Graduate Recruitment

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We provide excellent advice to our clients based on technical expertise but also delivering a commercial solution. At the same time, we believe that work should be fun and as a firm we support a wide range of social and CSR activities.

The best law firms require the best people. A talented lawyer needs the right training and support so they can thrive and reach their full potential.

Our lawyers make it possible for us to provide the consistently exceptional level of service that our clients require. We know that this is only possible in a supportive but challenging environment where they can develop their individual strengths and talents. That’s our commitment to you and one which we hope will encourage you to make the most of the opportunities on offer.

Lawyers do not walk through the door as the finished article, and we understand that trainees require a structured programme before they can fulfil their potential. We provide in-depth

legal training, but knowledge of the law is only part of the story. Our clients require advisors who can help them achieve their goals, so we spend time developing your business skills as well. This gives you the ability to see things from a client’s point of view.

Trainees have been at the heart of our growth as we have become one of the UK’s top 50 law firms. Many of our partners trained with us and we’re proud of their development and success and we will continue to invest in the right people.

For the right candidate, your future and our future are one and the same.

As senior partner I am delighted to have the opportunity to tell you about Gateley. Over recent years we have grown significantly, from a three office Midlands firm to a national firm with a network of offices across England, Scotland and Dubai with approximately 775 people. The figures speak for themselves – Gateley is an exciting, ambitious firm to work for, which has gained a reputation as a leading national law firm and achieved growth even during the recession.

Michael Ward

Welcome

Our people are key to our development – we aim to recruit not only the most able candidates but also those who will enjoy being part of our team.

What helps set us apart is that we’re a fun, enthusiastic and down to earth firm where team spirit is just as important as personal achievement. Regular sports, social and community activities help to encourage a positive working atmosphere and there will be plenty of opportunities for you to get involved. Enthusiasm, a can-do attitude and a desire to be the best you can be are key attributes for our trainees. We are looking for trainees who will enjoy working with us and be passionate about delivering the best possible service to our clients.

As a multi-disciplinary firm, we have a broad range of business units spread across our ten locations. These include Banking & Finance, Commercial, Technology & Media (CTM), Employment, Pensions, Construction, Real Estate,

Planning and Regeneration, Energy, Litigation & Dispute Resolution, Corporate and Real Estate Tax, Shipping & Transport and Private Client. Our depth and breadth of work allows us to offer a range of opportunities for our trainees. You will work directly with clients allowing you to build your practical legal knowledge as well as communication and client-care skills and an understanding of the markets within which our clients operate. Your training schedule will be tailored to your needs. We have a four-seat, six month rotation schedule, and in each placement you will be guided and supported by senior lawyers.

We encourage a broad range of experience during your training contract and in addition to the mandatory training courses provide structured training in areas of the law and in the practical skills you will need. The opportunities are there for the taking.

I joined Gateley as a Corporate partner in 2003, and took on the role of training principal with responsibility for our graduate recruitment in 2009. The firm has grown significantly, but we have always been passionate about our trainees and recruiting the right people.

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Katie Silvester

Our largest office is renowned both locally and nationally, and since it’s inception has been located in the heart of the city. Trainees have the opportunity to immerse themselves in a range of practice areas including; Banking, Corporate, Corporate Recovery, Commercial, Dispute Resolution, Construction, Employment, Real Estate and Tax.

Q Describe your role as a trainee at Gateley.

A At the beginning of my training contract this was about balancing the demands of drafting work to contribute to a file, researching various facets of a matter, arranging social events and helping to organise the firm’s CSR and social calendar.

By the end of my fourth seat, this was still very much the case, except I was managing my own files as well.

One of the great things about being a trainee and working at the firm is that there really is no such thing as a typical day. Across the course of two years each task will be different and you will definitely learn something new every day!

Q What has been the key lesson you have learnt while you have been at Gateley?

A Legal understanding and knowledge is something that develops over time, but a willingness to get involved and an enthusiasm for your work is what really makes a trainee stand out. Gateley has the right mix of commercial perspective and legal acumen to ensure that clients don’t only get the service they need, they get the service they want.

Q What advice would you give to someone who wants to pursue a career in law?

A Work hard but remember that law is a people business – make sure you take every chance to develop your communication skills (written and oral) and your ability to speak and present in public.

