our Private Equity, Banking & Finance and Restructuring teams.