A TRAINING CONTRACT
AT GIBSON DUNN
www.gibsondunn.com
TABLE OF CONTENTS
MESSAGE FROM JEFF TRINKLEIN, CO-PARTNER-IN-CHARGE OF THE LONDON OFFICE..............3
ABOUT US
THE FIRM ...................................................................................................................................5
THE LONDON OFFICE ..............................................................................................................7
WHAT WE DO: CUTTING-EDGE DEALS AND CASES ...........................................................................9
HOW WE WORK .....................................................................................................................................17
MEET OUR LONDON ASSOCIATES AND TRAINEES ...........................................................................21
GETTING INVOLVED
COMMITTEES ...........................................................................................................................33
TRAINING AND RETREATS .....................................................................................................34
BUILDING YOUR PROFESSIONAL NETWORK .......................................................................34
PRO BONO WORK.....................................................................................................................35
TRAINING WITH US
GDL AND LPC...........................................................................................................................37
YOUR TRAINEE SEATS ............................................................................................................37
SECONDMENTS ........................................................................................................................38
TRAINING .................................................................................................................................38
NEXT STEPS
OPEN DAYS ................................................................................................................................39
SUMMER VACATION SCHEME .................................................................................................39
SALARY AND BENEFITS ...........................................................................................................40
WHO SHOULD APPLY ...............................................................................................................40
MESSAGE FROM MARK SPEROTTO, TRAINING PARTNER OF THE LONDON OFFICE ...................41
WHERE TO FIND US ..............................................................................................................................43
— JEFF TRINKLEIN
CO-PARTNER-IN-CHARGE
MESSAGE FROM JEFF TRINKLEIN,
CO-PARTNER-IN-CHARGE
OF THE LONDON OFFICE
WELCOME TO OUR
GRADUATE RECRUITMENT
BROCHURE
T
We all understand that perfectly and remember
when we were at that stage ourselves (some more
recently than others!).
his is a very exciting period for the firm as a
This brochure is designed to help you with your
whole and for the London office in particular.
decision-making process by giving you information
In September 2015, we welcomed our first
about the firm which might be useful to you in the
four trainees and in September 2016 and 2017
future.
we will welcome another six and eight trainees,
respectively. We are offering up to eight further
We are a very diverse firm. We come from a
places commencing in September 2018.
Our
very wide range of educational, cultural and
trainees, like our current associates and partners,
professional backgrounds. Everyone you will meet
will have the opportunity to take full advantage of
from the firm has travelled a unique path (in my
all that Gibson Dunn has to offer.
case, posts in the Orange County, New York,
Dallas and Munich offices of our firm) and has a
The decision to start taking trainees is a reflection
slightly different take on life as a lawyer at Gibson
of the growth and strength of the London office in
Dunn. If, after reading the brochure and visiting
recent years and of our confidence in the future.
our website, www.gibsondunn.com, you have
We offer an outstanding opportunity for bright
any further questions, please do not hesitate to
and enthusiastic candidates to train and become
get in touch with one of us or with our Graduate
first-class lawyers in one of the world’s leading law
Recruitment Manager, Kathryn Edwards.
firms. We are very pleased that you are interested
With best wishes,
in hearing more about us.
You may not yet be sure what kind of law firm you
wish to join, if you want to become a solicitor or a
barrister, or even if you want to be a lawyer at all.
A TRAINING CONTRACT AT GIBSON DUNN . 3
A TRULY INTERNATIONAL FIRM
Beijing ∙ Brussels ∙ Century City ∙ Dallas ∙ Denver ∙ Dubai ∙ Hong Kong ∙ London ∙ Los Angeles ∙ Munich
New York ∙ Orange County ∙ Palo Alto ∙ Paris ∙ San Francisco ∙ São Paulo ∙ Singapore ∙ Washington, D.C.
ABOUT US : THE FIRM
Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP is a premier international
law firm, with a history spanning more than 120
years. We have more than 1,200 lawyers in 18 offices
located in major commercial centres across the globe.
W
e provide business law advice of the highest
Client focus - We study and understand our clients’
quality, representing a wide range of clients
businesses and we pride ourselves on being their
in all major industries, from start-up ventures to
trusted advisers. We work with our clients in a
multinational corporations, as well as commercial and
personal and productive manner and are highly
investment banks, funds and government entities.
responsive to their needs.
Teamwork - Our 1,200+ lawyers located across
Creativity - We are known for the exceptional
the globe provide a co-ordinated and seamless
creativity and problem-solving ability of our
service as one firm.
lawyers. Our lawyers regularly represent clients
in some of the most complex and high-profile
transactions and disputes in the world.
A TRAINING CONTRACT AT GIBSON DUNN . 5
“The opportunities for young lawyers and trainees
here at Gibson Dunn are second-to-none. The sheer
quality and variety of the cases I have worked on
over the years have made me a better, more confident
lawyer. And I can always rely on the support of my
colleagues, which is one of the best things about the
firm.”
— OSMA HUDDA, PARTNER, DISPUTE RESOLUTION.
STUDIED HISTORY AT MERTON COLLEGE, OXFORD,
QUALIFIED IN 2004, JOINED GIBSON DUNN IN 2005,
BECAME A PARTNER IN 2012.
THE LONDON OFFICE
G
ibson Dunn has one of the most well–established
London offices of any international law firm. It
was established more than 30 years ago and offers
a full range of English law services to clients all over
MAJOR PRACTICE GROUPS
IN LONDON
Mergers and acquisitions
the world. A large proportion of our work is led by
Dispute resolution
lawyers in the London office. On other occasions,
Private equity
the London office works as part of an international
team with other Gibson Dunn offices. Our clients
include listed companies, large private companies,
Finance
Regulatory investigations
investment banks, private equity firms, start-ups
Capital markets
and many other organisations with international
Real estate
operations and ambitions.