Birmingham Jonny Dugdale NQ – Real Estate

Jonny Dugdale

Having entered the Yorkshire market in 2012, the Leeds team has gone from strength to strength, tripling in size in its first three years. Located in the heart of the city’s commercial district, Gateley has drawn upon local knowledge and expertise to become one of the region’s most dynamic firms. Our first trainee will join the Leeds office in 2015 and will have the opportunity to sit in a number of departments including; Dispute Resolution, Corporate, Corporate Recovery and Real Estate.

I joined Gateley in March 2012 as a paralegal in the Corporate Recovery team following the completion of my LPC. At that time, the Leeds office had been operational for little over two months, in fact there were just six people working in the office, all members of the Corporate Recovery team.

Fast-forward to today, whilst I’m still currently a paralegal, I’m now working in the Dispute Resolution team and have secured a training contract with Gateley to commence in 2015.

Applying for a training contract at Gateley, the attraction was obvious; in my experience, it’s a unique firm. It possesses an excellent client base and is a major national player increasingly involved in high profile work, yet it retains a friendly atmosphere throughout its offices, which is something everyone is proud of.

As the office has expanded so has my knowledge and range of experience, too much to fit within the confines of this brochure. However, if I had to pick two highlights of my time at Gateley so far, I would have to say that they are assisting the Dispute Resolution team with an

injunction case for a national house builder and assisting the Corporate Recovery team with a bankruptcy tourism case for a German Tax Authority, both of which involved me heading to the High Court in London.

There is a lot to be said for being a paralegal first, particularly at Gateley. It enables you to get fantastic experience as well as an understanding of what is required when you become a trainee, and then a solicitor. My experience as a paralegal will stand me in good stead for my training contract and beyond in my legal career.

Martin Barnes

LeedsMartin Barnes Paralegal and future trainee

Leicester Gail Whyte Solicitor – Dispute Resolution

Established in 1997, Gateley’s Leicester office was the second to open. From its city centre base, it now advises some of the most high profile businesses in the region. Trainees in our Leicester office have the opportunity to sit in a number of different departments including; Dispute Resolution, Corporate, Real Estate and Private Client.

Q What do you think sets Gateley apart from other firms?

A The firm’s culture and people. I genuinely love working at Gateley, there is a great team spirit across all offices and trainees are made to feel part of the teams they are working in.

Q How do you feel Gateley has helped you to develop as a lawyer?

A Undoubtedly Gateley has enabled me to develop by giving me quality work both as a trainee and a solicitor, providing encouragement and support, and most of all, making my job so enjoyable. My opinions and thoughts are valued and throughout my time at Gateley I have been given ‘proper’ work to do that assists the team I’m in.

Q How much responsibility does a trainee have over their work?

A It depends on the department but in general the amount of responsibility you’re given increases over the course of each seat and your training contract. For example in Corporate I drafted and negotiated a share buyback agreement towards the end of my seat, having started off drafting simple board minutes and resolutions. In Dispute Resolution, I had a small claim that I ran myself under supervision.

Your three top tips for others that are applying to Gateley:

1. Do your research: read the firm’s website, follow us on Twitter and read our blogs;

2. Think about why you want to work in Leicester or Nottingham or Birmingham etc and be able to explain this; and

3. Show your personality on the application. That doesn’t mean go mad and give wacky answers, but don’t just say what you think the person reading the application wants to hear. Be honest and be yourself.

Gail Whyte

LondonOyinade Adebiyi Solicitor – CTM

Located at 1 Paternoster Square, our London office is superbly situated in the hub of the financial district, next to the London Stock Exchange and overlooking the ultimate London landmark, St Paul’s Cathedral. Trainees in our London office have the opportunity to sit in our Banking, Corporate, Corporate Recovery, CTM (Commerce, Technology and Media), Employment and Real Estate departments.

My journey began when I visited the University of Birmingham Law Fair as an anxious and stressed third year law student. There I met an enthusiastic Gateley trainee who encouraged me to apply for the summer vacation scheme. After completing the vacation scheme, I was fortunate enough to be offered a training contract in the Birmingham office. I completed four, six months seats in Corporate Recovery, Corporate, Construction and Real Estate. The start of a new seat was always a little daunting as it required delving somewhat into the unknown.

However, I found that as I worked on high profile projects and managed some of my own files, my confidence grew. Each day, I acquired a new transferable skill or knowledge which took me a step closer to becoming a fully-fledged solicitor.

