Rebecca Gibson tells us what it's like to train with a City law firm outside London.

How long have you been working for Eversheds? How is it going?

I am now 4 months into my training contract with Eversheds in the Leeds office, after taking 9 months out to travel around South America. The first week involved the Professional Skills Course in a hotel in Warwickshire, which was a nice introduction to working life and a great way to meet the other trainees from all our offices.

Since then, it’s been a steep learning curve but one that I’ve really enjoyed. After 4 years of studying law, it’s nice to actually be able to put it into practice and achieve tangible commercial results for clients. I’m in the Litigation department at the moment and have enjoyed the variety that it provides, as well as the opportunity to get out of the office to interview witnesses or perhaps meet with Counsel to discuss case strategy.

What made you choose a law firm outside the conventional?

Whilst some might find the move to Leeds unusual for an Oxford student, a training contract with Eversheds is really a rather conventional choice! Eversheds is the biggest law firm in the UK and one of the largest law firms in the world, and as a leader in its field, it provides a solid training. Personally, I liked the idea of taking advantage of the better work-life balance offered in the regions without having to compromise on the quality and type of work offered. I was also very interested in the opportunities that Eversheds offer to be seconded out to the Paris, Brussels or Shanghai offices, and am hoping to work in Paris myself in the next year. But it was the two-weeks work experience that I did at the Leeds’ office whilst at Oxford that sealed it for me - the fee-earners were all friendly and approachable and the work challenging but interesting. I knew it would be a place where I could flourish.

Do you feel as though you get a more rounded training programme, with more responsibility?

It’s difficult to say, not having experience at any other firms. But some of the stories that you hear of trainees doing endless photocopying or copy-checking etc. certainly do not apply here. I have been given my own litigation files to handle and am encouraged to use my initiative and step in to support my colleagues where appropriate. In my second week, my supervisor fell ill and so I was sent off to a consultation with Counsel in London to represent Eversheds. Scary, when I was first told of it, but a brilliant experience all round and something that has really helped me develop my confidence.

As the Leeds office takes on only 10 trainees a year, it is easy to make an impression and to get involved with things that you might not otherwise have even thought about. Already I have done a range of pro bono work, gone to a number of industry social events and last weekend, I was part of the Eversheds dragon boat team racing along the River Aire to raise money for charity - great fun!

Are there plenty of options for students outside London?

Whilst the magic circle is obviously not really an option outside London, many middle-tier firms have offices outside of London, offering high-quality work and opportunities. If you know what you are looking for, I would certainly consider looking outside of London - I’m sure you would find it.

Do you know many other Oxbridge lawyers in Leeds?

I know at least 3 Oxbridge lawyers just amongst the trainees at Eversheds and the regions do attract and retain many talented lawyers. Academics alone are not enough however and applicants to Eversheds will need to show a broad skill-set, with participation in extra-curricular activities and commercial awareness being high on recruiters’ lists.

Where do you live? What is Leeds like?

I’m commuting from Doncaster at the moment (back with the parents) but I’m looking for flats in Leeds’ city centre and can’t wait for the move. Leeds has plenty of high-spec flats within walking distance of work, the river and Leeds’ many bars and restaurants and I’ll be paying a lot less than I paid whilst studying in London last year. The night-life in Leeds is great and it’s nice that everything is within walking (or short cab-ride) distance. There’s always lots going on in the city, from the recent Taste food festival, to outdoor gigs in Millennium Square. I’m also not far from the Peak District and the North York moors, which are perfect for a Sunday walk followed by a pub lunch.

One of the benefits of the regions over London is the Junior Lawyers’ Division, which is generally much more active. It’s easy for junior lawyers to get involved to organise different social and career events - a really good way of making friends outside your firm (and feeling like you’re back at University for an evening).