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

I wanted to start my career at an ambitious firm that works on complex multi-jurisdictional matters, but that also has a collegial culture. Ropes & Gray was the right fit. I was particularly impressed by the growth of the London office over the last 10 years, which to me, showed the ambition of the firm and the quality of its people. The entrepreneurial spirit throughout the firm is inspiring. Ropes & Gray also has a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, and I was really motivated by the fact that there are so many women across all levels of the firm.

How did you find the recruitment and selection process?

Ropes & Gray is unique in that the firm has a ‘blind’ assessment day, where assessors do not have any prior knowledge of your previous experiences and CV. Therefore, any unconscious bias (to the extent it may exist) is reduced. This demonstrates how innovative the firm is, and shows its commitment to promoting diversity and attracting the best talent, regardless of background.

How would you describe the firm’s culture?

The culture is highly supportive and friendly. I feel as though everyone is willing to help and encourages me to ask questions. The firm strikes the right balance of trusting you with taking on responsibility, whilst being reasonable in its expectations of a trainee.

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

Within the first couple of months of my training contract, I worked on an investigation involving an alleged breach of competition law in India by a technology company. This was a great experience as it was extremely dynamic, technical and (often) unpredictable! I took on a lot of responsibility very early on, including drafting submissions to the authority and interacting with the client and outside counsel. The investigation required an understanding of factual and legal issues as well as an appreciation for the commercial considerations of the client. 

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

I was recently involved in a family law clinic. This was a fantastic experience, as it gave me the opportunity to research areas of law I had very limited knowledge on, and it was extremely rewarding to help people on sensitive matters.  

What tips would you give a potential applicant?

Ropes & Gray does not look for trainees to fit a certain mold, so being yourself gives you the best opportunity to do well. I also think this helps you ensure that the firm is right for you. A potential applicant should demonstrate a genuine interest in the firm, consider what the firm does, what it values, how it services its clients and perhaps even how it can improve its systems.