Following my training contact, I qualified into the firm’s CTM team and now specialise in Media, which is a truly bespoke and exciting area. The fact that I didn’t undertake a seat in CTM only shows how transferable the skills acquired during the Gateley training contract are, and how supportive the firm can be of your own individual passions and career aspirations.

Due to the London centric nature of the work I began doing upon qualification, I returned to my London roots and transferred to the firm’s London office.

The CTM team acts for leading TV and film producers, game developers, publishers and musicians. It is an area that requires a solid understanding of copyright law and is extremely rewarding. Since qualifying I have been to the Cannes Film Festival and I have also done mini secondments with a couple of reputable clients (not forgetting the chance to go to the odd awards ceremony and film premiere!). Five years down the line, I am happy with every career decision I have made and would definitely recommend Gateley as a place to train and work.

Oyinade Adebiyi

Lawyers based within our Manchester office are highly regarded throughout the North West for their commercial skills and the results achieved for their clients. Trainees in our Manchester office have the opportunity to sit in a range of teams including Banking, Commercial, Dispute Resolution, Construction, Corporate, Corporate Recovery, Employment, Real Estate and Pension departments.

As a trainee at Gateley you are given high profile work and benefit from direct contact with clients from day one of your training contract, both of which are critical for good training. For me, Gateley stands out for the importance it places on its people and their relationships with colleagues and clients.

The initial two week induction for all first year trainees is held at the Birmingham office and those of us who were travelling some distance, stayed in a local hotel for that period. This provided a great opportunity for us to get to know one another which helps us work together and support each other as we go through our training contract and into qualification.

Gateley is known for its ‘work hard, play hard’ approach and this applies to trainees too – we are fully involved in the variety of social events that the firm undertakes from charity events to team and client drinks, local and office wide social activities and a variety of sporting events to suit all abilities.

We play a key role in organising many of the firm’s charity and social events helping us to develop a range of skills, from time management (making sure we meet our work commitments at the same time), our commercial skills (agreeing and keeping to a budget), negotiation skills (liaising with external party venues and suppliers) and the nebulous ‘commercial awareness’.

At the same time, it ensures we quickly become part of the firm, meeting and speaking to local and national colleagues and clients – essential to enable us to play our part in the Gateley team.

In the 12 months since I joined we have organised and planned many of these events. In the last year we have organised a St Patrick’s Day pub quiz, a summer World Cup themed BBQ and end of financial year events, to name but a few. It’s great to get involved with these events because it helps to build connections and links outside the firm, and there is a great sense of pride and achievement when we, as trainees have collaborated to make each event a success.

ManchesterConor Hannon 2nd year trainee

Conor Hannon

Following the success of our Leicester office and the opportunities created by the firm in the East Midlands, our Nottingham office swiftly followed Leicester, opening in 2000. Gateley is a highly regarded legal adviser to some of Nottingham’s foremost organisations. Trainees in our Nottingham office quickly establish themselves in teams and have the opportunity to sit in our Banking, Corporate, Employment, CTM, Real Estate and Corporate Recovery departments.

Q Why did you apply to Gateley?

A Gateley stood out to me at a law fair as the people representing the firm were down to earth and energetic, and this was reinforced by the welcoming and friendly people we met on the assessment day.

Q Explain a bit about the work you did in your last seat.

A As a Corporate trainee, generally my work fell into one of three categories: (i) dealing with a relatively straight-forward matter for an existing client, for example, drafting the paperwork and liaising with the client on a simple share reorganisation;

(ii) assisting a team on a large deal by preparing the suite of ancillary documents, the disclosure process or performing basic due diligence; or (iii) dealing with routine matters like writing up statutory books or Companies House filings. Although I never managed a matter completely on my own, I was encouraged to take initiative and try to plan the next stages, so that with the right guidance I could move a matter forward.

Q What has been the key lesson you have learnt while you have been at Gateley?

A The miraculous transformation from day one of your training contract, with little or no practical legal experience to competent qualified solicitor does not happen overnight and at times it can feel like a steep learning curve. However, by reflecting and working with your colleagues to set targets, recognise your achievements and then raise your expectations of yourself, it is a rewarding and enjoyable journey. The key is to use your initiative and keep on improving.

