The Legal Cheek View
“Great salary and good quality work, but without the expectation that you stay in the office all hours” — the words of one Michelmores’ mole. It’s a compelling offer for grads on the training contract safari, so long as they’re happy to live in Exeter. Well, that used to be the case, but the firm’s expansion in London, Bristol, and Cheltenham means new opportunities for budding recruits, and a near limitless future ahead.
The firm divides its work across a wide range of fields: family matters, real estate, finance & investment, and agriculture are the largest and most well-recognised. This is not to downplay the group’s growing presence in the manufacturing, energy, and IP fields, or their impressive litigation practice and full-service capabilities in both the individual and business spheres.
Somewhat uniquely for a regional firm with big ambitions, Michelmores isn’t the product of a series of mergers. The firm was founded by a chap called Michelmore in 1887 and has grown organically from there to its current size of 57 partners and 166 additional fee earners. What’s promising from the past year is both the mix of inside promotions and outside hires. The firm has added a number of partners across its offices, poached from competitors like Charles Russell Speechlys, Pinsent Masons, and Blake Morgan, whilst also promoting from within, raising the firm’s overall partner split to 47% female. This expansion has clearly paid off: the latest financials show a 7.5% increase in turnover, up from £38.6 million last year to an impressive £41.5 million this financial term.
Equally encouraging from the point of view of potential trainees is the firm’s retention rate, currently sitting at an impressive 86%. There’s no doubt that the comfortable salary has a part to play in this, trainees being awarded £35,000-£37,000, upped to £58,000 upon qualification outside of the capital, and £72,000 in the City. We hear that the training is pretty solid too. One insider tells us of the “thorough and rounded training”, with another appreciating the “high level of responsibility and varied case load”, leaving the rookie “in control of various matters on different seats”. Whilst there are murmuring of a “laissez-faire” approach at times, juniors are unanimously positive. Particular praise is given to the availability of a client secondment, although it should be noted that preference is generally given to fresh associates over trainees.
Beyond praise for the training, rookies also have lots to say about the work culture at Michelmores. “I have worked in three offices”, says one trainee, “and everyone has always been approachable and friendly. The open plan offices really help with that because the partner and senior team members are sat at the next desk”. Others speak of “an enormous support network”, where a buddy system works alongside dedicated principals and HR supporters to keep each junior happy and developing. According to one, “the people are what make Michelmores!” — what more could you want?
One reason for this endless positivity must be the sociable hours. On average newbies work between 9 am and 6 pm, with one happy associate boasting that “working at the Exeter HQ/living in the South West means that in the summer months you are home in time to catch an evening surf or run/cycle along the quayside or coastal paths.” Sounds idyllic, and a far cry from the typical ‘no weekday plan’ hours in the City. This said, associates do make a compelling case for staying in the office beyond working hours. With recent or upcoming moves in London, Bristol, and Exeter, juniors have become familiar with the terms “impressive”, “excited”, and “great”, particularly when speaking of the swanky London office at 100 Liverpool Street, and the gym, table tennis, and food options in Exeter. Other working perks include large bonuses, an array of social events, inter-office travel, and the standard health and dental care. This is in addition to funding for the PGDL and SQE.
Another thing that had the latest recruits singing in praise was the quality of work undertaken by the firm. While the trainee “rite of passage” (mundane administrative work) does exist at Michelmores as elsewhere, we’re assured that the standard remains high. “A fair amount of responsibility” is not abnormal, nor is a varied and interesting caseload, as trainees deal with complex matters from the off. It’s difficult to say whether these comments truly do the firm’s headline cases justice. Over the past year the full-service firm has advised the Warsaw Stock Exchange on its acquisition of a majority shareholding in the Armenian Stock Exchange, superfast broadband company Wildanet on a £50 million investment, and various councils on issues ranging from land acquisition to the provision of short-stay sustainable accommodation.
The firm’s basic tech is also on the up, with trainees citing the impressive array on offer for a mid-sized firm, with plans for future expansion and development. In terms of AI, we’re told Michelmores operates basic coding packages for various work streams, but relies upon third parties for more detailed scripts, such as disclosure review platforms. When out of the office, the support continues for the lucky intake, with the firm providing ample work from home equipment and facilities. Indeed, unlike many similar firms, flexible working is encouraged for both trainees and associates. Office attendance is typically not mandated and only a requirement when necessary.
