A law firm is attempting to charge wannabe lawyers for the pleasure of watching its solicitors work, claiming it will improve their chances of getting a training contract "immensely".
Kawa, Guimaraes & Associates, which is based in Canary Wharf, poses a series of questions in its advert:
If the answer is yes to any or all of these questions, then Kawa, Guimaraes & Associates can help. Or at least take your money. Its "unique program" represents "a exceptional [sic] step in your legal career". However it's not altogether clear how as successful candidates are promised "an idea of what it is like to work as a solicitor" and that's about it.
The firm does say it will furnish candidates with a reference letter at the end, which it promises will "improve immensely" their chances of getting a training contract or job in the future. Although it seems more likely to guarantee they will get laughed out of the room the next time they show it.
RollOnFriday asked the firm exactly how much it costs for the chance to sit on a stool in the corner of its office. Senior partner Bianca Guimaraes said that the advert was "being revised" and that she was "not at liberty to discuss the cost", before asking RollOnFriday if it could "call back in one week... [sound of whispering] actually two weeks".
Although there are apparently limited places on the scheme (blame fire regs), complete mugs should not panic: Kawa, Guimaraes & Associates is also looking for a volunteer paralegal (unpaid).
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Kawa, Guimaraes & Associates, which is based in Canary Wharf, poses a series of questions in its advert:
If the answer is yes to any or all of these questions, then Kawa, Guimaraes & Associates can help. Or at least take your money. Its "unique program" represents "a exceptional [sic] step in your legal career". However it's not altogether clear how as successful candidates are promised "an idea of what it is like to work as a solicitor" and that's about it.
The firm does say it will furnish candidates with a reference letter at the end, which it promises will "improve immensely" their chances of getting a training contract or job in the future. Although it seems more likely to guarantee they will get laughed out of the room the next time they show it.
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Coming soon from KG&A Solicitors |
RollOnFriday asked the firm exactly how much it costs for the chance to sit on a stool in the corner of its office. Senior partner Bianca Guimaraes said that the advert was "being revised" and that she was "not at liberty to discuss the cost", before asking RollOnFriday if it could "call back in one week... [sound of whispering] actually two weeks".
Although there are apparently limited places on the scheme (blame fire regs), complete mugs should not panic: Kawa, Guimaraes & Associates is also looking for a volunteer paralegal (unpaid).
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That is probably one of the most depressing and shameful things I've read in my 15 years working in legal recruitment.
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Most of them (on their FB page) don't even seem to be qualified in the UK??
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"Anonymous at 02:31 is being incredibly elitist, and should appreciate that the spelling errors may be intentional to appeal to their desired clientbase. Check your privilege..."
I think that presuming only the "privileged" are able to spot poor spelling and grammar is YOU being elitist, actually!
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"I am an MBA graduate from Bangor University. I am very shrewd with businesses and risks from due to my knowledge and experience. I have been studying businesses and been involved in business projects previously and therefore acquired experience in dealing with complicated circumstances which is a crucial quality for gearing businesses into success."
ROFL
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These chumps have to be in the running for 'comedy law firm of the year'
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2. I think 09.02 is being tongue-in-cheek about 02.31's comment. ("people in the professional"? "clientbase"?)
3. Should Norton Rose investigate this? (After they finish hiding the evidence about their own unpaid interns, that is.)
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If the SRA wasn't completely dickless, they would shut this boiler room down as soon as possible.
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"The training contract is divided up into six four-month seats, which gives you the opportunity to experience more practice groups than traditional training contracts. You’ll get a real taste of the variety of work we offer and can make an informed decision about your future career path."
This is copied straight from the DWF website: http://www.dwf.co.uk/join-us/training-contracts/
It then follows:
"During each seat you will have formal and informal reviews to discuss your progress and regular meetings to explore subsequent seat preferences. Your training contract commences with a highly interactive and practical induction programme which focuses on key skills including practical problem solving, presenting and the application of information technology."
Straight from: http://www.bakermckenzie.com/LondonTraineeSolicitor/
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It is like something out of a joke book.
"Who we are
Whether you’re on the side of the being the victim or the side of the being alleged as accused, you can rest assured that we’re on your side. Our motto is “Protecting the Vulnerable”, hence you have no need to fear. We are here to fight your corner.
We consider ourselves to be focussed and target driven legal professionals who will always do the best for their clients and bring out the best solution under the circumstances, with the least amount of stress and effort to our clients."