NottinghamMegan Kirby NQ – Banking

Megan Kirby

Dubai is our only international office and is a hub of investment and activity in the Middle East where we specialise in Banking, Corporate, Construction, Private Equity and Real Estate development. In 2014 two of our trainees enjoyed a secondment to our Dubai office and undertook predominantly international Corporate work.

DubaiEmma Clarke 2nd year trainee

At Gateley (Dubai) we like to be in for 8:30am as that’s when the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre opens, which is the authority that regulates the free zone in which we are based.

We predominantly work with companies based all over the World and high net worth individuals. I have worked with clients from Africa, Austria, England, India and France. The work that we undertake for these clients varies greatly.

In a typical day I could be involved in the following;

1. Drafting part of a joint venture agreement between a company based in Dubai and a foreign investor to establish a limited liability company that will be based in Dubai;

2. Drafting part of a lease on behalf of a hotel operator who wishes to open a nightclub next to their hotel;

3. Undertaking a piece of research based on the laws of another Emirate. A client recently required an understanding of health and safety laws in Abu Dhabi which we provided to them. Even when assisting with matters that are Dubai centric, legal research is a core part of any work as the rules and regulations which govern businesses based in Dubai are constantly evolving;

4. Keeping abreast of business developments in the United Arab Emirates to prepare our monthly client updates. As a practice specialising in Corporate and Real Estate law we like to be up to date with business developments in the UAE so that we can make our clients aware of any changes that may have an impact on their business; and

5. Attending a networking event put on by the British Business Group - which often takes place in a 5* hotel.

Emma Clarke

As an SVP student you are involved in a variety of areas of work. During my two weeks at the firm, I was involved in drafting and amending legal documents, attending meetings with clients, taking attendance notes and researching legal issues. These were passed to me not only by my supervisor, but others in the department who were keen to talk me through the work they were doing and to help get me involved. This provided me with invaluable feedback and expert knowledge.

There was also the opportunity to sit in on a department meeting and watch interdepartmental communication in action. As well as this, each department hosts training sessions throughout the two weeks, giving you an invaluable insight into all areas of the firm.

As an SVP student, there is an expectation that you will work hard, take initiative and be enthusiastic. There is no expectation of previous legal knowledge, as everyone is more than willing to sit down and discuss any of the cases they are working on as well as the working practices that need to be followed.

Gateley also organised a number of additional events, specifically for those of us that were on the vacation scheme. We enjoyed an introductory lunch, a dinner and social evening with the current trainees and a farewell lunch at the end of the two week vacation placement.

We were also invited to partake in all of the charity and sporting events that were arranged for the duration of our two week scheme which offered further opportunities to acquaint ourselves with Gateley and its staff.

I chose to apply to Gateley for a number of reasons. The fact that they are a full range, multi-disciplinary firm is undoubtedly appealing to any prospective trainee, as is the number of highly rated individuals that they have working in their departments. The other attractive characteristic of Gateley, which was highlighted to me on the SVP is that it is the most welcoming law firm I have ever encountered, their employees are enthusiastic, open and friendly. It seems the more pertinent question would be: “Why wouldn’t you apply to Gateley?”.

Summer Vacation PlacementAnna MacDonald Former SVP student, future trainee, current Legal Assistant

Anna MacDonald

We take our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) at Gateley very seriously and we are proud of who we are and what we do. Each of Gateley’s offices has a local charity that it sponsors and because it’s a local charity, a close-knit relationship is formed. In addition, the firm actively encourages every member of staff to get involved in CSR activities in any way possible – whether it’s walking dogs for an animal sanctuary at the weekend or sitting on a board of school governors – Gateley believes that we really can give something back.

The trainees at Gateley play a very important role when it comes to the firm’s CSR policy. The trainees are responsible for organising fundraising events including bake sales, charity social events, bucket collections, dress down days and more; Gateley trainees are very much on the frontline of the firm’s fundraising and CSR activity.

I was the firm’s national trainee CSR representative during 2013/2014 and my role was to co-ordinate fundraising events both locally and nationally. This involved all of the trainees pulling together to each play a part in organising some great events and participating in them too! From putting up posters and selling raffle tickets to co-ordinating food and entertainment for fundraisers and running marathons – we all did our bit.

Why is that important? Because not only is it all for a great cause or causes, but it teaches you people and relationship management. For example I had close working relationships with several points of contacts at different charities and I would meet with them regularly. It also encourages greater inter-personal skills – something every good trainee solicitor needs.

