Oksana Stuart’s Post

🚀 Excited to share that I joined the Baker McKenzie Dozen+ Masterclass series on June 12th! This incredible series, consisting of 12+ events, is designed to help us learn more about the Firm and set ourselves up for clerkship success. 🌟 The topic for the day was "What to Expect from Your Vacation Programme," featuring leading lawyers and candidate attorneys from various practice groups. Their insights were invaluable, and a few key takeaways particularly resonated with me: Virusha Subban emphasized the importance of being optimistic, hungry for knowledge, and full of energy. Going above and beyond with eagerness demonstrates responsibility. She also highlighted the necessity of researching the firm you aspire to join, understanding its culture, and aligning yourself with it. Ayanda Mavata stressed that engagement is crucial when working at a law firm, regardless of the department you're placed in. Active participation and communication are key. Promise Ndlovu reinforced Ayanda Mavata's point about engagement, adding that the tasks assigned during vacation work are realistic and essential for learning. He advised speaking to colleagues if you encounter any challenges, as completing your tasks effectively is paramount. Vacation work is an incredible opportunity to gain experience that will stay with you for a lifetime. It allows you to see if you are a good fit for the firm and to immerse yourself in its culture and operations. and we can not forget Boipelo Soko who chaired and ensured the session runs smoothly. Looking forward to the next session and continuing this journey of professional growth! 💼✨ #LegalJourney #ClerkshipSuccess #ProfessionalDevelopment #LawFirmLife #CareerGrowth

💰 𝗨𝗦 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝗺𝘀 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗱𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝗡𝗤 𝘀𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀, with some reaching £𝟭𝟴𝟬,𝟬𝟬𝟬. To compete, UK firms are raising the bar, with at least 19 Top 50 firms now offering six-figure base packages. Markets like New York often move in a lockstep, even if their counter office in the UK don't follow those rates, so the changes are not likely to slow. This trend is not only about money but also about firm prestige and talent attraction. As the market changes, solicitor apprenticeships are also gaining traction as an alternative route to qualification. #law #lawyers #lawfirms #lawyerlife #news #legalnews #legal #lawschool #legalcareer #legalmarketing #solicitors #lawjobs #legaljobs #hiring #jobseekers #recruitment #jobs #careers https://lnkd.in/eaHHR9YN

The rise in NQ salaries is a reflection of the influence American Law firms has on the UK market. What are your views on this? If you would like to read this article and more, please message me on LinkedIn or email on tooba.ahmad@thelawyer.com

Towards the end of the summer period, I gained further insight into the daily life, work and skillsets necessary to be a commercial solicitor by attending Reed Smith LLP’s First Year Scheme. I want to thank Karen Manu, Rik Palmer and Rebecca Schrod for arranging such an educational and enjoyable scheme, I appreciate the range of opportunities and activities organised for us who had the honour of attending. A summary of some of the tasks we were involved in: -  Attending panel discussions of different areas of commercial law ranging from structured finance; to shipping; to corporate; to entertainment and media; to real estate. These panels gave us a unique opportunity to ask questions to partners and solicitors alike and get a deeper understanding of each of the different industry groups that Reed Smith specialises in. -  Networking events with SQE interns and trainees – I would like to say a big thank you to my mentor Becky Wray and to Benedikt Corkill and Eva Burkhart for answering my questions and giving me a clearer understanding of the next steps for the following few years. It was particularly helpful to discuss this roadmap with QMUL alumni as it helped me tailor my progression plan better. -  Shadowing Ala Lysik in the entertainment and media department for a day. Here I completed research tasks on the Online Safety Act 2023 and the Media Act 2024. Again a big thank you to Ala for all her help and insight into this industry. -  Attending a networking masterclass hosted by Rik Palmer who taught us some vital skills which will be relevant to applications, colleagues and potentially eventual clients. -  Finally, attending a case study workshop where we attempted and received feedback on a labour and employment case study. This workshop gave us an invaluable opportunity to truly understand and practice this process before vacation scheme applications begin. #law #lawyer #lawstudent #firstyearscheme #lawapplications #workexperience #lawworkexperience

