Thompson Coburn LLP’s Post

👇 One of our many INTERNATIONAL associates Brandon can facilitate sessions in Japan, America and the UK #lawfirms we run training and coaching for your lawyers and business support, both online or in-person all around the GLOBE 🌍 🌎 🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎🌍 Our essential skill training feedback is stellar 🤩 Not all training is equal #motivation #inspiration #lawyer #training

After a wonderful week at SPARK Insights at the Clifford Chance London office, I wanted to share some of the key lessons I will be taking away. ⭐️Day 1 • CC is committed to inclusion and have been successful in starting the ARCUS network in Asia. • Working internationally confines your skill-set which can help you navigate more challenging relationships. • Global Financial Markets: SPVs are great for reducing risks involved with acquisition finance. • It can be challenging as a trainee as you do not automatically have autonomy but this is also something you can gain quite quickly by being proactive. ⭐️Day 2 • It is essential as part of an M&A transaction to understand your client and their business: why are they buying or selling? Can they be more logistical and wait to sell? What do they plan on doing with the company when they buy it? • ‘Bold Choices for Our Future’: CC’s growth strategy is client-centric by giving clients what they want and not what we think they need. • You will be throughly supported through your TC with CC, with the help from a partner mentor, early talent development specialist, wellbeing team and more! ⭐️Day 3 • TPE includes varied advisory work from the transactional side to full strategic cycles. • Inclusion is not an extra, it is an embedded culture that allows the firm to be global and can be seen through the firm’s commendable affinity networks. • 80% of people living in England cannot afford legal advice, making CC’s dedication to pro bono and community outreach so important and definitely something I am excited to get involved with in the future. ⭐️Day 4 • Being able to listen and communicate with people with different jargon (e.g. clients, judges) is a key part of L&DR. • CC’s Commitment to Excellence in Africa through their Africa Academy is the first of its kind to be set up by a global law firm, so far supporting 11 countries across the North, East and West Africa through structured training programmes. • It is so important as a trainee to understand how what you are doing fits in with the bigger picture- don’t be afraid to ask questions! ⭐️Day 5 • CC has utilised tech to support several energy companies in becoming ESG-compliant. • CC’s tech group highlights how it is not about AI taking jobs but about other lawyers who can use AI better- AI is a great tool. • Social media is great for building your personal brand- be authentic and transparent and become a thought leader! Networking with members from all levels across the firm has been invaluable. Huge thank you to the early talent team Chloe, Rachel, Toby, Tiana, Zoe and Megan for all your hard work in organising such an insightful week that has helped me develop my commercial awareness and knowledge of the firm. I also wanted to thank my SPARK buddy Martyna Proczek for meeting with me and giving me such amazing advice. I have throughly enjoyed getting to know my SPARK cohort, looking forward to seeing you all in December!

On Monday 22nd July 2024 I attended Young Professionals Event at Regent University. Reggie Nelson was the first speaker at the event. His story will always stand out to me, because of his perseverance in a time of hardship. The part about him knocking on doors in inner London to ask people what made them successful and finding a mentor from that showed to me how important is to get out there, approach people, ask questions, and the invaluable lessons you can learn and opportunities you can get from doing this. Not being afraid to approach anyone, be it CEO- when it is easy to think talking to them is inaccessible to me, is something I have gained. Hearing from Arun Sohan-Pall (private equity associate) really helped me understand the thought process of an employer hiring. He stressed that it’s not about “standing out” but about ticking all the boxes and making sure there is nothing about you for them to reject. Putting it like this massively helped me understand how to make a perfect application by ticking off boxes and removed some of the intense pressure I feel to ‘stand out’. One key aspect I took away from the CV segment of the workshop was that the work experience we do does not have to have anything to do with law - what matters is the skills demonstrated. This grew my confidence in my own skills and work experience that I have, that I previously overlooked as not being good enough and related to law. There were 3 interview tips I received that were really useful 1) when asked a tricky question, instead of going ummm, PAUSE and repeat the question back. Take as long as you need. No silence is ever too long if you are thinking- you can come up with a better answer this way than if you rushed into the answer to avoid the long awkward silence 2) for a law specific interest, when being given a case, the interviewer is looking to see how you interpret the case, and your thought process, not about your knowledge of the law, so after reading it, begin your response by saying “my understanding of this is” 3)record yourself being interviewed and watch it back to see your body language Lastly the question: can you hold a conversation about what is going on in the world? :was a great translation of what commercial awareness actually is into something that is more understandable! The Panel at the Panel Q&A consisted of 3 solicitors and a barrister. Sharing the day to day work life with us gave me an understanding of the difference in the type of work a barrister and solicitor does. Before then I wanted to become a barrister but did not know why. Having understood the difference, I now see being a solicitor suits my personality more. Talking to the head of pro bono at Skadden who told me 60 hours a year is the minimum pro bono work with some going to 4000 hours, showed just how dedicated lawyers and law firms like Skadden are to the community and positive causes, which is something I care about. Thank you Young professionals!

