Debevoise & Plimpton LLP - True Picture

Email LondonRecruitment@Debevoise.com
Website www.debevoise.com/careers/london

Firm profile
Debevoise & Plimpton is a leading international law firm with market-leading practices with offices in New York, Washington DC, San Francisco, London, Paris, Frankfurt, Luxembourg, Hong Kong and Shanghai. The London office works on many of the highest profile and most complex transactions in Europe and worldwide. We do this by virtue of our English and New York law expertise and our close integration with our other offices. Our clients look to us to bring a distinctively high degree of quality, intensity and creativity to resolve legal challenges effectively and cost efficiently. The firm’s culture fosters a collaborative approach across disciplines and regions, and, as a result, clients benefit from the dedication, cohesiveness and superior quality that we bring to all of our work worldwide.

Main areas of work
In developing our practice in London, we have sought to replicate the core strengths of our practice worldwide. Our focus is on private equity, insurance, international disputes and investigations, financial institutions, M&A, finance, capital markets and tax.

Training opportunities
One of Debevoise’s basic principles is that each of our associates should become a ‘well rounded’ lawyer – an effective counsellor, advisor, and advocate – who can combine specific legal knowledge with the ability to deal with a broad range of situations. We believe that lawyers best develop their skills through a combination of formal training and on-the-job experience, in a respectful and collegial environment. The two years are split into four six-month seats and trainees have the opportunity to gain experience in at least three distinct areas of law with a mandatory seat in litigation/arbitration. Trainees may also have the opportunity to spend time in the Hong Kong office.

Vacation scheme
Debevoise offers vacation schemes which run in the spring and summer each year. We look for students whose personal qualities, academic records and other achievements demonstrate exceptional ability, motivation and potential for growth. The vacation scheme is open to both law and non-law graduates. We are looking for individuals who have consistently high levels of achievements both at A level (or equivalent) and at university. Applicants should be expected to achieve a 2:1 in any degree discipline and have a minimum of 144 (new tariff) UCAS points at A level (or equivalent). Apply online between 1 September 2023 and 1 January 2024 for open days and spring and summer vacation schemes in 2024. An online application form will be available on our website during these times. Anyone interested in a training contract with Debevoise should apply for a place on our open days which act as a gateway to our vacation schemes. We hire all of our Trainees from the vacation scheme. Vacation scheme students are paid £500 per week.

Other benefits
• Private health care (medical, dental, and private GP)
• Life and Income Protection Insurance
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Group personal pension plan
• 22 days vacation
• Cycle to work scheme
• On-site subsidised café
• Interest free season ticket loan
• Discretionary qualification leave on completion of your training contract
• Tech allowance

Open days and first-year opportunities
The firm holds open days to recruit for the vacation schemes, normally in February and/or March. Around 100 candidates will be invited to attend. On the day, candidates will meet the graduate recruitment team and the firm’s Training Principal, will spend time with a mentor and will participate in an informal networking lunch attended by trainees, associates and partners. There will also be a commercial assessment. The day is intended as much for candidates to get to know the firm as the other way around.