PLACEMENTS

Sehar Husain

Studied: Law, Kings College London

When law students begin their penultimate year, it’s time to embrace all measures which enable us to realise our empyreal objective- becoming a lawyer of course! A vacation scheme is said to be the first rung on the legal career ladder for aspiring solicitors. However I discovered that finding the ‘perfect practice’ was not such a trivial task. Every well established City practice purports to be enterprising and friendly yet personal experience is what gives substance to that claim. I wanted to work for an international legal practice which boasted a diversified client portfolio and was sensitive to the nuances of different cultures and norms of its global clientele. I was undoubtedly drawn by Norton Rose Group because of its international offices and particularly, its presence in the Middle East as it is a fast developing financial market based on Islamic laws, an area which interests me.

The four week summer placement here allowed me to get a holistic feel of what it would be like to work for a practice of such high calibre. In terms of individual seats, I divided my time between the Banking and Corporate Finance departments, specialising in project finance and insurance respectively. It was exciting to be involved in a variety of tasks like analysing ancillary documents and loan agreements; summarising company reports; conducting legal research; writing reports on transactions which a trainee found particularly challenging and of course, there was no escaping the occasional proof reading! Not only did the level of professionalism appeal to me but also the support network which is such an integral feature here. I observed how patiently partners dealt with trainees and experienced how helpful and enthusiastic trainees were with interns such as myself, whether it concerned explaining legal jargon or simply, having a casual chat with us.

The practice has a motto: work hard, play harder. Indeed, graduate recruitment made sure we did justice to the latter and so, every week comprised of a social and group activity. From picnics at softball matches to medieval banquets, it proved to be a memorable summer for many. I particularly enjoyed the group activities as it gave us a sense of team work which is a necessary component of this legal profession. These activities sometimes brought together individuals with conflicting personalities and yet taught us how to capitalise on our strengths. On a lighter note, the mock trial unmasked quite a few talented actors in their ‘Ally McBeal’ inspired portrayal of lawyers- something I was advised to strictly restrict to living room television once I began work! We also had an opportunity to get involved in pro bono work by reading with school children in Bethnal Green and generally learn about the wide range of community work that is undertaken. For people who aspire to actively contribute to the community and enjoy it along the way, this is a fantastic platform.

Reflecting back on my placement, I can say that it had a lot to offer to a vacation scheme student and I eagerly anticipate the experience that awaits as a future trainee. Norton Rose Group not only qualified as an ‘enterprising and friendly’ practice but also as an organisation which promotes a learning culture - the unique six seat system is indicative of this. I hope to gain immensely from my training contract and in turn, contribute to every facet that establishes Norton Rose Group as an eminent international legal practice.