Brat summer is officially over, and we're into application season! Do you know the best ways to stand out to the law firms you're applying to? In this video, the Early Talent Acquisition Manager from Clifford Chance outlines what the firm wants to see in applicants and what the firm seeks! So stop the worrying, and get targeted advice for your TC/VS applications! We've all been there... Wondering what the firm wants in an applicant, what they want or don't want to hear, how much information you should know and in what areas, and more, but Clifford Chance have answered these questions! To check out the video and for more information on the firm and applying to Clifford Chance, the link is here: https://lnkd.in/eW6RjbAv #CliffordChanceWiserAcademy

WCAN and I are excited to introduce our Commercial Edge Competition – Where Ambition Meets Opportunity! We're on a mission to spotlight the next generation of Black women leaders in banking, law, and consulting. This competition is not just an experience—it's a launchpad. 🌍 🎯 Aspiring Bankers, Lawyers, and Consultants: This is your chance to dive into real deals, work alongside peers, and stand out to top industry players. Are you ready to prove you’ve got what it takes? 🌟 Banks, Law firms and Consulting firms: Be part of something groundbreaking. Support a competition that’s pushing boundaries and creating opportunities for Black women to lead in industries that need diverse voices now more than ever. Learn more about what's on offer using the link below, or getting in touch with rachel@wcan.uk. Don’t miss out—apply or partner with us today! https://lnkd.in/enpmVYqC #CommercialEdge #WomenWhoLead #DiversityInBusiness #BlackWomenExcellence #BreakingBarriers

I'm not going to sugarcoat it: it's pretty darn difficult to get into London or New York these days as an international lawyer. The door is only open (and let's be honest, it's really only ajar) to lawyers who meet firms' uber specific criteria. Specific PQE levels, top grades, top firm experience, particular practice groups, and can get through what can be a very heavily technical interview. For many lawyers reading our posts, hearing the same old "premier firm experience required" or "stellar academic credentials essential" may be frustrating. How is one person supposed to check all these boxes?  But don't lose hope if you don't. Here are some tips that might help: 👍 𝗡𝗼𝘁 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗴𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗟𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗽. Think of it like stepping stones. If you're not at a firm recognised as a "talent pool" from which the London firms fish, move up to one locally. 👍 If you are junior, 𝗯𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁 - lawyers with 4-7 years' experience are most marketable internationally. 👍 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝘂𝗽, 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝗺𝘀' 𝗵𝗶𝗴𝗵 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻. Our feeling is that things are heating up, but it might take another year for the bar to entry to fall in a meaningful way. 👍 𝗟𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗮𝘁 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁𝘀 where standards are not through the roof. 👍 You can't change your academic transcript but if you do any further study (and particularly in a relevant area), and you do well, this can be a game changer. 👍 𝗠𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗮𝘀 𝗶𝘀𝗻'𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗲 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝗹𝗹. Being highly successful in your home market and going on holiday to New York may actually be more fun than working those hours! To talk about your career goals and how to get there, whether locally or internationally, here are the people in our team to reach out to: Australasia: Jonathan Walmsley, Daniel Hogan, Ben Smith, Lucy Cullinan, Jak Yasuda US: Matt Moody, Sophia Arkley, Bridget White , David Nicol London: Alex Russell, Sally Gardner, Michelle Mills, Tim Andrews Europe: Steve Salem or Luke Marsden Middle East: Sonia Patel

All sectors have their taboos. But none are so widespread as the legal and financial sectors… Films such as The Devil’s Advocate (1997) and Wolf of Wall Street (2014) exaggerate popular myths towards big financial corporations and legal firms. The reality is far different. After a training day with Wiser Academy, I learned how to disentangle fact from myth. This year, they are partnering with Clifford Chance, haysmacintyre, Fidelity International, and KPMG. All these companies illustrated that they can benefit future graduates and society. While, like all companies, employees must work hard and gain their qualifications, these companies offer exciting opportunities to help the public and private sectors. I was surprised to find how many employment opportunities are available for those who don’t know or have limited experience with these sectors – and I should know, I specialise in history, not business, economics or law! I look forward to breaking the stereotypes and encouraging students to see for themselves! #WiserAcademy #KPMGWiserAcademy #FidelityInternationalWiserAcademy #haysmacintyreWiserAcademy #CliffordChanceWiserAcademy