Employment
We are also committed to and passionate about
pro bono work, acting for a wide variety of
organisations and charities. More information
about our pro bono work can be found on page
Tax
Competition
Business restructuring and reorganisation
35.
A TRAINING CONTRACT AT GIBSON DUNN . 7
“The London office has a very friendly team with an
open door policy across all levels, including partners.
I always feel comfortable dropping into people’s offices
to discuss an idea or just for a general catch–up.”
— AMY KENNEDY, ASSOCIATE, FINANCE.
STUDIED JURISPRUDENCE AT LINCOLN COLLEGE, OXFORD.
QUALIFIED IN 2008, JOINED GIBSON DUNN IN 2015.
WHAT WE DO:
CUTTING-EDGE DEALS AND CASES
G
ibson Dunn’s London office advises clients
across all types of industry sectors, and its
strength lies in significant, cross border, complex
matters.
LONE STAR FUNDS
MARRIOTT
SANKATY ADVISORS
TATA
Here is a selection of recognisable clients that
the London office lawyers have advised:
TERRA FIRMA
TOWERS WATSON
AMAZON
UBS
BLACKSTONE GROUP
UNITED INTERNATIONAL PICTURES
CAPITAL ONE
VIRGIN ACTIVE
CARLYLE GROUP
WEIGHT WATCHERS
CHEVRON
WELLS FARGO
DEUTSCHE BANK
WILLIAM HILL
DELOITTE
ZOOPLA
GATE GOURMET
GENERAL ELECTRIC
We pride ourselves on being our clients’ trusted
advisers. You will be trained in the same way to
HILLSBOROUGH TRUST
ensure that you gain the skills and confidence to
HILTON
enable you to handle a broad range of complex
HEWLETT PACKARD
legal matters from an early stage in your career.
You will spend the first year of your training contract
KRAFT FOODS
in seats within both the Transactional and Dispute
KROLL
Resolution departments, where you can expect to
LEEDS UNITED FOOTBALL CLUB
work on varied and cutting-edge matters.
A TRAINING CONTRACT AT GIBSON DUNN . 9
WHAT WE DO: DISPUTE RESOLUTION
COMMERCIAL
LITIGATION
We have market-leading expertise and
experience in high-value complex commercial
litigation, often involving issues in many
different countries and complex questions
of foreign law.
M U LT I JURISDICTIONAL
REGULATORY
INVESTIGATIONS
We have extensive experience in guiding
clients in responding to multi-jurisdictional
regulatory investigations, working alongside
colleagues across the Gibson Dunn global
network in investigations involving over 20
INTERNATIONAL
ARBITRATION
agencies.
Led by partners recognised as experts in
EU DISPUTES
international arbitration, we specialise in
handling commercial and investor-state
We advise on disputes relating to the
disputes.
interpretation and application of EU law,
whether in an English law context or before
M U LT I - J U R I S D I C T I O N A L
LITIGATION
We advise on complex multi-jurisdictional
domestic courts of EU Member States.
U K & C O M M O N W E A LT H
TRIAL ADVOCACY
litigation, involving simultaneous proceedings
Led by Lord Charles Falconer QC, former
in courts in the UK, the US and across Europe.
Lord Chancellor, we have market-leading
expertise in trial advocacy (whether in the
EMPLOYMENT
L AW D I S P U T E S
Our team has extensive experience advising
UK, US and European clients with a particular
focus on complex cross-border employment
issues, whistle-blowing and discrimination
claims, enforcing and resisting post-employment
restrictive covenants and protecting confidential
information.
UK or in Commonwealth jurisdictions).
C O M P E T I T I O N L AW
DISPUTES
We handle competition investigations and
litigation in financial sector cases before the
European Commission, the UK competition
authority, the UK and EU Courts.
WHAT WE DO: DISPUTE RESOLUTION
A D M I N I S T R AT I V E L AW
DISPUTES
Our team has experience in challenging
governmental decision-making and regulations
through the domestic courts in a variety of
countries and up to the courts of the European
Union.
PARLIAMENTARY
AND
PUBLIC INQUIRIES
Our recent mandates include the Leveson
Inquiry into the culture, practices and ethics of
the press, the UK Parliamentary Commission
on Banking Standards and the Inquiry into
the Hillsborough disaster.
WHITE COLLAR CRIME
D ATA P R I VA C Y
We handle a variety of white collar mandates
involving issues of bribery and corruption,
We have a strong team of lawyers that advise
sanctions, money laundering, financial
on cases involving EU and domestic data
manipulation and insider dealing, as well as
protection laws, including issues involving the
engagement with various criminal authorities.
tension between free expression and privacy.
Some recent cases and regulatory investigation highlights:
DISPUTE RESOLUTION
• Acting as global counsel to UBS AG and its
subsidiaries in relation to all matters arising
from the Madoff fraud.
• Successfully defending Lehman Brothers,
Inc. in High Court proceedings relating to a
EUR2 billion commercial real estate securitisation.
• Advising an Internet betting exchange in ongoing
• Successfully defending a Middle Eastern
investment bank in US$200 million proceedings
involving complex fraud, conspiracy and breach
judicial review proceedings against the British
Horseracing Authority relating to decisions of
the Horserace Betting Levy Board.
of contract allegations brought by a private
• Representing a major retailer in defending the
investor relating to an investment in the bank’s
largest ever private sector equal pay claim
hedge fund program.
brought in the UK.
• Defending a FTSE 100 company against
• Working with colleagues in the US, defending
a complex, high-value whistleblowing and
Chevron in respect of highly-publicised
unfair dismissal claim in the Employment
proceedings in the US brought by a number
Tribunal.
of provinces in Ecuador claiming compensation
A TRAINING CONTRACT AT GIBSON DUNN . 11
WHAT WE DO: DISPUTE RESOLUTION
for environmental damage in the Amazon,
allegedly caused by Chevron.
