As future trainees of Shoosmiths, the last couple of weeks have been a little turbulent to say the least. We all received the news that most of us would have our training contracts deferred for at least 12 months, on top of which we may also be relocated to different offices. In addition we wouldn’t be immediately compensated.
We have spoken to the majority of the incoming intake, and there is naturally a sense of disappointment in the way that the economic downturn has impacted our future plans. However we fully understand the reasons why the decision is necessary in order to secure the future of the firm and all its people. We also respect the need for us to share the sting of the recession as part of the team.
In spite of the bad news, we are committed to our firm, and we are resolved to rise to the challenge of succeeding in these tough times, together. We understand that in taking this decision, our firm have put itself in the best position to keep providing valuable and competitive legal services in the marketplace, for both current and future clients.
One of the chief reasons we remain attracted to Shoosmiths is the quality in the way they do things, training being top of the list. We are pleased that the firm remains committed to giving us the best quality of training it can, and we look forward to working with Shoosmiths.
We understand that we are not receiving any cash offers from Shoosmiths in recompense, but we look forward to supporting each other in more practical ways through these deferred years. The firm has certainly endeavoured to keep us more informed of how together we will progress and prevail through this economic downturn. We remain proud to be associated with Shoosmiths solicitors.
Readers' comments (138)
Nicholas Dalgleish (Shoosmiths Deferred Trainee) | 30-Apr-2009 2:12 pm
I support this article 100%.
It reflects the views of those deferred, and I am committed to a future at Shoosmiths, and would not consider moving to a different firm. I chose Shoosmiths originally after being oferred several training contracts with various firms. Whilst I am disappointed to be deferred, I can only look forward to the time (Sept 2010) when I start my training contract. Shoossmiths has won many awards, and no doubt it will continue to do so in the future.
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Lizzie Allen | 30-Apr-2009 4:25 pm
I think this article represents how most of us feel about the recent decision to defer some trainees.
Shoosmiths, along with many other firms, have had to respond to the economic downturn. In the long run the deferrals will hopefully benefit the trainees, Shoosmiths will be able to offer those due to start this year and those deferred the best possible opportunities.
Shoosmiths dedication to quality training and a work/life balance has not changed and is why, despite the recent turmoil, I am looking forward to starting my training contract with them.
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Saad Amjad | 1-May-2009 7:58 pm
I can only whole heartedly agree with the sentiment of the article and the other Shoosmiths trainees that have posted on here.
Whilst the decision to defer training contracts was disappointing, the trainees at Shoosmiths are resolute in their resolve to support the firm in the face of a challenging economic environment that is affecting all sectors.
We trainees at Shoosmiths remain convinced of the firm’s pedigree and the strength of its business planning strategy.
The opportunity to contribute to the continued success of Shoosmiths, is one that excites and motivates not only me but the trainees as a whole.
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Catherine Chan | 1-May-2009 8:00 pm
I also support this article and the comments made by my two future colleagues.
Many firms like Shoosmiths have had to respond to the current economic downturn. Although the decision to defer has caused me to change my plans somewhat, it nonetheless will ensure that when we start training we will receive a better quality of training. This was after all the main reason why I was attracted to Shoosmiths in the first place, and I look forward to starting my training contract in 2011.
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Karine Rose | 3-May-2009 3:17 pm
This article accurately reflects how I feel about the recent decision to defer future trainees. Whilst I am disappointed to be deferred I understand that Shoosmiths, like many other firms, have had to make difficult decisions in response to the economic downturn. In the long run the deferral will benefit me as there is a greater chance the economy will be improving by 2011 and therefore the firm will in a better position to offer us the best possible opportunities.
Training contracts are very hard to acquire and I think myself lucky to have obtained a training contract with a good firm like Shoosmiths and I look forward to starting in 2011. I have taken the view that the deferral is only a minor setback as I am still determined to develop within the firm after my initial training.
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Anonymous | 5-May-2009 12:02 pm
So thenyou suck-ups. The firm has not done this so we can all "feel the pain". It may surprise you to know that the Partners want to earn the same as they did last year so not paying you is a start.
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Surralan | 5-May-2009 12:11 pm
Dear Sir Alan.
I would like to say Anonymous has shown himself to be a bad project manager and not a team player. On behalf of team Shoosmiths I would be very proud to be deferred if given the chance. (Please do not bring me back into the boardroom.)
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Anonymous | 5-May-2009 12:20 pm
Am I one of the only future trainees that isn't happy with the way that we have been treated? I must remain anonymous though because of the potential ramifications from the firm/HR.
I have spent a long time planning for this start in 2009, and I have passed up opportunities that I now can't get back, and we have just been fobbed off without compensation. I understand the rhetoric about the quality of training, but I think in general, they have dealt very poorly with us. The higher echelons of the firm are looking out for themselves. Partners will be protected whereas everyone else is expected to take the hit. This whole charade has done nothing for my faith in the firm, and although I cannot turn down the TC despite everything, it will certainly have an effect on any decision I get to make with regards to an NQ position.
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Benjamin Dover | 5-May-2009 12:21 pm
As a future Shoosmiths trainee I couldn't be more proud, but if I was capable of being more proud than I am then I would be more proud if I were to be deferred.
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Anonymous | 5-May-2009 12:31 pm
To all of you, especially to Tom & George, was Shoosmiths your first choice? I bet you would have preferred it if a MC firm had said yes. At least then you would probably have got some financial compensation instead of being screwed over.
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