If you are a junior lawyer from a culturally and linguistically diverse background, here's what I wished I knew before I started out in the legal profession that may help you along your journey: 1. You may face unconscious bias and unfair assumptions. You may be rejected from many job applications without ever knowing why you didn't make the cut. 2. Getting your foot into the legal profession will not be an easy road. Competition will remain intense, your self-doubt may surge, but take caution in accepting unpaid legal work (particularly if they come with a vague promise to pay you at some future point in time). 3. Get some perspective by finding peers and mentors along your self-discovery journey. Be open to meeting new people and look out for formal mentoring programs to start off with. 4. If you never try, you never know. If you never try, you never grow. While there will be barriers along your road, know that through consistent effort you can weaken and find a way through these barriers. The experience itself will make you stronger. 5. Don't ever forget to find what sparks your own joy and ground yourself in your values and purpose - stay grounded through the good and bad times and pay it forward when you are able to. Anything you would add to this list? I am grateful for the opportunity to speak about my lawyering journey (and learn from that of the esteemed panellists) as part of the Asian Australian Lawyers Association (AALA) National Cultural Diversity Summit last week, alongside panellists Jerome Martin, Dharshi Harindra and Malcolm Wood, moderated by AALA's National Vice President Belinda Wong. Special thanks goes to Kelvin Ng and the AALA team for organising this important and thought-provoking event! #culturaldiversity #associates #paralegals #juniorlawyers #clerks #law

Whether its Norton Rose Fulbright putting in place a new management structure, Hogan Lovells closing its South Africa office, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer rebranding to Freshfields, or Vinson & Elkins opening in Dublin, change in the legal world is happening all the time. It's inevitable in what is a very dynamic sector of the market. Change can be unsettling for some and exciting for others. It can be unnerving, or present opportunities, or challenges, and it certainly keeps us all on our toes. In many cases change is forced upon us by things which happen outside of our control, and we just have to deal with it. We cope, we survive, we thrive, or we move on. If you are currently dealing with change that doesn't work for you, and you want to explore options in the legal market, we are here for you. If you anticipate change is on the way and it's not favourable to your personal situation, or if you want to proactively make a positive change for you, your team and your clients, we also have a well connected partner team ready to work with you. Here are some of the go to people in your region worth reaching out to. 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 please contact me at sally.gardner@marsdengroup.com or contact one of my London based colleagues Alex Russell, Michelle Mills, Tim Andrews or Sonia Patel 𝗕𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗮? Please contact Ben Smith, Daniel Hogan, Jonathan Walmsley or Petrina Chetty Partners please contact: 𝗟𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗼𝗻 Anita Taylor, Alex Russell, Michelle Mills 𝗔𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗮 Jonathan Walmsley, Ben Smith 𝗨𝗦𝗔: Nick Welsh, David Nicol, Bridget McCarthy 𝗘𝘂𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲: Nick Paleocrassas, Máiréad Cremins   𝗠𝗶𝗱𝗱𝗹𝗲 𝗘𝗮𝘀𝘁: Sonia Patel, Aaron Faith 𝗚𝗹𝗼𝗯𝗮𝗹: Jonathan Marsden #legalrecruitment #internationalrecruitment #partnermoves #lawfirmleadership #lawfirms

𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲. Whether it's Norton Rose Fulbright putting in place a new management structure, Hogan Lovells closing its Australia and South Africa offices, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer rebranding to Freshfields, or Vinson & Elkins opening in Dublin, change in the legal world is happening all the time. It's inevitable in what is a very dynamic sector of the market. Change can be unsettling for some and exciting for others. It can be unnerving, or present opportunities, or challenges, and it certainly keeps us all on our toes. In many cases change is forced upon us by things which happen outside of our control, and we just have to deal with it. We cope, we survive, we thrive, or we move on. If you are currently dealing with change that doesn't work for you, and you want to explore options in the legal market, we are here for you. If you anticipate change is on the way and it's not favourable to your personal situation, or if you want to proactively make a positive change for you, your team and your clients, we also have a well connected partner team ready to work with you. 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 please contact me at ben.smith@marsdengroup.com or contact one of my Australian colleagues Daniel Hogan, Jonathan Walmsley, Vijay Bragato or Petrina Chetty 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀 please contact: 𝗟𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗼𝗻 Anita Taylor, Alex Russell, Michelle Mills 𝗔𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗮 Jonathan Walmsley , Ben Smith   𝗨𝗦𝗔: Nick Welsh , David Nicol , Bridget McCarthy   𝗘𝘂𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲: Nick Paleocrassas , Máiréad Cremins 𝗠𝗶𝗱𝗱𝗹𝗲 𝗘𝗮𝘀𝘁: Sonia Patel , Aaron Faith 𝗚𝗹𝗼𝗯𝗮𝗹: Jonathan Marsden