• Advising a client in connection with the SFO’s
investigation into a former employee.
• Representing the surviving economic interests
• Representing investors in multiple LCIA
of a major oil company in a USD$250 million
arbitrations concerning ownership of a landmark
ICC arbitration in London of a dispute arising
Russian hotel construction and redevelopment
from the purchase and sale of an Eastern
project.
European refinery.
• Representing Global Telecom Holding in a
• Representing the surviving economic interests of
multi-billion dollar UNCITRAL investment treaty
a major oil company in claims for expropriation
arbitration against Algeria brought under the
under the Energy Charter Treaty and various
Egypt-Algeria BIT.
bilateral investment treaties.
• Advising a multinational mining company in a
high-value LCIA arbitration arising from a pricing
dispute under a long-term supply contract.
REGULATORY
INVESTIGATIONS
• Acting for a global investment bank in an
• Advising numerous UK, US and Middle Eastern
investigation being carried out by multiple
companies on liabilities under anti-corruption
authorities in over 10 jurisdictions worldwide
and sanctions legislation, particularly under
in relation to alleged violation of securities
the UK Bribery Act 2010.
and antitrust laws.
WHAT WE DO: TRANSACTIONAL DEPARTMENT
MERGERS AND
ACQUISITIONS,
JOINT VENTURES
P R I VAT E E Q U I T Y
Our work covers every type of investment and
We advise on all aspects of private and public
mergers and acquisitions involving businesses
and assets all over the world. We have
extensive and market-leading specialism in
public takeovers. A significant proportion
of our cross-border transactional practice
includes advising on complex international
divestment activity, including early and later
stage venture capital investments; MBOs,
MBIs, IBOs and LBOs; reengineered buyouts; public to privates; and exits by sale
to trade/financial buyers; equity and debt
financings; rights offerings and IPOs in the
UK, elsewhere in Europe and the US.
joint ventures.
CAPITAL MARKETS
FINANCE
We have a wealth of experience working with
We focus on acquisition finance,
companies listed on the Official List of the
securitisation, real estate, senior and
London Stock Exchange, AIM and on other
mezzanine debt, refinancings and
European exchanges. We also provide UK
restructurings, loan notes, funds and
and US securities law advice on high-yield
Shari’ah-compliant financings. Much
and other debt securities offerings, as well
of our work is cross-border, with
as IPOs, block trades and rights offerings
particular strengths in complex financing
and private placements.
transactions involving a variety of
European jurisdictions. Our finance and
real estate groups regularly work together
C O M P E T I T I O N L AW
on complex, high-end real estate private
We have one of the leading competition law
equity transactions.
practices in Europe. Many of our partners
served in senior positions in competition
authorities and have worked on some of
the most significant corporate matters of
recent years.
REAL ESTATE
We specialise in all aspects of
commercial real estate, including
corporate and investment property
acquisitions and disposals, financing,
development, leasing and joint ventures.
We also focus on restructurings,
recapitalisations, loan portfolio
acquisitions and distressed trading.
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WHAT WE DO: TRANSACTIONAL DEPARTMENT
RESTRUCTURING AND
I N S O LV E N C Y
TAX
We have wide cross-jurisdictional expertise,
structuring transactions, such as complex
with particular expertise advising borrowers
cross-border acquisitions and disposals,
and creditors in restructuring transactions
real estate investment, private equity, public
involving highly complex multi-tiered capital
offerings of debt and equity securities and
structures, both in the context of LBO
joint ventures. We also advise on executive
transactions, and in the CMBS market, in
compensation and share incentives.
We advise UK, US and European clients on
which we have market-leading expertise.
We also advise purchasers in high-profile
distressed mergers and acquisitions and realestate transactions, including transactions in
which businesses and assets are acquired out
of formal insolvency proceedings, including
English administration and under Chapter 11
in the US. We have advised on recent major
international restructuring cases involving the
EC Regulation on Insolvency Proceedings
and the UNCITRAL Model Law.
EMPLOYMENT
We have extensive experience in advising
UK, US and European clients on corporate
governance, boardroom appointments and
removals, employment issues facing private
equity companies, cross-border employment
issues, employee consultation, redundancies
and workforce restructurings, TUPE, the
employment aspects of public and private
mergers and acquisitions and outsourcing
REGULATORY
We have a strong team of lawyers that
advises on UK and EU financial services
laws impacting our asset manager, private
equity and other financial services clients.
The team also advises clients on all aspects
of fund/entity formation, authorisations and
capital raisings.
arrangements. WHAT WE DO: OUR ADVICE IN ACTION
more specifically upon our expertise in a number of
FINANCE
In 2015, the London finance group advised on the
financing arrangements supporting the Lone Star
Funds acquisition of the North American and UK
building products business of HeidelbergCement,
AG. The financing included a US$635 million
senior facility, US$260 million junior facility and
US$150 million asset backed loan. Although the
majority of the business acquired was in the UK,
the financing was provided by banks based in the
US and the finance documents were governed by
New York law. The London team worked alongside
the finance, corporate, tax and regulatory teams
in the London, New York, Los Angeles and Dallas
offices, putting together the finance documentation
– including a cross-border security package involving
detailed real estate elements – and assisting in
structuring the transaction.
areas, including corporate structuring, competition/
antitrust, corporate governance, international tax
structuring, takeover laws and financial services
regulatory advice.
Towers Watson and Willis Group are both listed
companies, with listings on NASDAQ, the New York
Stock Exchange and the Irish Stock Exchange. Part
of the success of any cross-border M&A transaction
is to get the corporate and tax structuring right.
