Steele Raymond’s trainee programme is selective: “This year they had about 50 applicants … only five on the assessment day, whittled down to just me and Charlie”. Becky felt nerves melt away when partners joked with candidates and the receptionist made her laugh over weekend barbecue plans.
Family in other firms warned she might be “just the tea-and-coffee bringer,” yet her first client meeting proved the opposite: “Oh, I’m not making coffee!” she laughs. Asked why her parents are pleased, she answers, “I think they’re happy that I’m happy”. Colleagues notice: Becky exudes genuine delight in her role.
Before any client meeting a senior lawyer gives context – etiquette, matter background, when to ask questions. Afterward there’s a desk-side debrief where Becky suggests next steps first; partners fill gaps and invite her to draft documents if she’s “happy to have a first go” . Monthly formal and informal appraisals keep goals clear and development steady.
Trainees organise quarterly socials – mini-golf, “Bongo Bingo,” beach sports days – and each joins a committee. Becky sits on ESG projects and helps run charity breakfasts, showing trainees can “run wild – appropriately” in business development .
Steele Raymond is hard to get into to protect standards, but once inside you’ll find a family-like culture, real work from day one and mentors who back you every step. Becky’s verdict: “Culture is our trump card” – and her happiness is living proof.
