Why did you choose Ropes & Gray to start your legal career?

As I approached qualification, I knew that I wanted to be a private equity lawyer. Ropes & Gray is the best place for anyone who aspires to have this role. The firm has been at the forefront of private equity deals since the invention of the investment practice. Indeed, I have had the opportunity to work with some of the biggest names in private equity in my time at the firm. 

How did you find the recruitment and selection process?

The recruitment and selection process at Ropes & Gray is one of the fairest in the city. The firm uses a “CV blind” system to eliminate unconscious bias and hire the best talent. Other law firms have only just adopted this approach to recruitment, and I am very proud that Ropes & Gray was a trailblazer in this area.

How would you describe the firm’s culture? 

Ropes & Gray has a special culture, particularly for junior lawyers. The level of responsibility you get as a junior at Ropes & Gray is unique, and often you are the only junior working on a transaction and can take ownership of key workstreams on the deal. Ropes & Gray also does not restrict junior lawyers to a set level--here you are the architect of your own development. As a trainee solicitor, the firm supported me and a colleague in our decision to create a podcast for legal students, giving them insights into the legal profession. Additionally, since I’ve joined, every department at Ropes & Gray has hosted an ‘away day’ for us to spend a day out of the office to socialise with colleagues. This mix of great responsibility, supportive career development and making work-life enjoyable cannot be found elsewhere.

Tell us about a memorable matter you’ve worked on. 

As a fourth seat trainee, I spent the final six months of my training contract on secondment to 3i Group. From day one, I was treated as part of the 3i ‘family’ and invited to key meetings, training sessions and social events. I met every member of the team, from analyst to CEO, and immediately got staffed on some of their most exciting projects. Going on a secondment is a fantastic way to find out about a client and how they like to do business, and bringing this experience back to Ropes & Gray has been invaluable. Beyond work, secondments allow you to build your legal network from a very early stage in your career-- I now have useful private equity contacts whom I consider friends. I will forever be grateful to Ropes & Gray for this unforgettable experience.

Tell us about a pro bono matter you’ve worked on.

My most proud pro bono moment has been my work with the Queen Mary Legal Advice Centre, where I have assisted victims of revenge porn. When you work with an individual who is in dire need of support, it makes you appreciate the real difference you can make as a lawyer. 

What tips would you give a potential applicant?

I think advice such as researching the firm, tailoring your application to Ropes & Gray and so on should go without saying. So, my best tip is to be your true self. As an applicant, you want to be at a firm which is a good fit for you and, equally, you for the firm. When that happens, it creates something special.