We undertook a critical comparative jurisdictional
analysis to advise our clients on the best structure
for the merger. Our expertise in UK takeover laws
was critical in navigating issues arising under
similar rules in Ireland, where the Willis Group is
domiciled. As parts of the respective businesses of
Towers Watson and Willis Group are in the financial
services regulated sector, the merger requires
consents and approvals from various regulatory
CORPORATE
bodies across the globe. The firm has led the
Gibson Dunn advised Towers Watson, a leading
advice on securing these approvals for Towers
global professional services firm on its “merger
Watson, including managing multiple regulatory
of equals” with Willis Group, a global risk advisor
filings around the world.
and insurance broker. The parties signed their
merger agreement in June 2015 in an “all-stock”
The transaction team from Gibson Dunn comprised
transaction valued at US$18 billion, to create a
almost 70 lawyers in 13 offices, including the
new entity with over 39,000 employees in 120
London office. Gibson Dunn was also responsible
countries.
for co-ordinating dozens of third-party advisers
and distilling their input into meaningful advice
Gibson Dunn was called upon as international deal
for our client. This is the type of transaction that
counsel to advise Towers Watson on this complex
Gibson Dunn excels in – significant, complex,
and transformational merger, drawing upon our
cross-border.
standing as trusted advisor to Towers Watson and
A TRAINING CONTRACT AT GIBSON DUNN . 15
“Gibson Dunn represents the Hillsborough Family
Support Group and I was lucky enough to be present
in Liverpool Cathedral with Lord Falconer to advise
the families on the momentous day the Hillsborough
Independent Panel delivered its report.”
— CHRIS LOUDON, ASSOCIATE, DISPUTE RESOLUTION.
STUDIED LAW WITH FRENCH AT GLASGOW UNIVERSITY,
QUALIFIED IN 2010, JOINED GIBSON DUNN IN 2010.
HOW WE WORK
W
orking life at Gibson Dunn is different from
interesting aspects of the work, as well as the
most other firms. In all of our practice areas,
opportunity to develop skills and expertise, and
we work in small, focused teams: the best lawyers,
manage careers, much more quickly than at
not the most lawyers.
many other firms. Inherent in our approach is the
importance of client contact for our junior lawyers
We believe that this approach allows us to remain
and trainees.
nimble and responsive to our clients’ often fastchanging needs, enabling us to provide them with
Of course, you will still be offered all the
the best possible service.
support you need, both informally, with on-thejob observations and feedback, and formally,
This approach is good news for our trainees and
with regular performance reviews and through
junior lawyers. It means that everyone, at whatever
our mentoring programme. At Gibson Dunn,
level, gets to have a seat at the table.
we operate a genuine “open door” policy, with
We encourage all our lawyers and trainees to work
above their level of seniority, with the appropriate
support and supervision. More responsibility
associates and partners regularly dropping into
each others’ offices to discuss ideas and provide
mutual support.
early on means a greater exposure to the most
A TRAINING CONTRACT AT GIBSON DUNN . 17
HOW WE WORK
As a trainee, you will work closely from day one
with an associate or a partner on each of your
deals or disputes. You will be encouraged to take
on as much responsibility and client contact as
you can handle and there will always be plenty of
help, support and advice available if you need it.
A GENUINELY INTERNATIONAL
APPROACH
We work on a fully integrated basis with all of
our international offices. This means that our
lawyers at all levels have regular contact with their
international colleagues. You may be working with
other Gibson Dunn lawyers and clients in the
Middle East in the morning and end the day with
a conference call with Los Angeles. Gibson Dunn
often plays a central role in major transactions,
cases and investigations, coordinating foreign
counsel and acting as the lynch-pin in complex,
multi-jurisdictional matters. Travel to our overseas
offices and to clients abroad is common and will
help you to broaden and hone your skills as a
lawyer as well as allowing you to see the world.
A TRAINING CONTRACT AT GIBSON DUNN . 19
MEET OUR LONDON ASSOCIATES
LEILA BELCARZ, CORPORATE
LAW, QUEEN MARY COLLEGE, LONDON
QUALIFIED IN 2011, JOINED GIBSON DUNN IN 2011
I
joined Gibson Dunn seeking increased responsibility
the lead on drafting transactional documents
and exposure to a range of top quality corporate
and liaising with the client and the other side’s
deals at a diverse and ambitious international firm.
advisers. Consequently, I have always felt like an
Four years on I can say that Gibson Dunn has more
integral member of the teams that I work in. The
than fulfilled my expectations.
partners and senior associates come from diverse
backgrounds, so I am constantly learning from
Gibson Dunn has given me the opportunity to
their wealth of experience too.
get stuck into an exciting range of international
transactional work, ranging from aircraft financing,
Gibson Dunn is not just about work. The firm is
assisting a private equity fund to invest in a
genuinely collegiate and supportive. For instance,
top luxury fashion brand and helping to set up
it has a mentoring programme under which all
investment funds in the Middle East, to helping
associates and trainees are paired up with a partner
English companies to list on NASDAQ and the New
who offers advice on professional and personal
York Stock Exchange. I have also been seconded
development.
to our Dubai office where I worked on a media
buddy to help their transition into the firm. The firm
M&A deal.
also arranges international retreats, including a new
New joiners are also allocated a
-joiner retreat and transactional lawyers retreat, in
Gibson Dunn is a growing and ambitious firm,
which all of the firm’s lawyers travel to the US. This
and associates are encouraged to be likewise.
is a great way to meet other colleagues and feel
Unlike juniors at other firms, I have been given
part of the Gibson Dunn international family.
a good deal of responsibility on my deals, taking
A TRAINING CONTRACT AT GIBSON DUNN . 21
MEET OUR LONDON ASSOCIATES
M A R K H A N D L E Y, D I S P U T E R E S O L U T I O N
HISTORY, UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY AND TRINITY HALL, CAMBRIDGE
QUALIFIED IN 2006, JOINED GIBSON DUNN IN 2011
L
itigation does what it says on the tin – but
In a recent trial where we were acting for an
lots more. We also do regulatory and criminal
Interested Party in judicial review proceedings,
investigations, commercial arbitration, investment
a leading silk on the other side made what she
arbitration, judicial reviews, mediation and public
thought was a new and damaging point just
enquiries, as well as advisory work to assist clients
before the lunch break. We could see that the QC
with issues like export sanctions and bribery.
