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Uniquely, Michelmores is a believer in a “one firm, cross-office approach” and since the beginning of my training contract I have found that this is more than just a phrase – it is an ethos that encourages colleagues to work together across teams, sectors and locations to deliver the best outcomes for clients.
The approach also aligns closely with the firm’s Destination 2030 strategy, which focuses on sustainable growth, collaboration and helping clients navigate change in an increasingly complex world. Michelmores has continued to invest in its geographic footprint, with offices in Bristol, London, Exeter and Cheltenham, bolstered by the recent opening of our Cambridge office. This growth provides opportunities for colleagues to build connections across the firm and ensures that expertise is brought together from across the business regardless of where individuals are based.
My experiences
One of the standout aspects of my time at Michelmores has been the opportunity to work in multiple offices and teams across the firm. Over the course of my training contract, I have completed seats in Banking & Finance in Exeter, Agriculture whilst on secondment in Cheltenham, Commercial & Regulatory Disputes in London, and most recently Transactional Real Estate in Bristol.
Moving between offices could easily feel daunting at another firm. However, that genuinely has not been my experience at Michelmores. Thanks to the firm’s embedded culture, each move felt remarkably seamless.
While every office has its own character, there is a consistency in the way people work, collaborate and support one another. From my first day in Exeter through to my current seat in Bristol, I have encountered the same willingness from colleagues to share knowledge, answer questions and help trainees develop. The culture that makes Michelmores what it is does not stop at office boundaries.
The one firm approach has also created opportunities that I may not otherwise have experienced. Being able to spend time working in different locations has given me a broader understanding of the firm’s clients, sectors and people. I have worked alongside colleagues with different specialisms, learned from a wide range of perspectives and developed a more rounded appreciation of how different practice areas interact.
Perhaps most importantly, those moves never felt like starting from scratch. By the time I arrived at each new office, I already knew people through previous matters, training sessions, firm events or introductions made by colleagues in other locations. The connections built across the firm made every transition feel easier and highlighted just how interconnected Michelmores really is.
Benefits of the approach
The greatest benefit of the one firm approach for me has been the relationships it has enabled me to build.
Having worked across four offices and four different teams, I have developed connections with colleagues throughout the business. As a trainee, that network has been invaluable. It has made it easier to learn from others, understand different areas of the law and gain exposure to a wider variety of work than I might otherwise have experienced.
The approach has also strengthened my collaborative working skills. Increasingly, client matters require input from multiple disciplines, and some of the most interesting work comes from lawyers with different expertise coming together to solve a problem. Throughout my seats, I have seen first-hand how teams work across practice areas and offices to deliver joined-up advice to clients.
Parting thoughts
The value of moving between a firm’s offices while feeling supported and at ease should not be underestimated. The consistency of the culture across the offices makes moving around as a trainee seamless, exciting and enriching.