Chapter 21 Links to useful websites

Chambers Student Guide is an excellent starting point for finding out about law firms, their practice areas, and clients. It contains essential information for students when researching and applying to law firms. The ‘True Picture’ feature gives insight into the life of a trainee at 120 firms.

The Law Society website contains comprehensive information on the legal profession, including invaluable information for students, for example on training contracts and ‘top tips for applications’.

However much anyone may tell you about an individual firm, it is always best to find out for yourself. Make sure you look at (at least) one website for each of the categories of firm.

Magic Circle:
Silver Circle:
US London firms. E.g.:
- Weil, Gotshal & Manges
- Mayer Brown
Mid-sized commercial. E.g.:
- Macfarlanes
- Trowers & Hamlins
Smaller commercial. E.g.:
- Wedlake Bell
- Collyer Bristow
National and ‘multi-site’ firms. E.g.:
- Eversheds
- DLA Piper
Regional firms. E.g.:
Niche or boutique firms. E.g.:
- Actons (equine law):
General practice/high street firms: A wide selection to choose from!

Two articles by author Catherine Shephard to inform the debate on change management and the use of paraprofessionals in the legal sector.

Shephard, C. and Todd, I.A (2016) 'Strategies for managing change and the use of paraprofessionals: a cross-sector study for the benefit of post-LETR providers of legal services, Part 1.' Northern Ireland Law Quarterly, 67(1) p. 99.
Shephard, C. (2016) 'Strategies for managing change and the use of paraprofessionals: a cross-sector study for the benefit of post-LETR providers of legal services, Part 2.' Northern Ireland Law Quarterly, 67(2) p. 141.