for the government authority (perhaps the leading
public law QC in the country) was scrambling as
One of the things I like most about being a
he now had only an hour to prepare a response
litigator is the constant opportunity to learn
on what he thought was a wholly new point. One
about new areas of life, industry and business.
hour later he was on his feet. He was armed with
A few years ago, I had to become an expert on
two pre-prepared legal opinions from the Gibson
how the Victoria Line’s power system works. On
Dunn team that were exactly on point and from
another occasion, I needed to learn a lot about
which he read verbatim. The court lapped it up.
horseracing, bookmaking and betting: previously
not my strong suit. This was part of acting for
The same trial had involved a huge amount of
an Internet betting exchange in judicial review
work reading Hansard transcripts going back to
proceedings brought by a competitor against the
the nineteenth century, and the reports of every
Horserace Betting Levy Board. The whole case
Royal Commission or parliamentary enquiry we
turned on three words from a 1963 statute, but to
could find on gambling and horseracing. Much of
understand those words we needed to understand
this work was done by a paralegal (because we
horseracing and bookmaking.
had no trainees then). Her work was instrumental
in formulating our submissions and helping us win
The experience of trial is always unpredictable.
the case for the client. This is the kind of first–rate
You never quite know what a witness will say, or
experience trainees here can expect.
when the other side will raise a new argument.
A TRAINING CONTRACT AT GIBSON DUNN . 23
MEET OUR LONDON ASSOCIATES
AMY SINCLAIR, LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT
LAW AND EUROPEAN LEGAL STUDIES (FRENCH), BRISTOL UNIVERSITY
QUALIFIED IN 2012, JOINED GIBSON DUNN IN 2015
I
joined Gibson Dunn’s Labour and Employment
I am currently working with a team of employment
team in 2015. I was immediately attracted to the
lawyers and commercial litigators in defending a listed
firm’s ethos and culture and to the chance to have
company in very high-value Employment Tribunal
exposure to a diverse and high-quality client base
proceedings. I may find myself discussing strategy
,which in turn leads to diverse and high-quality work.
with the Gibson Dunn team and counsel, managing
I was also attracted to the low partner-to-associate
the disclosure exercise and reviewing key documents,
leverage, meaning that associates and trainees get a
proofing witnesses and drafting witness statements,
lot of partner contact and responsibility from day one.
or preparing for and attending preliminary hearings
to seek orders or agree directions.
My work is varied and no two days are the same.
The nature of employment law means that we work
The matters that I work on day-to-day tend to be
across the spectrum of contentious, advisory and
complex and time sensitive and so it is vital that
transactional work. In one day I could be drafting
I understand my clients’ businesses and am able
and negotiating service agreements, advising on the
to be responsive and forward-thinking and to give
employment, pensions and data protection aspects of
practical and commercial advice. This is challenging
a transaction (which involves close contact with the
but exciting and is why I enjoy working at Gibson
corporate team) and advising a client on a redundancy
Dunn.
process or on the merits of a discrimination claim.
A TRAINING CONTRACT AT GIBSON DUNN . 25
MEET OUR LONDON ASSOCIATES
AMAR MADHANI, CORPORATE
LAW, NOTTINGHAM UNIVERSITY
QUALIFIED IN 2008, JOINED GIBSON DUNN IN 2012
I
chose to join Gibson Dunn as an associate for
Emirates, Kuwait, Oman, Singapore, Malaysia,
the quality of the Gibson Dunn brand and the
Australia, the United States, the Cayman Islands,
complex and specialised nature of the transactions
the British Virgin Islands and the UK. I have been
on which Gibson Dunn is instructed to work. I have
involved in transactions both for our institutional
found from experience that because we work in small
private equity clients and for clients that are large,
teams directly with a partner, significant responsibility
multinational corporates. The variety of clients
and direct client contact is given to all juniors. It
means that no two transactions are the same and
helps you to grow and develop as a lawyer, as you
this allows you constantly to learn and develop
are expected to provide the highest standard of
your skills across a broad range of sectors and
legal advice and client care, no matter what your
industries.
role in the team. That is the Gibson Dunn ethos.
Associate life at Gibson Dunn is both stimulating
No one day is the same in the life of a corporate
and rewarding. The emphasis is on associates
transactional associate at Gibson Dunn. There
being proactive and taking ownership over and
is a great deal of flexibility to get involved in a
responsibility for their matters from the moment
broad range of matters and to work for partners
they are involved on a transaction. Clients of Gibson
with different specialisms and from different
Dunn treat associates and partners alike as their
offices. During my time at Gibson Dunn, I have
trusted advisers; this provides associates with a
worked on a number of exciting deals, with both a
great deal of responsibility, which in turn leads
domestic and an international focus. Those deals
to job satisfaction. To me, the environment and
involved liaising with clients and counterparties
ethos at Gibson Dunn is excellent for developing
in a number of jurisdictions, including France,
as a lawyer, whatever the stage of your career.
Luxembourg, Germany, Russia, the United Arab
A TRAINING CONTRACT AT GIBSON DUNN . 27
“The great thing about Gibson Dunn, unlike many
other firms, is the lack of hierarchy. From day one
you are encouraged to push yourself beyond your
peers at other firms as well as to explore a broad
range of practice areas and interests.”
