Leading international law firm Norton Rose Fulbright specialises in corporate and commercial law. Its main focus is business law services to many of the world’s leading financial institutions and corporations, in particular banking and finance, competition law, shipping and trade, commercial property, dispute resolution, intellectual property law, insurance.
In June 2013 Norton Rose merged with US law firm Fulbright & Jaworski, forming Norton Rose Fulbright. This firm never stands still and trainees and lawyers tend to feel they are part of a dynamic firm that is really going places. Norton Rose Fulbright is a top 10 global legal practice by gross revenue and a top 5 global legal practice by number of lawyers. According to the Norton Rose Fulbright website, knowing how clients’ businesses work and understanding what drives their industries is fundamental to the success of the firm.
“Our lawyers share industry knowledge and sector expertise across borders, enabling us to support our clients anywhere in the world,” it says. “We are strong in financial institutions; energy; infrastructure, mining and commodities; transport; technology and innovation; and pharmaceuticals and life sciences.” Katharine Young, trainee is quoted on the website saying: “For a firm of its size, I was pleasantly surprised by how approachable everyone is – whether they are partners, associates or business services colleagues. Even though there is a hierarchy in terms of experience and management, the working atmosphere feels open and collaborative. “The international aspect of training at Norton Rose is one of the main reasons I applied. I am particularly keen to gain as much experience as I can in Islamic Finance, as the firm is very strong in this area. So I am hoping to go to Dubai. Paris, also, is top of my list for the opportunities to get experience in asset finance for aviation, rail and shipping. I would love to work on a transaction with a francophone African dimension.”
Overseas offices
Today Norton Rose Fulbright has offices in Europe, Asia, Australia, Canada, Africa, the Middle East, Latin America and Central Asia, and is well known for its ambitious growth plans, and global strategy. Its smart London office in SE1 overlooks London Bridge and City Hall. From the London office Norton Rose has a probono initiative – the Tower Hamlets Law Centre, and is involved in several diversity access schemes, such as ‘Pathways to Law’, PRIME, SEO London, Social Mobility Foundation, Target Chances. According to Rollonfriday.com this firm is welcoming to trainees and new lawyers, the culture is friendly and supportive, and the work/life balance is better than in many other big City firms.
Structure of Norton Rose:
The firm employs over 2,900 lawyers operating from offices in Abu Dhabi, Almaty, Amsterdam, Athens, Bahrain, Bangkok, Beijing, Brisbane, Bogotá, Brussels, Calgary, Canberra, Cape Town, Caracas, Casablanca, Dubai, Durban, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Hong Kong, Johannesburg, London, Melbourne, Milan, Montréal, Moscow, Munich, Ottawa, Paris, Perth, Piraeus, Prague, Québec, Rome, Shanghai, Singapore, Sydney, Tokyo, Toronto and Warsaw; and from associate offices in Ho Chi Minh City and Jakarta.
Entry requirements and type of person suited for Norton Rose Fulbright:
A consistently strong academic record is essential for Norton Rose Fulbright, specifically those with at least a 2:1 degree and 320 UCAS points (or equivalent). Norton Rose welcomes applications from those graduates with excellent team work and interpersonal skills, with evidence of leadership qualities and previous positions of responsibility. Previous work experience is also a requisite, though this does not have to be in an area of law. International interest – either independent travel or a second language above GCSE level is requested. Good commercial awareness, public speaking and negotiation skills are also important.
To learn more about Norton Rose Fulbright and its people, visit their graduate careers page.
Sponsorship GDL and LPC course fees are paid. The maintenance grants are £7,000 for LPC students and £6,000 for GDL students in London
Work placements Norton Rose Fulbright offers two summer vacation schemes to penultimate-year law students, which provide experience of at least two practice areas. On both schemes students will have the opportunity to become immersed in our business and get a genuine feel for what it is like to work at the firm.
Training programme The four-seat training contract gives trainees an in-depth insight into our core practice areas and key industry sectors, enabling them to make the best and most informed choice of qualification area. Trainees also have the opportunity to spend six months on international secondment.
Salary
1st seat trainee: £37,000
NQ: £60,000
1PQE: £69,000
2PQE: £77,000
3PQE: £85,000
