Slaughter and May

Slaughter and May is regarded as one of the most prestigious law firms in the world. We advise on high-profile and groundbreaking international transactions and have an excellent and varied client list that includes leading corporations, financial institutions and governments.
Working at Slaughter and May means that you will not be pigeonholed into a narrow area of specialisation. Our lawyers are multi-specialists: they are equipped to advise each client on a wide range of legal issues. This expertise enables them to enjoy a challenging, varied and interesting workload.
Our approach to international work is driven by the fundamental principle that complex transactions require first-class independent legal expertise rooted in a deep knowledge of local practice, procedures and culture. Beyond London, we have offices in Brussels, Hong Kong and Beijing. We also have close working relationships with leading independent law firms in the world's major financial centres - these are our "Best Friends".
Our "Best Friends" have a reputation for excellence and independence that matches our own. We work together on top international deals in integrated teams to provide a tailor-made and seamless service. In 2009, together with "Best Friends" based in France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Sweden and The Netherlands, we advised on more European mergers and acquisitions deals than any other law firm. The international nature of our practice means that our trainees and associates have the opportunity to work abroad, either in our overseas offices or on secondment with our "Best Friends".
We run an extensive training programme to support all our associates at every stage of their career. Courses are delivered by partners, associates, support lawyers and outside speakers so that they are founded on practical experience and are focused on the requirements of the top financing lawyers.
One of the distinguishing features of the firm is that we do not operate an “hours” culture; we have no targets set by reference to time recording or billing. Associates frequently comment on how liberating this can be; it enables them to focus on providing the best possible service for the client regardless of how long that might take. It also helps foster a collegiate and non-competitive culture in which you will feel comfortable both asking for advice and offering support to your colleagues.