— DAVID DOWLING, ASSOCIATE, CORPORATE
MEET OUR LONDON ASSOCIATES
D AV I D D O W L I N G , C O R P O R AT E
THEOLOGY, ORIEL COLLEGE, OXFORD
QUALIFIED IN 2014, JOINED GIBSON DUNN IN 2014
I
moved to Gibson Dunn on qualification because
The firm is also incredibly supportive of its lawyers’
I wanted to be pushed and treated like an adult.
other interests, with a real emphasis on the benefits
of pro bono work. We are in the process of setting
The low leverage model at Gibson Dunn means that
up a new clinic to offer free legal advice, and I have
from early on in your career you tend to have a far
had the opportunity to advise one of the leading
higher degree of responsibility compared to your
impact investors.
peers at other firms where teams are structured
differently. This means that you spend more of your
There are lots of exciting changes coming to the
time working directly with the partners, and picking
firm, making it the perfect time to train here.
up key skills and experience along the way. While it
can be challenging, there is never a dull moment.
Having been at the firm just over a year, it has been
fantastic to be part of the rapidly expanding corporate
department. In my short time here I have worked on
a range of corporate matters, from buy-outs by top
US PE funds and restructurings of highly-regulated
assets to fund investments by sovereign entities.
A TRAINING CONTRACT AT GIBSON DUNN . 29
MEET OUR LONDON TRAINEES
SAMIRAH HAUJEE, TRAINEE SOLICITOR, SEAT ONE,
FINANCE, TRANSACTIONAL DEPARTMENT
LAW, LONDON SCHOOL OF ECONOMICS
JOINED GIBSON DUNN IN 2015
I
completed a three week vacation scheme at
I chose to train at Gibson Dunn because the free-market
Gibson Dunn in 2013, before being offered a
system appealed to me. This allows lawyers to get
training contract on the back of that. One of the
involved in a wide range of work across departments
things that I enjoyed most about the scheme was the
and shape their own career. I was also attracted by the
‘Coffee Conversations’ – a chance to get away from
work, which is exciting, prestigious and cuts across
your desk and have a chat with lawyers from other
geographical boundaries, and by the opportunity of
practice areas over a coffee. Aside from this, there
getting greater responsibility early on in my career.
were plenty of opportunities to talk to other lawyers
Most importantly, I found - both during the vacation
through the numerous socials that were planned for
scheme and since joining as a trainee - that the
us. But perhaps the best thing about the vacation
support offered across the office is something very
scheme was that they really challenged us.
A
special. Being in a smaller office fosters a sense of
combination of client meetings, pitches and a mock
community that makes me instantly feel like a part
negotiation made us feel like trainees and certainly
of the team whether I am helping to put together a
kept us busy! Our schedules were packed with tasks
firm presentation, reviewing loan note documents
from drafting our own settlement agreements to
or joining a game of softball after work.
following a themed treasure trail through the City of
London. The tasks encouraged us vacation scheme
students to come together as a team and I made
some great friends over the summer.
A TRAINING CONTRACT AT GIBSON DUNN . 31
“The main reason I chose Gibson Dunn over other
firms is because of the people. Everyone is extremely
friendly, down-to-earth and has a sense of humour. No
one is too busy to help me or answer any questions.”
— GEORGIA DERBYSHIRE, TRAINEE SOLICITOR, SEAT ONE,
DISPUTE RESOLUTION. STUDIED LAW AT
DURHAM UNIVERSITY, JOINED GIBSON DUNN IN 2015.
GETTING INVOLVED
G
ibson Dunn encourages all its lawyers and
that affect associates. In London, our associates
trainees to contribute to the development of
and trainees meet regularly both formally and
the firm as a whole and their own office in particular.
informally.
This is something that makes us rather different from
the majority of major firms. We also take a great deal
The Social Committee organises cultural, sporting
of pride in helping our lawyers to nurture and grow
and general social events throughout the year.
their own careers. Our experience tells us time and
The firm recognises the importance of achieving
time again that lawyers are much happier people
a balance between the commitment and hard
– and enjoy their work more – if they are allowed
work required in order to meet the needs of our
to concentrate on the areas that really excite them.
clients and personal development, well-being …
and just having a bit of fun! The bonds formed
As part of this policy, we operate a number of
during non-work activities out of the office allow
committees in the London office and firmwide to
our lawyers to work together more effectively in
help our lawyers take ownership of their work and
the office.
their careers.
The
Diversity
Committee
oversees
the
COMMITTEES
implementation of our commitment to diversity
The Associates’ Committee is composed of partners
in every office of the firm. In London, we have an
and associates from each of the firm’s offices
extremely active and dedicated committee, which
and acts as a liaison between associates and firm
organises regular speaker and social events as
management in addressing issues and policies
well as publishing a quarterly newsletter.
A TRAINING CONTRACT AT GIBSON DUNN . 33
GETTING INVOLVED
TRAINING AND RETREATS
their peer clients and contacts. Trainees also
benefit from this allowance.
At Gibson Dunn, formal and informal training does
not stop with the end of your training contract. All
Buddy System – all new lawyers in our London
partners, associates and trainees attend regular
office – trainees included – are assigned a
practice group training and update sessions,
“buddy” to make their integration into the firm as
many in collaboration with our international
smooth and as much fun as possible. A special
offices. We also provide regular training seminars
“buddy allowance” for lunches and other activities
for our clients, which our associates and trainees
is provided to this end.
play a key role in developing and presenting.
Professional Development Allowance – all Gibson
US and European Retreats – Gibson Dunn also has
Dunn lawyers and trainees are given a budget
a number of lawyer academies and retreats,
for the purpose of funding training sessions and
organised according to year group and practice
seminars outside the firm. This means that in
area, enabling our lawyers (including trainees) to
addition to formal and informal in-house training,
get to know, and learn with, their peers in other
our lawyers can take advantage of numerous
offices. These events are enormously popular.
high-quality events taking place on their doorstep.