CSREmma Taylor NQ - Residential Development - Leeds

Emma Taylor

I originally started at Gateley on a summer vacation placement in August 2000 following which I was assessed, interviewed and offered a training contract starting in September 2002. My training contract consisted of seats in the Corporate Recovery, Corporate, Property and Banking & Finance departments following which I chose to qualify into the Corporate team focusing on Private Equity. During the first few years following qualification, I spent my time working on a number of transactions advising clients from both a debt and equity perspective.

Whilst my original focus was on Private Equity, I eventually spent the majority of my time advising a range of clients on the debt aspects and it was at that point that I fully embraced my position as a Banking & Finance solicitor. I was promoted to associate in 2007, senior associate in 2010 and then to partner in 2013. At which point I moved to London to help develop the practice in the City.

Having spent over 12 years with the firm, it is needless to say that I have enjoyed and still enjoy my time here. This is generally down to the variety of the clients I work for, the huge range of transactions I work on but, more importantly, the people I work with.

It has been exciting to be part of the significant growth experienced by the firm over the last 10 years including the opening of many new offices.

As clichéd as it may sound, I have had a fantastic 12 years at the firm.

The fact that it feels as though it was only last week that I first stepped through the door as a slightly bewildered vacation student, is probably indicative of how quickly the time has gone and how enjoyable it’s been. There are sometimes challenging, difficult days, there always will be as a solicitor, but it’s having a supportive team around you that helps you not just get through them, but look forward to the next challenge.

Trainee to PartnerJake Robinson Partner - Banking - London

Jake Robinson

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Key dates

Career path

Begin 2 year Training Contract

Qualify as a Solicitor

Associate

Senior Associate

Partner / Legal Director

Gateley will be attending University Law Fairs.

October & November 2014 01 November 2014

Applications open for 2015 Summer Vacation Placements and for 2017 Training Contracts with Gateley.

31 January 2015

Closing date for receiving Summer Vacation Placement applications.

Easter 2015

Selected applicants invited to a half day assessment for our 2015 Summer Vacation Placements.

Law Students

Apply in penultimate year of University and afterwards for SVP placements and Training

Contracts with us

Complete the LPC at the University of Law

Non-Law Students

Apply in final year of degree and afterwards for SVP or Training

Contracts with us

Complete the GDL at the University of Law

Complete the LPC at the University of Law

Our application process

Gateley offers a structured summer vacation placement (SVP) scheme for second year law students or third/final year non-law students interested in applying for a training contract with us. We also invite applications from postgraduate candidates. Our summer placement scheme reflects the format of Gateley’s training contract, the aim is to offer candidates a snapshot of training with us. As such, as an SVP student, you will be performing duties similar to those of a trainee and have involvement in the day-to-day departmental work.

If you apply for a training contract or summer vacation placement with us, we operate a rigorous selection process and applicants should have (or expect to obtain) at least a 2:1 degree or have passed or be expecting to pass the accelerated LLB course, hold positions of responsibility at work or university and already have a track record of achievement. Commercially minded, you will also possess excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills.

We hold a series of assessment sessions during which we test competencies and talk with you about your aspirations and interests.

This is also an opportunity for you to meet partners and people who have trained with us to find out what it’s like to work with us. Diversity is at the heart of our culture; a diverse workforce reflects our client base and we value the different skills and experience from people of all backgrounds and ages. Our number one priority is finding the best talent.

We recruit trainees and vacation placement students for positions across all of our offices. If you would like to make an application for either our summer vacation scheme or a training contract with us, please visit our website at the link below and submit your application.

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Our Training ContractsOur programme is designed to give trainees all of the skills and experiences needed to equip them for life as a qualified solicitor. The two year programme is split into four six-month seats. Within this, our trainees usually spend at least one six month seat in a contentious department, one seat in a Corporate discipline and one seat in a Real Estate area.

June & July 2015

Summer Vacation Placements (which will include assessment for 2017 Training Contracts) taking place across our offices.

August 2015

Selected Training Contract applicants invited to assessment days for 2017 Training Contracts.

31 July 2015

Closing date for receiving Training Contract applications for 2017 Training Contracts.

August 2017

Training contracts commence.

www.gateleyuk.com/careers/graduates/

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Talking Trainees blog: talkingtrainees.gateleyuk.comWebsite careers page: www.gateleyuk.com/careers/graduates/