𝗠𝗮𝘆 𝟭𝘀𝘁 and not only is legal press and LinkedIn full of the A&O Shearman story, but it is also full of posts congratulating those who have been promoted to partner, counsel and senior associate. But what if you had hoped that 2024 would be your year? Over the last few years you have put together a compelling business case, racked up an obscene number of chargeable hours, been heavily involved in BD and internal mentoring but still that promotion remains elusive. Maybe it really is not you and maybe instead it is the make up of your team or firm that is holding you back. If all those positive posts are making you question your own career and  progression perhaps it is time to manage your career actively and look for an alternative route to success. My colleagues and I at Marsden spend a lot of our days talking to lawyers from trainee right through to partner and General Counsel about career options, the market and possible opportunities. We pride ourselves on our knowledge of the market as well as being realistic and pragmatic. Please contact me at sally.gardner@marsdengroup.com to discuss your options or speak to one of my London based colleagues: Alex Russell, Michelle Mills, Tim Andrews or Sonia Patel Based in Australia? Please contact Ben Smith, Daniel Hogan, Jonathan Walmsley or Jak Yasuda #legalrecruitment #careerprogression  

Yesterday evening, I had the pleasure of attending the Social Mobility Insight Evening hosted by Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP, which offered a glimpse into life at one of the world’s leading law firms. The evening kicked off with an engaging talk from James Harvey, a partner at the firm, who shared insights into his 18 year career journey and Weil’s unique culture. It was fascinating to hear about the firm's strategic approach to client service, being a firm that operates according to the ‘one firm’, and how Weil differs from its competitors. This was followed by an enlightening panel discussion on social mobility, where trainees and associates shared their personal experiences and practical advice on breaking down barriers in the legal profession. What made this discussion so impactful was how relatable it felt—hearing perspectives from those who have navigated similar obstacles was both reassuring and inspirational. It was clear that the firm actively works to cultivate a genuinely inclusive culture where everyone, regardless of their starting point, has the opportunity to succeed. The event finished with networking drinks, where I had the chance to connect with Weil's team and fellow attendees. The atmosphere was welcoming yet relaxed, and it was great to exchange ideas and experiences with so many talented individuals. A massive thank you to Weil for hosting such a valuable event—it was a privilege to gain insight into the firm’s vision and culture. I’m excited to bring the values I learned to my future career. #LegalCareers #SocialMobility #Networking #ProfessionalGrowth

If you do anything this month, make it vacation scheme applications. Most law firms set their spring and summer vacation scheme deadlines for the end of December or end of January, so now’s the time to get your applications in. In this month's blog, we delve into vac schemes: what they are and why you should do one, as well as which firms offer the best ones. Have a read here: https://lnkd.in/eSsbTR6X #legaltraining #applyNOW #lawstudent #university #legal500 #lawstudentlife #lifeofalawstudent📚 #futurelawyers #careersinlaw #careerchange #traineesolicitor #jobsinlawfirms #jobsinlaw #vacationscheme #trainingcontract #howtobealawyer #london #vacationscheme

Approachable colleagues can make or break a training contract. Being able to freely ask questions of supervisors and senior lawyers is key to your development. An approachable supervisor could influence your training experience so much that they may even be a deciding factor in whether to join a particular practice area! At these Future Lawyers winner firms, trainees had rave reviews for their superiors. Check out the full list of winners here: https://lnkd.in/dKm5U8pH #legaltraining #applyNOW #lawstudent #university #legal500 #legalstudents #lawstudentlife #legaltraining #university #legalstudents #lifeofalawstudent📚 #futurelawyers #careersinlaw #applynow #legaltraining #lawstudent #university #legal500 #careerchange #traineesolicitor #trainingcontract #jobsinlawfirms #jobsinlaw Bristows LLP Morrison Foerster Anthony Collins Thrings Milbank LLP Osborne Clarke Kirkland & Ellis

💷 Does the best pay always attract the best talent? While US firms dominate the London market with eye-watering trainee salaries—now pushing £70k for second-year trainees at Davis Polk and McDermott—it’s worth asking what this “best talent” really means at graduate level. For many firms, the “best” often equates to the most polished CVs: top grades, prestigious universities, and perhaps access to the kind of life experiences money can buy. But does that always translate into being the best lawyer down the line? High trainee pay undoubtedly makes US firms stand out. It’s a clear statement: we value excellence. But for a profession requiring resilience, problem-solving, and people skills, “best educated” doesn’t always equal “most capable.” Expensive universities and privileged upbringings still skew the early playing field, often giving some candidates a head start that isn’t necessarily reflective of their true potential. What about nurturing those with grit, diverse perspectives, and the hunger to succeed without the silver spoon? While high pay attracts attention, long-term success in law is built on more than who had the most polished start. Instead of chasing pay tables, perhaps we should be questioning what really makes a great lawyer and how firms are identifying and nurturing that talent—not just rewarding the flashiest CVs. Thoughts? #legalcareers #Medlock

The leader of this Am Law 200 firm tells us why life at midsize firms is so enjoyable for lawyers, from culture to work-life balance to gaining hands-on experience. https://lnkd.in/gBnsATcD