BUILDING YOUR
PROFESSIONAL NETWORK
Book Allowance – all lawyers and trainees at Gibson
Free-Market System – all Gibson Dunn associates
are empowered to accept or decline work
Dunn have a book allowance to enable them to
purchase specialist texts or periodicals relevant to
their particular area of law or personal interest.
assignments from partners. This gives our
Mentoring Programme – every trainee at Gibson
associates greater flexibility to develop and shape
Dunn has the opportunity to participate in the
their careers than is possible at most other law
firm’s mentoring programme. Mentors regularly
firms.
arrange lunches and other informal meetings.
Client Development Allowance – every lawyer is given
an annual marketing budget to use in entertaining
clients, contacts and friends in the business
community, thereby fostering an entrepreneurial
spirit. In addition to this allowance, our associates
are encouraged to devise, design and host their
own client marketing events to which they invite
The key goals of the mentoring programme are
to foster and enhance personal and professional
growth and opportunities.
GETTING INVOLVED
PRO BONO WORK
FAIR TRIALS INTERNATIONAL
Gibson Dunn has a long-standing and greatly
HILLSBOROUGH FAMILY SUPPORT GROUP
valued tradition of service to the community.
We are privileged to be able to give back to
the communities that have contributed to our
LAWWORKS
LAWYERS WITHOUT BORDERS
success and believe that community involvement
adds an important dimension to the growth and
REPORTERS WITHOUT BORDERS
development of all of our lawyers, both as lawyers
and as citizens of those communities.
HUMAN DIGNITY TRUST
We are a signatory to the Pro Bono Institute’s Pro
MEDICINEMA
Bono Challenge which requires the firm to use its
best efforts to perform 60 hours of pro bono work
PLANTING PROMISE
per lawyer per year.
BRITISH KITE SURFING ASSOCIATION
The London office has a very active and passionate
CENTRE FOR JEWISH LIFE
pro bono committee that meets regularly to
identify and discuss current and potential pro
UK YOUTH
bono opportunities. We look forward to welcoming
onto our committee trainees who are interested in
getting involved in pro bono work.
VINSPIRED
WORLD VISION
As part of this commitment, we provide pro bono
advice for a wide range of different organisations,
reflecting the interests of the firm as a whole
as well as those of individual lawyers. Here is a
INDEPENDENT PANEL FOR SPECIAL
EDUCATION ADVICE
THINKERS & DOERS
selection of our most recent London pro bono
clients:
CIVITAS MAXIMA
I-ACT
ACUMEN
CHANGING LIVES
A TRAINING CONTRACT AT GIBSON DUNN . 35
“I came to Gibson Dunn for the high-quality work
and the opportunity to travel. No two days are the
same and I thrive on that challenge.”
— CAROLINE ZISER-SMITH, ASSOCIATE, DISPUTE
RESOLUTION. STUDIED LAW AT PETERHOUSE, CAMBRIDGE,
QUALIFIED IN 2011, JOINED GIBSON DUNN IN 2011
TRAINING WITH US
G
ibson Dunn launched its London graduate
highest calibre. However, we recognise that this
recruitment scheme in November 2012 and
challenge is not for everyone.
welcomed its first trainees into the London office in
September 2015. We are delighted to have taken
GDL AND LPC
this important step at a very exciting time in the
You will study your GDL (if necessary) and LPC
history of the London office.
at BPP University in central London. We are
liaising closely with BPP to ensure that you receive
Our London office is managed and staffed by
the best possible preparation for your training
partners and associates hand-picked from top
contract at Gibson Dunn. We will also invite you to
City and international law firms and the Bar. Many
the office for various social events over the course
of our lawyers are pre-eminent in their fields of
of your time at law school and are available at any
practice. Importantly for you, as a potential trainee,
time to discuss any issues you may have. We will
we all trained, qualified and practised at a wide
cover your GDL and LPC fees in full and also give
range of different firms and have a considerable
you a maintenance allowance of not less than
breadth and depth of experience that we are eager
£8,000 per year.
to invest in our training scheme. Unlike some other
firms, we have no traditional way of doing things.
YOUR TRAINEE SEATS
This is an extraordinary opportunity for ambitious
During your two years as a trainee solicitor at
trainees to take control of their careers from the
Gibson Dunn, you will spend time in different
outset, supported at all times by colleagues of the
practice areas, known as “seats”. This variety
A TRAINING CONTRACT AT GIBSON DUNN . 37
TRAINING WITH US
enables you to develop the skills and insight that
are crucial to becoming an excellent lawyer.
You will spend at least one six-month seat in our
transactional department (which comprises the
corporate and finance practice group) and at least
one in our dispute resolution deparment (which
encompasses both litigation and arbitration). To
the extent possible, the remainder of your seats
will be allocated according to your personal
choice, in discussion and consultation with the
Training Partner and others. The firm is committed
to ensuring that its trainees are able to pursue the
careers they wish to the greatest extent possible.
During each of your seats, you will share an office
with a partner or senior associate supervisor who
will involve you in his or her work. Our partners
and associates have a wealth of experience and
we believe that sharing a room with a senior
lawyer and observing how he or she goes about
work is the best way to learn. You will also have
the opportunity to become more widely involved
in the work of the practice group as a whole. You
will receive regular informal feedback as well as
a mid-seat review and a comprehensive review
at the end of each seat. This will give you the
opportunity to discuss your progress, and will
ensure that you grow in confidence.
SECONDMENTS
You will be given the opportunity to apply for a
secondment to one of our international offices.
An international secondment is an excellent
opportunity to further develop your legal skills in
a different environment as well as make careerdeveloping contacts with Gibson Dunn lawyers
and clients across the globe.
Of course, you will interact with colleagues in our
international offices as a day-to-day part of your
working life. This may well involve travelling to
meet with clients and other lawyers face-to-face.
There may also be opportunities to apply for client
secondments.
