Tune in as our resident podcast hosts, Ronan Doherty, Simran Gill, Salah Khaddour and Viktor Seppala, engage in informal conversations with key members of the London office, offering an in-depth look into the culture and daily life.
TRAINEE INSIGHTS – PODCAST SERIES
Overview
Podcasts
Trainee Insights: London Strategic Transactions Counsel David Dowling
11 March 2025
This episode of Ropes & Gray’s Trainee Insights podcast features David Dowling, counsel in the strategic transactions group. David shares his journey from training at a global firm to his current role, highlighting his experiences in private equity, venture capital, and strategic transactions. He provides valuable insights into the responsibilities of a counsel, the unique aspects of the strategic transactions group, and the evolving landscape of life sciences in the U.K. and Europe. David also discusses his involvement in pro bono work, his teaching experiences at King’s College London and LSE, and offers advice for students and junior lawyers.
Trainee Insights: London Trainee Recruitment & Tax Partner Chris Agnoli
24 January 2025
This episode of Ropes & Gray’s Trainee Insights podcast features tax partner Chris Agnoli, who also serves as the trainee recruitment partner for the London office. Chris shares his journey to becoming a tax partner, insights into the dynamic nature of tax law, and the qualities needed for success in this field. He discusses the trainee recruitment process, emphasizing a positive attitude and teamwork, and offers valuable career advice for aspiring lawyers. Chris also highlights his commitment to pro bono work and the importance of commercial awareness for applicants.
Trainee Insights: London Private Equity Transactions Partner Vicky McGrath
3 September 2024
On this episode of Trainee Insights, Ropes & Gray private equity transactions partner Vicky McGrath reflects on her path to partnership and some of the most interesting deals she has worked on along the way. She also talks about her secondment experience, the evolution of the private equity team, and the balance between professional demands and personal life. Additionally, Vicky offers career advice for junior lawyers and insights into her role as an associate talent partner.
Trainee Insights: London Data, Privacy & Cybersecurity Counsel Edward Machin
12 August 2024
On this episode of Trainee Insights, Ropes & Gray data, privacy & cybersecurity counsel Edward Machin shares his unconventional journey from musician to award-winning journalist, and finally to his current role in law. He delves into the evolving landscape of data protection, the business-focused approach of the Ropes data team, and the connections between data privacy and other legal practice areas. Edward also discusses the balancing act between work and personal life, and imparts valuable career advice for junior lawyers.
Trainee Insights: London Asset Management Partner Eve Ellis
17 June 2024
On this episode of Trainee Insights, Ropes & Gray asset management partner Eve Ellis shares her journey to becoming a partner, her area of practice in financial services regulation, and the growth of funds regulation. Additionally, Eve talks about her role as co-head of the London Women's Forum and the firm's gender diversity initiatives. The episode concludes with a discussion on the qualities valued in team members and career advice for junior members.
Trainee Insights: London Private Capital Transactions Partner Libby Todd
23 June 2023
On this episode of Trainee Insights, Ropes & Gray private equity partner, Libby Todd, speaks about her journey into law, current trends in the private equity market and how that affects the work of a transactional lawyer, as well as her work on the Ropes & Gray London Women’s Forum. Libby also offers some sage life advice: “Don’t worry—just give things a go,” the worst that can happen is that they “don’t respond or they say no.”
Trainee Insights: Pro Bono Mini-Series – Felicity Kirk
13 January 2023
In this special edition of Trainee Insights, Ropes & Gray London’s head of international pro bono, Felicity Kirk, provides an insight into the London office’s pro bono efforts and the variety of projects that Ropes & Gray’s lawyers can get involved in. Felicity also provides useful advice on how trainees can maximise their involvement in pro bono.
Trainee Insights: London Director of Human Resources Beverley Sorsby
7 November 2022
In this episode of Trainee Insights, Ropes & Gray director of human resources, Beverley Sorsby, shares her experience of nine years at Ropes & Gray in London. Beverley speaks about the nature of the trainee recruitment process, provides insights into the upcoming recruitment campaign, and discusses what Ropes & Gray looks for in prospective applicants.
Trainee Insights: Professional Development & Training Mini-Series: Skills and Approaches to Learning – Julia Robinson
13 April 2022
In this episode of Trainee Insights, Ropes & Gray London’s senior manager of professional development and training, Julia Robinson, shares crucial advice on how legal professionals at all levels can continue to develop their skills throughout their legal career. Julia’s insight covers a broad spectrum of useful tips from time management to utilising your emotional intelligence when communicating with others.
Trainee Insights: London Asset Management Counsel Chris Townsend
10 February 2022
In this episode of Trainee Insights, Ropes & Gray London asset management counsel, Chris Townsend, speaks about life as a private funds lawyer and shares his experiences on how to make the best possible start as a junior lawyer and, most importantly, maintain that standard throughout a career. Chris also gives tips on how to achieve high performance at the junior level and offers valuable insights into how you can “work smart.”
Trainee Insights: London Office Managing Partner Jane Rogers
20 December 2021
In this episode of Trainee Insights, Ropes & Gray London office managing partner, Jane Rogers, discusses the culture and strategy of the London office and what makes it stand out in the London legal market. Jane also details some of the key attributes required to operate as a trusted client advisor, both as an individual practitioner and as a member of the firm.
Trainee Insights: London Trainee Katie Gerasimidis
18 November 2021
In this episode of Trainee Insights, Ropes & Gray London first seat trainee, Katie Gerasimidis, shares her insights about the graduate recruitment process and whether her experiences at Ropes & Gray so far align with her expectations before joining the firm.