TRAINING
In addition to “on the job” training, trainees benefit
from a personalised formal training programme
carefully developed by the firm, designed to
provide you with the skills you need to thrive at
Gibson Dunn, including seminars and workshops
on substantive law as well as topics such as
commercial awareness, drafting, negotiation,
advocacy and networking.
NEXT STEPS
OPEN DAYS
W
SUMMER VACATION SCHEME
e welcome the opportunity for you to meet
We are planning to hold one three week summer
lawyers from the firm in person. Open
vacation scheme for up to 16 students from 11
Days are a fantastic way to dip your toe into our
July to 29 July 2016. As a vacation student, you
world, particularly if you are not entirely sure what
will have the opportunity to sit in at least two
you want to do. Our Open Days are designed to
different practice groups, and work alongside our
give you lots of useful information about working
associates and partners on real cases and deals.
in an international law firm in general, and not just
You will also take part in a bespoke series of
about Gibson Dunn.
seminars, workshops and talks aimed at helping
you learn about the kind of work we do and at
During the academic year 2015/2016, we are
developing your skills. A vacation scheme is not all
hosting two Open Days at our London office. The
about work and you will have plenty of opportunity
first, on Thursday 3 December 2015 is intended
to meet and chat with our lawyers at social events.
for all penultimate and final-year law students,
final-year non-law students, and post-graduates
Vacation schemes are a key part of the
and graduates of any discipline. Please apply
recruitment process at Gibson Dunn and we aim
through our website. The deadline for applications
to recruit our future trainees primarily from the
is Friday 30 November 2015. The second Open
schemes. We therefore strongly encourage you
Day, to be held in the spring of 2016, will be for
to apply for a vacation scheme place.
first-year law students only. Please see our website
for more details.
A TRAINING CONTRACT AT GIBSON DUNN . 39
NEXT STEPS
The summer vacation scheme is aimed at law
students in their penultimate year of study,
students of other disciplines in their final year,
those who have already graduated and those who
are already doing their GDL or LPC courses.
WHO SHOULD APPLY
We are looking for individuals who are capable of
taking the initiative and fulfilling our clients’ needs,
who have exceptional intellectual, interpersonal
and organisational skills and who can rise to the
To apply for a place on our vacation scheme, please
challenge of working directly with partners within
visit our recruitment website and apply through
small, focused teams and having client contact
the online form. The deadline for applications for
early in their careers.
our 2016 scheme is 12 February 2016.
SALARY AND BENEFITS
Our work is intellectually demanding, so applicants
for both the summer vacation scheme and for
We offer our trainees a highly competitive salary
training contracts should have at least three good
and benefits package. The starting salary for
A levels (AAA, ABB or AAC) or equivalent, and
trainees will be not less than £45,000 in the
have obtained, or expect to obtain, a good 2:1
first year and not less than £50,000 in the
degree or better. It does not matter to us which
second year. Newly qualified associates are paid
university you come from or what subject you
£92,000 as at 2015. It is important to note that
study. We are looking for genuine enthusiasm for
associates at Gibson Dunn “go up” a year group
the work we do and potential to become a first-
on 1 January of every year and can expect their
class lawyer and trusted adviser to our clients. It
salaries to increase accordingly. We also operate
also helps to be someone who enjoys teamwork
a discretionary bonus scheme which will apply to
and with whom others like to engage.
trainees.
We offer an attractive benefits package, including:
private health insurance, life insurance, travel
insurance, subsidised gym membership, client
development allowance, professional development
allowance and a book allowance.
MESSAGE FROM MARK SPEROTTO,
TRAINING PARTNER
OF THE LONDON OFFICE
I
am delighted to be the Training Partner
Having read this brochure and, I hope, had the
for
recruitment
chance to talk to some of us, you will have a better
programme. Alongside my day-to-day corporate
idea of who we are and what we do. I believe that
practice, I work closely with the partners-in-
Gibson Dunn offers trainees a unique opportunity
charge of the London office and our graduate
to develop their careers in the London office of a
recruitment manager to develop and oversee
truly international firm. If that sounds interesting
the programme. We are committed to putting in
to you, why not apply for a place on our Open Day
place the structures and support mechanism to
or Summer Vacation Scheme. You never know
encourage and nurture the careers of our trainees
where it might lead!
Gibson
Dunn’s
graduate
in order to help them become the best lawyers
they can be. We very much hope that our trainees
will be the future associates and partners of the
firm.
I hope to welcome you to our London office soon.
With best wishes,
I joined Gibson Dunn from a major English City
firm where i was heavily involved with recruitment
throughout my career and I really enjoy the
opportunity to encourage and help trainees and
younger lawyers at the outset of their careers. As
Training Partner at Gibson Dunn, I will be on hand
throughout your training contract to answer any
questions you may have and provide support as
you progress through the two years and beyond.
A TRAINING CONTRACT AT GIBSON DUNN . 41
— KATHRYN EDWARDS, STUDIED LAW AT THE UNIVERSITY
OF SOUTHAMPTON, QUALIFIED IN 2007, JOINED GIBSON
DUNN AS A LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT ASSOCIATE IN 2011,
BECAME GRADUATE RECRUITMENT MANAGER IN 2015.
WHERE TO FIND US
TELEPHONE HOUSE
2 - 4 T E M P L E AV E N U E
LONDON EC4Y 0HB
TELEPHONE:
020 7071 4000
WEBSITE:
HT TP:// W W W.GIBSONDUNN.COM/OFFICES/PAGES/ TRAININGCONTRACTS.ASPX
EMAIL:
GRADUATE RECRUITMENT MANAGER,
K ATHRYN EDWARDS, KEDWARDS@GIBSONDUNN.COM
A TRAINING CONTRACT AT GIBSON DUNN . 43
WWW.GIBSONDUNN.COM
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